What is it like visiting DC in the spring? Well, if you come during cherry blossom season – crowded. And while the weather can be a bit unpredictable, spring can be a great time to visit DC. DC is one of those cities that is perfect to visit any time of year just because there is always so much to see and to do. Here are some of my favorite things about spring in Washington, DC.
I love DC in the spring (cherry blossoms included) because there are so many fantastic places to visit and see that really open up and bring the city to life! Living here means I get the chance to do the touristy things (yes some of them are on this list) and the non-touristy things all the locals love too. I’ve done everything on my list here and even asked a few friends if I forgot anything so I would have a super list.
Explore Cultures during Around the World with Passport DC
Free
May is Around the World by Passport DC. Embassies host free events throughout the month of May, and they are so much fun. Each weekend, there’s a different theme, and they are FREE.
If you are a local here in DC, you know embassies regularly hold events, but they are hardly ever free to the public so this time of year is particularly special.
You can experience a variety of cultural activities, such as petting alpacas, playing with robots, and learning indigenous dances. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore different countries and their traditions!
Stay up to date on participating embassies and events on Passport DC’s website.
Walk through Azaeleas and Picnic in the National Arboretum
Free
The National Arboretum is somewhat of a hidden gem in DC. Far less visited since it’s off in NE DC, you’ll skip out on massive crowds here.
This massive botanical garden is beautiful year-round, but especially during spring! There are cherry blossoms here (and this is a great place to see them in spring, too), but I love the azalea season here! You’ll find the azaelea’s collection on the slopes of Mount Hamilton within the gardens. The former director of the Arboretum, Benjamin Y. Morrison, bred the modern azalea we know and love today. There are thousands of these bushes!
Park in the Administration Building or M Street parking lots and access the collection by walking a short distance to one of the entrances. Wear good walking shoes and bring a picnic for before or after. There’s a huge area perfect for picnicking right near the azalea trails.
Peak bloom for azaleas can vary by two weeks or more depending on the weather, but usually occurs around the end of April. The earliest peak date reported in the last decade was April 15; the latest was May 4.
Learn more on the National Arboretum’s website.
Explore the Gardens at River Farm
Free
Once part of George Washington’s farmland, River Farm is now a beautiful property along the Potomac in Alexandria, home to the American Horticultural Society. This means the gardens are stunning, and the historic home adds to this area’s charm!
River Farm hosts several spring events, but you can also just stop by during their open hours to enjoy the views and walk through the gardens. As a bonus, it’s dog-friendly!
Pro-tip: They host a lot of private events, and some of the events are open to the public. Check their website before visiting so you don’t show up when they are closed!
Walk Beautiful Gardens or the Mall
Free
Walk the monuments, National Arboretum, Rock Creek Park, or other gardens in the evening for free.
With the cooler temperatures and beautiful sunsets, this is the perfect thing to do. One of my favorite gardens is right behind the transportation museum (currently closed). There are gorgeous fountains, interesting trees and lots of flowers.
Pro-tip: Parking on the mall (I mean ON the mall) is free after 5:30 when all the museums close, so it gets a lot easier to find parking. The sunsets aren’t the only perk to going out in the evening!
Enjoy Music at Adams Morgan Porchfest
Free
Adams Morgan is located in the 18th Street corridor of DC. It’s known for it’s diverse and eclectic scene with plenty of independent shops and restaurants.
Every spring, they hold a free event called Adams Morgan Porchfest. Approximately 80 bands play on porches and street corners throughout the neighborhood. It’s a really fun day where you can really create your own schedule.
Check out their Facebook page for updates on the dates for this spring!
Sip Drinks at a Rooftop Bar
$15-25
DC has tons of rooftop spots to check out, and there are always a bunch of new ones being added. With the weather being nice and the sun going down later, you can check out a really awesome spot! Cambria (where this photo was taken) has a great rooftop with a cool view as well as the W Hotel downtown.
