We love going to nice restaurants on our date nights. That said, there are times when we really like a change of pace and have realized the DC area offers several wallet-friendly ideas that present great replacement opportunities. “Wallet-friendly” is the key to this list, which includes several options that don’t cost anything at all. Here are some of our suggestions that you should consider for your next date outing.

1. Every good date needs a great ending, Gravelly Point sets the perfect scene for that ending. This shouldn’t be confused with a common “make-out point” or anything of that sort, but rather a location that you’re going to be surrounded by several other onlookers as planes land at National Airport. Next time you’re looking for a great finish to the evening, back a blanket and go lay it on the grass before the park closes for the evening.

2. We found ourselves wandering around the National Mall, on one of Al’s first trips to DC last spring. For that reason and so many more we think the National Mall offers more “wallet-friendly” dating ideas than any other location. Spend some time standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and getting pictures by your home state at the World War II Memorial. There are endless places you can stop and see along the stretch.

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3. It could easily run you $100 for two tickets to the Redskins this fall,  but Nationals baseball games on the other hand present a perfect opportunity to get the sports fix at a considerably lower price. If you’re lucky you’ll notice the multiple offers throughout the year that will cut prices on the game. Buy a t-shirt from one of the several individuals outside the stadium, then enjoy a couple hours at the park.

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4. If there is not enough history along every block of DC for you already, the American History Museum will satisfy your desires. This museum is not just for the history buffs though, it’s hard not to get a tear in your eye when looking at the American flag display in front, and if the movie memorabilia doesn’t give you flashbacks to your childhood you’re probably far younger than us.

5. Saying you should be spending a day in Old Town Alexandria with your date shouldn’t surprise anyone, since it’s where we live and we love it. Old Town offers several things to to, especially a beautiful and active waterfront that’s a perfect spot to sit and people watch, or walk along after an evening dinner. From the brick sidewalks to the several restaurants that line King St, there is plenty to do in our little neck of the woods.

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6. The reason we have to add happy hour to this list is because of the wide range of deals so many locations offer during the week. In an area that can put a huge hole in your wallet, there is nothing wrong with scheduling plans around the happy hours that a restaurant or bar has to offer. There are moments when these deals are good enough to have your jaw drop, so why pass them up? The answer is you can’t!

7. One of our favorite dates we’ve ever had was kayaking in Georgetown last summer. You can take a two person boat out for as low as $20, which is plenty of time for you to row from bridge to bridge or get tired trying. We are again looking forward to this as a date in the coming months.

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8. Pull out your putters and gear up for bragging rights, miniature golf is usually a date idea you can achieve for only $10-15 a round. Remember it’s not all about winning, sometimes helping your partner with their shots is far better in the long run.

The next time you’re looking for some date ideas that won’t break the bank, consider these as some alternatives to the usual dinner out!

Cheers,

Scott