Because boredom spells the death of romance, it's always in your best interest to keep things fresh and exciting in your relationship, and that means investing time doing fun and engaging activities together.
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That said, when looking for "thing to do" in Washington D.C. it's very easy to get stuck in a guide-book style list of the typical ultra-touristy places. Here's a little inspo to get you started!
Well, this list is not about visiting the Lincoln Memorial or any other spot that is a prime tourist destination. All the gems below range from restaurants, to farmers markets, to outdoor adventures, there's something for every type of girl on this Washington D.C bucket list.
1. Watch the planes come and go overhead at Gravelly Point Park
Where: George Washington Memorial Parkway, Arlington County
@acelundThere's something very throwback and cute about laying in the grass and looking up at planes flying in and out of an airport. This park is known for exactly that and is a super great spot for a low-key and easy date.
2. Hang out and enjoy nature in the city at Theodore Roosevelt Island
Where: Potomac River in Washington, D.C
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Located on the Potomac, this spot has a little bit of everything right in the cities own backyard. You can spend an afternoon just relaxing in the park, or rent a kayak and hit the river for an afternoon of watersports.
3. Enjoy the relaxing vibe of the U.S Botanic Gardens
Where: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC
@sincerelyneshiaTaking your girl for a stroll in the botanic gardens is always a win. This one is particularly inspiring, with luscious plants and a beautiful fountain, it's a great spot for a little photo session.
4. Visit the huge Eastern Market for an afternoon of food and drink tastings
Where: George Washington Memorial Parkway, Arlington County
@annthuynguyenLocated in the charming and historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, and housed in a 19th-century brick building, this market is a great place to take a stroll and pick up some ingredients for a romantic meal.
5. Visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center on the banks of the charming Potomac River
Where: 105 N Union St, Alexandria, VA
@alyseradenovicThis spot is an old naval munitions factory that was converted into an art center on the banks of the Potomac River in charming Old Town Alexandria. Take your girlfriend on a romantic boardwalk stroll and stop by!
6. Watch the sunset at one of the many waterside patios in Old Town Alexandria
Where: Alexandria, VA
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While in Old Town Alexandria, you may as well eat stop for a bite and a drink on a charming waterfront patio and watch the boats come in and out of the harbor.
7. Take in the beautiful flora at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Where: 1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC
@dansky97If you want to step out of the city and into nature, consider checking out this spot nestled near the banks of the Anacostia River. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens preserves a ton of rare waterlilies and lotuses in cultivated ponds near the river.
8. Check out the street art murals at Dupont Underground
Where: 19 Dupont Circle NW, Washington, DC
@mintymintyThis spot is truly unique — a multi-disciplinary art space where you will find all sorts of interesting and bold street murals in this forgotten trolley station below Dupont Circle
9. Ride the Ferris wheel and experience the D.C Waterfront at the National Harbor
Where: Oxon Hill, Prince George's County
@khaliunxBecause I don't need to convince you that there is something more romantic than riding a Ferris wheel on the boardwalk. Besides the Ferris wheel, National Harbor has all types of attractions, you can spend all night there.
10. Check out the historic Main Avenue Fish Market
Where: Southwest Waterfront, D.C
@viagem_tianeThis fish market, also known as "the Wharf" is a D.C destination because of its landmark status with locals and tourists alike. There are restaurants and kiosks serving up fresh seafood dishes, so it's a great spot to grab a bite, too.
11. Spend an afternoon eating at D.Cs best gourmet food hall Union Market
Where: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC
@notyourbobabaeUnion Market is a gourmet food hall in the northeast of the city. Bon Appétit magazine called it one of the 5 best food halls in the United States. With over 40 local vendors, you're going to need to get in some extra steps.
12. Grab a drink a Harold Black Speakeasy Bar
Where: 212 7th St SE, Washington, DC
@bestlightdcWhen you want to take someone special out for drinks, but a regular bar just won't cut it, check out a speakeasy-style cocktail bar like Harold Black for a different type of experience.
13. Sample some rare craft draft beers at Churchkey DC
Where: 1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC
@shevintantulaIf you've found yourself a girl who loves a good craft brew as much as you, take her to this D.C spot serving up some of the rarest and hard-to-find draft beers in the country.
14. Enjoy the stunning sunset from Tidal Basins
Where: Potomac River, Washington Channel
@dcsplicer1While you've probably walked past this place a million times, have you ever stopped to really look? The sunsets overlooking the water here are magical.
