Romantic Getaways in Washington DC - Fun Ideas for 2 in the Nation's Capital 

Great Spots for Couples, Hotels with Romance Packages, Alexandria VA Excursions & more 

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Washington DC Romantic GetawayView Looking out from Newseum towards Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
By Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Updated: Nov 14, 2016

Washington DC is a treasure of sights, monuments and museums, including the Smithsonian Institution and the various U.S. Houses of Government. It's also a fun & very interesting destination for romantic weekends, anniversary trips, and honeymoons. 

Best Time to Visit Washington DC - a winter getaway will probably restrict you to all the museums and indoor historic sites in the area. Autumn is a pretty time in D.C and Virginia, and May and June are comfortable months before the heat and humidity of summer set in. During the National Cherry Blossom Festival (first 2 weeks of April), Washington DC is at it's prettiest!

So no matter if your romantic getaway in Washington D.C. is winter or summer, we've included a mixture of indoor and outdoor things to do in the Washington DC metro area. Have fun exploring D.C.!

Washington DC Romantic Hotels for Every Budget

Luxury Washington DC Hotel RoomMandarin Oriental, Washington DC
Boutique Hotel, Washington DCKimpton Hotel Palomar, Washington DC

Affordable:

  • Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC - What Other Couples Said: "Relaxed, Comfortable and Friendly"..."Great Hotel & Great Breakfast"..."New Hotel, Excellent Location and Understated Elegance". 2016 Rating* for Romantic Washington DC Hotels: 87% of Couples Rate It Excellent/Very Good. (2201 M Street NW, Washington DC  202-974-6010)

Romantic Washington DC Whirlpool Suites:

  • Kimpton Hotel Palomar - One of the most romantic boutique inns in the Washington DC area. Spa suites with large 2-person jetted tubs are available, plus there's an outdoor heated pool, as well as complimentary morning coffee and evening wine reception. 2016 Rating* for Washington DC Jetted Tub Suites: 91% of Couples Rate It Excellent/Very Good. (2121 P St NW, Washington DC  202-448-1800)

Luxury Washington DC Honeymoon Hotel: 

  • Mandarin Oriental - The Presidential Suite looks very romantic, and they can arrange a massage treatment in their spa, or candlelit dinner at the Muze restaurant. 2016 Rating* for Romantic Washington DC Hotels: 82% of Couples Rate It Excellent/Very Good. (1330 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC  202-554-8588)

Hotel Packages:

Vacation Rental & Cabin Getaways:

  • Luray Virginia Romantic Cabins & Cottages - these honeymoon cabin rentals are just 90 minutes drive from the capitol, and they offer hot tub suites, fireplaces and private decks. There's activities like kayaking, hiking and fishing in nearby Shenandoah National Park.

Romantic Spots & Tours in Washington DC

  • Potomac River Dinner & Dance Cruise - Odyssey Cruises for 2017 offers romantic dinner cruises with dancing on the Potomac, complete with DJ's, large outdoor patio decks, and buffet dinner.
  • Washington DC Memorials at Night - avoid the daytime crowds and enjoy historic D.C. at sunset and during the evening. The popular Lincoln Memorial, as well as both the Jefferson and Roosevelt Memorials take on a unique and romantic beauty at night under the lights.
  • Washington Monument - a natural choice for the breathtaking views of Capitol Hill.
  • Top Floor, Newseum - one of the newest and best museums in Washington, DC (very interesting) also has a great open terrace with a scenic view of Capitol Hill and Pennsylvania Ave.
  • Sky Terrace, Hotel Washington - discuss the federal budget and the best views of Washington D.C. over a couple of cocktails on the roof of this romantic hotel.
  • The Mall - you've seen it in movies, now take a romantic walk down this scenic and historic corridor.
Washington DC Romantic VacationIn Front of the Lincoln Memorial, with the Washington Monument in the Distance.
  • Georgetown - tour historic sites, discover the waterfront shops, or dine on crab cakes in one of this areas romantic restaurants. 
  • Theodore Roosevelt Island - after a day or two of seeing Washington's great museums and historic sites, hit the great outdoors in Roosevelt Island, one of the best secluded spots in Washington DC. You can walk, bike or even kayak here, and enjoy the peaceful views of the city across the water.
  • Eastern Market - a fun romantic activity on Sundays is strolling through the streets of this Capitol Hill neighborhood and exploring the farmers market, arts and crafts and food stands.

Romantic Getaways Near Washington, DC

Old Town Alexandria VALots of Shops and Cafes to Explore Along Attractive King St in Alexandria, VA.
  • Old Town, Alexandria, VA - just across the Potomac River in Virginia, you'll love this historic waterfront town & seaport with it's antique shops and quaint restaurants. Enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride down the cobblestone streets. For a romantic weekend stay, you'll love the Morrison House Boutique Hotel.
  • Great Falls Park - with it's superb setting on the banks of the Potomac River, scenic Great Falls Park is a nice spot for a romantic picnic on a day trip from Washington, DC. (14 miles from the city).

More...

  • The Official Washington DC site for tourism is Washington.org and they feature lots of info on events, festivals, eating and getting around D.C.

*ERV Rating for Couples: our unique, non-scientific rating formula for romantic hotels which includes:

  • Romantic Amenities: such as an in-suite JACUZZI® tub or Whirlpool bath, scenic view, lounge, etc
  • Location: proximity of hotel to restaurants, pubs, downtown, etc
  • Clientele: demographic the hotel attracts (couples, families with kids, business travelers, etc)
  • Popularity with Couples & Honeymooners: based on variety of social media & crowd-sourced reviews.   

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