It’s springtime in the nation’s capital. Imagining all those cherry blossoms in bloom yet?
Spring is one of the best times to visit Washington, and it’s not just because of its world-famous National Cherry Blossom Festival. The blossoms peaked in late March, but the festival runs through April 17 for those looking for a definitive DC spring experience.
But the rest of the district blooms as well every spring, offering a seasonal calendar full of events and one-of-a-kind fun. You won’t want to miss any of it.
First: Where to Stay?
While taking in these springtime sights, these are the Top 3 recommendations for staying in the DC area:
The Comfort Inn Washington, DC
Check into family friendly The Comfort Inn Washington, DC. This is a modern hotel that makes the following attractions easily walkable, and you’re just a few minutes from the National Mall, as well as Capitol, the White House, and Washington Monument.
The Comfort Inn Washington, DC features amenities like the full hot breakfast buffet, business center with free Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, and more. The Comfort Inn Washington, DC is located near subway stations and close to a wide variety of restaurants. The Comfort Inn Washington, DC is very accessible and places you right in the center of excellent entertainment and dining options.
Holiday Inn Express Hyattsville, MD
Holiday Inn Express in Hyattsville, MD is a great pick for checking out the spring beauty of DC. It’s only a 5-minute Uber from the White House, Capitol, and other attractions. The hotel is also close to the airport. The Holiday Inn Express in Hyattsville, MD offers complimentary onsite parking, a kitchenette, business center, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free access to laundry facilities, and a fitness center on the premises.
Home2 Suites Owings Mills, MD
Home2 Suites in Owings Mills, MD is another top pick, especially for those looking for exciting dining options and nightlife. Only a short walk from Metro Centre at Owings Mills, guests can easily take in all the Maryland and DC food scene has to offer. Home2 Suites is pet friendly and provides amenities such as free Wi-Fi, in-suite kitchens, Spin2 Cycle fitness, free hot breakfast, an indoor heated pool, and access to a business center.
Home2 Suites in Owings Mills, MD is also pet-friendly and near enough to Baltimore, MD, to make an easy day trip to this historic city.
Check Out Some Picasso Masterpieces
The first D.C. exhibition in 25 years in D.C. to focus on Pablo Picasso’s early works, “Picasso: Painting the Blue Period” is a groundbreaking look at a world-icon artist forging his legendary identity. It runs through June 12 at the Phillips Collection.
Celebrate Spring at the Anacostia River Festival
Yes, it’s part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, but the Anacostia River Festival has an identity all its own. There’s a bit of everything at the April 10 event, including live music, drum lines., fishing, and canoeing all at the site of the future 11th Street Bridge Park.
Hit Up a Bike Trail
Compact and crowded D.C. may seem like a difficult place for bicyclists, but it’s an underrated biking spot. Spring is a great time to enjoy some of Washington’s picturesque bike trails, including the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail from foggy Bottom to George Washington’s home and the 11-mile Capital Crescent Trail between Georgetown and Bethesda.
Take Yourself Out to the Ballgame
The one-time World Series champion Washington Nationals kick off a delayed season with Opening Day on April 7 at home versus the Mets. Nationals Park is gorgeous and easily accessible via the Washington Metro.
The rewards include great sports, good food, and special events throughout the season like a Stephen Strasburg bobblehead giveaway on April 8.
Raise a Glass at the DC Wine Fest
The popular annual event, held April 23 at the Long View Gallery is one of the best ways to sample the goods from local wineries like District Winery while taking in live music and great pieces of art. Wine-lovers can also get their fill at June’s Vintage Virginia Wine Festival
Stop and Smell the Roses at the Botanic Garden
It’s easy to ignore the United States Botanic Garden when you’re on the National Mall. It’s a bit out of the way and lost in the mix of the tourist-heavy Smithsonian museums. It’s worth finding it.
The United States’ oldest botanic garden features 10 gardens rooms, and two courtyard gardens just in its 30,000-square-foot Conservatory greenhouse alone. Bonus: It’s open every single day year-round.
Or see the White House Gardens
White House Garden tours in the spring are held for just one weekend in April, so it’s a coveted ticket. Visitors can explore the famous Jacqueline Kennedy Garden and Rose Garden, as well as the White House Kitchen Garden and the Children’s Garden.
It’s a gorgeous history lesson of the White House residents told through the plants they left behind.
Go Around the World Through Passport DC
As a center of global politics, Washington is excitingly cosmopolitan with a distinctive energy. The district’s international culture can be intimately explored in May’s monthlong Passport DC program featuring tours of over 70 world embassies and over 100 special events, including cultural performances, street festivals, and exhibitions.
One big highlight is the National Cathedral Flower Mart from May 3-4, which includes a floral exhibit, children’s activities, and local vendors.
Honor Harriet Tubman
As we wait for abolitionist icon Harriet Tubman to appear on the $20 bill, DC is celebrating her 200th birthday with events and displays at numerous attractions and museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where her hymnal, handkerchief, and a shawl that was a gift to Tubman from Queen Victoria are all on view.
Tubman is even featured prominently at the International Spy Museum now at L’Enfant Plaza, where you can learn about Tubman’s role in a Union Army raid during the Civil War.
Pay Respects to the U.S. Military
The country’s largest Memorial Day parade is a sight to behold. Honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom by taking in this three-hour parade on May 30, with a route packed with 10,000 participants, including marching bands and veterans from almost every major modern conflict.
It’s also worth celebrating the fact that the parade is being held at all. It’s returning to D.C. for the first time since 2019.
