Romantic Ideas in Washington, D.C.

1. National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art is located in the National Mall on Constitution Avenue and is one of the country’s top art galleries. Privately established in 1937 for the public by the United States Congress, the National Gallery of Art spans across a vast campus made up of the original neoclassical West Building, which was designed by John Russell Pope, and the newer East Building, designed by I.M. Pei, as well as a beautiful Sculpture Garden.

The Gallery’s main collection includes major works of art from the Italian Renaissance period to the Middle Ages, a vast selection of European paintings, including the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the United States, and over 75,000 prints. The National Gallery of Art is one of the best things to do in Washington, D.C. for couples. The museum also presents a number of educational programs and community outreach programs, and it is also home to an important art research facility.

6th & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-737-4215

2. National Mall

The National Mall in Washington is a large green urban space in the heart of the city that stands as a symbol of the nation and its democratic values. Stretching from the foot of the United States Capitol to the Potomac River, the Mall is the premier civic and symbolic space of the country.

The National Mall and Memorial Parks (NAMA) takes care of this vital space as well as all of the structures and monuments that can be found within it, including the White House, the State Capitol, Constitution Gardens, East and West Potomac Parks, and monuments such as the Washington Monument, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and D.C. War Memorial, among others.

National Mall and Memorial Parks is open 24 hours a day, but the best times to visit are the early evening and during the morning, when the area is tranquil, romantic and less crowded.

900 Ohio Drive, SW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 877-444-6777

3. Wharf District

Washington’s Southwest Waterfront has in its time been a Native American village, the city’s water entryway, a military hub, and a fish market. The city’s new Wharf District was developed as a great meeting place with spectacular water views, hot restaurants, and live entertainment as the newest and most exciting new neighborhood in the nation’s capital. A mile-long stretch of land on the banks of the Potomac River, The Wharf re-establishes Washington as a lively waterfront city. There is so much to do at The Wharf besides eating your way through the great restaurants and cafes. Strolling along the pier offers fantastic views of the river and the city. Visitors can rent a kayak and see some of the city’s famous landmarks from the water. There are frequent concerts at The Anthem as well as street performers, fun shops, and all sorts of businesses.

4. Smithsonian Gardens

The Smithsonian Gardens are located around museums and monuments throughout the National Mall and aim to extend the surrounding museums’ exhibits and learning environment in an eco-friendly garden setting. Open year-round, seven days a week, the Gardens offer visitors something new every season. Some of the possible attractions include horticultural exhibits, floral collections, specialty gardens, and educational programs.

The Smithsonian Gardens feature a few outdoor museums, including the Butterfly Habitat Garden, the Enid. A. Haupt Garden, the Heirloom Garden, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, all of which can be enjoyed throughout the year. The Gardens are also home to a variety of living plant, artifact, and archival collections for research and exhibition purposes.

Capital Gallery, Suite 3300, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-633-2220

5. Cork Market & Tasting Room

The Cork Market & Tasting Room is located just south of the U Street Corridor in Washington and has a market-style menu accompanied by a vast selection of wines. The menu features an array of charcuterie and cheese boards, breads and crackers, homemade pasta and prepared foods, and a selection of gourmet delights such as truffle butter.

If you are looking for fun date ideas in DC, this is a great place to try. The impressive wine list boasts both local boutique wines and international vintages from around the world that can be ordered by the glass or bottle, as well as a range of spirits and beers. The Cork Market & Tasting Room is open for dinner and serves weekend brunch.

1805 14th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-265-2674

6. The Red Hen

Established by long-time friends Michael Friedman, Michael O'Malley, and Sebastian Zutant, The Red Hen is an Italian-influenced restaurant located in the beautiful neighborhood of Bloomingdale. Wooden floors and tables and a roughly-hewn exposed brick wall create an inviting and informal atmosphere, while the menu features authentic Italian fare such as whipped ricotta crostini, mezze rigatoni, and caramelized scallops, as well as indulging desserts. The cuisine can be paired with a refreshing beverage from their selection of signature cocktails and boutique wines from Italy.

1822 First Street NW DC 20001, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-525-3021

7. Touchstone Gallery

Touchstone Gallery is a high-quality art gallery along Washington, D.C's New York Avenue NW, located approximately half a mile between the United States Capital Building and the White House near attractions such as CityCenter DC and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The gallery, which was originally founded in 1976, strives to promote the D.C.'s region's best and brightest artistic talent and enrich the lives of its surrounding community members through a diverse slate of contemporary art exhibitions. More than 50 artists are members of the artist-owned and managed gallery and help to guide gallery policies and oversee solo exhibitions. Artists showcasing exhibitions include Linda Bankerd, Jill Brantley, Rick Braswell, Anna Katalkina, and Janathel Shaw.

901 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, Phone: 202-347-2787