Best Springtime Activities in the Nation’s Capital

Check Out the Cherry Blossoms

More than 180 cherry blossom trees were planted around the prominent Stone of Hope statue when it opened in 2011, and the famed cherry blossoms might be one of the biggest tourist attractions when it comes to springtime things to do in D.C. It's simply too spectacular to miss.

Some of the top spots for viewing the cherry blossoms in all their glory include the steps of the Jefferson Memorial—a favorite for photographers with long-focus camera lenses who want to capture the blooms from across the Tidal Basin—and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. You can also take a paddle boat ride in the Tidal Basin to enjoy a great view of the blossoms.

If you want to avoid the crowds—at least as much as possible—a few off-the-beaten-path gems also offer outstanding views. Some options to consider include the following:

• Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: This park in Northern Virginia has more than 20 varieties of cherry trees.
• U.S. National Arboretum: The grounds include 76 different types of cherry trees.
• Anacostia Park: This 1,200-acre park along the Anacostia River is a great spot to enjoy gorgeous views, walking trails, boating, and picnics.

Discover Washington's Other Colorful Blooms

The cherry blossoms aren't the only colorful things to do in D.C. If you want to experience more of the city's vibrant blooms, you can find flowers and lush greenery almost everywhere you go.

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A picnic in Rock Creek Park might be the best way to experience the natural colors of the city. The park offers scenic trails, a nature center, and a planetarium—all with a full range of entertaining and educational activities for the entire family. The U.S. Botanic Garden, located on the National Mall, exhibits rare and unusual plant species, and spring is an ideal time to visit the U.S.'s oldest botanical garden to view the colorful blooms that hail from all around the world.

Get Festive

As the weather warms up, the city's event schedule starts sizzling. If you can't be in D.C. for Earth Day, consider checking out the D.C. Environmental Film Festival, an early Earth Day kickoff held annually in March. The film festival was founded in 1993 with the mission of celebrating the planet and inspiring people to learn more about the importance of caring for the environment. It screens more than 100 films.

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If you're in town from early April through October, be sure to check out Truckeroo, a monthly festival at The Bullpen. This delicious event features Washington D.C.'s best food trucks, games, and live music, all in one family-friendly area. If you're visiting the nation's capital in May, the Passport-D.C. event is a must. For two weeks every year, the city's embassies open their doors to allow the public in for a unique cultural experience that includes talks, exhibits, and performances.

Catch a Game

If you're a baseball fan, springtime in D.C. means two words: Nationals games. But that's not the only sports offering. You can also snag tickets to a Washington Wizards basketball game at the Verizon Center, situated in the busy Penn Quarter neighborhood near restaurants and museums. RFK Stadium is the home of D.C. United, the city's Major League Soccer team, also with games in the spring. The team is one of the country's best with four MLS cup victories. If you want to really feel like a part of the action, try to grab seats with the "Screaming Eagles"—sections 132, 133, and 134—where the rowdiest and most loyal fans sit.

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Hit the Water

Spring and summer in Washington D.C. is the perfect time to explore the capital from an entirely different perspective—the water. Kayaking and paddle boarding on the Potomac River and in the Tidal Basin offer the ideal opportunity to have some fun in the sun, see the sights in a different way, and enjoy the waterfront areas. You can rent kayaks and canoes at Key Bridge Boathouse in Georgetown, or you can skip the exercise and relax on a D.C. boat tour with companies like D.C. Ducks, Embark DC, and Potomac Riverboat Company.

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