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 in the District. Here are 12 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 fulling immersing yourself (and even a date) in it! an Gogh: The Immersive Experience allows you to do just that! The exhibits use floor-to-ceiling projections to showcase Vincent Van Gogh’s famous works, taking you into each piece’s mesmerizing world! Learn more here!
3. 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
4. Embrace classic romance of classical music by candlelight
Nothing screams romance like music by candlelight, making the Fever Originals Candlelight series the perfect date! For Valentine’s Day, you can lose yourself in classical renditions inspired by what is largely considering one of the greatest love stories of all time, “Romeo and Juliet”! Get your tickets 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. Craft your own couples candle
If you’re looking for an intimate but unique date—look no further! Why just light some candles to set the mood when you could make your own?! FSC Workshop in nearby District Heights, Maryland, is offering a Valentine’s Day Candle Making date night on Tuesday, February 14, which includes creating your own scented soy candle while eating light snacks and an included glass of wine. Not enough? It’s also BYOB! Learn more here!
7. See if you and your significant other are a match made in…murder
Intrigue…you and your special someone might go together like spaghetti and meatballs, but do you have enough of a connection to solve a murder together? Maggiano’s is testing just that! On Friday, February 10, Maggiano’s in Chevy Chase will be hosting A Valentine’s Day Murder at Maggiano’s: presents”Motive, Means and Maggiano’s.” The murder mystery dinner includes four courses, two drink tickets for beer or wine, unlimited nonalcoholic beverages, and a murder just waiting to be unraveled. Do you have what it takes? Learn more here!
8. 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
9. Go for a romantic 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, 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 gift, you can grab them something sweet from Dolcezza or flowers from Lily’s Flower Truck!
10. 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 on 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
11. 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
12. 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 (and someone special!) 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 even 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