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Meridian Hill Park
Meridian Hill Park
Photo via Rudi Riet

The 23 best places to make out in D.C., mapped

By Michelle Goldchain Updated
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Meridian Hill Park
| Photo via Rudi Riet
By Michelle Goldchain Updated

Valentine's Day is here, and it's time to get reservations scheduled, boxes of chocolates purchased, and mints handy for some lovey-dovey snog sessions. If you're looking to get out of the house and search for the most romantic spots in Washington, D.C., we've got you covered with a map of the 23 best places to make out. We also included a few locations in the D.C. Metro area for any commuters using this list.

You don't need rose petals, candles, or cologne to make your significant other fall in love with you. All you need is the beauty of Washington, D.C.

[UPDATE 2/14/17: New images and three new locations have been mapped.]

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The Tidal Basin

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Take a walk along the Tidal Basin, basking in the scent of cherry blossoms and the cool breeze along the Potomac River.
W Basin Dr SW, Washington, D.C.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/ForestWander

The C & O Canal Bridge

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The food, the sights, and the atmosphere of Georgetown are enough to get anyone in a lovey-dovey mood. Take a walk under the bridge of the C & O Canal, and you've officially hit it big with one of the best dates ever.
1057 Thomas Jefferson Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
Photo via Aaron Garza

The Reflecting Pool

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While you can't exactly take a swim in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, you can still feel calmed by its glassy presence.
W Potomac Park, Washington, D.C. 20245
Photo via Shutterstock/S.Borisov

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Rock Creek Park

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Venture away from the city by exploring the hiking trails of Rock Creek Park. This park isn't very well known, so you won't find too many tourists there.
Beach Dr. NW, Washington, D.C. 20015
Photo via John Bense

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Constitution Gardens

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Make a picnic for you and your significant other for a trip to the Constitution Gardens. Maybe even grab yourself a few slices of bread to feed the ducks at the pond.
1900 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/NCinDC

Spanish Steps

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Sometimes, all you need is a good view. If you're heading to Kalorama, the Spanish Steps provide a wide look at the neighborhood.
22nd St NW and Decatur Place, Washington, D.C. 20008
Photo via Jessica

9:30 Club

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The music, the lights, and the experience — you're bound to have a good time at the 9:30 Club.
815 V St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 265-0930
(202) 265-0930
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Andrew Wiseman

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Kogod Courtyard

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The indoor-outdoor courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery may not be the most private location on our map, but it is one of the most romantic. After strolling through the hallways of the museum, you can take a rest under the glass canopy of the Kogod Courtyard, enjoying the good company of your significant other.
800 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Photo via NCinDC

Meridian Hill Park

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The lush gardens, the cascading fountain — everything about the Meridian Hill Park is romantic. On the weekend, the park becomes much more active with dancers, hula hoopers, and the famed drum circle.
2500 16th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 895-6000
(202) 895-6000
Photo via Rudi Riet

Also featured in:

National Arboretum

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The Corinthian columns at the National Arboretum were originally a part of the U.S. Capitol building. Now, they stand amidst cherry blossoms.
3501 New York Avenue Northeast, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 245-2726
(202) 245-2726
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/AgnosticPreachersKid

Also featured in:

The Kennedy Center

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By stepping onto the balcony of the Kennedy Center, guests are able to enjoy a sparkling cityscape that's difficult to compete with.
2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20566
(202) 416-8000
(202) 416-8000
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Tom

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

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See one of the most beautiful fountains in Washington, D.C. at the FDR Memorial.
900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 426-6841
(202) 426-6841
Photo via Roger Foley, courtesy The Cultural Landscape Foundation

Franciscan Monastery

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Described as "an oasis of peace," the Franciscan Monastery is the perfect place to see some architectural beauty in the District that's not a memorial or a monument.
1400 Quincy St NE, Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 526-6800
(202) 526-6800
Photo via Mr.TinDC

The National Harbor

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What's more romantic than a ferris wheel? Take a walk on the sandy beach of the National Harbor, maybe stay a night at the Gaylord National Resort, and see the best view of the Potomac River from the Capital Wheel.
Ft. Washington, MD 20602
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/MamaGeek

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Uptown Theater

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This 1930's theater is the last movie palace in the District, making it one of the best places to catch a movie and one of the best places to make out. Just grab a seat on the balcony.
3426 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20008
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Carol M. Highsmith

Old Town Alexandria's Waterfront

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Old Town Alexandria is the perfect location for a day trip with highlights like the Torpedo Factory Art Center, various retail and restaurants, and the waterfront, itself.
209 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Photo via ehpien

Theodore Roosevelt Island

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Go for a walk in the peace and quiet of the Theodore Roosevelt Island. Extra plus: little to no tourists tour the island.
Analostan Island, Washington, D.C. 20037
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Daderot

Dumbarton Oaks

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The National Geographic ranked Dumbarton Oaks as one of the top 10 gardens in the world.
1703 32nd St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/AgnosticPreachersKid

U.S. Botanic Garden

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Love is in the air, and it smells like roses. Take a whiff of the lush gardens in the U.S. Botanic Garden to spice up your date with your significant other.
100 Maryland Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 225-8333
(202) 225-8333
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Ingfbruno

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Moongate Garden

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What's more romantic than kissing in a garden inspired by Beijing's Temple of Heaven?
National Mall, 1050 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC 20560
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Sarasays

