Couples Trip to Washington DC
Back in February 2018, Matt had a work trip to Washington DC. It was close to my birthday, and some other co-workers were having their spouses fly up for the weekend, so we decided to make it a couples trip to Washington DC.
Several years back we did a family trip to DC and did lots of popular tourist things, so this trip was for us to hit some adult places. Matt had a couple ideas of places he wanted to visit. If you’re familiar with DC, I hope to share something new.
What to See on Your Couples Trip to Washington DC
National Harbor
Not in the heart of DC, but National Harbor is full of shops, restaurants, events, things to see and do, and places to stay. Also, site of the well known Capital Wheel.
You could spend several days just in the harbor, but we chose to walk around a little, grab a quick bite to eat, and pop into Granite City Brewery.
Off The Record
Chosen by Forbes as one of the “World’s Best Hotel Bars” it’s located inside the Hay-Adams Hotel. The hotel sits on the site where the homes of John Hay and Henry Adams once stood.
Off the Record has been the location for many meetings between lobbyists and congress members, with its’ close proximity of The White House. You can just imagine the conversations that must have taken place here.
Martin’s Tavern
Owned by a 4th generation Martin, the tavern is the oldest family owned restaurant in Washington DC, and a landmark. We enjoyed reading all the Martin’s Tavern historical facts, most notably the booth where John F Kennedy proposed to Jackie. Also, the “Rumble Seat” which is a one sided booth JFK would sit and read the Sunday paper after Mass. There is also the Dugout room in the back, where Mickey Mantle would spend time.
There is a standing reservation for the JFK booth every Sunday. Lucky for us, there was some time, and they allowed us to sit there, have a drink, and take some pictures while waiting for our friends to join us.
Where to Eat on Your Couples Trip to Washington DC
Old Ebbitt Grill
One of the oldest restaurants in Washington DC, but sadly Old Ebbitt Grill is not in the original location, due to a fire. Still rich in history, and right by The White House, many presidents have dined here, including President Roosevelt. Even some of the mounts which adorn the walls were hunts of President Roosevelt.
Our dinner began with oysters, barbecue pork belly sliders, and classic poutine. For the main dishes, Matt chose the veal chop, and I love a good filet. This place meets up to the reputation.
We couldn’t say no to dessert, because the apple crisp sounded too good for me. As did the bourbon raisin bread pudding for Matt.
Filomena’s Italian Ristorante
Opening in the 1980’s, Filomena’s menu is inspired by the family roots in the Abruzzi region of Italy. When you walk in, you’ll find a big window to watch pasta making by hand.
One of the ladies we were with insisted we eat at Filomena’s because it’s one of her favorite places in DC. I can understand why. The food, and atmosphere are fantastic. Keep in mind, portions are very large, and you will definitely want to leave room for dessert.
Paolo’s Ristorante
I guess you could say Italian cuisine was popular on our visit, but Paolo’s was top choice by our oldest daughter’s best friend, who attends Georgetown. Paolo’s is a fusion of Italian and California fresh, and I’d go back again. It worked out for us, because it was across the street from Martin’s Tavern.
Where To Stay on Your Couples Trip
We stayed at the Gaylord Resort National Harbor, which is just outside of DC, East of the Potomac River, in Maryland. If you are ever in the area of a Gaylord Resort, I highly recommend taking a walk through. We have been in three of them; Orlando, Nashville, and now National Harbor. They are each unique, and classy in their own way.
We still have a list of more places we’d like to visit on our next couples trip to Washington DC. We would love to hear your ideas, so please share them with us!
For more couples fun, check out our
Washington DC is one of my favorite places. We love Pi Pizza if you are in the area of the International Spy Museum or Ford’s Theater it is an easy walk.
Will definitely keep it in mind for next time! I would love to go back.
This looks like an awesome trip! I lived in Maryland until I was 20 so visited DC quite frequently. It looks like I need to go back now though. Thanks for the tips!
What a great place to grow up and be able to experience all that history.
You listed some places that sound really cool! I have never been to DC, but my husband has talked about wanting to take me! Thanks for the inspiration!
You are welcome!! It’s a fun couples town!
It sounds like fun and a totally different type of Washington DC trip!
It was for sure!! Happy we had already done most of the “tourist” places
I NEED to go to DC and try all the food!
There are so many great places to dine!!
The Gaylord sounds awesome! I lived in DC for a year and I was so sad to move! I loved it so much!
I love all the Gaylord Resorts!! They’re so different!
Looks like a great trip! I haven’t explored DC yet I’ll have to keep this in mind when we go.
Hope you get the chance to visit! So much history!
My husband I LOVE to travel to D.C.!
I would love to go back!!
Great ideas, ou made me hungry with all this good food!
We definitely dined at some petty wonderful places!!
What a fun trip! Filomena’s looks awesome, and how cool that you could watch them making pasta!
Thank you for sharing, maybe one day I’ll get to visit there myself.
I thought it was a nice touch too. To watch your pasta being made!
I’ve heard that Gaylord Hotels are amazing. Sounds like a fun time for couples or for anyone really who loves to eat…cuz that’s my jam
For sure!! Hubby and I love great dining!
The food looks delicious! I haven’t been to DC for awhile, maybe it’s time to go back!
For sure a place to visit more than once!
Looks like you guys had a great time and that STEAK! AMAZING!
Food was amazing!!
fuN! I am a big fan of DC and we just did National Harbor a couple weeks ago. Really cool place!
Ooooh, I hope you share about it!! Would love more insight on the area since our visit was short!
My husband and I are always looking for couples trip ideas and I think you just inspired meet put DC on the list!
Yay!! I hope you get the chance to make it happen!
I would love to go to DC for a couple’s weekend. All that history at Marin’s Tavern, that is certainly a must-stop location.
Fun!! I agree, such a neat place!
I’ve been to DC on family and work trips but never just a couples trip…sounds fun (I love DC!). And I must try Filomena’s…yum!
Yes, you should go!! You will love it!
Thanks for sharing your ideas.
You are welcome. I hope they are helpful!
Thank you for the tips on this couples’ tour.
Happy to help!!
Oh I haven’t been to the national harbor in years! But I remember how much fun it was – and how much it was unlike other parts of DC. Now I so want to try Filomin’s!
I would love to head back to National Harbor!
We love Old Ebbitt Grill, they had awesome Oysters Rockefeller. When did they burn down? It’s been ages since I’ve been
The original burned down many, many years ago. Not recently. My hubby loved the oysters too!
This looked like a great trip! DC has a lot to offer!
I agree, DC has so much to offer!!
My son and I stayed at the Gaylord in National Harbor for one night last summer. It was on our way back from North Carolina. We loved the area. We walked around, took some photos and had a great dinner. As for DC, it is a great place. I would love to head back, perhaps to run a race, this year!
That’s right!! What a fun place to run a race!
We enjoyed DC as a family. Would love to do a couples trip. Sounds fun!
We are hoping to go back ourselves!
I love the idea of a couples getaway! Not every getaway has to be to a beach or tropical island.
Exactly!! Personally I am not a big beach person.
It has been many years since I’ve visited D.C. Our last couples vacation was to Boston so D.C. is definitely doable. We are so comfortable with Philly day trips. It is about time we venture out to a new city to explore. Thanks for sharing your visit!
Philly must be fun!! My husband has been there, but I still need to get there.
Thank you for the tips. I will pick some of them to fit in my kid’s itinerary.
Martin’s Tavern would be a cool place for kids to see. And National Harbor!
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