It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Start making reservations, ordering boxes of chocolates, and planning out how you’re going to spend a fun day in the nation’s historic capital. If you don’t know where to start, try these romantic spots we love in Washington, D.C.
The Phillips Collection
Though it isn’t the National Mall, The Phillips Collection — America’s first modern art museum — is just as impressive. Tour this historic institution that features a comprehensive collection of works by great French impressionist, including Henri Matisse, Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh. On nights of the first Thursday of the month, the place turns into a live music bar. Purchase tickets to “Phillips After 5” to enjoy a rotating lineup of live music, food, and drinks.
US Botanic Garden
Have some fun outside, and smell the roses at the U.S. Botanic Garden, next to the Capitol Building. You’ll have a great time at this city’s beloved garden, viewing its beautiful fountains and the countless plants from all over the world. Continue that museum trend along the National Mall, touring the Hirschhorn or the National Museum of Natural History for free.
Jazz, bars, and cocktails
If you want to have a little bit more fun, then plan out your own brewery or wine bar tour around the city. There are so many great places to grab a drink in the nation’s capitol that it’s hard to choose just one. You can enjoy an amazing lineup of jazz performers at the Blues Alley in Georgetown, or have a classy cocktail at Gibson on 14th Street and Harold Black in Eastern Market. End the night at Penn Quarter, where you’ll find places like the Penn Social and Jackpot offering live band performances, DC-themed cocktails and whiskey, and trivia.
National Gallery of Art: Sculpture Garden
Who wouldn’t want to spend Valentine’s Day at the historic National Mall? It’s got some of the most iconic monuments and romantic spots in the city. For instance, the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art has Robert Indiana’s famous “AMOR” (a play on his “LOVE” monuments across the globe) sculpture on display, providing the perfect photo op. Plus, it’s free to tour the museum and its Sculpture Garden!
If you get hungry, you can enjoy some food and light bites at the gallery’s Espresso & Gelato Bar and Cascade Cafe.
Restaurants
D.C. may have some incredible monuments, but they also have a dining scene that’s hard to beat. Your night won’t be over unless you have a delectable dinner. 1789 Restaurant is the classic restaurant for romantic evenings: a cozy, fireside table, stunning 16th-century antiques, and an exquisite rack of lamb. You can also opt into a tasting menu for an unforgettable dining experience, complete with wine pairings.
You’ll need to be patient at Bad Saint, where they don’t take reservations, but this enclave specializing in Filipino dishes and other flavor-packed foods is worth the wait. Your dinner will involve sisig on a sizzling plate with chopped pork jowl or the kinilaw na pugita, a ceviche dish followed by deep-fried apples inside spring roll wrappers. You can also celebrate at José Andrés’ cocktail lab Barmini, where you can choose a craft-cocktail from a menu of more than 100 libations, experiential flights, and inventive snacks.
If these restaurants aren’t up your alley, then French bistro DBGB Kitchen & Bar, Mediterranean Fig & Olive, and David Chang’s Momofuku CCDC are also great options for amazing food and fine dining.
Common’s coliving homes in Washington, D.C. are an amazing location for you and your suitemates to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Plus, you can easily get to these romantic spots in the city from Common Bowman and Common Richardson.
Take a free tour today, and we’ll make your city living romances a reality.