You know you've hit college when you've had enough of the high school ritual "dinner and a movie" date, but have slightly too much class for the "Netflix and chill" trend. Washington, DC is a great place to meet your future ex-something for a first date, but the daunting task of planning the affair leaves many couples awkward and anti-social. If you'd like to spice up your dating life, check out these 10 unique spots for a sweet night out.
1. DC Improv
($20/person)
1140 Connecticut Avenue NW
Find out if your date has a good sense of humor, and grab tickets for DC's hottest comedy club! DC Improv hosts comedians such as Gabriel Iglesias, Jimmy Tatro, and DC's most experienced improv troupes.
2. Gravelly Point
(free)
Off the northbound George Washington Parkway in Virginia
Imagine it now. After a mediocre dinner in DC, you arrive at this grassy location to sit side by side and watch the sunset. Planes taking off and landing at the National Airport fly mere yards overhead. The wind whips your hair around, and your Instagram pictures will be legendary.
3. Eastern Market
(free admission)
225 7th St SE
For a daytime adventure, hop on the Metro to Southeast DC's Eastern Market. Whether you come with the intention of buying some unique knick-knack, or just for the fun of perusing the stands, you won't lose inspiration for some conversation.
4. Go Apes Ropes Course
($55/person)
6129 Needwood Lake Drive, Rockville, MD 20855
For the thrill-seeking duo, take the Red Line up to Rockville, Md. to swing from the treetops at Go Apes rope course. See if your date has an irrational fear of heights, or if they'll step up to be your knight in shining armor.
5. Theodore Roosevelt Island
(free)
10 to 15-minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro
If open-air shopping malls aren't quite your thing, some fresh air and scenery might do the trick. Take a trip to Roosevelt Island to explore the rocky shores and wooded forest. Once your inner explorer has been satisfied, take a walk over to Georgetown for some cupcakes and coffee from Baked & Wired. Whether the two of you work out or not, the $4 cupcakes will be worth it.
6. Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
($15/hour)
1501 Maine Ave SW
Test your endurance and sense of direction by renting one of the paddle boats at the Tidal Basin. For added romance, go during the Spring season to get a VIP view of the cherry blossoms, and momentarily escape from the tourists.
7. Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
($10/person)
Constitution Ave NW & 7th Street
Nothing's more adorable than terrible balance and bruised butts, right? The sculpture garden is an ideal spot no matter the time; however, November brings the opening of their popular ice rink. This gives you an excuse to hold onto each other, and a literal ice-breaker.
8. Open City at the Cathedral
(free admission)
3101 Wisconsin Ave NW
Whether it's an initial get-to-know-you date, or another night together, you can't go wrong with
simple coffee shops. When things get awkward, the warm mug in your hand is always there to keep you company. With the National Cathedral right out the window, anyone can seem at least a little more interesting.
9. Dumbarton Oaks
(free)
1703 32nd St NW
For a relaxing picnic, this park in Northwest DC will be the perfect fit. Bring a soccer ball or a frisbee along in case the heat isn't too exhausting that day. This is a great spot for some real conversation to get things moving in the right direction.
10. La Tasca Cooking Lessons
($59/person)
722 7th St NW
Spice things up a bit by splurging on some cooking lessons at this Northwest restaurant. Throw a pinch of flour on your date, and bond over your mutual lack of cooking skills. Maybe one day you'll be looking for this recipe to cook on a nice dinner date in.
Dating is weird, no matter the setting. But hey, maybe if you have something extraordinary to look at, you'll be less concerned with your mannerisms and more focused on the person you're spending time with.
