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Top 20 Romantic Anniversary Date Ideas – Washington DC

man and woman in a hot tub boat on romantic date night in Washington DC

Are you searching for amazing, romantic date ideas to celebrate your anniversary in the DC area? Look no further, because we’ve got you covered with a list of unforgettable experiences. Whether you see yourself strolling arm in arm in a scenic park or raising a toast at a chic rooftop restaurant, we have the perfect anniversary date for you!

Best Washington DC Anniversary Ideas

From traditional to unique and adventurous, this list has something for everyone. Of course, you don’t need to limit yourself to just one of these exciting things to do in the “Federal City.” Feel free to mix, match, and create your own anniversary celebration.

1. Paint, Sip, and Celebrate Each Other

For creatives, the usual dinner and a movie just won’t do for an anniversary event. So, why not enjoy a paint-and-sip date instead? Washington DC has several paint-and-sip classes with different themes to choose from, so you can find one that fits your interests. 

paint and sip class in washington DC

If you like to sing along or listen to live music, some paint-and-sip classes offer seasonal painting themes or live music. No matter the theme, cocktails, and craft beers served by top mixologists in DC will elevate your artistic endeavors. 

2. Take a Hot Tub Boat Tour on the Potomac

Toasting each other with a glass of vino or champagne in a hot tub is the epitome of romance. You can elevate that experience even further with a DC Hot Tub Boat Tour on the Potomac hosted by Sea the City. 

man & wife in romantic hot tub boat in NYC

We’ll personalize your luxurious anniversary cruise with a customized marquee board, letting you and your partner unwind and reconnect in a private hot tub. Imagine the feeling you’ll get cruising past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This fairy-tale boat tour is sure to make some wonderful memories! 

3. Have an Elevated Anniversary Brunch at Apéro

Hailed as one of the most romantic restaurants in Washington DC, French restaurant Apéro is the place to savor an elevated anniversary brunch. Nestled in a cozy row house in Georgetown, this intimate spot offers a rotating selection of champagnes and sustainably sourced caviar. 

french restaurant apero in Washington DC

Their brunch menu shines with tempting options like blackberry oysters alongside larger dishes such as Croissant Eggs Benedict and Steamed PEI Mussels. Pair your meal with classic cocktails like mimosas or espresso martinis–or try the absinthe service from Saabine for a one-of-a-kind experience. 

4. Go Horseback Riding Together at a Park

Washington DC houses many tranquil and peaceful parks within its borders, and all of them are overflowing with exciting things to do. One of note is Rock Creek Park simply because of its sheer beauty and endless activities. This massive park has been around since 1790, and it offers horse riding lessons and trail rides for a magical anniversary excursion. 

people walking in the park in Washington DC

Afterward, you can enjoy a show at Carter Barron Amphitheater or visit the large collection of animals at the National Zoo. Both places are also found among Rock Creek Park’s 1,700 acres. 

5. Head To a Stylish Rooftop Bar or Restaurant

Celebrating your love for each other from atop a rooftop is always a good anniversary date idea. Overlooking the Capitol Building, Smoke and Mirrors will let you do just that. This sleek restaurant is often featured on Instagram because of its beautifully presented dishes, expertly crafted cocktails, posh interior, and stunning 360-degree rooftop views. 

a man and a woman at romantic rooftop restaurant in DC

Share tasty menu items like Trio Deviled Eggs in three flavors, Jerk Shrimp Tacos, or Deconstructed Tuna Poke Nachos. They even offer 3D tours of the view from their website that you can check out before heading there. 

6. Rent an Electric Bike or Scooter for an Adventure 

Is your idea of a fun anniversary seeing as many Washington DC museums, landmarks, and memorials as humanly possible? While buses and other forms of public transportation are cramped and noisy, you can make your sightseeing adventure more intimate by renting electric bikes or scooters from E-Mile

couple sight seeing in DC on scooters

This option lets you travel the city in 3 hours vs. the nearly 9 hours it would take to do it on foot. That leaves you plenty of energy and time to tackle more of the fun things on this list. 

7. Have a Picnic at the National Mall

In most places saying that you are going to the mall to have a picnic can earn you some really funny looks. However, in Washington DC it means packing up your delicious basket of goodies and laying out a blanket to enjoy a swoon-worthy date at the National Mall, a 1,000-acre park in the center of the city. 

