Love is in the air, Washingtonians!
Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day alone, with friends, or with a significant other, there are endless ways to celebrate the sweetest day of the year.
Here are 13 wonderful ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in D.C.!
1. Dine out at one of D.C.’s most romantic restaurants
Whether you’re going on a first date or cuddling up with your longtime love, you can’t go wrong by visiting one of D.C.’s most romantic restaurants! With a mix of spectacular cocktails, mouthwatering indulgences, and beautiful ambiance, each provides all you could want for a date night. Sneak a peek at some of the spots below, then check out the full list of restaurants here!
2. Immerse yourself in renowned art
Bonding over art is an intimate experience in itself, but now you can take that a step further by fully immersing yourself (and even a date) in it!
Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience allows you to do just that!
The exhibits use floor-to-ceiling projections to showcase Monet’s famous works, taking you into each piece’s mesmerizing world!
3. Take part in the CupidCon DC Bar Crawl
With exclusive deals on drinks like $4 beers, $5 shots, and $5 cocktails – CupidCon is the way to go this Valentine’s Day if you’re looking for a good time!
The event encourages attendees to show up with their most creative cupid-themed costumes, even offering a special prize to those with the best outfits.
4. Combine fine art and play at the new LEGO ‘Art of the Brick’ exhibit
Whether your partner is an aficionado of fine art or someone who geeks out over LEGO sets, this exhibit is a great date night idea to save for this Valentine’s Day.
The exhibit, containing over 1 million LEGO bricks (!), contains over 130 of history’s greatest works of art recreated in 3D using only LEGO pieces.
The exhibit is family-friendly, but the fun is fit for all ages!
5. Embrace the romance of classical music by candlelight
A set of tickets to a Candlelight Concert is the perfect plan for a romantic moment this Valentine’s Day!
Whether you go for the tunes of iconic romantic music, like the sounds of Romeo and Juliet, or choose a classical take on your loved one’s favorite artist, you can’t go wrong.
6. Jam out and run around in your underwear for charity at Cupid’s Undie Run
While the event may sound odd, Cupid’s Undie Run has been raising money for a good cause (to raise awareness and funds for NF research) for years now.
In fact, the annual event was started right here in D.C. 15 years ago but has since grown and it now takes place in over 30 cities across the country!
The event includes a fully operational bar and dance party before everyone tightens their running shoes and heads on a mile(ish) run across the city.
7. Immerse your senses at Dopamine Land
This immersive experience is one of our favorite new things to do in all of D.C., and if you haven’t gone yet then it’ll make for the perfect plan for Valentine’s Day!
The incredibly fun and ‘insta-worthy’ space is perfect for the occasion!
Not only do you show how much you care about your partner by taking them to such a cool experience, but you also get the added bonus of taking some incredible photos of those moments to capture them and make the memories last a lifetime.
📍5333 Wisconsin Ave NW
8.Tantalize your tastebuds like never before at one of D.C.’s Dining In The Dark experiences
Want to experience a different kind of romantic meal that will be the most unique Valentine’s Day experience your significant other may ever have?!
Then Dining In The Dark may be the perfect experience for you and your significant other to enjoy the moment to the fullest.
There are only a few restaurants in D.C. that are hosting Dining In The Dark experiences with dates around Valentine’s Day, but book quickly otherwise they may fill up!
9. Hit the ice at one of these magnificent skating rinks
The ultimate romantic winter pastime: ice skating! Embracing the cold and holding hands as you glide along the ice and under twinkling lights and the night sky?
Yes, please! See some of our favorite ice rinks below, then check out the full list here!
- National Gallery and Sculpture Garden Rink
- Washington Harbour Ice Rink
- The Wharf Ice Rink
10. Go for a romantic stroll through CityCenterDC
CityCenterDC is known for going all out with its decorations for each season and major holiday, and Valentine’s Day is no different.
Adorned with twinkling lights, pink and red paper lanterns, and outdoor musicians, you’ll be surrounded by romance.
Even better, it’s lined by restaurants—including Fig & Olive and Del Frisco’s—with holiday specials and cocktails.
And if you’re looking for a gift, you can grab them something sweet from Dolcezza!
11. Cozy up with one of these delicious hot chocolates
The cold February weather just might work in your favor!
What better excuse could you possibly need to cozy up close to your date than by indulging in some hot chocolate together?
Some of our favorite hot chocolate spots are below, and you can find the full list here!
- L.A. Burdick
- Colada Shop
- Sticky Fingers Diner
12. Indulge in a little pampering or self-care
What better way to celebrate love than to indulge in a little self-care?
You’ve got to love yourself!
If you want to spread the love, you can always opt for bringing a close friend or add on a couple’s package for you and your significant other.
But no matter what, pamper yourself, unwind, and remember, you deserve this!
Here are some of the best D.C. spas to treat yourself (at varying price ranges, there’s something for everyone!), but not all include couple’s packages, so be sure to check!
- Bluebell Spa D.C.
- Aura Spa at The Yards
- The Spa at Four Seasons
- The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
- Capital Blossom Day Spa
13. Take that special someone to one of these romantic locations
We asked our Instagram followers to share their favorite romantic spots around D.C. for a bit of inspiration.
Regardless of your relationship status, these spots are perfect for going on unique dates, daydreaming of chance encounters with your star-crossed lover, or drinking some nice wine and reading a book by yourself.
Check a few out below, then see the full list here!
- The Tidal Basin
- Bar Charley
- The U.S. National Arboretum