Want to pretend you are in a foreign land for a few minutes? Seek out the Spanish Steps, in Kalorama. A peaceful hidden gem with European vibes, providing a romantic spot and scenic view. A fountain sits amidst the steps. Pros: Accessibility: Nestled in Kalorama, but walk-able distance to the West End neighborhood, as well as Georgetown. Once you climb the stairs, you get a beautiful view of Dupont Circle. Views: A great place to watch the sunset, or sunrise over Dupont. The mix of the brick and cobblestone on the street, contrasted with the stone stairs, gives the area an old and beautiful European flair. I think this would be a great (and not cheesy or basic) spot for DC wedding, prom, brides-party, or engagement pictures. I have gotten the best picture lighting here in the "golden/sunset" evening hours between 5-8 depending on the season. Not busy: This spot is a bit hidden, and not super touristy, which adds to its charm. Never super busy, it truly is a great place to "get-away" from the busyness of the city. Dog friendly: My pups enjoy walking up and down the steps on their daily walks. They seem to enjoy sitting at the top and looking at the view as well (at least I tell myself they enjoy it as much as me!) A dog friendly spot! Decently maintained: The stairs and surrounding area seem well-maintained overall, and not in decay. Some small chips of stone, but overall, in good condition. I am glad that this spot is being preserved and cared for! Shady: The Spanish Steps make a great spot to read a book or to cool down after a run through DC. Also would be a nice place to have a relaxing lunch. The steps are surrounded by big trees, which provide shade, and the fountain has a cooling effect. Cons: Water sometimes a bit dirty: Not disgustingly so, but water is sometimes a bit dirty in appearance, though I think this would be hard to manage. My pups still try to drink it when I walk them by the fountain, so they seem A-OK with it! Other: Once you reach the top of the stairs, there are some markers indicating the history. Below the staircase, on the street, there are additional historical markers with text about the neighborhood, as well as with information on some of the noteworthy individuals represented in statues at nearby embassies. read more

Spanish Steps - View from lower spanish steps facing towards Dupont. Such a peaceful place! - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The first time I saw the Spanish Steps I was underwhelmed. Over the years I have learned to appreciate them. In the winter time you can walk by and not notice them at all but come summer they get lots of visitors. Weddings, Quinceañeras, glamour shots - it's a great back drop. I see lots of couples, holding hands, having tender moments. However I must warn you the mosquitoes are bad in the summer. Maybe it's just me, they seem to fancy my blood. Other than that it's the tops! Just this morning (April) I saw a crew working on beautifying it. They do an amazing job. If you're in the area stop by you'll be glad you did. read more

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The Spanish Steps is a slice of Europe in the middle of DC. They are several layers of stone steps connect Dupont Circle with Kalorama. There's a fountain half way up the steps and a brochure that speaks to its history at the very top. Once at the top, it's a beautiful view of Dupont Circle. Fun fact: The city does not maintain the Spanish Steps, the community does. The neighborhood pays for its upkeep and preservation. Thanks, Kalorama! read more

Spanish Steps - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The Spanish Steps is the most romantic spot in DC, tucked away in Kalorama, perfectly shaded by lots of trees and pretty flowers. I came last night to try to take some night shots of the city but I think I may have better luck taking photos during the day. The orange street lamps made it hard to get a good picture. The steps lead to ... yes, a parking lot, but I still found it to be a gem of the city. As mentioned by other reviewers, very very romantic - especially at night. I will admit that the thought crossed my mind that it's totally the perfect spot for uhh, making out with someone. In addition, the "photographer" in me also thought that this would be a GREAT place for wedding photos! The couple could stand in the center and wedding party people could be on the stairs as they wind up. Obviously I've given this too much thought as I sat there by the fountain. Despite my failed attempt at night pictures here, the Spanish Steps of DC is a fantastic spot of the city that I know I will visit again. Maybe to take more pictures during the day or to bring a *cough* friend here. :-) read more

