Washington DC Spring Guide
/With the Cherry Blossoms off the trees, Spring has definitely arrived in Washington DC. Washington DC can become a bit of a madhouse in Spring - between the Cherry Blossoms, what feels like every high schooler's school trip, and people in town to appreciate the DC beautiful spring weather, it can get busy. Our suggestion - avoid the packed museums, get outside and enjoy the monuments, the weather, the waterfront, and other outdoor activities.
Out top suggestions for your Spring visit to Washington DC are:
U.S. Capitol with flowers in the foreground - CC: Luca Nebuloni
Go to a baseball game
Nationals Park with the Capitol in the Distance - CC: Steve Lathrop
Washington's third attempt at a MLB team has become a notable success for both the on field performance, the relatively new stadium, and a transforming neighborhood. It may be hard to believe now, but when Nationals Stadium opened in 2008, there was a clear view from the most of the stands to the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument; no more, except for a couple of sections near the press box, there are numerous buildings in the way. While the views are not the same, the stadium remains a pull for both the team on the field and the amenities off. This year, the Nationals, led by Bryce Harper, Anthony Rendon, and Matt Scherzer, are World Series contenders. Get there for the team, enjoy the stadium, and before and/or after the game, definitely enjoy the new, interesting and beautiful waterfront neighborhood that has sprouted next to the Stadium.
Enjoy Washington DC's newly reclaimed water front space
Yards Park DC - CC Brook ward
Historically, Washington DC has not made the best use of its waterfronts despite having two major rivers - the Potomac and the Anacostia. A significant amount of space has been taken by military bases (Navy Yard, Ft. MacNair, JBAB Bolling), some is parks, but a significant amount was generally inaccessible or unpleasant. Historically, the exception to this has been the Georgetown waterfront - but it has been joined recently with Yards Park near Nationals Stadium and the Wharf DC.
Yards Park, located between the Washington Naval Yard on the east, and the South Capitol Street Bridge on the west, and adjacent to Nationals Park, is currently the best option for a nice walk along the river, with some great restaurants, bars, and views. The neighborhood has been transformed by the opening of Nationals Park in 2008, which has wildly succeeded in its goal to transform the neighborhood.
Take a walk along the water, sit on a patio outside at Osteria Morini, grab a pizza outside at All Purpose, or if you prefer, grab a beer at Bluejacket Brewery, or a cheap eat on "fast-casual row" on 3rd street at Rasa, Chopt, Roti, Chipotle, or Taylor Gourmet.
Cherry Blossoms aren't the only things blooming
Magnolias at the National Arboretum - CC: DC Gardens
Springtime is tough to beat when it comes to Washington DC at its most beautiful. In Spring, the flowers and the trees, often highlighted by beautiful backgrounds, are in full color, and you should definitely take advantage and see them. Great places to see them include:
- The National Arboretum includes world-famous collections – of azaleas, Bonsai and Penjing, dwarf conifers, and much more. Free
- Dumbarton Oaks Garden is a historic house and research center (attached to Harvard University) with numerous flowers, trees, and shrubs that bloom throughout the spring, to include irises, lilies, primroses, dogwoods, magnolias, and many others. See this guide for the full list. Entry is $10.
- Bartholdi Park at the United States Botanic Garden is just across the street from the U.S. Botanic Gardens and has every type of plant is represented in the Park - deciduous trees, evergreens, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vines, ground covers, roses and bulbs. Free.