Picnic at the National Mall in DC

When you finish your picnicking, you can hold hands and stroll over to the US Botanic Garden, which is also located within the National Mall. Admission is free, and its lush grounds are ready to be enjoyed by visitors every day of the year.

8. Rent a Tidal Basin Paddle Boat for Two

The Tidal Basin is a man-made inlet next to the Potomac River, and renting a paddle boat is a refreshing way to enjoy its water and sights. You can rent paddle boats for an hour, allowing you to gaze upon the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, and beautiful scenery. 

Tidal Basin Paddle Boat for Two

The experience is an ideal way to spend time together and enjoy the beauty of the seasons. Additionally, sharing this serene experience on the water can make for the most lovey-dovey occasion.

9. Visit a Cozy Speakeasy or Secret Lounge

Washington DC offers a range of speakeasy-style bars with hidden entrances and moody lounges. At Eaton Workshop, discover Allegory, a secret bar hidden behind a wall of books, featuring a civil rights and Alice in Wonderland-inspired mural. Sink into leather couches and enjoy literary-themed cocktails while you’re there. 

couple getting drinks in DC

On 14th Street, Chicken + Whiskey combines South American-style chicken with a whiskey bar hidden behind a refrigerator door. The wood-paneled space offers a wide selection of whiskeys, crafted cocktails, and DJ-spun vinyl nights for an unforgettable experience.

10. Blow Your Mind with ARTECHOUSE DC Exhibits

ARTECHOUSE DC offers breathtaking, immersive art exhibits powered by technology. For your special date, explore their newest exhibit, Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean. The experience lets you dive into ocean depths and experience life 1,000 meters below sea level through cutting-edge tech. 

 

After interactive installations like Life of a Neuron and Beyond the Light with NASA, cap off the evening at the XR Bar, sharing unique extended reality cocktails.

11. Experience Live Jazz Music at The Kennedy Center

The District of Columbia has various jazz clubs offering soulful melodies and intimate atmospheres. For jazz lovers, it’s a good bet you’ll enjoy watching jazz legends and rising stars at the Kennedy Center. There, pianist Jason Moran, artistic director for jazz at the Kennedy Center, brings boundary-pushing artists and new explorers to the stage. 

Live Jazz Music at The Kennedy Center

Be sure to check out the center’s calendar for upcoming events like Dario Acosta Teich: Tierra Infinita Album Release. Other notable venues to get your jazz on include Blues Alley, Jojo Restaurant and Bar, and the Twins Jazz Club.

12. Taste Seasonal Produce from a Farmers Market

Washington DC is home to an abundance of farmers markets–a whole 50+ local vendors offering fresh bounties like seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and flowers during the warmer months. 

Farmers Market in Washington DC

To cook an Italian meal at home for date night, pick up juicy local tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spices, alongside handcrafted pasta, artisan French bread, and a bottle of wine from your farmers market of choice. Complete your shopping with a beautiful flower arrangement for a lovely ‘pièce de résistance’ to the meal.

13. Ride the Capital Wheel at National Harbor

Release your inner child with a ride on the Capital Wheel at National Harbor. This iconic 180-foot observation wheel with climate-controlled gondolas offers breathtaking views of DC, Maryland, and Virginia. 

Capital Wheel at National Harbor

The ride is located in Maryland just outside of DC. While you’re up at its highest summit, you’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view of the nation’s capital, the Washington Monument, National Harbor, and the Potomac River.  

14. Take a Spooky DC Nighttime Adventure 

For many horror buffs, the perfect time involves events filled with thrills and chills. If that sounds like you, exploring haunted legends on a guided tour in Spooky DC is one of the best Washington DC anniversary ideas.

Washington DC at night

A few fun ones to think about taking include: 

  • Dark Nights in DCThis 90-minute walking tour regales you with ghost stories about the national capital’s dark past. Highlights include visiting America’s most haunted office building: The Eisenhower Executive Office Building.  
  • Ghosts of Georgetown – This tour lets you explore Georgetown’s spookiest locations. You’ll learn about supernatural happenings and true crime yarns during this hour and 45-minute walking tour.  
  • DC Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and PoltergeistsThis hour-long walking tour is fast-paced, but you’ll see more haunted places that way–including the Dolley Madison House, US Department of Treasury Annex, and the Blair House.
  • Ghost Booze and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl – Fancy mingling with the ghosts of bootleggers or sharing a drink with Ulysses S. Grant? This two-hour tour is for you! Explore eight of DC’s most haunted sites, including four pubs. Drink some liquid courage and prepare for scary fun! 
  • Ghost Tour Scavenger Hunt – How does a scavenger hunt, where you find DC ghosts grab you? This exciting 90-minute hunt, which has you scouring places like the Decatur House, Ford’s Theater, and the National Theater, has all the trappings of a ghoulish good time. 

