On this British-inspired date, putt the course with a cocktail while dancing to a live DJ’s hits. Finally, mini-golf reimagined for adults. Cheers to that.
The Background
True to its London roots, Swingers Crazy Golf elevates mini-golf into an extravagant, indulgent affair. The childhood game grows up with added gourmet street food, deliciously complex cocktails, and the melodies from a live DJ. Now high-end tastes merge with a delightful party atmosphere as you putt the night away.
The Standout Features
Here’s why this date is a hole in one:
- Enter a Magical Land – The vibrant atmosphere transports you miles away from the city. When you escape from the stress of your normal routine, feelings can more easily flourish.
- Be Playful: Can you have a blast together? Let’s find out! Throw in a dash of healthy competition and the fun could turn flirty.
- Stay Flexible: If the date’s not going well, you’ll be out of there in 45 minutes or less. Are you two vibing? It’s easy to keep extending the date without leaving the room. Grab drinks at the bar or dinner at one of their many restaurants. Tailor the day on the fly so it meets your needs.
- Take Home a Keepsake: Not only is their 3D Photobooth a one-of-a-kind experience, but it let’s you capture the memory of a great date. You never know how the relationship will go! If you’re married, the moment will be one for the scrapbook.
The Experience
Date Lead Up - Waiting for Tee Time
My date and I sense the warm summer air brush our faces as we exit the Dupont Circle metro station. Across the street, we see “Swingers” written in cursive, elegant font gleaming in gold. Soon, we’re showing our IDs to the bouncer and entering this +21 playground.
Once I pass the threshold, I’m entranced by the stunning deep turquoise room splashed here and there with more gold. I’ve stepped into the 1920s with a modern flair. This first-floor bar is impressive, and I wonder at what lies ahead.
As we descend the winding staircase, more vibrant colors fill my view. The DJ’s high-energy tracks fall softly on the buzzing crowd floating in gentle purples, emerald greens, and rich blues. Then, a woman checks us in and points towards the next station. In front of a golf cart that shines with class, a man explains our course and pulls out two putters.
When I step onto the green, my eyes rest on dozens of smiling faces. Golfers order tropical drinks at the 3rd and 7th holes, sipping their cocktails between laughs. The deliberately curated decor paints a dazzling Alice in Wonderland-like scene that makes me forget I’m in DC.
Date Main Event - We're Going "Four" It
My date passes our shared ball so I can hit first. I sense a faint electrical undercurrent as his hand grazes mine. After regaining my focus, I carefully set up my shot. Then I’m stunned to get a hole in one. Next I jump into the air, and he cheerfully congratulates me on my minor victory.
Date Wrap Up - Golf Claps All Around
To capture the occasion, we head to the 3D camera station and position ourselves on the Olympic-style podium. There are different levels for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Despite my ranking, he pulls me up to share the first-place spot. What a sweet gesture. We press a green button and look into the lens. Afterwards, I enter my email in the kiosk to get a copy of the picture. I stare at our cheerful faces and I’m glad I have a memory of the date.
Next, we peruse the many gourmet food stations offering pizzas, tacos, burgers, cakes – you name it. We decide to split fries and sit under a huge white tasseled umbrella. While we talk among the boardwalk-inspired decor, I have to remind myself I’m not at the beach.
The glee-filled conversations around us fade away, and I just hear him. I want to learn more, so after we leave, I do. Our voices blend into the summer evening as we walk around the corner to this little spot I love.
The Planning
No need to do all the planning yourself. Here are the highlights, though always double check!