15. Hunt for treasure at the Georgetown Flea Market
Where: 1819 35th St NW, Washington, DC
@holytelitosarahEveryone loves Georgetown for its quaint, charming feel. During the weekend, you can find the landmark Georgetown flea market with vendors selling all kinds of interesting odds and ends to explore.
16. Take in the beauty of nature at Great Falls Park
Where: 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean
@z.borkowskaThis is one of the best nature escapes close to the city. It's the perfect spot for a casual afternoon picking or more intense outdoor activity. Whatever your choice. With tons of hiking trails and great views, this is the spot to bring a girl to enjoy the great outdoors.
17. Watch an outdoor movie at Union Market
Where: 1309 5th St NE, Washington
@unionmarketdcThis is such a romantic and sweet activity! Union market screens outdoors movies only during summer months, so check out their site for all the upcoming dates.
18. Spend an afternoon relaxing at the Capitol Skyline Hotel Pool
Where: 10 I St SW, Washington, DC
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If you and your girlfriend are more of the "kick back and relax" type, we got the perfect activity for you. Spend an afternoon taking in the sun and relaxing in this beautiful hotel pool.
19. Take a hike on the Billy Goat Trail and check out the views
Where: Potomac, MD
@beccarazzlesThis area is all about hiking. With three main trails, that are all easily accessible and relatively easy, this spot provides a great short day hiking experience for a couple looking for a bit of outdoor fun and adventure.
20. Check out the cute animals at the National Zoo
Where: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW
@kathy.yshimomuraWho doesn't love a date at the zoo? Such a classic and no-fail way to make your girl smile. This one is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. The best part: It's part of the Smithsonian Institution so there is no charge for admission.
21. Check out the many events at the National Gallery of Art
Where: 6th & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC
@kenmttThe building itself is a sight to behold. When you want to check out a wide variety of art, this is the spot. With a sculpture garden attached, there is always something interesting to see here. And admission is free!
22. Check out all the food trucks at Truckeroo once a month
Where: 1201 Half St SE, Washington, DC
@pamcraeOnce every month food trucks congregate for a monthly food truck festival called "Truckeroo." This is the spot to bring your foodie girlfriend for a sampling of some of the best food D.C. has to offer.
23. Hang out and play games at outdoor bar Wunder Garten
Where: 1101 First St NE, Washington, DC
@televznThis unique D.C. "beer garden" features picnic tables, fire pits & lawn games in an easygoing environment. In other words, a great spot to take your girlfriend out for a cute date.
24. Take her to Rose's Luxury for a special meal
Where: 717 8th St SE, Washington, DC
@asafi2Reserve a table at this restaurant when you're looking to take your girl out on a special night. This restaurant is a converted townhouse, so the ambiance is cozy and charming, perfect for a unique romantic date.
25. Take a walk to find the secrets of Georgetown
Where: Georgetown, Washington D.C
@lau_marinYeah, yeah, I know you know Georgetown. But did you know about all the cute little places like Sweetie Pies On Main? relish? How about Georgetown Cupcakes? Have you tried the ribs at Hungry Hollow? Maybe it's worth another walk.
26. Grab a milkshake and a burger at Good Stuff Eatery
Where: 303 Pennsylvania Ave SE
@celesteiacevedoIf you're more about casual dates and grabbing a burger seems just as romantic as a candlelit dinner, this is the spot for you. Known for their milkshakes, if you're in D.C you got to try this place at least once.
27. Check out Atlas Arcade for a night of vintage video games you can both enjoy
Where: 1236 H St NE
@juliesokNothing like an arcade date night to make you feel 15 again. This spot features all kinds of retro and vintage games and consoles, so it will be even more of a throwback. Nothing like a little healthy competition to stoke the romance fires.
28. Check out one of the best views of the city from POV Terrace at the W Hotel
Where: 515 15th St NW, Washington, D.C
@mailambtranThis rooftop patio is known in D.C. as having one of the best views of the city. If you're looking for a unique and special place to take her out for a drink, this place should do the trick.
29. Spend a relaxing afternoon walking around Rock Creek Park
Where: Washington, DC 20008
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When you want to experience the outdoors but not be in full-on camping and nature mode, this large urban park is the winning spot.
30. Take a day trip and explore Harpers Ferry
Where: Harpers Ferry, WV
@ryanlibertoThis one is just outside of D.C. — it's only 1-hour drive away —and so worth the memory-making day trip. Characterized by 19th-century buildings and a Civil War Museum, this beautiful and charming riverside town is a goldmine for history and the great outdoors.