If you haven’t visited Washington DC in the spring then you’re in for a treat. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is just starting to warm up. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy the many activities and events the Nation’s Capital has to offer. There are loads of fun things to see and do for the whole family. Today I’m sharing with you my Washington DC spring weekend guide including when to visit, what to see, eat & do.
Check out below the many things to see & do in Washington DC in the spring
Best Time To Go
The best time to visit DC is definitely in the Springtime towards the end of March to late April. This is my 3rd time visiting the Washington DC area and the spring has definitely been my favorite time to visit by far. If you plan to visit the cherry blossom trees in particular then I would certainly plan your trip around peak bloom.
We went the first week of April and had amazing weather. If you can’t make it in time for peak bloom not to worry as the cherry blossoms still look pretty a week after they have peaked (weather depending of course). There are also other blossoms that bloom at different stages throughout the springtime in DC and they are just as pretty to see.
Where To Stay
Find the perfect accommodation for your budget. Washington DC has some of the best neighborhoods to choose from such as Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, and more. For first-timers, I highly recommend staying in Capitol Hill it’s only a minute walk to the U.S Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and other Capitol Hill attractions.
Phoenix Park Hotel $$ – Located in the heart of Capitol Hill. This cute little hotel just steps away from Washington’s best attractions such as Union Station, national monuments, and more.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel $$$ – Located on the southwest waterfront this lux hotel has everything and more to offer. Showcasing the most serene views and only steps away from the beautiful cherry blossoms located at the Tidal Basin.
Cambria Park Hotel – College Park $$ – Located near the University of Maryland the Cambria offers a more modernistic style in the suburban DC area. Super convenient location with shops, gas stations, and free parking close by. I would highly recommend staying here if you don’t mind the 25 min drive in and out of the city. Definitely value for money. (Top rated)
Spring at Capitol Hill
With the blossoms in full swing, Washington DC gets ready for its largest celebration of the season. The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from March 20th to April 13th. This 3-week long event celebrates the arrival of spring and honors both the American and Japanese cultures and the close bond they have for each other and their countries. Peak bloom at the Tidal Basin is the magical moment visitors don’t want to miss. For more information on where to view the cherry blossoms check out my post below.
Things to do
Besides viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms, DC has so much more to offer. With fun activities and events for the whole family, there are plenty of free things to do throughout the city.
Check out below for some of the many free things to see and do in Washington DC during the spring
1. Take a stroll along the Tidal Basin and enjoy the cherry blossoms
2. Visit the many museums around the National Mall
3. Take part in the cherry blossom festivities & events
4. Enjoy the flowers at the Bishop’s Garden
5. Walk down the Wharf’s Recreation Pier
6. Tour the famous rose garden at the White House
Located just blocks from the U.S Capitol Building is the newly restored Union Station. Washington’s major transportation hub and shopping destination. Built-in 1907 this historic building is the second busiest station in the US attracting over 40 million visitors each year. This place is very cool to see and the detailing in the main hall roof is amazing. Definitely worth the visit if you’re close by and love architecture.
If you plan to arrive in Washington DC via a nearby city you will most likely arrive at Union Station. You can then take the city metro from there. Super quick and easy!
National Gallery of Art
Now, this wouldn’t be a Washington DC guide if I didn’t include the museums. DC has some of the best museums in the world. So many in fact you probably won’t have time to visit them all. This time around we decided to visit the National Gallery of Art. As an art lover, I was super keen to see some of the famous paintings by Picasso and Andy Warhol which they had on display.
There are literally dozens of museums all over the city. The Smithsonian Institution has 19 alone. Your best bet is to pick your top faves and go with those first. Did I also mention that all of them are FREE of charge!
Here are a few museums you might not want to miss.
The National Archives Museum
The home of the Declaration of Independence, The US Constitution, and The Bill of Rights.
The U.S Capitol Visitors Center
Houses the United States Congress, Federal Government & Library of Congress.
National Museum of Natural History
Discover the natural wonders of our world
National Air & Space Museum
Encounter aviation history and space exploration
National Museum of American History
Explore the heritage of American history
The Smithsonian Institution Castle
The research & admin center of the Smithsonian Museums
The Blind Wino Building
DC is home to more than just the main art museums and pretty landscapes. With some exploring, you will find many unique places that showcase local art, like the CultureHouse aka the Blind Wino Building. A local gallery set up in an old church in the inner suburbs.
There are also places like the Artechouse, an art space for immersive and interactive art, Bloom Bars, and Dupont Underground that also display amazing local art.
National Mall Memorials
If this happens to be your first time visiting DC then you will most likely want to see the iconic monuments that make up the National Mall. The National Mall stretches over 2 miles long from the Lincoln Memorial all the way to the east side of the U.S Capitol Building. These majestic monuments are really what make Washington DC so iconic and amazing.
The Lincoln Memorial
Built-in honor of the 16th president Abraham Lincoln. This memorial is located at the base of the Reflecting Pool at the west end of the mall giving you an incredible view of the World War II Memorial and Washington Monument.
Washington Monument
This is DC’s iconic pointy tall monument. Built-in honor of George Washington the first president of the United States. It’s located at the opposite end of the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool. As of spring 2019, the monument has now opened its elevators to visitors.
Jefferson Memorial
Located at the base of the Tidal Basin is the Jefferson Memorial. Built-in honor of the third president Thomas Jefferson one of America’s most important founding fathers. The Jefferson Memorial is also a great viewing spot for the cherry blossoms in the spring.
United States Capitol
Is home to the United States Congress and the legislative branch. This is also where you can view the Library of Congress. The Capitol offers many free tours and exhibits throughout the year.
National Mall
The National Mall is the main hub for all of Washington DC’s famous landmarks. This huge grassy lawn is a great hang-out spot for all visitors and locals throughout the spring and summertime. The mall is the center of many fun activities, festivals, and events held throughout the year.
World War II Memorial
A memorial in honor to all the Americans that served and died in World War II. This beautiful testament is located across the Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial.
Hot Tip! During the warmer months, the Mall can get quite busy with crowds. I highly recommend visiting later in the afternoon if you can. You will experience fewer crowds and have great views of the monuments at sunset.
View from the Lincoln Memorial steps overlooking the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument.
Where To Eat
DC is a ‘not to be missed’ dining destination with loads of different cuisines and international foods to be tried. This was my favorite part of the trip, dining at all the different restaurants around the city.
Agora $$$ – Turkish-inspired small plates and yummy cocktails. This place was so good. I highly recommend ordering the dip platter, the salmon dip was beyond amazing.
Primrose $$$ – French-inspired restaurant with a classic American bistro flare. This place is great for pre-dinner cocktails and snacks. My favorite item on the menu was the duck liver moose with berry compote and crostini – so good!
Georgetown Cupcakes $$ – Located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood is the famous Georgetown Cupcakes. These hand-made goodies are made daily with many yummy flavors to try. These were definitely worth a try as they were so fresh and flavourful I can see why people are crazy about them.
Just a heads up! You will see people lining up outside to get their hands on these delicious cakes as they are quite popular however if you head there on a weekday you won’t need to wait very long.
Primrose’s duck liver moose with berry compote and lemon cocktail – so yummy! This place has amazing aesthetic vibes, super chilled and relaxed.
I hope you enjoyed this Washington DC spring weekend guide and has made you excited to visit this beautiful city. I love DC and its amazing historic vibe. There is always so much to see & do. I hope this guide helpful when planning your spring in DC getaway.
Have you been to Washington DC before? What city highlights do you recommend for a weekend getaway?
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