If you and your partner are looking for a romantic getaway, Washington D.C. is the perfect place for you. There are so many things to do for couples in this beautiful city.
From exploring world-renowned museums to taking a leisurely stroll through one of the many parks, there is something for everyone in Washington D.C. Here are our top 10 romantic getaways for couples in Washington D.C.
1. Go for a paddleboat ride on the Tidal Basin
Many Washington landmarks, including the Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials overlook the Tidal Basin.
The 2-mile-long man-made pond is popular for cycling and running throughout the year, but it attracts a large throng in the spring when hundreds of cherry trees are in full bloom.
Between March and October, paddleboat trips are offered. You can rent a paddleboat from the Tidal Basin Paddle Boats stand and enjoy a leisurely ride while taking in the sights. It costs roughly $18 per hour for a 2-person boat and $30 for a 4-person boat.
2. Enjoy a romantic stroll through the Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens
This gorgeous estate was once the home of heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and is now a museum. The Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens offer visitors a chance to step back in time and see how the other half lived. The mansion is filled with art and antiques from all over the world, and the gardens are simply breathtaking.
You and your partner can take a guided tour of the full home, which includes the library, breakfast room, and pavilion—these are among the mansion’s most ornately furnished rooms. Outside, the grounds cover 13 acres and include numerous themed gardens, including a French Parterre and a Japanese-inspired garden.
Admission to the estate is $18 for adults, and it is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 pm until 5 pm.
3. Check out the United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living museum of plants, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. USBG has one of the most diverse collections of plants in the world and is open to the public free of charge.
The gardens are home to more than 20,000 plants from all over the world, including a large collection of orchids. There are also several exhibits on display at any given time, which change regularly.
USBG is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk.
4. Bike around the National Mall together
The National Mall is a beautiful park in the heart of Washington, D.C., and it’s the perfect place for a romantic bike ride with your partner. The mall stretches from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial and covers more than two miles. It’s also home to numerous monuments, memorials, and museums.
It’s easy to rent a bike in Washington, D.C.—there are several companies that offer bike rentals, and you can often find discounts online. Once you have your bikes, you can explore the mall at your own pace and make stops along the way to enjoy the sights.
5. Catch live jazz performances at U Street
U Street is a historic neighborhood in Washington, D.C., that is known for its jazz clubs. If you and your partner are music lovers, U Street is the place for you. There are several clubs along U Street that offer live jazz performances every night of the week.
Most of the clubs have a casual atmosphere and don’t require a dress code, so you can wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. And if you get hungry or thirsty, there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area to choose from.
6. Watch a play by the Shakespeare Theatre Company
If you and your partner are looking for a romantic evening out, catch a play by the Shakespeare Theatre Company. The Shakespeare Theatre Company is a world-renowned theater company that produces plays by William Shakespeare and other playwrights.
The company has several theaters in Washington, D.C., including the Lansburgh Theatre, which is located just a few blocks from the National Mall. It also offers a wide variety of plays throughout the year, so there’s sure to be something that interests you. Tickets start at just $20, and you can often find discounts online.
7. Check out modern paintings at the Dupont Circle Gallery Walk
If you and your partner are art lovers, the Dupont Circle Gallery Walk is a must-visit. The walk is a self-guided tour of more than 20 galleries and museums in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
The galleries feature a variety of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. And the best part is that admission to most of the galleries is free.
8. Have a picnic in Meridian Hill Park
Meridian Hill Park is a beautiful urban park located in Washington, D.C.’s Columbia Heights neighborhood. The park is filled with sculptures, fountains, and gardens, and it offers stunning views of the city.
It’s the perfect place for a romantic picnic with your partner. The park is open from dawn until midnight, and there are several areas that are perfect for picnics. There are also several restaurants and bars in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, so you can easily find something to eat or drink after your picnic.
9. Join a guided trail ride at the Rock Creek Park
The Rock Creek Park is a large urban park located in northwest Washington, D.C. The park is home to miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as several lakes and ponds. It’s the perfect place for a romantic nature walk with your partner.
For those seeking to explore the area at a slower pace, the Rock Creek Park Horse Center provides daily horseback riding classes and guided trail rides. Picnics, running, tennis and cycling are all popular activities here, so plan on seeing a lot of people if you go on weekends or national holidays.
The park offers guided trail rides on weekends from March through November. The rides last about two hours and cost $30 per person.
10. Take a look at the art collections at the National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington, D.C. The gallery is home to more than 150,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
If you and your partner are looking for a romantic afternoon activity, take a stroll through the National Gallery of Art. The gallery is free to enter, and there are plenty of benches where you can sit and admire the artwork. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area if you need a break from all the art.
Washington, D.C. is a great city for couples looking for a romantic getaway. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area to choose from, as well as theaters, art galleries, and parks. And best of all, most of these attractions are free to visit.
So if you’re looking for a fun and affordable place to take your partner, Washington, D.C. is the perfect destination.
