Enjoy a delightful date at tranquil gardens brimming with lilies, lotus flowers, and a host of other splendid wildlife.
The Background
The Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens has welcomed visitors since Congress purchased the land for $15,000 back in 1938. A photographer’s dream, this national park is a hotspot for birdwatching, strolls through its multiple water fields, picnics, and even a relaxing nap. No matter what you do, you’ll enjoy the gorgeous, peaceful ambiance.
The Standout Features
There’s so many reasons you’ll “lily” love this date:
- Relaxing – This quiet, uncrowded nature place is perfect for slowing down and learning about your plus one. Grab a spot, enjoy a chat, and let the stress melt away.
- Intimate Setting – You might think you’re in an English fairytale as you peruse the park landscapes. Bridgerton, eat your heart out.
- Price – Yes for free dates.
- Versatile – You can dress this day up or down. Pack a picnic for added romance or bike the adjoining trails for an extra workout. First date? Customize your garden walk duration as needed.
The Experience
Date Lead Up - Discovering the Garden
When I exit my car, I’m struck by the quiet. Living in the city, I didn’t realize how much noise fills my day. Relaxation is immediate and puts me in the right headspace for my date. Soon, I spot my plus one in the parking lot. After greeting each other, we walk under a canopy of trees towards the park.
Date Main Event - The Promenade
When we exit the trees, we’re transported into a Claude Monet painting. Our first stop is the quaint Visitor’s Center, offering fun nature facts and a cute gift shop. Afterwards, we wind through the garden paths, lost in conversation. There’s hardly anyone else there. As we walk, he offers me his arm and I transform into a well-to-do 1800s Englishwoman finding a proper suitor.
Whites and purples pop out from thick leaves in every direction. As we pass a shaded picnic table, we agree to bring lunch next time. Every year in mid-July, the park hosts its Lotus and Water Lily Festival at the height of blooming season. We’ll be sure to attend.
Then, we come across a boardwalk overlooking extensive fields. We enjoy the view before moving deeper into the gardens. At a trailhead, we rest on a nearby bench. Soon after, a cyclist insists on taking a photo of “such a lovely couple”. After capturing the moment, we continue.
Date Wrap Up - Taking in the Views
Back towards the entrance, we sit in two red lawn chairs facing a stunning view of vibrant greens. While we talk, I can’t recall being this relaxed. We check the time and I’m surprised how the minutes have flown. We grab our possessions and stroll under the tree canopy to the parking lot. Once in my car, I sink into my seat like I just got a massage. After a minute, I put it in drive and head to our next location.
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 | Open every day of the week from 8am to 4pm Only closed on January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25 Hours are longer during the Lotus and Lily Festival in mid-to-late July (check the website for more details) |
| When to Go | |
| Duration | ~1 hour to walk through the park's 2.6 mile trails. Add more time for a picnic or if you'll sit down to talk for a while. |
| Cost | Free, no reservation required |
| Website | |
| Address | 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE Washington, DC 20019 |
| Transportation | Plenty of free parking is available on site. The nearest metro stop is Deanwood Station on the Orange Line (13 min walk to park). Sections of the path from the metro may not be ideal for walking so if you can, consider driving ridesharing. |
| Attire | Ground may be muddy so recommend shoes you don't mind getting a bit dirty. The mostly flat walk is not strenuous so athletic attire or hiking shoes are not necessary. Wear what's comfortable. |
| To Bring | Consider packing a lunch, snacks, and/or drinks. There are a few spots to sit at a table or on chairs. Don't recommend sitting on the ground since you will likely block the walking path for others. |
| Contact Information | Phone: (202) 692-6080 Email: Use the Contact Form |
| Accessibility | Site is wheelchair friendly |
The Pre- and Post-Date Options
Are feelings not done blooming? Instead of ending the date, let’s keep it going! If you need it, here’s a cheat sheet to guide you to your next destination. The map shows the gardens (purple) and post-date options (green) in one place, just for you. Before you go, though, always double check opening times in case something’s changed.
- Hike the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail – Hugging the Anacostia River from Bladensburg to the Navy Yard, this easy, flat, paved path is perfect for a stroll or a light bike ride. To find the trail, head to the far right when you enter the park and you’ll see a trail sign (look at the above map for the trail location too). Keep going and you’ll see a sign with various destinations to:
- Bladensburg Waterfront Pk MD – 1.7 miles
- Anacostia Park – 4.5 miles
- Historic Anacostia – 6.1 miles
- Kingman Island – 3.3 miles
- RFK Stadium – 4.4 miles
- Navy Yard – 6 miles
- National Bonsai & Penjing Museum (13 min drive): Keep the gardens theme going at the world’s first bonsai museum. It’s gorgeous, free and you don’t need tickets so if you want to extend the date last minute, this one’s a clear winner. Open every day from 10am – 4pm except for on federal holidays.
- Picnic at the National Arboretum (15 min drive): Voted one of the prettiest places to picnic in DC by the Washington Post, this is a showstopping finish to the date. Find tables close to the National Capitol Columns or at the Grove of State Trees (both on Google Maps). Free, no reservation needed, and alcohol is not permitted. Open daily from 8am – 5pm. Closed on Christmas.
- Ivy City Smokehouse (15 min drive): Enjoy hand-smoked seafood, American classics, and other fresh dishes at Ivy City’s first restaurant. Whether you’re savoring a drink on their outdoor patio or catching one of their concerts, you’ll love it here. Plus, it’s been a Michelin restaurant every year since 2018 but maintains reasonable prices?! Yes, please!