Valentine’s Day might be a day surrounding love, but there’s nothing wrong with aiming that love back at yourself! Whether you’re single, single and looking to mingle, or just trying to take some time to celebrate yourself, Secret D.C. has rounded up the best ways to do just that: love yourself this Valentine’s Day!
1. Hit up The DMV’s Biggest Valentine’s Day Single Mingle
If you’re single but looking to mingle, here’s the perfect chance! Throw Social D.C. is hosting a special singles-only night on Valentine’s Day. From 4 p.m. to midnight you can go and just mingle for free, pay to reserve a 60-minute ax-throwing session, and indulge in some cocktails and enjoy the sounds of a DJ and a live band. Who knows, “maybe you’ll meet that perfect person at the end of an axe!” Learn more here!
2. Grab something sweet at the opening of beloved cafe, Maman
The beloved French-inspired cafe and bakery from New York City has made its way to D.C. Maman is opening its doors in Georgetown on Valentine’s Day—and it’s bringing some holiday special treats to sweeten the deal! Stop by on Valentine’s Day and you can treat yourself to delicious drinks (available through the end of February) like the “Sweet Nothing Latte” (homemade raspberry vanilla syrup, double espresso, steamed “pink” unsweetened almond milk, topped with heart-shaped sprinkles), “From Maman With Love” (butterfly pea flower, vanilla bean white hot chocolate, topped with a homemade heart-shaped marshmallow), and tasty treats like the White Chocolate Raspberry Rose Cookie. You can also indulge in one of these limited-time pastries (available through February 15) such as the Je T’aime Cookie Sandwich, the “You’re Berry Sweet Strawberry Vanilla Cruffin,” the “Don’t Go Breakin My Heart Raspberry Barquette,” and more! (Plus, the first 100 patrons who stop by on Maman’s opening day will receive “an extra special free gift” in addition to whatever they purchase!) What’s sweeter than that?!
Location: 1353 Wisconsin Ave. NW
3. 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, 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!
- Bluebell Spa D.C.
- Aura Spa at The Yards
- The Spa at Four Seasons
- The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
- Capital Blossom Day Spa
4. Take yourself out on a nice dinner date
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!
5. Build your own beautiful bouquet at Union Market
No matter what you’re celebrating—Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or a little self-love—nothing will spur good feelings like cocktails and flowers! That’s why Jungle & Loom is hosting a “Build Your Own Bouquet + Flower Arranging Workshop” at Union Market on Monday, February 13. You can sip on sensational cocktails by Buffalo Bergen as you learn to carefully craft your own bouquet—talk about a blooming love! Learn more here!
6. Hit the ice at one of these magnificent skating rinks
The ultimate winter pastime: ice skating! Embrace the cold and glide along the ice under twinkling lights and the night sky! 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
7. Take a stroll through CityCenterDC
CityCenterDC is know 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, it’s a sight to see. Indulge in some shopping at one of its many shops, grab a sweet treat from Dolcezza, and find a fabulous bouquet of your favorite flowers from Lily’s Flower Truck!