When It's Just the 2 of You... There's Only 1 DC for a Romantic Weekend Escape

Nocturnal Animals

If you're looking to extend a romantic night on the town beyond the curtain call or final encore, DC's queer club scene is ready to welcome you.

Longtime favorite JR's remains a staple of the Dupont Circle scene, while last year saw the opening of a new neighbor, The Little Gay Pub, with gold and green bathroom décor that has gone viral as a background for sexy selfies. Also nearby, the DuPont Italian Kitchen (a.k.a. DIK) is the city's best spot for queer karaoke.

Over on the U Street corridor, another major gayborhood, massive new club Bunker arrived in 2023, joining already popular dance spot The Dirty Goose. The city also boasts a real rarity, A League of Her Own, which may be the world's only queer women's sports bar, along with fan favorites As You Are and Green Lantern, among others.

History and Culture

A visit to DC is never complete without a visit to the federal institutions and museums along the National Mall.

For many LGBTQ+ travelers, a self-guided tour of the Supreme Court of the United States will provide a memorable emotional experience.

Queer visitors may find themselves inspired by the site where decisions were made in cases like Obergfell v. Hodges (2015), which legalized same-sex marriage nationally, and Bostock v. Clayton County (2020), which declared that firing an employee merely for being gay or transgender is illegal.

Beginning on March 1, the National Portrait Gallery will present "Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood's Golden Age by George Hurrell," featuring stunning portraits that helped establish Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo and Katharine Hepburn as indelible icons in the American psyche.

Hurrell's oeuvre also includes the famous images of closeted gay leading men Ramon Novarro and William Haines.

Where to Canoodle Overnight

Among the many DC hotels rolling out a rainbow-striped welcome mat to LGBTQ+ visitors, the most notable include The Eaton, located in walking distance of the Smithsonian Museums and featuring yoga classes, sound baths and, on weekends, vinyl-only DJ sets in its Allegory lounge.

There's also the stylish Lyle, by Dupont Circle, which features a 24-hour Peloton-equipped gym (all the better for counteracting its bottomless Bloody Mary brunch); the LINE DC, in a stunningly refurbished 110-year-old church in the lively Adams Morgan neighborhood; and the Hotel Zena, which features an extensive gallery of work by women artists, a giant interactive Lite Brite wall, and a lobby pool table.

When you're looking for the perfect romantic getaway, remember there's only one DC.

Discover more great activities and events at washington.org.