Updated on September 5, 2023 by Julie McCool
You don't need a reservation at these 21 romantic places in Virginia and Washington DC, on Valentine's Day or any other day of the year. Some of these spots require extra effort to reach, and some are just steps away. But all of these romantic places can set the perfect scene for love. If you're looking for creative Valentine's Day date ideas, read on.
What is romantic, of course, is in the eye of the beholder. We love an outdoor picnic with an amazing view, and many of these destinations fill that need. Others are indoors and are a better choice when the weather is bad.
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Either way, this list is full of last-minute Valentine's Day and couple's night date ideas. However, most of our romantic spots are outdoors so bundle up and snuggle up to stay warm.
Some of these unique experiences are a little quirky, and may not appeal to everyone. Whether in or out, these romantic Virginia and DC destinations meet our idea of romance. Your mileage may vary.
Want to include a meal on your romantic day? Reservations may be required at these 22 Romantic Restaurants in Northern VA for a Couples Night Out. Or you could just pick up a sweet treat at one of the tasty, artisanal Chocolate Shops in Northern Virginia. And it's always fun to cuddle up in your own little igloo at these spots with Heated Outdoor Dining and Drinking in Northern Virginia.
Of course, you will definitely want to book ahead at these 22 Fabulous Romantic Getaways from Washington DC.
Outdoor Romantic Places in Virginia Worth the Effort
What could be more romantic than a hike topped off with a relaxing spot to sit and snuggle. These destinations range from easy to difficult to reach, and they all include a lovely place to sit together and commune with nature.
Outdoor-loving couples will find even more to enjoy in our guide to the 15 Best Nature Trails in Northern Virginia for Wildflowers and Wildlife.
Cow Hoof Rock, Great Falls Park
Located at the quieter end of Great Falls Park, Cow Hoof Rock offers beautiful views up the Potomac River to Mather Gorge. Here is our favorite 3-mile Great Falls loop hike for visiting this beautiful spot.
After your hike, snuggle up with a pint at The Old Brogue in the center of town. You can combine both destinations with a scenic loop drive through the town of Great Falls.
Potomac Heritage Trail, Seneca Regional Park
Hike down to the river on one of the woodland trails in Seneca Regional Park. Then, take a stroll or grab a bench on the Potomac Heritage Trail, a designated National Scenic Trail. Visit in spring to see bluebells and other wildflowers in bloom.
If you head to the western end of the park you'll have views of the historic Patowmack Canal, spearheaded by George Washington. Near the remnants of a 300-year old stone wall are the choppy waters of the Seneca Breaks.
Read more about Seneca Park and some of our favorite summer hikes.
Little Stony Man, Shenandoah National Park
Nearly every overlook and hike in Shenandoah National Park can qualify as a romantic destination. But we like Little Stony Man because it's easy to reach and not as crowded as the nearby Stony Man summit. The Little Stony Man Overlook hike and other overlooks in Shenandoah National Park are especially gorgeous when fall foliage emerges.
- Check our round-up of Short Hike to Gorgeous Virginia Views for more romantic viewpoints in and near the park.
- And read our full Guide to Shenandoah's Central District to plan your own day trip.
Mary's Rock, Shenandoah National Park
A more challenging hike leads to a large rocky outcropping and another beautiful Blue Ridge view. Most people hike to Mary's Rock from the Panorama parking area. But we prefer a longer and more scenic route from the Jewell Hollow Overlook.
This 7-mile Mary's Rock hike is gorgeous in the fall, but the rocky trail can be tricky when it's wet or covered with leaves.
Boardwalk at Theodore Roosevelt Island, Arlington
Theodore Roosevelt Island is in Washington DC, but the only access is from a footbridge in Arlington Virginia. Take an easy stroll to the Swamp Trail boardwalk on Theodore Roosevelt Island, which crosses a marsh at the edge of the Potomac. There are benches where you can relax with your love, then enjoy a nice quiet stroll around the island.
Explore more Beautiful Boardwalk Hikes in Northern Virginia.
Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria
Huntley Meadows Park is a hidden gem in the Fairfax County Park system. The park includes a lovely, long boardwalk leading to an observation tower with views across the marsh. The tower is only .7 miles from the Visitor Center and the boardwalk is beautiful and interesting year-round.
Find more favorite spots in our guide 20 Must See Northern Virginia Hidden Gems Rich in Nature and History
Bench at Lake Audubon, Reston
A single bench sits near the path at the northern end of Reston's Lake Audubon. Park by the Lake Audubon Pool and follow the paved, level path for half a mile. A short trail into the woods leads to this quiet spot with a nice lake view.
You can extend your hike with a walk around Lake Thoreau, where you'll find more lakefront benches. Afterward, enjoy lunch on the patio at Red's Table (they have heaters in cold weather) or Cafesano.
Crabtree Falls, Montebello
Crabtree Falls is one of the best fall hikes in Virginia. The popular trail west of Charlottesville, Virginia, offers several great viewpoints of the cascading falls. The rocky area at the top of the popular hike is a nice place to stop for a picnic and enjoy the views. This is a very popular trail, especially on weekends, so visit on a weekday for a better shot at a quiet spot.
Also in the Charlottesville area, snap a romantic pic with a Blue Ridge Mountains backdrop at a LOVE sign made of woven birch twigs at Montfair Resort Farm in Crozet.
Plan a Charlottesville Weekend Getaway and try some of our Favorite Local Restaurants in Charlottesville VA.
Romantic Places in Virginia That Are Easy to Reach
Here are some of our favorite romantic spots in Virginia that are easy to reach, with alternatives for good weather and bad.
Porch at Riverbend Park, Great Falls
If you want to enjoy a nice view of the Potomac River without a hike, you can post up in the Adirondack chairs at the Riverbend Park Visitor Center. If the spring wildflowers are blooming, take an easy walk on the River Trail to a private bench closer to the water.
Explore more of the Best Nature Trails in Northern Virginia for Wildflowers and Wildlife.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna
The beautiful gardens at Meadowlark are perfect for a romantic walk, especially when flowers are blooming. Fortunately, there are blooms at Meadowlark all year long, even during cold winter months.
But if you want to limit your walking, you can relax on the rocking chairs and benches near the Visitor Center. Fortunately, the best gardens in Virginia and Washington DC offer more romantic places to commune with nature.
Dirt Farm Brewing or Bluemont Vineyard, Bluemont
Whether you and your love prefer Virginia wine or craft beer, there's a patio in Bluemont where you can sip and soak up an amazing view. Bluemont Vineyard tops our list of sensational winery views in Northern Virginia. And the scenery is equally impressive from the outdoor chairs at neighboring Dirt Farm Brewing.
Plan your visit with our guide to Fantastic Fun Things to Do in Bluemont Virginia. Or make it a romantic weekend getaway when you book one of these Fantastic Northern Virginia Wine Country Vacation Rentals in and near Bluemont.
Add a little effort to your outing with a short hike to Bear's Den Overlook or a longer climb to Raven Rocks. You'll find more fun brewery views on the LoCo Ale Trail in Loudoun County.
The Winery at La Grange, Haymarket
If it's too cold for a patio, the basement of the Winery at La Grange, in Haymarket, is a cozy spot to enjoy a delicious glass of wine. If the weather is nice, consider an easy hike at nearby Bull Run Mountains followed by a glass outside on the patio or by the vineyard.
The Swing at Lake Anne, Reston
The Swing at Lake Anne is a favorite destination in our hidden art of Reston round-up. The hidden swing is ideal for couples seeking unique and romantic places in Virginia. You won't have the best lake view of the lake from The Swing, but it's a nice quiet spot to snuggle.
You can visit the Swing on a relaxed walk around Lake Anne. And there are several lovely places to enjoy a meal, a glass of wine, or craft beer at the Lake Anne Plaza.