This place is definitely one of the many hidden gems in DC. Quiet and subtle, you'd almost disregard its existence if you were in a rush. I took my girlfriend here to wind down after a hard day's work and a now religious visit to Tangysweet. We had emptied our cups and just sat on the top of the steps, watching the bikers and the children pass by as we talked and laughed. The only thing I didn't like about the steps was that it lead to a parking lot. It was very anticlimactic when we first got there. I hear there used to be an 18th century manor house called Kalorama at the top of the steps before it got demolished http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/information2546/information_show.htm?doc_id=222461 Despite that, the Spanish Steps is a romantic little place that I will visit again. After all, if my girlfriend likes it, then it definitely deserves recognition as a romantic getaway. read more

Spanish Steps - Very romantic - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Tucked away in Kalorama, there's a certain charm to the Spanish Steps that really add to the already unique attributes of Washington, DC. I'm a sucker for little urban getaways from the hectic hustle-and-bustle of any city or business-filled area! While I don't necessarily recommend tourists to jump at the chance to come here (since DC is basically a mecca of so much history and so much to see/do), if you're in the area or local to the area - it's definitely worth your time to stop by if you have not made your way here already that is! It's a nice place to sit, relax, read a good book, and just getaway from your everyday troubles and stress. During my time working in the nearby neighborhoods, on pretty days I would stop by and spend my lunch hour here. While YES it is part of a cut de sac and are literally "just steps" to some people I can see how many view this spot as romantic and have photo shoots or even their wedding ceremonies here. Thought it can be hard to find at first depending on what direction you're coming from, I have no regrets of finding and visiting this spot. Overall not bad if you have the time, but if you're short on time and only in the DC area briefly I wouldn't put the Spanish Steps at the tippity top of your list. read more

Neat little spot in Kalorama that you would not know about unless 1. you were looking for it or 2. someone that already knew about it told you first. We watched the 4th of July fireworks from here last year and had an amazing view with very minor crowding. It is about 15 minutes from the DuPont Circle read more

They're steps. I'm rating steps, yeah? Okay. So this place is pretty neat. A bit random to find on Yelp when looking for urban parks, but this is what my search spit out and decided to go on a random rendezvous here. I came in the middle of a Sunday cold afternoon alone. Sorry, no romantic story to follow, but it was worth driving to. I sat on the steps for a solid 15 minutes watching pedestrians go by doing what they do. It is a nice place to come and reflect. I had a sense of 'letting go'. When a place allows me to get lost in my thoughts then I know I've found tranquility. I don't find that too often in this business city. It is a fairly basic structure. Steps lined with flower beds and a fountain. Obviously no flowers on this visit, but next time around I hope to see them when it warms up. read more

I was definitely expecting something a little grander. The Spanish steps are just that -- a series of steps, overlooking a nice neighborhood. I think there may usually be a small waterfall/cascade, but it was not in operation when I was there. There are a bunch of embassies nearby and its decently close to the busy Connecticut Ave. It seems like a hidden gem for some, but I wasn't particularly enthralled. read more

Spanish Steps - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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If you're trying to weave through side streets in your car, finding this bit of street replaced by a set of finely sculpted stairs is going to be a disappointment. If you're looking for an attraction to see, you'll find very little. It's not a park, nothing of that nature. Just steps. I wouldn't call a spot this exposed particularly romantic, either. If you're walking through the neighborhood, you might as well walk these. They're also a nice photo op for tourists. But there's nothing exciting going on here. read more

Definitely a bit anti-climatic.... but a nice bit of character in the city. It's worth a stop while on a walkabout in the city, but not worth a detour. Recommend. read more

Spanish Steps - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

If you happen to be in the area of these steps, they're not a bad place to stop - the steps are quite shady and a potentially good place to relax. However, I went out of my way at the recommendation of a friend to see these and that felt like a mistake. They weren't super easy to find and aren't super impressive to view. I guess it's one of those things where I needed to manage my expectations better. read more

Meditate here! This place gave me inspirations to write deep thoughts, made me feel very tranquil. read more

What a romantic little hidden part of the city, I'm so surprised there's only two reviews. I've wanted to experience this place for myself. What a fantastic view! Located on top of hill and looking down towards the rest of the city, it lends itself to an "almost-San Fransisco" vibe with how steep it looks. We came here during the day and noticed small group of people taking some photos (perfect picture place) and having fun with their dog in the shade next to the fountain (which wasn't turned on, I'm assuming because it's still technically winter), and the boy mentioned its a great place for running. I bet it's even more beautiful at night when the city is lit up. This is now on my list to take visitors to show them just gorgeous D.C. can be. read more

