Ranked the #1 most romantic city in the U.S. by Amazon, Alexandria is known as an enchanting escape. Thinking of a romantic getaway or the best places to pop the question? Here’s our list of 6 top romantic spots in Alexandria, plus several places nearby to make the perfect date.
1. Captain’s Row
100 block of Prince Street
Historic cobblestone street known as Captain’s Row
Image credit: Visit Alexandria
Known throughout the DC area as a swoon-worthy romantic spot, this picturesque cobblestone block lined with historic Federal-style rowhouses is the perfect stretch for a quiet stroll. It’s also no stranger to down-on-one-knee declarations of love, that’s for sure.
Date ideas in the area:
Art: Athenaeum.A historic building, now a museum of fine arts.
201 Prince Street
Dine: Restaurant Eve. Critically acclaimed restaurant headed by Chef Cathal Armstrong; fine dining.
110 S. Pitt Street
Drinks:Grape + Bean. Boutique wine and gourmet shop.
118 S. Royal Street
2. The Waterfront at Founders Park
351 N. Union Street
A view of the Potomac River
Image credit: R. Kennedy for Visit Alexandria
At Alexandria’s scenic waterfront, you can linger among street performers or amble down to one of the city’s many waterside parks, most popular of which is Founders Park, a peaceful green space with views of the Potomac that practically begs you to roll out the picnic blanket.
Date ideas while you’re there:
Art: Torpedo Factory Art Center. Over 80 working artist studios and galleries, the larges in the U.S.
105 N. Union Street
Drinks: Blackwall Hitch. Waterfront views, live music, classic coastal tavern interiors.
5 Cameron Street
Dine: La Bergerie. Top 100 romantic restaurants in the U.S. by Open Table; French cuisine.
218 N. Lee Street
3. Observation Deck at Masonic Memorial
101 Callahan Drive
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Image credit: Mike Donahue for Visit Alexandria
Let your love keep lifting you higher with a visit to the observation deck at the top of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. From your perch, you can take in a postcard-perfect view of historic Old Town and watch the sunset with your sweetheart.
Date ideas in the area:
Stay: Hilton Alexandria Old Town. Right by the King Street metro; newly updated rooms with key-less entry.
1767 King Street
Dine: BRABO. By acclaimed chef Robert Wiedmaier; Belgian cuisine, fine dining.
1600 King Street
4. Lighthouse at Jones Point Park
1 Jones Point Drive
Jones Point Lighthouse
Image credit: Adam Roberts via Instagram (@admorobo)
For a more secluded romantic interlude, hop on a bike and pedal south along the Potomac to Jones Point Park. The historic lighthouse built here in 1855 is the last remaining riverine lighthouse in Virginia, and it’s got charm to spare with a porch, picket fence and wooden pier. (History buffs can also geek out over an original boundary stone for Washington, D.C. that’s on site.)
Date ideas while you’re there:
Dine:Faccia Luna. Urban trattoria; wood-oven pizza, pasta.
823 S. Washington Street
Drinks: Southside 815. Neighborhood bar that regulars call their “little Cheers.”
815 S. Washington Street
5. On a boat cruise
Potomac Riverboat Company: 205 The Strand
Nina’s Dandy: Zero Prince Street
The Cherry Blossom
Image credit: Visit Alexandria
If you’re one for grand romantic gestures, a Potomac river boat cruise is just what the love doctor ordered. Board at sunset to gaze at DC monuments on the horizon and enjoy an evening of gourmet dining and dancing under the stars. I mean, what’s more romantic than that?
Date ideas before you board:
Lunch: Carluccio’s. Italian market, cafe and restaurant.
100 King Street
Shop:The Lucky Knot. Women’s boutique carrying designers Lilly Pulitzer, Vera Bradley, and more.
101 King Street
Drinks:Virtue Feed & Grain. American Tavern with modern rustic decor and upbeat atmosphere.
106 S. Union Street
6. King Street
Visitor Center: 221 King Street
King Street
Image credit: Colton Photography
There’s a reason they say King Street is the “beating heart” of Old Town Alexandria. You’ll have no trouble finding romantic gifts and goodies along this lively historic avenue’s red brick sidewalks, where chic boutiques, unique art galleries and sweets shops abound, and the free King Street Trolley is there to pick you up when you’ve fallen head over heels.
Date ideas while you’re there:
Dinner: Vermilion. Known for serving the Obamas a romantic Valentine’s Day meal.
1120 King Street
Dessert:Magnolia’s on King. Southern immersion cuisine; the Palm Lounge is great for cocktails and dessert.
703 King Street
Drinks:Sonoma Cellar. Wine tasting room and bistro focusing on Sonoma County wines.
207 King Street
For more information about romantic date ideas in Alexandria, click here.
Header image courtesy of Colton Photography
