Swooning your other half in one of D.C.’s many top-rated restaurants or sharing a box of popcorn while watching a movie at the local movie theater is always a safe date idea, but it’s nothing new.
To add a bit of oomph to your next romantic rendezvous, we’ve come up with a list of unique date ideas in D.C.
Shake up date night by hunting for the best street art in D.C., getting lost in one of the city’s beautiful bookstores, or better yet, trying your hand at axe-throwing.
1. Treat yourself to a secret menu while blindfolded
D.C.’s Dining in the Dark experience is transforming dining out into a unique culinary adventure using blindfolds and secret menus – leaving just you, your taste buds and your sense of smell to determine what’s on your plate. From how food tastes to how you interact with your dinner date, nothing is the same.
Both Ambar Clarendon and The Tower Club Tysons Corner are hosting Dining in the dark events this season! Ready to put your taste buds to the test? Get your tickets to Dining in the Dark in D.C. here!
2. Make one-of-a-kind jewelry at a couple’s ring making class
Whether you’re celebrating a relationship milestone or just want to try a new DIY class, these ring making classes in Alexandria will surely make for a special date night. Attendees will texture, bend, hammer, and solder rings to make unique, memorable pieces of jewelry during theses hands-on classes at Wear Ever Jewelry.
3. Marvel at jaw-dropping LEGO® artwork
You don’t have to be a LEGO® fan to enjoy artist Nathan Sawaya’s magnificent creations at The Art of the Brick. From towering human figures to recreations of famous pieces like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” the new exhibition contains more than 130 LEGO® sculptures. It’s the perfect unique date for visitors of all ages!
4. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert
Illuminated by thousands of twinkling candles, this series of magical Candlelight concerts makes for the perfect romantic evening of music and light at a spectacular venue, such as St. Francis Hall.
Talented musicians swoon audiences with stunning renditions of songs by the likes of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift as well as composers including Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky.
You can even enjoy smooth tributes to legends of R&B and Neo soul including Usher, Bruno Mars, and more.
Secure your tickets to Candlelight concerts in D.C. here.
5. Go on a street art hunt
The District is bursting with beautiful street art and murals seem to be popping up every day. They pay homage to D.C.’s history and are very pleasing to the eye too. Why not take your date on a small scavenger hunt for the best murals in the city?
It’ll make for a nice walk as well as some great photo-ops!
6. Embark on a sushi-making adventure at La Cosecha
Ideal for an evening filled with culinary expression and lasting memories, these Hand-Rolled Sushi classes in D.C. invite you to discover the secrets of sushi making. Guests will make three delicious rolls, including salmon Uramaki, Rainbow Chu maki, and a veggie hand roll. All skill levels are welcome, so grab tickets here!
7. Wander around one of D.C.’s best current art exhibits
D.C. is full of museums, and the best part is that all of the Smithsonians are free! From the National Portrait Gallery to the Renwick, you could spend hours exploring. If you’re looking for an evening activity, head over to The Phillips Collection after 5 pm for a fancy night out full of good art, music, and, of course, wine.
For more must-see art exhibits, click here!
If standing in front of a painting is not your thing, try becoming a spy for a day at the International Spy Museum or watch language come to life at Planet Word!
8. Take a break from city life with a trip into the D.C. area’s nature
Nature-themed dates can be very fun and relaxing, especially if both of you work and live in the city. D.C. is surrounded by beautiful green spots like Rock Creek Park, the National Arboretum, and the stunning Hillwood Gardens. These are perfect for going on a romantic hike, wandering around, and soaking up the fresh air.
9. Play mini-golf at one of D.C.’s best courses
Challenge your date to a super fun (albeit competitive) game of mini-golf at one of D.C.’s most popular golfing spots. Featuring cocktails, delicious street food, and themed courses, Swingers Crazy Golf, Five Iron Golf, and CitySwing are some of our favorite places to enjoy a spot of golfing.
You can even call in the experts at one of their golf classes and get some tips on how to improve your swing to impress your other half.
10. Get lost in your favorite bookstore
D.C. has some pretty awesome spots for book lovers to cozy up and geek out over literature. Head into your favorite bookstore for a browse or discover a new one together! Look for hidden gems in Capitol Hill Books’ kitchen sink or grab a bite at Kramers‘ All-Day café and sip on a hot cup of coffee. French toast with a side of Jane Austen anyone?
11. Strike up some friendly competition at glow-in-the-dark pickleball
Taking place weekly on Friday and Saturday nights, Kraken Glow Nights offer full access to the 70,000-square-foot venue for just $29.99! If you’re looking to take a break the classic weekend dinner and drinks routine, this vibrant experience makes for a great date night! Along with pickleball, visitors can enjoy roller skating, cornhole, table tennis, and darts.
12. Try your hand at axe-throwing
Want to spice your dates up? Feeling especially bad-axe?
Try your hand at hatchet hurling together. Instead of throwing darts in a random dive bar, head to an axe-throwing venue like Kick Axe Throwing.
Watch your S.O. try to hit a bullseye with an axe while you have some friendly competition over a few drinks.
13. Test your trivia skills at a local bar
Nothing breaks up the week better than some engaging trivia at a local bar! If you and your boo want to test your trivia knowledge, there are plenty of places in the D.C. area hosting trivia nights. We’ve listed a few of our favorites, happening on different nights of the week, below:
🍔 Shaw’s Tavern, Mondays at 7:30 pm
🍷 Lulu’s Wine Garden, Tuesdays at 7 pm
🍺 Roofer’s Union, Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
🍹 metrobar, Thursdays at 7 pm
14. Get lost in Monet’s radiant paintings
Photos really don’t do it justice: D.C.’s immersive Monet Experience is mesmerizing, informative, and the perfect escape from the chaos of the city. With sweeping 360-degree projections, the digital art exhibition invites you to step straight into Monet’s famed artwork. Snag tickets here to plan a captivating date with that special someone!
15. Create a custom fragrance at Olfactory NYC in Georgetown
Olfactory NYC invites Washingtonians to create their very own custom fragrance! Celebrate your love by crafting a signature scent, freshly bottled right in front of you. You’ll have the chance to explore and mix various scents, resulting in a personalized fragrance you can take home. It’s a wonderful way to make lasting memories together! Discover more details here.