Exclusive D.C. 2023 Valentine's Day Guide

Restaurant table setting

Valentine’s Day in Washington D.C. is always a big event—and this year, you can expect the D.C.-Virginia-Maryland area to offer plenty of fun and excitement for couples. Whether you’re in a new relationship or you’ve been together for years, our guide to D.C. Valentine’s Day can help you create a day that you’ll both recall fondly.



D.C. Valentine’s Day: Date Ideas

There’s no substitute for one-on-one time, especially on Valentine’s Day. Dinner is obvious—even if you need a little help picking a restaurant—but that certainly doesn’t mean that dinner should mark the beginning and the end of your date. Here, we’ve highlighted a few ideas that you can use to make your D.C. Valentine’s Day more personal and unique:

  • Art & Culture: Art reminds us of what really matters and inspires us to think about the big questions. In other words, the Phillips Collection’s incredible collection of impressionist art could set the perfect tone for your D.C. Valentine’s Day date! If you’re not afraid to layer up, a wintery walk through the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden might be even better. 
  • Ice Skating: If you haven’t ever caught the sunset at the wharf, you’re missing out. The ice skating rink in D.C. offers unbeatable views and simple, yet memorable time together.
  • Bakeries in the DMV: A sweet treat makes for the perfect start to any day—and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Don’t miss a chance to check out some of the DC Metro area’s most inspired bakeries. Mah Ze Dar Bakery and Pluma are two of our all-time favorites.
  • MICHELIN Star Restaurants: MICHELIN star restaurants like Jont and Minibar provide the perfect venue for your romantic night out. If you’re looking for a less adventurous, more established feel, you might also consider five-star restaurants like Marcel’s or Kinship.
  • Upscale Bars: Who doesn’t love a good cocktail (or mocktail)? Even if D.C.’s Valentines/Cupid’s Bar Crawl isn’t your cup of tea, a trip to your favorite bar can add a splash of adventure to your day out. 
  • Luxury Shopping: Although you and your partner may wish to spend Valentine’s Day doing something more romantic than shopping, almost everyone appreciates a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift. If you need inspiration, know that the Fashion Centre and Tysons Galleria are perennially popular with locals in the DC Metro area.

D.C. Valentine’s Day: Events

Washington D.C.’s 2023 Valentine’s Day celebrations are not to be missed. These two events take place on February 11th—the Saturday before Valentine’s Day—and they’re sure to be well-attended:

  • Richmond Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival: From 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM E.S.T., you and your partner can enjoy unlimited tasting at this one-of-a-kind local event. 
  • Valentines/Cupid’s Bar Crawl: No matter what kind of plans you have for the morning and afternoon, D.C.’s Valentines/Cupid's Bar Crawl might feel like the perfect evening destination. Stop by Dupont Circle at any time from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM E.S.T. to spend time with other couples in love.

Here’s To an Unforgettable Holiday

Love and luxury go hand-in-hand, so it only makes sense that you’d plan your Valentine’s Day with Sterling Motorcars. If you’re looking for more recommendations or just want to get a better feel for the DC Metro area, all you have to do is ask