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

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This beautiful museum and estate offers a collection of 18th and 19th century French art and art treasures from Imperial Russia. There are also lovely gardens that should offer a scenic area for kissing. Don't pick the flowers, though!
4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Jllm06

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

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Whether you're religious or not, it's undeniable that this church is one of the most beautiful in Washington, D.C. Find yourself a quiet corner when the church is empty and give each other a friendly peck or two before gaping at the mosaics inside the building.
400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 526-8300
(202) 526-8300
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/AgnosticPreachersKid

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

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Some of the best views of the city can be found at the Frederick Douglass House. Perfect for a romantic getaway. Here, you can also learn about Frederick Douglass, himself, in his former home.
1411 W St SE, Washington, D.C. 20020
(202) 426-5961
(202) 426-5961
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Library of Congress

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The Tidal Basin

W Basin Dr SW, Washington, D.C.
Take a walk along the Tidal Basin, basking in the scent of cherry blossoms and the cool breeze along the Potomac River.
W Basin Dr SW, Washington, D.C.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/ForestWander

The C & O Canal Bridge

1057 Thomas Jefferson Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
The food, the sights, and the atmosphere of Georgetown are enough to get anyone in a lovey-dovey mood. Take a walk under the bridge of the C & O Canal, and you've officially hit it big with one of the best dates ever.
1057 Thomas Jefferson Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
Photo via Aaron Garza

The Reflecting Pool

W Potomac Park, Washington, D.C. 20245
While you can't exactly take a swim in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, you can still feel calmed by its glassy presence.
W Potomac Park, Washington, D.C. 20245
Photo via Shutterstock/S.Borisov

Rock Creek Park

Beach Dr. NW, Washington, D.C. 20015
Venture away from the city by exploring the hiking trails of Rock Creek Park. This park isn't very well known, so you won't find too many tourists there.
Beach Dr. NW, Washington, D.C. 20015
Photo via John Bense

Constitution Gardens

1900 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Make a picnic for you and your significant other for a trip to the Constitution Gardens. Maybe even grab yourself a few slices of bread to feed the ducks at the pond.
1900 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/NCinDC

Spanish Steps

22nd St NW and Decatur Place, Washington, D.C. 20008
Sometimes, all you need is a good view. If you're heading to Kalorama, the Spanish Steps provide a wide look at the neighborhood.
22nd St NW and Decatur Place, Washington, D.C. 20008
Photo via Jessica

9:30 Club

815 V St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
The music, the lights, and the experience — you're bound to have a good time at the 9:30 Club.
815 V St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 265-0930
(202) 265-0930
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Andrew Wiseman

Kogod Courtyard

800 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
The indoor-outdoor courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery may not be the most private location on our map, but it is one of the most romantic. After strolling through the hallways of the museum, you can take a rest under the glass canopy of the Kogod Courtyard, enjoying the good company of your significant other.
800 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Photo via NCinDC

Meridian Hill Park

2500 16th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
The lush gardens, the cascading fountain — everything about the Meridian Hill Park is romantic. On the weekend, the park becomes much more active with dancers, hula hoopers, and the famed drum circle.
2500 16th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 895-6000
(202) 895-6000
Photo via Rudi Riet

National Arboretum

3501 New York Avenue Northeast, Washington, DC 20002
The Corinthian columns at the National Arboretum were originally a part of the U.S. Capitol building. Now, they stand amidst cherry blossoms.
3501 New York Avenue Northeast, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 245-2726
(202) 245-2726
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/AgnosticPreachersKid

The Kennedy Center

2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20566
By stepping onto the balcony of the Kennedy Center, guests are able to enjoy a sparkling cityscape that's difficult to compete with.
2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20566
(202) 416-8000
(202) 416-8000
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Tom

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
See one of the most beautiful fountains in Washington, D.C. at the FDR Memorial.
900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 426-6841
(202) 426-6841
Photo via Roger Foley, courtesy The Cultural Landscape Foundation

Franciscan Monastery

1400 Quincy St NE, Washington, D.C. 20017
Described as "an oasis of peace," the Franciscan Monastery is the perfect place to see some architectural beauty in the District that's not a memorial or a monument.
1400 Quincy St NE, Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 526-6800
(202) 526-6800
Photo via Mr.TinDC

The National Harbor

Ft. Washington, MD 20602
What's more romantic than a ferris wheel? Take a walk on the sandy beach of the National Harbor, maybe stay a night at the Gaylord National Resort, and see the best view of the Potomac River from the Capital Wheel.
Ft. Washington, MD 20602
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/MamaGeek

Uptown Theater

3426 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20008
This 1930's theater is the last movie palace in the District, making it one of the best places to catch a movie and one of the best places to make out. Just grab a seat on the balcony.
3426 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20008
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Carol M. Highsmith

Old Town Alexandria's Waterfront

209 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Old Town Alexandria is the perfect location for a day trip with highlights like the Torpedo Factory Art Center, various retail and restaurants, and the waterfront, itself.
209 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Photo via ehpien

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Analostan Island, Washington, D.C. 20037
Go for a walk in the peace and quiet of the Theodore Roosevelt Island. Extra plus: little to no tourists tour the island.
Analostan Island, Washington, D.C. 20037
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Daderot

Dumbarton Oaks

1703 32nd St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
The National Geographic ranked Dumbarton Oaks as one of the top 10 gardens in the world.
1703 32nd St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007