Van Gogh Bridge, Reston
It's an easy level stroll to Lake Anne's Van Gogh Bridge, one of the most perfectly romantic photo spots in Northern Virginia. The bridge is one of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms in Virginia. When the trees are in bloom it is hard to beat the romance of this lovely location.
LOVE Sign, Manassas Railroad Depot, Manassas
LOVEworks are ideal romantic places in Virginia for a photo op with your sweetie. They can be found all over the state, and the one near the historic Manassas Railroad Depot is a LOVEly picture spot. It's big enough for a couple's photo inside the O, perfect with a bright blue sky behind you.
Or take a photo with the lovebird on the LOVE sign in Lovettsville. Then head to historic Waterford for a walk, craft beer, Virginia wine, and local shops.
Marsh View Platform at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton
There are beautiful trails and views all over Mason Neck State Park. If you want to limit your walking, take a short stroll on the quarter-mile Marsh View Trail. The platform at the end of the trail is an ideal place to sit and watch birds and the gentle movement of the marsh.
Algonkian Regional Park, Cascades VA
Algonkian Regional Park offers a nice stretch of public land along the Potomac River in Loudoun County. A dirt path by the river is dotted with several benches where you can enjoy a quiet moment.
The two benches pictured above are right next to the parking area, down a short stone path. This is a lovely, wheelchair-accessible spot for couples to relax with a view.
BONUS: Take A Northern Virginia Scenic Drive
Take your love on a scenic drive on beautiful and historic roads in Virginia and you can stay cozy in your car. We've rounded up the best Northern Virginia Scenic Drives Near Washington DC that are perfect for a couple's day trip. Our itineraries include small towns, pretty views, country roads, and interesting stops to enjoy along the way.
Romantic Places in Washington DC
Washington DC is rich with amazing, romantic restaurants perfect for Valentine's Day or a date night outing. But when we want a romantic spot without the expense of a meal, these are places we like to visit.
United States Botanic Garden, Washington DC
Instead of bringing home a dozen roses, you can immerse yourself in a whole building full of nature's beauty at the US Botanic Garden. We recommend a seat in The Jungle, a warm, glass-enclosed conservatory filled with tropical plants. A visit to the Orchid Room is a nice shot of romance too. The garden has one of the best holiday displays in DC, so December is another great time to visit.
Library of Congress, Washington DC
The Library of Congress might seem like an odd pick for a couples outing. But the beautiful, decorative interior, an homage to learning, feels pretty romantic to us. We love to visit when exploring the US Capitol area. In fact, there's an underground tunnel connecting the two buildings (currently closed); very helpful on a chilly day.
Albert Einstein Memorial, Washington DC
The Albert Einstein Memorial is another offbeat romantic spot for scholarly couples. Snuggle up on the bench with Albert and contemplate the mathematics of love. Or take a selfie in the wise one's lap. It's a cool alternative to all those marble memorials.
Visit on Pi Day and you can wish Mr. Einstein a happy birthday while you celebrate math.
National Zoo, Washington DC
Watching those big, furry panda bears makes us want to cuddle up. We suggest a romantic morning stroll around the National Zoo when the animals are most active. If you're lucky you might even get to see pandas playing outside.
Tidal Basin, Washington DC
The Tidal Basin is overrun with crowds during cherry blossom season. Otherwise, it's a lovely destination for a romantic stroll. Visit on a warm night and you can enjoy inspiring views of the monuments reflected in the water.
Capital Wheel, National Harbor
Impress your date with a trip to National Harbor and a ride on the Capital Wheel. Whether you choose daytime views of the Potomac and the harbor, or a night ride when the lights of DC are sparkling, you should get a nice dose of romance.
Book the VIP Gondola and enjoy your ride on leather seats with a glass-bottom floor and other perks.
Plan Your Romantic Outing
There you have it. 21 romantic places in Virginia and DC with no reservations required. Here is a map of the romantic places in Virginia and DC listed above.
Find inspiration for a longer couple's trip in 22 Fabulous Romantic Getaways from Washington DC. Find more Valentine's Day fun in our guide to February Events in Northern Virginia.
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