Dreaming of a DC getaway? Stop dreaming and start planning your visit in the spring! There’s never a bad time to visit our nation’s capital but with warmer weather, fresh flowers, and fun events and activities, the spring is an ideal time to plan your trip.
Here are 8 reasons you should visit Washington, DC in the spring:
See the blooming cherry blossoms
DC is home to more than 3,000 cherry blossom trees that bloom in the springtime and there’s even a National Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the occasion! Running March 20 – April 15, the festival highlights American and Japanese cultures with a variety of events and celebrations. The trees were gifted to us back in 1912 by Tokyo’s Mayor, Yukio Ozaki.
The National Park Service and officials from the National Cherry Blossom Festival are predicting that the peak for the blooms is around March 27.
For the best spots to photograph the blossoms, simply walk along the banks of the Tidal Basin for some neat shots. As you walk around, be sure to stop at the Japanese Lantern as this stone lantern is an important part of the festival. Each year, it’s lit by the Cherry Blossom Princess on behalf of the Embassy of Japan. It also has a twin that’s in a temple in Tokyo. Some other popular cherry blossom photography spots include the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the U.S. National Arboretum, and by sitting on the steps at the Jefferson Memorial.
While snapping your Insta-worthy pics, keep in mind that we need to do our part to respect this beautiful, natural display. While respecting nature, we should also respect the law as it’s also illegal to pick the cherry blossoms.
Beat the crowds
Though there will be an influx of visitors to see the blooming blossoms, typically spring has less traveler traffic than the summer months when families are planning on sightseeing in the capital. Enjoy fewer crowds and shorter wait times for certain tours.
Attend DC beer and wine festivals
Coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day is DC’s Clover Beer Festival on March 17! Enjoy Irish beers, both regular and that of the green variety, and ciders and complement them with brats and other traditional fare from the food vendors. Show off your moves on the dance floor – there’s plenty of liquid courage available if you need an incentive to join in on an Irish jig – or enjoy the other live entertainment at the festival.
Your admission ticket includes unlimited beer pours, craft brewery tastings, and access to the food trucks, lawn games, and the market. The festival runs from 1 – 5 p.m.
If your drink of choice is in the white, pink, or red category, opt to attend the Spring Wine Fling, March 26 – April 1. Visit select restaurants and bars and take your tastebuds on a tour round the world with specialty wine flights. $15 gets you three and $25 gets you five wines in your flight.
Celebrate the nation’s favorite pastime in the nation’s capital
Cheer on the Nationals at a home game! Even if you’re not the biggest baseball fan, you’ll easily become a fan of the food at the stadium! Who can resist a DC hot dog, a salted pretzel, and a good, old American beer? Be sure to stay in your seat during the fourth inning to catch the Presidents Race where Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt compete in a footrace.
Attend the theater
Take it old school with a classic date night of dinner and a show with the great theater and stage productions in the spring. Whether you catch Chicago, running March 10 – April 7, or In the Heights March 21 – 25, or seeing the New York City Ballet, March 27 – April 1, all at the Kennedy Center.
Grab your passport
Tour the world without leaving DC during Passport DC on May 5 and May 12. Select embassies offer free entry from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where you can learn more about each country with cultural activities, food tastings, fashion shows, and seeing traditional dances and art on display.
May 5 – Around the World Embassy Tour: Brazil, Australia, Nepal, and the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center
May 12 – European Union Open House: Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, the UK, and more
Check out a DC rooftop bar
Enjoy great views of the city and a great cocktail at a rooftop bar. After being cooped up all winter, it’s time to get some Vitamin D while checking out the fantastic local bar scene in DC. For great views of Dupont Circle, check out the Rooftop at the Embassy Row Hotel, for great Japanese sake and whiskey and an extensive wine list, hit Perry’s in the Adams-Morgan neighborhood, or surround yourself with monuments at POV Rooftop Lounge and Terrace for a a great night out in DC.
Get active outside
Stay active on your DC getaway and fit in with the locals as you explore the various running trails or take part in the waterfront activities. Rent a kayak, stand up paddle board, or go on a boat tour or hop in a pedal boat around the Tidal Basin this spring.
