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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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1. The Tidal Basin

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

2. The C & O Canal Bridge

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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.
Photo via Aaron Garza

3. The Reflecting Pool

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

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4. Rock Creek Park

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Beach Dr. NW
Washington, D.C. 20015
Visit Website
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.
Photo via John Bense

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5. Constitution Gardens

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1900 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, D.C.
Visit Website
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/NCinDC

6. Spanish Steps

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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.
Photo via Jessica

7. 9:30 Club

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

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8. Kogod Courtyard

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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.
Photo via NCinDC

9. Meridian Hill Park

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2500 16th St NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 895-6000
(202) 895-6000
Visit Website
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.
Photo via Rudi Riet

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10. National Arboretum

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

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11. The Kennedy Center

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

12. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

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

13. Franciscan Monastery

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1400 Quincy St NE
Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 526-6800
(202) 526-6800
Visit Website
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.
Photo via Mr.TinDC

14. 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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/MamaGeek

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15. Uptown Theater

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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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Carol M. Highsmith

16. Old Town Alexandria's Waterfront

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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.
Photo via ehpien

17. Theodore Roosevelt Island

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

18. Dumbarton Oaks

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

19. U.S. Botanic Garden

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100 Maryland Avenue Southwest
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 225-8333
(202) 225-8333
Visit Website
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Ingfbruno

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20. Moongate Garden

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

21. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

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4155 Linnean Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Visit Website
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!
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Jllm06

22. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

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400 Michigan Ave NE
Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 526-8300
(202) 526-8300
Visit Website
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/AgnosticPreachersKid

23. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

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1411 W St SE
Washington, D.C. 20020
Visit Website
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Library of Congress

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1. The Tidal Basin

W Basin Dr SW, Washington, D.C.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/ForestWander
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.
Visit Website

2. The C & O Canal Bridge

1057 Thomas Jefferson Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
Photo via Aaron Garza
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

3. The Reflecting Pool

W Potomac Park, Washington, D.C. 20245
Photo via Shutterstock/S.Borisov
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
Visit Website

4. Rock Creek Park

Beach Dr. NW, Washington, D.C. 20015
Photo via John Bense
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
Visit Website

5. Constitution Gardens

1900 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/NCinDC
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.
Visit Website

6. Spanish Steps

22nd St NW and Decatur Place, Washington, D.C. 20008
Photo via Jessica
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

7. 9:30 Club

815 V St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Andrew Wiseman
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
Visit Website

8. Kogod Courtyard

800 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Photo via NCinDC
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

9. Meridian Hill Park

2500 16th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
Photo via Rudi Riet
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
Visit Website

10. National Arboretum

3501 New York Avenue Northeast, Washington, DC 20002
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/AgnosticPreachersKid
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
Visit Website

11. The Kennedy Center

2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20566
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Tom
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
Visit Website

12. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
Photo via Roger Foley, courtesy The Cultural Landscape Foundation
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
Visit Website

13. Franciscan Monastery

1400 Quincy St NE, Washington, D.C. 20017
Photo via Mr.TinDC
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
Visit Website

14. The National Harbor

Ft. Washington, MD 20602
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/MamaGeek
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.

15. Uptown Theater

3426 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20008
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Carol M. Highsmith
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

16. Old Town Alexandria's Waterfront

209 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Photo via ehpien
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

17. Theodore Roosevelt Island

Analostan Island, Washington, D.C. 20037
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Daderot
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
Visit Website

18. Dumbarton Oaks

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

19. U.S. Botanic Garden

100 Maryland Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC 20002
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Ingfbruno
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
Visit Website

20. Moongate Garden

National Mall, 1050 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC 20560
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Sarasays
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

21. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008