Sublime. An Ideal place for Kissing someone you like any night of the year. read more

"Is this seriously it?" This phrase was uttered somewhere between 20 and 25 times by yours truly. I had been meaning to check this place out for months and finally got around to it the other day. Seriously, the steps themselves are nice, but there are only like 15-20 steps and they're not even the least bit grand. I'm only giving it two stars because the fountain was off when I was there, so I can maybe see it being a nice place to sit in the summer and, as one previous reviewer mentioned, eat frozen yogurt from TangySweet. Other than that, there's nothing scenic at the top of the stairs, and the view toward downtown is just of plain old 22nd Street - there are better street views (and pictures) to be had by standing at the corner of R Street and 30th Street near Dumbarton Oaks and looking down the hill toward the riverfront. To be honest, there are many more scenic and romantic places in DC (Dumbarton Oaks or Meridian Hill Park, anyone?) - the Spanish Steps are a nice little embellishment on an otherwise boring alley, but that's really all they are. read more

The Spanish Steps are a little gem tucked away in Kalorama As others have noted, the area is peaceful, tranquil, quiet, and charming It's also a great place to be romantic I may have heard of some people gettin their freak on in the park late niteI I can't confirm anything, but it'd be a great spot to take a lady and seduce her bom chicka wah wah read more

I stumbled across these on tripadvisor when I was looking for things to do/see in DC. It was one of those things where if I found them, great, if not, oh well. We were on our way to the Woodrow Wilson house (highly recommend it) and found these. Had to stop and take pics. They look a lot more imposing in pic than they really are. There are only 33 steps. It would be nice if someone would keep them cleaned up. There were still leaves on them from last fall, but overall I'm glad I saw them. read more

Spanish Steps - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Beautiful spot in my favorite neighborhood in the city. Leafy, cobblestone streets, embassies and grand homes, many historic. Romantic spot that is also fabulous for doing handstands and sharing conversation that requires a peaceful setting. A magical place that feels far removed from city living. A couple of blocks from another favorite place, the Textile Museum. read more

Spanish Steps - Handstanding on the Spanish Steps - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I had heard about the Spanish Steps and made it a point to go find them. I think my expectations were too high. While they weren't a disappointment, I was glad I hadn't gone too far out of my way to seek them out. Essentially a small side street leads to the stairs which encircle a fountain, then connecting to the street above. Either side of the stairs and street are landscaped, however, there was a lot of litter in the gardens. It was a busy place when I visited. Dogs, tourists, walkers, runners. Perhaps at night it is more serene and the view from the top more spectacular. As it was, all I could really see was the view down the street and a few tall buildings in the distance. The surrounding area is lovely, chockful of embassies and grand residences, and perfect for an afternoon or evening stroll. read more

3.5 stars. If you are in the area and want some peace, by all means, go. I like it enough, but for sure do not go out of your way. Maybe include it on a run or change your route if you are WALKING from Point A to point B and the steps happen to be somewhere near that route and inbetween those points. I like the quiet streets around the steps, a-ok to me. read more

The steps, with their a lion's mouth-spout fountain, are beautiful and I imagine them in a European secret garden. The vantage point from the top of the steps could easily be in San Francisco. Great public architectural gem. While I wouldn't call this spot the most romantic in DC, it's a great place to for a quick visit. The surrounding neighborhood, Kalorama, is worth visiting even without the steps. Head down R street and check out the smaller embassies, wander down smaller residential streets and take a look at the rich, historical architecture. This is one of the DC spots that will make you say "I want to live here!". read more

LOVE THIS place. Has enough shade for a little picnic during lunch time. It is always well kept and clean. At night, it is a great location for a romantic talk ;) Well kept away from all the crazy buildings, it is surrounded with beautiful architectures, trees, flowers, and little birdies~ A great and close-by get away location from your office. Take a break. read more

