Skip to main content
Meetings
search search search search search search
search
Home
Couple ice skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden on the National Mall in Washington, DC

Things to Do for Valentine’s Day 2024 in Washington, DC

Celebrate the romantic holiday in the nation's capital

The nation’s capital shines as a romantic destination at any time of the year. The 2024 edition of Valentine's Day offers plenty of holiday revelry, including museum exhibits, plays, concerts and more. Here’s how to make the most of the most romantic time of the year. And if you're looking for more date night inspiration, check out our guide to the romantic side of DC.
 

Ain't Too Proud – Feb. 13-18
If you think the music of The Temptations is fantastic, just wait until you hear their story. The Kennedy Center hosts the Broadway smash Ain’t Too Proud, a musical that will make you want to dance in the aisles. Five kids from Detroit are discovered by the legendary Berry Gordy, then signed to Motown, then launched into an unforgettable career filled with chart-topping hits. Along the way, both friendship and betrayal enter into the story, in addition to civil rights struggles in the country at-large. Don’t miss this Tony Award-winning song-and-dance extravaganza that also offers a captivating tale.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

Robert Houle: Red is Beautiful – Through June 2
The National Museum of the American Indian presents the first major retrospective dedicated to Robert Houle (Saulteaux Anishinaabe, Sandy Bay First Nation, b. 1947), an Indigenous artist known for masterfully blending Western and ancient traditions in his contemporary works. Visitors can marvel at more than 50 years of Houle’s creativity, including paintings pierced by porcupine quills and historic scenes reimagined from an Indigenous perspective.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Interior of the National Museum of Women in the Arts

Check out the reopened National Museum of Women in the Arts
The only museum solely dedicated to championing women through the arts has reopened its doors with improved interior and exterior spaces, new mechanical systems, enhanced amenities and accessibility, enlarged gallery space and additional research and education space. The reopening also includes a brand-new, groundbreaking exhibit known as The Sky’s the Limit (Through Feb. 25, 2024), as well as numerous other new displays.
More Information
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005

 

Entertainment Nation – Ongoing
Through the National Museum of American History’s extraordinary collection of theater, music, sports, movie and television objects, Entertainment Nation features an ever-changing selection of artifacts and interactive experiences. The exhibition explores how culture and entertainment have helped spur important national conversations about race, class, gender, identity and much more. You can view objects tied to luminaries such as Muhammad Ali, Mia Hamm, Roberto Clemente, Frank Sinatra, Kristi Yamaguchi, Prince and Bette Davis.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

 

Enjoy a meal at an award-winning restaurant
For roving gastronomes and travelers who revel in experiences centered on food, it’s time to reserve a table in the nation’s capital. Acclaimed eateries like minibar, FiolaMasseria and many more are all waiting to host you for a special, unforgettable date night.
 

Street mural in Shaw's Blagden Alley - Historic, trendy neighborhood in Washington, DC

Discover DC's incredible murals
Canvases are everywhere you look in the District, which teems with vibrant street art in all quadrants. Spot everything from renditions of silver screen stars Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor to abstract, museum-commissioned works, restaurant-themed facades and lots more. Don’t miss Lisa Marie Thalhammer's aptly-named LOVE mural in Shaw and the mural at Ben’s Chili Bowl, which features the Obamas, Prince and Harriet Tubman, among others.

 

Hot Drink

Grab a warm, cozy drink with a special someone
Whether you’re in the throes of winter or the weather is warm, a delicious, hot drink is a perfect treat for date night. Fortunately, DC is filled to the brim with great options, including offerings from Le Diplomate, Dirty Habit, Old Ebbitt Grill and more.
 

Take to an ice rink in the District
One easy thing to do in the nation’s capital is rent a pair of ice skates. That’s because the city hosts an array of ice rinks that each present their own special experience. Whether it’s underneath the stars at The Wharf, on the banks of the Potomac River or at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden, each presents a romantic setting and plenty of opportunities for on-ice fun.
 

Woo your boo with the perfect DC-themed date night
Putting together a special evening for Valentine’s Day (or any day, for that matter) is priority number one – and the nation’s capital shines as a date night destination with its scenic monuments, award-winning dining scene and outstanding attractions. Plan a wonderful DC date night using sweet deals for a romantic night out.
 

For more ideas on how to do Valentine’s Day right, check out our ultimate guide to romance in Washington, DC.

Partner Content
Partner Content