15. Pamper Yourself at a 5-star Hotel Getaway

Your anniversary is the ideal occasion to splurge and pamper yourself. Luxury Hotel Salamander fits the bill with its reimagined Salamander Spa and exquisite dining options. Nestled between the National Mall and The Wharf DC, it offers beautiful rooms, sweeping views, and world-class amenities. 

5 star hotel in DC

Nearby, the Southwest Waterfront is a hotspot with entertainment venues, restaurants, bars, and shops. The area also includes the over-water ice skating rink on Transit Pier.  During colder months, the rink allows you to have an unbelievably good time gliding across the rink at sunset. Pure romance!

16. Mark E Street Theater’s Anniversary and Yours

Landmark E Street Theater in DC is celebrating 50 Years of cinematic excellence! Tucked away in Lincoln Square, Landmark’s E Street Cinema boasts 8 screens with top-tier 2K and 4K digital projection and sound. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer from the concession stand and indulge in delectable bites from their menu like loaded hot dogs, crab pretzels, or perhaps a sweet treat like their cream cheese-filled churros. 

Mark E Street Theater DC

E Street Cinema specializes in showing independent and foreign language films, documentary features, and classic revivals. Pop in and celebrate their anniversary—and yours!

17. Go to an Author Reading at a Bookstore

Bookstore dates are becoming more popular. Going to one in DC to peruse all they have to offer is a unique anniversary idea  An author reading at Kramers is a sure bet for book lovers, as it blends the best of literary culture with a cozy atmosphere. Their extensive brunch, dinner, dessert, and coffee menu is tailor-made for enjoying good food and bonding with one another.

Author Reading at a Bookstore in DC

Additionally, the Folger Library is a must-see for Shakespeare lovers, housing the largest collection of Shakespeare’s First Folio in the world with 82 out of the 235 existing copies! Politics & Prose offers exciting events, classes, and trips, making it a dynamic spot for book and magazine lovers.

18. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour in the Greater DC Area

If you are looking for a sophisticated way to celebrate your anniversary, there is a wide range of wine-tasting tour options available in the DC area. For example, you can sign up for the Private Loudoun County Wine Tour from DC with Stops at 3 Wineries.

wine tasting in Washington DC

This six-hour tour will pick you up in DC and take you to three premiere tasting destinations: Stone Tower Winery, Fabbioli Cellars Vineyard, and Casanel Vineyards & Winery.

19. Take to the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon

Going on a hot air balloon ride is a throwback to the days before cell phones and even television sets. Fortunately, the DC area has a couple of the best private hot air balloon rides in the country. Del Marva Balloon Rides can take the two of you high into the air with a 20+ year FAA Commercial Pilot.

couple in hot air balloon over DC

Alternatively, Light Flight Balloons has 40 years of experience offering balloon rides and biplane rides. Either way, Climbing into the basket of a colorful hot air balloon and drifting into the sky offers a peaceful escape from the fast-paced city life—making it a perfect way to commemorate your anniversary.

20. Host an Anniversary Party

The great thing about hosting an anniversary party is that you can select where your party will be! Many people will rent an anniversary venue in DC, but you can pick something more unique. 

Anniversary Party in DC

For instance, why not have an anniversary party at your favorite arcade, art gallery, or bowling alley? On the other hand, if you want to do something more traditional, you can pick your favorite restaurant, bookstore, or movie theater to host your party.

Ready to Make Glorious Anniversary Memories in Washington DC?

man and woman in a hot tub boat on romantic date night in Washington DC

We hope you enjoyed our round-up of the best anniversary ideas in DC. No matter how you choose to celebrate, Washington DC offers countless romantic anniversary date ideas to make your special day unforgettable. 

Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or planning a grand celebration, there’s something for every couple to enjoy. Ready to make your anniversary magical?

Book your Hot Tub Tour today with Sea the City and have the time of your life!