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Make that special someone’s heart sing without breaking the bank with these only-in-DC affordable date ideas.
From the glistening Reflecting Pool to the towering Washington Monument to numerous memorials dedicated to our American forefathers and heroes, the National Mall is the jewel in DC’s crown. Witnessing its power with your love by your side is as romantic as it gets in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You can also observe its majesty from a unique view on a Big Bus Tour, which allows you to hop-on and hop-off across a 24-hour period.
The National Gallery of Art wing closest to the Capitol is home to two sky-lit tower galleries, Instagram-worthy staircases connecting all levels of the museum, a rooftop terrace with a blue rooster sculpture and, best of all, more than 500 works of art, including pieces by Alexander Calder, Barbara Kruger, Jasper Johns, Pablo Picasso and Mark Rothko. Amazingly, admission is free.
Two of the world’s most incredible stones live at the National Museum of Natural History, which is located on the National Mall and is admission-free. The Hope Diamond, which has historical roots dating back to the late 1600s, is on display at the museum’s National Gem and Mineral collection. The jaw-dropping Carmen Lúcia Ruby, one of the largest ruby gemstones on record, can also be seen in the collection. Also be sure to explore the museum's breathtaking and state-of-the-art Hall of Fossils.
If you’re dating on a budget and want to enjoy a show, head to the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, which hosts free performances Wednesday through Saturday at 6 p.m. Acts are wide-ranging; one night, you can catch the National Symphony Orchestra; the other, a poetry slam. The Kennedy Center also offers deep discounts to patrons ages 18-30 and members of the armed services through its MyTix program.
Dig deeper into American lore when you and your special someone make your way to the Library of Congress, another of DC’s many historical landmarks. The nation’s largest library holds 28 million cataloged books and 58 million manuscripts. You’ll also be wowed by the stunning Gilded Age architecture. Timed entry tickets are free but must be secured online ahead of your in-person visit.
One of the signature landmarks in DC is the Dupont Circle Fountain, dedicated to American naval hero Samuel Francis Du Pont, made of marble and adorned with three sculptures. The gorgeous fountain serves as the epicenter of one of DC’s most exciting neighborhoods, with a surrounding plaza that frequently features locals playing chess or lounging on benches. Stroll through, take in the atmosphere, then adventure in one of the city’s most prominent areas. After a long day of exploring, rendezvous at The Ven at Embassy Row.
When the temps cool down, there's plenty of ways to keep warm at The Wharf. There’s a fire pit for s'mores and 'The Torch,' the official beacon greeting vessels and acting as a lighthouse for DC’s awesome waterfront development. As pier-goers, you and your beloved can crowd around The Torch and marvel at its 14-foot-gas-powered flame.
Using art, science and technology in equal measure, ARTECHOUSE has taken DC by storm. The art space features innovative, large-scale installations filled with interactive elements that are perfect for enjoying with a companion. Exhibitions rotate and tickets are required, so make sure to check the DC location's website as you plan your visit.
Planet Word is the world’s first voice-activated museum and brings language and words to life with immersive and interactive exhibits for all ages. Visitors can deliver a famous speech, watch a library book come to life, sing karaoke love songs and much, much more. The museum also offers a variety of virtual programs. Timed entry tickets are free and can be secured online ahead of your in-person visit although a limited number of same-day passes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Discover natural beauty on the National Mall at the U.S. Botanic Garden. The living plant museum features a World Deserts room and the Conservatory, a greenhouse containing two courtyard gardens and 10 garden rooms, plus areas dedicated to orchids and rare species. Enjoy a romantic stroll outside through the National Garden and Bartholdi Park to explore a wide variety of plants and flowers.
The most recent addition to DC’s incredible lineup of Smithsonian museums is the only national museum solely dedicated to the documentation of African American life, history and culture. You’ll want to secure timed passes before your trip, but once inside, you can marvel at visually stunning exhibits that cover the African American experience, from culture and music to slavery and the Civil Rights Movement.
No trip to the nation’s capital is complete without at least one half-smoke consumed per person. Ben’s Chili Bowl, a late-night grub destination since the Eisenhower era, features the most famous half smoke in town (and it only costs $7.99). The original U Street location is situated in one of the more vibrant and historic locations in town, so neighborhood exploration after fueling up is a must.
The city’s neighborhood walls are covered with vibrant and unique murals, celebrating everything from hometown heroes to Founding Fathers and even fruit – there are literally hundreds of outdoor artworks and street murals to behold! Grab your significant other and take in these color-popping, popular works. As an added bonus, these murals create an instantly ‘grammable backdrop for a memorable photo of you and your sweetie.
One of the numerous Smithsonian museums located on the National Mall, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden embraces the offbeat in contemporary art. Its sculpture garden and plaza is a work of art itself, while a rotating cast of exhibits means you can always expect mind-blowing works on display.
This locale on the National Mall provides great insight into the African experience through an extensive collection of artifacts that stretches into the thousands. Admission is always free and in-depth, docent-led tours are available every week.
Located on top of Union Market, Hi-Lawn is a fun, open-air rooftop spot. The theme and the menu change with the seasons, but you and your boo will consistently find an ace in the hole for a place to dine, drink and socialize outdoors, complete with sweeping views of DC.
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