Summer in DC is the perfect setting for date night (or day), and many of our favorite options are even free or almost free! Before the season is gone, be sure to take advantage of these free DC summer events and activities.
Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series
The Capitol Riverfront neighborhood is full of wonderful restaurants, scenic backdrops, and comfortable spots to sit and people watch. In the summer, the offering only increases with a number of free events, including their Friday night waterfront concert series. This year, due to a couple of rained out events, there are still a couple of opportunities to catch a show with your sweetheart. Check out Burnt Sienna on August 31st and Practically Einstein on September 7th.
Pack A Picnic
DC residents seem to enjoy a wonderfully disproportionate amount of green space as to compared to some other cities, and packing a picnic is one of the best ways to take advantage of this perk. Not sure where to head? Check out some of our favorite spots in and just outside of the city:
Peruse the Farmers Market
Washington, DC is home to dozens of seasonal farmers markets, so no matter where you live within the city, you don’t have to travel very far to peruse fresh produce and locally made goods. Find a fairly comprehensive round-up of DC’s farmers markets here, courtesy of Curbed. One of the most popular (and extensive) markets can be found in Dupont Circle, and while it’s open year-round, we recommend checking it out while the weather is still warm. The best variety of produce can be found in the summer, and you may even catch some live music!
Hike the Billy Goat Trail
The Billy Goat Trail, located along the C&O Canal and the Potomac River, is a great date idea for the adventurous type. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a vigorous hike, both options are available to you along the 4.7-mile trail. The views are beautiful any day of the year and access to the trail is completely free. There are several online resources that break down the trail into levels of difficulty, so be sure to plan ahead depending on how hard you and your date want to work!
Explore DC by Bike
Exploring by bike on a warm, late-summer day is a great way to see much more of the city than you would on foot or even by car. If you don’t have your own bike, take advantage of a bike-share service like Capital Bikeshare. A 24-hour rental costs $8, and you can return the bikes to any of their 440+ stations, not just the one you rented from. Bike around and explore the memorials and monuments, see the various museums throughout the district, and make pit stops anywhere you’d like! A sunset bike ride can make for a more romantic experience, especially around the Tidal Basin.