7 Great Date Ideas in Arlington, Virginia

Hit your hotel room and dress up for a date night in Arlington! Arlington, Virginia has the fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife to make any date memorable, whether it's for Valentine's Day or just a night out.

Don't stress about wowing your better half, we've done some of the leg work for you. Try these great date night ideas the next time you're here visiting:

Pictured | Plan your dream date night in Arlington!

1. A Trip Around the World

Impress your date by taking an impromptu trip around the world via Arlington's international restaurants.

Start off in Clarendon, where you can demonstrate your global culinary knowledge with a stop for Balkan bites at Ambar.

From there, check out the flavors of Spain at SER in Ballston, explore Mediterranean at the family-owned Lebanese Taverna in Pentagon City, or check out Peruvian classics at Inca Social in Rosslyn.

Pictured | Inca Social

Credit | @t_matt_a on Instagram

2. Skate & Sip

Treat your better half to an evening of ice skating and drinks in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood. Start the date off at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, home of the 2018 Stanley Cup Champions, the Washington Capitals. The Iceplex offers public skate hours and skate rentals, so you can lace up those skates and chat as you glide across the ice hand in hand. Afterwards, warm up at Ballston Quarter's Punch Bowl Social or Whino, both featuring long lists of house-made libations and tasty dishes.

Outdoor skating more your style? Westpost at National Landing features one of the largest outdoor ice skating rinks in Northern Virginia and is conveniently located next to popular restaurant options like Basic Burger and Nighthawk Pizza. Like the Iceplex, this rink also offers public skating hours and skate rentals. Learn more about skating in Arlington here.

3. Get Things Cookin'

Bond over making a meal together and sharpen your cooking skills with a date-night culinary class.

Cookology in Ballston Quarter offers an array of themed cooking classes that are perfect for date nights and chefs of all experience levels.

Sur La Table in Westpost at National Landing offers date night cooking classes like "Cooking with Wine" and "Passport to Thailand" but also teaches basic lessons in knife skills, baking and pasta making.

The Commentary, located inside of the Westin Arlington, offers monthly cocktail and pizza making classes inside their restaurant, perfect for all levels.

Pictured | Cookology Culinary School

Credit | @cookologyculinaryschool on Instagram

4. Dinner & A Show

Head to The Village at Shirlington for the quintessential date night. This romantic neighborhood impresses with tree-lined streets and brick sidewalks. Start with dinner at local favorite Carlyle, a lively bistro with full-length murals and American eats, or at Copperwood Tavern for local brews and farm-to-table fare. Stroll through Shirlington to the Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre, where you can watch everything from Broadway-style musicals to independent plays. After the show, stop for a drink to discuss the performance at Busboys & Poets, Palette 22 or Our Mom Eugenia.

5. Coffee & Conversation

There are few things better than a great cup of coffee and conversation during a date, and Arlington has a host of charming cafes to choose from. Clarendon’s Northside Social Coffee & Wine Bar serves up beautiful lattes and fresh baked treats on its expansive patio or check out these other popular spots in additional Arlington neighborhoods.

Pictured | Northside Social Coffee & Wine Bar

Credit | @nilus.views on Instagram

6. Picnic & Pictures

On a sunny day, make plans for a romantic picnic with a view. Grab all the essentials from local favorites like The Italian Store (known for its cured meats and killer sandwiches) or Lebanese Taverna Market (your stop for fresh, flavorful spreads and other Middle Eastern fare). Add the perfect sweet treat from Artisan Confections—locally handcrafted chocolates—or cookies and cupcakes from Bakeshop next door. Make your way to the Netherlands Carillon 50-bell tower, which affords beautiful views of D.C. and the Potomac River and plays an automated concert every day at noon and at 6 p.m. Or, get active walking or biking on the Mount Vernon Trail, visiting Gravelly Point to watch planes fly overhead as you enjoy your picnic and views of the Potomac. Don't forget your camera, because these sites are the perfect spots to take the envy-inducing vacation selfie!

7. Hit the Town

Feeling ambitious and want to check out Arlington's vibrant bar scene? Head downstairs to Salt in Rosslyn, where the cozy booths and dim lighting make for the perfect nightcap for two.

Buena Vida Gastrolounge in Clarendon has a robust cocktail menu and large rooftop with stunning skyline views or walk over to Bar Bao for Asian-inspired libations and an exciting atmosphere. Find something for every taste in Arlington here.

Pictured | Buena Vida Gastrolounge