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A couple walks hand-in-hand through the towering Capitol Columns at the U.S. National Arboretum on a sunny day.

Best Outdoor Parks for a Romantic Day Date in DC

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Discover Washington, DC's charming parks, perfect for couples' picnics, long walks and unforgettable time together in the nation's capital.

Looking for outdoor date ideas in DC? Sunset strolls and photo-worthy backdrops await at these romantic, fresh-air destinations across the District. Pack your picnic basket, grab your sweetheart and choose from our curated roundup.

After your walk, keep the magic going with dinner and drinks in a nearby neighborhood. 

A couple in winter coats walks toward the Capitol Columns at the U.S. National Arboretum.

U.S. National Arboretum

The beloved U.S. National Arboretum is open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and aims to increase the aesthetic, environmental and economic importance of landscape and ornamental plants. The gorgeous, 446-acre property makes for an inspiring and visually captivating visit at any time of the year. Don't miss fan favorites like the azaleas with a little help from our flower guide. 

 

Two cyclists ride along a tree-lined path in Rock Creek Park on a sunny day.

Rock Creek Park

Washington, DC’s Rock Creek Park – which is made up of 1,700 acres of National Park Service land from northwest DC into Maryland – is a popular retreat for the city’s outdoor enthusiasts. With lush greenery, miles of trails and picnic areas, a nature center, golf course, horse stables, amphitheater and even a planetarium, Rock Creek Park is packed with locals and visitors alike year-round.

You can grab a picnic blanket and food from Adams Morgan or Upper Northwest before you go. There is parking, but spaces can be limited on the weekend.

 

Couple at Meridian Hill Park - Romantic Spots in Washington, DC

Malcolm X Park

Also known as Meridian Hill Park, this neoclassical-style, 12-acre, landscaped urban park was established in 1912. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the multi-tiered park in Columbia Heights has a cascading waterfall in its lower area that is the perfect setting for a lunch with loved ones. 

 

Lincoln Park

The largest in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, this park features statues of President Abraham Lincoln and educator and Civil Rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. The park is popular for dog-walking and contains plenty of room to stretch your legs. Grab a bench to enjoy the sounds of nature and some prime people-watching.

 

A red checkered picnic blanket is spread with food and drinks at Constitution Gardens with the Washington Monument in the background.

Constitution Gardens

Add a dash of serenity to your National Mall itinerary. Situated between the Vietnam Memorial and the World War II Memorial, Constitution Gardens and its peaceful pond have been described as a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. It's the perfect spot to perch and watch the ducks waddle by. 

 

Couple at Yards Park Bridge in Capitol Riverfront - Washington, DC

Yards Park

If you want to splash around, head down to Yards Park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. Located near Nationals Park and Navy Yard, the park provides green space and water features along the Anacostia River. At night, you can marvel at the illuminated dancing fountain.

 

A couple holds hands while walking outside the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, with the Washington Monument reflected in the glass.

National Mall

As America’s most visited national park and colloquial "front yard," the National Mall is where the past, present and future collide. It’s centrally located, stretching more than two miles from the Lincoln Memorial on the west end to the U.S. Capitol on the east end. You can walk, run or rent a bike (Capital Bikeshare) to take in all the sights: awe-inspiring memorials, towering monuments and open green space beloved by locals and visitors alike. 
 

People lounge on a grassy hill near a water fountain in Georgetown on a sunny afternoon, with a modern building and bridge in the background.

Georgetown: Montrose & Waterfront Parks 

If you’re out in this historic neighborhood and looking for some green space, there are plenty of options to choose from. 

  • The 16-acre Montrose Park is located on the heights overlooking the most historic neighborhood in the city. You can trot along the Rope Walk among the Osage orange trees, or sit and enjoy the sounds of nature at one of the many picnic tables.
  • The waterfront is perfect for a romantic stroll along the river. Or, settle in on a blanket or bench while people pass by and kids play in the fountains.
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