Noticing Washington DC’s iconic monuments during the day is one thing, but witnessing them light up after dark is truly spectacular. Take a leisurely cruise down the Potomac River for an evening tour that allows you to appreciate their magnificence up close.
Arena Stage provides an unforgettable Broadway-style show sure to make you laugh – though this show isn’t intended for children so be wary!
1. Korean War Veteran’s Memorial
Washington DC is an exciting mix of history and modern entertainment, so a visit to Capital One Arena for a Capitals game may just get your pulse racing.
At The Magic Duel, two magicians compete head-to-head to put on an entertaining magic show that will leave audiences laughing all throughout. Not suited for children but guaranteed to keep you smiling all throughout your experience! This event is not intended for younger audiences and should only be enjoyed as an adult-only event!
U Street is an iconic neighborhood that’s best known as Washington DC’s Black Broadway. This area offers fine dining establishments, chic rooftop bars, and eclectic shops – perfect for meeting friends or catching up with a significant other. Plus it has many live music venues – making U Street an absolute must visit when in DC!
2. Ford’s Theatre
DC tours wouldn’t be complete without visiting this historic destination – its iconic statue of Abraham Lincoln becomes even more mesmerizing by nightfall.
Ford’s Theatre pays its respects to America’s 16th President with an exhibition of his assassination site and hosts live performances, often with historical themes. Additionally, there is an Opera House featuring large-scale musicals and plays.
Watch two magicians battle it out in this entertaining show or check out DC Improv for some hilarious comedy improv! For those 21 and over, why not join a craft beer tour where you can sample local DC companies’ latest brews while experiencing culture first-hand while meeting people?
3. The Lincoln Memorial
Capital citys offer more than historical landmarks and walking tours; there are also plenty of contemporary entertainment experiences that await discovery here.
Experience improv comedy like never before at DC Improv. Plus, witness magicians compete for your attention at an unforgettable Lincoln Memorial magic show!
If you enjoy food and beverage, there are various options available to you. One such event is Georgetown Sunset Cinema’s annual outdoor film screening featuring different themes each year.
Board Room is another bar that encourages guests to put away their phones and interact with one another through 30+ board games, before enjoying local craft beers and wine selection. Perfect for couples seeking an upscale evening out; also serves paella and fideua dishes to cater for different palettes.
4. Arena Stage
If you’re tired of staring at historic landmarks all day, why not experience one of DC’s more thrilling activities at night? A guided night tour offers a thrilling way to view some of its top monuments from a comfortable bus.
Watch a play at Ford Theater that honors Abraham Lincoln’s love of theater or catch an entertaining comedy show at DC Improv, where professional comedians use audience suggestions to craft memorable shows that will have you laughing out loud!
Taberna offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable romantic date night in Adams Morgan neighborhood. Serving authentic Spanish cuisine such as paella, fideua and tapas along with wine and cocktails from their extensive wine selection is sure to leave both parties satisfied and relaxed after an evening at this cozy spot.
5. Taberna
One of the best nighttime activities in DC is taking a Potomac River cruise. Not only can it offer stunning views of monuments and skylines illuminated at night, but you can even arrange for a dinner cruise!
Taberna is home to numerous indigenous species, such as swifts, crag martins, jackdaws and blue back thrushes. Additionally, the area provides shelter to various reptile species including red-tailed lizards and ladder snakes that call Taberna home.
Union Market offers excellent street food when hunger strikes during an evening out on the town. They boast some of the finest burgers and bars like Thunder Burger; their amazing signature burgers feature vegetarian options! Additionally, there is an impressive variety of cocktails and drinks.
6. Blues Alley
After visiting free museums and touring historic landmarks, it may be time for some light entertainment. Ford’s Theatre features live shows while the Lincoln Memorial gives insight into our nation’s past.
Visit this iconic memorial at night and be amazed by its magnificent sights – illuminated seated statue of Abraham Lincoln makes this monument all the more breathtaking, while you can take in breathtaking gardens and the Washington Monument nearby.
After visiting DC’s sights, take a Potomac River dinner cruise for delicious food and stunning monument views. When finished exploring, stop at Thunder Burger to try gourmet burgers like Ventura Highway or Portobello Road with wine or beer as an after dinner treat; perfect for couples on date night!
7. 930 Club
One of the top things to do in DC at night is attending a live music performance at the 930 Club. This venue has long hosted local and national musical acts, such as Bob Dylan, Radiohead, and Beastie Boys; plus numerous restaurants like NuVegan Cafe which works to challenge perceptions about vegan cuisine.
Blues Alley offers an upscale DC nightlife experience for visitors looking for delicious entrees and appetizers, such as crab cakes, baked salmon and blackened catfish. Their jazz venue also provides wine and craft beers. Furthermore, family-friendly Blues Alley recommends booking ahead for reservations as this show is popular with both tourists and locals.
8. The White House Ghost Tour
Immerse yourself in an exquisite restaurant or bar for an enjoyable dining and drinking experience, ideal for date night activities with significant others or friends. Off The Record offers an upscale DC experience featuring red hues, elegant furniture and delicious alcohol cocktails!
Discover some of the city’s most haunted spots with a ghost tour, perfect for thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts alike. These tours uncover stories about former Presidents, Pinkerton agents, and criminals from times gone by – sure to leave you feeling unnerved!
Experience some of the finest local beers with your friends during this beer tasting and haunted tour of downtown Washington, DC. Explore historic attractions and stunning waterfront views while touring U Street Corridor – home to live music venues, upscale dining options and trendy rooftop bars – one of the best things to do at night in DC.
9. The Smithsonian Natural History Museum
The Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington DC is an incredible way to learn more about nature. Situated on the National Mall and featuring an impressive range of exhibits that will astound you, this museum makes for a romantic date night experience!
Apart from touring monuments and museums in Washington D.C., there is also plenty to do at nighttime in Adams Morgan, Union Market and Penn Quarter – as well as bars and clubs to experience its vibrant nightlife!
U Street, known for its African-American heritage, boasts live music venues, upscale restaurants and shops, trendy rooftop bars and hip DJ lounges as well as historic brick buildings, yoga studios and artisan cafes.
10. National Marine Corps Memorial
One of the many exciting nighttime activities in Washington D.C. is attending a live musical or theatre performance. This is an enjoyable way to spend a fun-filled evening out with friends – many theatres across DC offer performances featuring different genres.
The National Mall offers visitors many tourist spots, museums, and century-old buildings for leisure or educational visits, in addition to featuring stunning fountains with spectacular water displays, over 150 statues and 1000 acres of green space.
Here is the perfect place to see some of our nation’s most revered monuments illuminated at night, creating new beauty. Take in Abraham Lincoln bathed in light or visit Marine Corps War Memorial to witness its iconic photograph depicting flag raising – definitely make time to visit this destination and watch an evening parade featuring Marine Drum and Bugle Corps!