Probably my favorite spot in all of DC - small but evoking much delight. I think of it as a sort of classical pagan altar, a place for contemplation and praise of earth, water, and sunshine. The fountain is simple, just a stream of water that flows from the stone lion's mouth into a small pool. Many an urban dog has enjoyed stopping here to cool off on a walk. Once I came here to find a woman in a white dress sitting on pillow and "formally" meditating, which seemed entirely appropriate to me. Often there are lovers, and other people from the neighborhood who come by to take a pause. I believe the folks who care for nearby Mitchell Park also care for the Spanish Steps, but the maintenance is on-again-off-again and there are times when it seems quite neglected. Usually there are fresh plantings in the spring, but often the water isn't turned on until long after the warm weather arrives, if at all. Many leaves fall into the pool and decompose and clog the drain. In high summer, wear mosquito spray if you'll be stopping to sit. And oh yes, it IS romantic. The Steps are a special place for me, so I brought my guy here on our first date for some smooching. That was four years ago, and we're still together and very happy. read more

The Spanish Steps are basically a cul de sac at the edge of a hill in the city. They don't really have a view. They don't have that much charm. Only in DC does a set of steps have this much hype. These are NOT worth going out of your way to visit. However there is a cute park nearby at the top of the steps (down the block and across the street). read more

Ohh Spanish steps, Spanish steps! I don't know if I'm not appreciating you because I live close and pass by everyday... Or maybe I don't have a good taste when it comes to stairs! I personally think there is nothing special about this place! They are just steps! Yes it's kinda pretty to pass by but definitely not a romantic spot!!!! there is absolutely nothing romantic about it.. You'll be very disappointed if you bring a date to these overrated steps! So don't do it!! On the pictures looks prettier than reality. (Pictures are deceiving) There are houses, embassies and street parking... Maybe that what makes it romantic! During fall/winter season looks dirty and during summertime if you just pass by there are tones of Mosquitos awaiting for you.. I pass by everyday... I've never seen any activities such as yoga, playing a guitar or just having lunch break there! So, I believe it's overrated! And that's why I'm giving it two stars read more

This place might just be a bit overrated. I made it a point to run past it this week...and when I came upon it, I said to myself: "that's it?" It's stairs. Stairs that lead you from one street to another. I guess it's cool, but there would be no way in hell that I'd go out of my way to see them. read more

This is a really nice spot, but don't trouble yourself to get here unless you're in the area.

Quaint, little spot north of Dupont. Not overly grand in size, but romantic.

It's a charming little spot in the city. And I've got a soft spot in my heart for it because I took my love there on the first date I had planned, after a play at Journeyman theater. It's a little tucked away, and if you're a romantic softie like me, you'll like it as much as I do. :-) read more

The Spanish Steps are a great place to workout, relax and read a book or just pass from Kalorama to Dupont.

I was searching for photo spots in DC and came across this entry. I was scrolling through the comments and felt the need to reply. I have not yet seen the stairs, but I can tell you - me being from Rome (Italy) - I believe these steps were an attempt at a replica of the Spanish Steps in Rome. Now while I agree that the view looking down (or up) from the steps does not compare to the one in Rome, it's a pretty decent - and pretty - replica. I will come and add more once I've visited them. read more

I would have given this place 5 stars...if it wasn't under construction/renovation when we got there! I planned a nice romantic walk with my boyfriend last night and I knew he had never been there. He followed me blindly to this little neighborhood gem and when we got there I was so sad to see all of the yellow tape and fences and signs! But...even though you can't go down the actual steps, the view is still lovely from the very top and it is definitely still romantic. In fact, it was inspiring enough for my boyfriend to decide it was the perfect setting to drop those 3 little words for the first time....pretty epic. ;) So it's still a special place and I will return when it's been restored to its original grandeur! (Though I don't know when that will be....) NOTE: Be careful there at night - I almost stepped into a 2 foot hole in the concrete that isn't very noticeable in the shadows. read more

I was married during the government shut down and my original location for pictures was closed. Spanish steps was my second choice but I loved taking them there. It's secluded and beautiful. A wonderful hidden gem read more

Great romantic little spot. Get in line for your turn to make out on the bench in front of the fountain at the top of the steps