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for... | ✔ First date ✔ A few dates in ✔ Steady couple |
| Seasons | Runs year-round |
| Typical Hours | Closed Mondays. Open Tues-Thurs: 5-9:30pm, Fri: 5pm - midnight, Sat: 12:30pm - midnight, Sun: 11am - 9:30pm. If you're under 21, you can only enter the venue on Sundays before 6pm. |
| Duration | ~45 min for the game plus time to grab food or a drink there, if you'd like. |
| Cost | $20 per person for nine holes. If you want to get drinks, consider getting the couple set which includes 2 rounds of golf and 2 drinks for $45. Each drink is valued at $14. |
| Booking | Book your time slot here. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early. |
| Website | |
| Address | 1330 19th St NW Washington, DC 20036 |
| Transportation | Street parking available but likely hard to find. Recommend Rideshare, metro, or biking. The closest metro is Dupont Circle and the nearest Capitol Bikeshare station is on 20th St NW and O St NW. |
| To Bring | Valid photo ID since this is a 21+ venue. If you are under 21, you can come to Swingers before 6pm on Sundays. |
| Contact Info | Email Dupontinfo@swingers.club for any questions. You can also visit their FAQs page for additional information. |
| Special Features | Additional packages available at check out include the brunch set ($59 for unlimited golf and drinks for 1.5 hours plus food up to $20 and dessert at a table reserved for 1.5 hours before your game) and jet set ($89 for a round of golf, 4 drink tickets, food and dessert, and a reserved table for 1.5 hours prior to your game. |
| Cancellation Policy | Tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable. However, if your booking is in over 48 hours, you can switch your reservation to another date. For date transfers, email Dupontinfo@swingers.club. |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair friendly. Contact Dupontinfo@swingers.club ahead of your visit so they can make sure you have a time slot for the wheelchair accessible course. |
The Post-Date Options
If you want to keep the date going, we have a cheat sheet to guide you to your next destination. You can visit these places before your date, too. Make this list your own. The map shows Swingers (purple), as well as post-date options (green) in one place. Before you go, though, always check opening times in case something’s changed.
- Kramers (5 min walk): Since 1976, this DC institution has been an iconic bookstore, event space for comedy, music, and more, and an award-winning restaurant. Explore your date’s cerebral side before savoring some of the neighborhood’s most delectable flavors. Vegan options are available. Open Mon-Sat: 8pm – 10pm, Sun: 8am – 9pm.
- The Pembroke (5 min walk): The stunning 1950s-inspired interior elevates the sophisticated American cuisine with international twists. Sink into the soft velvet seating and pick up your glass from the marble-toped tables of the seasonal terrace as you take in the local bustle. Reservations recommended. Open Mon-Fri: 7 – 11am, 11:30am – 2pm, 5:30 – 10pm; Sat: 7 – 9am, 9:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30 – 10pm; Sun: 7 – 9am, 9:30am – 2:30pm.
- Residents Cafe & Bar (5 min walk): The name pays homage to the founder’s immigrant roots and appreciation to be a DC resident. From curated house music playlists to the gorgeous surrounding greenery, you’ll have a multi-sensory experience here. The simple menu bursts with flavors from burgers to Turkish breakfast classics. Note: All checks have an automatic 20% gratuity, 18% of which goes to service workers. Closed Mondays. Open Tues – Wed: 5 – 10pm, Thurs: 5 – 11pm, Fri: 5pm – 12am, Sat: 11am – 12am, Sun: 11am – 9pm.
- Manifest’s Out of Office (16 min walk): This hip and airy barbershop holds a secret. Ascend the stairs through the glass door to discover the brooding speakeasy hidden within. The cocktail only establishment gains inspiration from the worldly travels of the owners while they’re out of office. This popular spot is reservation only so book in advance! Reservations available Wed – Sat: 5 – 10pm, bar open till 1am.
- Iron Gate (17 min walk): Built in 1875, this DC favorite has a fascinating story. The long carriageway and intricate iron work honor the building’s origin as a horse stable. In 1923, the space transformed again into a tearoom. Today, enjoy its blended history and award-winning cuisine from their internal garden adorned with grape vines and wisteria. The menu is a smart mix of Greek, Italian, and Mid-Atlantic inspirations you won’t want to miss. Vegan options are available. Reservation recommended. Open Mon: 5:30 – 10pm, Tues-Thurs: 11:30am – 2pm, 5:30 – 10pm, Fri: 11:30am – 2pm, 5:30 – 11pm, Sat: 11am – 2pm, 5:30 – 11pm, Sun: 11am – 2pm, 5:30 – 9pm.
I love mini golf so this is right up my alley. I saw one of these at the Navy yard but I never got the chance to go before they closed it down. I never knew they had a 2nd location, thanks!!