Timeline
15:10
Grab a sacher torte or a 'Nixon donut' at Watergate Pastry. The pastries are excellent, and the shop is a short walk from the Kennedy Center, giving you time to wander into the Watergate Hotel area before the main event.
16:25
Head to Sequoia for a drink or light bite. With outdoor seating right on Washington Harbour, you can watch the light fade over the Potomac and the Kennedy Center from across the water. It is a popular spot to see and be seen, so expect a lively atmosphere.
17:10
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Position yourself at the Kennedy Center’s waterfront edge. At sunset, the sun sets toward the WSW, offering a dramatic view of the light reflecting off the river and the iconic building itself. This is the national cultural center, so the architecture and setting are part of the experience.
17:55
End the evening at Fiola Mare. This seafood restaurant is near the waterfront and offers a fashionable dinner option after the sunset. It is a great place to transition from the public spectacle of the sunset to a more intimate, high-end dining experience.
Local tip
Sequoia is best for views, but it can get crowded. If you want a quieter moment, Watergate Pastry is a quick stop before you head to the harbor. Remember that sunset times shift, so check the exact time for your date.
Check before you go
- Watergate Pastry closes at 19:00 on weekdays and 17:00 on Saturdays. For a January sunset at 17:10, you must visit before 15:30 to have enough time before sunset.
- Sequoia is open until 22:00 on weekdays and 00:30 on weekends.
- Fiola Mare is open for dinner from 21:30 on Mondays, 22:00 on Tuesdays-Thursdays, 22:30 on Fridays-Saturdays, and 21:30 on Sundays.
Worth knowing
- Watergate Pastry is open at 15:10 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
- Sequoia is open at 16:25 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Washington, D.C. (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).