16 amazing outdoor date spots in the Potomac River region
/This Valentine’s Day, plan a swoon-worthy date at one of our favorite outdoor settings
photo courtesy of mr.tin md via flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)
Tired of going to a restaurant every year for Valentine’s Day? Make this year’s one to remember by taking your Valentine to the great outdoors and exploring one (or more!) of these local spots below.
Whether you’re looking to spend a romantic day outside with your special someone, plan an active date that will count as a couples’ workout, or learn something new on a fun educational trip, we’ve got you covered!
Our team’s top 16 picks:
16. Rock Creek Park
photo courtesy of mike maguire via flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Escape the city atmosphere with your partner in one of our favorite local parks in DC! Covering nearly 3,000 acres, there’s plenty to explore in Rock Creek Park, including trails for hiking and horseback riding, paths for cycling, and scenic spots for a romantic stroll or a picnic. Perhaps after a picnic, you can take a whirl at kayaking or canoeing, or play a round of tennis or golf with your significant other.
15. Key Bridge
photo courtesy of f. delventhal via flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Looking for great views, with plenty to do on a night out? Look no further than Francis Scott Key Bridge. Named after the composer of the Star-Spangled Banner, this bridge is the oldest existing bridge on the Potomac. With Arlington, VA, and Georgetown on either end of the bridge, there’s guaranteed to be good food and entertainment after a nice walk on the bridge.
14. Luray caverns
photo courtesy of m01229 via flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Set the mood with the dim, romantic lighting in Luray Caverns, located at the headwaters of the Potomac River in the Shenandoah Valley. Aside from enjoying the atmospheric caverns, you can also tour the museum and Shenandoah Heritage Village. Thinking of popping the question soon? Luray Caverns has proposal packages, and some of their areas can even be used as wedding venues!
13. Old Town Alexandria
photo courtesy of joe flood via flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Love history and small town vibes? Take your significant other to Old Town Alexandria, one of the region’s most popular and well-preserved historic districts. Filled with charming shops, amazing restaurants, and breweries (not to mention the beautiful sights of the town and the Potomac River), you’ll be sure to make this Valentine’s Day one for the history books! Interested? Start planning your visit today by checking out the top 18 things to do in Alexandria.
12. Dumbarton Oaks
photo courtesy of beyond dc via flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Does your loved one have a green thumb, or are they an avid admirer of greenery? Make Dumbarton Oaks one of your next date destinations. Filled with gorgeous landscapes and vivid flowers, this historic garden is one you can’t miss. While it’s open year round and you can certainly enjoy the grounds in February, you’ll want to make sure you come back in the spring or summer to catch the breathtaking blooms in action.
11. Washington Harbour
photo courtesy of paul sableman via flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Located in the heart of Georgetown and bordering the Potomac River, Washington Harbour is the perfect place for a date. After stopping for a bite to eat at one of the many eateries, lace up your skates and take your loved one for a spin around the ice rink! Remember to take a break from your gliding to soak up the awesome river views and take some Instagram-worthy pics.
10. Brookside Gardens
photo courtesy of william petruzzo via flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
While you might not be able to see all the flowers in bloom on Valentine’s Day, you don’t want to miss out on this award-winning 50-acre garden. Featuring many distinct themed areas, including a butterfly garden, rose garden, rain garden, and two conservatories, Brookside Gardens checks all the boxes for a perfect romantic date.
9. Canal Quarters (C&O Canal)
photo courtesy of bo nielsen via flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
This one might be especially appealing if you or your significant other is a history buff! Plan a getaway at one of the refurbished lockhouses along the C&O Canal. Take a breather from everyday life and disconnect from technology for a relaxing and restorative weekend with your partner, while getting a taste of what living was like decades ago. There’s still plenty to do aside from immersing yourself in history: the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park spans a whopping 184.5 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland, offering hiking, biking, and even cross country skiing in the winter season!
8. District Wharf
photo courtesy of kai.bates via flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Want to go for a nice stroll by the riverside? The District Wharf’s got you covered. Built with sustainability in mind, the Wharf is a great example of river-friendly business and growth. With outdoor fireplaces and ice rink, there’s plenty to do in the winter, not to mention all the shops and incredible food on this mile-long stretch along the Potomac River. It’s also a venue for different events throughout the year, so keep an eye out on their calendar to plan your next date.
7. Carderock
photo courtesy of elyse via flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Ready for something more adventurous? Take your date rock-climbing at Carderock. Never climbed before? Why not take a class for beginners and climb to new heights together! If climbing isn’t your thing, you can still go for a hike along the Billy Goat Trail Section C and look for the Victory Island Overlook. Then, take a well-deserved rest at the Carderock Picnic Grounds!
6. Sugarloaf Mountain
photo courtesy of darren & brad via flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Both novice and experienced hikers can find a trail that suits their needs on Sugarloaf Mountain, making it an ideal outing for a date. Breathe in that fresh mountain air while you trek the trails with your partner. Then, take a break and enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnicking areas along the way, while you look out on the vast Monocacy Valley and the beautiful countryside of Montgomery County. After your hike, don’t forget to stop by the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, located at the base of the mountain, for a glass of locally made wine. 🍷
5. Mount Vernon
photo courtesy of computer guy via flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Here’s another spot for the history fans! Tour George Washington’s 21-room mansion at Mount Vernon and explore the rest of the grounds, featuring gardens, farm, and a gristmill and distillery. Make sure you head out to the Potomac Wharf for a stunning view of the Nation’s river. Mount Vernon also hosts monthly events throughout the year, so keep an eye out for any that catch your fancy.
4. National Harbor
photo courtesy of john brighenti via flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Within walking distance of the nation’s capital, National Harbor boasts a myriad of riverfront hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars for a fun weekend getaway or day trip. Walk along the river boardwalk at sunset, or ride the Capital Wheel to glimpse the Washington Monument and US Capitol from 180 feet up in the air. You can even take a water taxi to Old Town Alexandria to maximize your waterfront trip!
3. Shepherdstown, West Virginia
photo courtesy of jason pier via flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)
If you’re looking for a quaint little town that still has plenty to do, bring your other half to Shepherdstown! Filled with unique shops and a lively arts scene, this small town will be sure to steal your hearts. Historical sites like Antietam Battlefield and Harpers Ferry are located nearby, as well as the Appalachian Trail, C&O Canal, and of course, the Potomac River, so this destination really has it all!
2. Accokeek Foundation National Colonial Farm
photo courtesy of f. delventhal via flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Discover a 1770s era farm with your boo at the Accokeek Foundation National Colonial Farm. Explore an 18th century tobacco barn and kitchen garden while learning about colonial farms. You can also stroll along the nature trails that weave throughout the Potomac riverside.
1. The Potomac River!
photo courtesy of anthony g. reyes via flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)
We might be biased, but we believe there’s no better place to proclaim your love for your special someone than on our beloved river!
Take your loved one out on the water on a dinner cruise for some breathtaking sights, or stroll along the riverside at the Georgetown waterfront, Lincoln Memorial, or Tidal Basin. Why not plan for some future dates on the water, too? Paddleboarding and kayaking are great ways to experience the river with your partner.
And if you want to care for the river with your loved one, plan one for the memory books:
Join us for a volunteer cleanup
along the shorelines of the Potomac River!
We host events year-round. Make it a date!