Here are a few of my favorite rooftop bars across DC:
- Jack Rose (Adams Morgan)
- Whiskey Charlie (Wharf)
- El Techo (U Street)
- Vue (Downtown)
- Smoke and Mirrors (Navy Yard)
- Hi-Lawn (Union Market)
- Upstairs at the Morrow (NoMA)
Check Out the Cherry Blossoms Events
Free
Need I say more? Spring in Washington, DC, is full of flowers and the Cherry Blossom Festival. Every year at the end of March to the beginning of April, the trees around the Tidal Basin right next to the National Mall are full of beautiful flowers.
It’s the perfect spot for taking photos! I definitely recommend doing this on a weekday—not a weekend—to avoid the crowds. Also, for the past three years, TravelZoo has done a discount on a cruise along the Potomac to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms for just $8. A bunch of friends and I are doing that this week so we will see how it goes!
The timing can be really tricky as the National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20 through April 14. Want to know more about the forecast for peak bloom this year? Check this link for the latest info from the National Cherry Blossom Watch.
Pro-Tip: There’s a park in Alexandria that is also awesome for viewing cherry blossoms called Haines Point. Easily bring a picnic, chill with friends, and walk along admiring the trees. Definitely check it out!
Go to an Outdoor Yoga Event
Head to a Nationals Game and the Yards
$10-50
The Yards is a perfect spot to tailgate then head to a game. I have tons of fun each time I go to one of the games, and it’s always chill. There’s something about a Baseball game on a sunny spring afternoon!
The Yards is an area where a lot of people tailgate before a game. It’s free to get in, but you do pay for drinks. They usually have a live band, corn hole, and food for sale as well, which makes it a fun spot to hang out before a game starts.
Check out DC United
$10 – $40
DC United is Washington, DC’s soccer team and with the new Audi Field for the games, you really can’t beat a fun game in the spring.
The stadium is located in Navy Yard and we like to go to The Point for a drink or two before heading to the game. Sunsets from Audi Field are great and games are fun. Soccer fans have tons of chants and ways they support that make the games a unique experience.
$30 – $75
There are so many food festivals that happen in DC—especially in the spring! One of the best I’ve been to was in National Harbor where we got unlimited drinks and food for three hours. We were stuffed but left so happy.
This is the only thing on this list where you’re guaranteed to spend more than $20, but it’s also something that gets you a lot for your money.
Check out upcoming events here.
Check Out a Brewery, Winery, or Distillery
$8 – $15 a drink
A lot of beer and wine is being made in and around DC. Breweries often have events going on and interesting new things on tap this time of year.
Recently, I went to an event at DC Brau that showcased craft beers, local vendors, and food trucks. The event was crowded but included some awesome DC vendors and delicious food/drinks. I also love Blue Jacket in Navy Yard—cool atmosphere and good beers!
Here are a few to check out:
- Red Bear (Brewery)
- Blue Jacket (Brewery)
- DC Brau (Brewery)
- Aslin Beer Company (Brewery)
- Right Proper Brewery (Brewery)
- Cotton & Reed (Distillery)
- Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Co
- Founding Farmers and Distillers
- District Winery
Consider taking a tour of some breweries, too!
Go for a Bike Ride (Maybe Even Go to Bike Party?)
Pro tip: Capital Bike Share has spots all over the city where you can return or get a bike. Their website has a full map and is easy to use. You can also rent a bike for just $22 here or an eBike for easy riding!
Walk a Historic Neighborhood like Georgetown, Navy Yard, or Dupont
Free
These neighborhoods are tons of fun to walk around because there are so many little shops, gorgeous trees, and parks. One of my favorite things I’ve done in spring was a silent disco in DuPont. There’s always something going on in DuPont, and it’s easy to just join in when you walk b
Pro-tip: People posts events like this on Facebook all the time—simply search in Facebook for silent disco DC. You’re sure to find one!
As a local, I have to say, spring in Washington, DC is full of exciting things to do! I just love the way the city seems to open up. Have you been to DC? What do you love to do this time of year?
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