Despite the fact winter is still in full swing in the Washington, D.C. region, spring is not too far off. I was surprised to find after the recent (albeit brief!) warm spell we recently had resulted in early spring flowers starting to show themselves.
It got me thinking that spring really is around the corner. It is a wonderful time of year in the nation’s capital region with many interesting and fun things to do as the colder temperatures quickly shift to (often much!) warmer ones.
10 great things to do during the spring in Washington D.C.
1. See the cherry blossoms
Hands down, the cherry blossoms are a top draw in Washington D.C. Not surprisingly, this one probably makes every list. Each year big crowds, including locals and visitors alike, head down to the Tidal Basin to marvel at the sea of beautiful pinks and whites. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, and the numerous events in the city coinciding with it, also makes for a fun time.
[ Related reading: 5 best places to take photos of cherry blossoms in D.C. ]
2. Visit National Harbor
A steadily growing area, the National Harbor is home to the relatively new MGM facility and the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. These, along with several shops, eateries and other fun things to see and do, make for a well-rounded spring outing. Take a ride on the Capital Wheel or stroll along the Potomac River while you're there. Or just sit and enjoy the scenery.
3. Attend a baseball Game
As spring kicks into full gear, this means it’s time for baseball! Come see the home team play at Nationals Park, a first-rate stadium. The last few years have proved to be exciting seasons.
4. See a parade
Washington D.C. has several parades throughout the year, however, spring brings the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Cherry Blossom Parade and the Memorial Day Parade. Many of the city’s suburbs also host parades each spring.
5. Celebrate Earth Day
To celebrate Earth Day, numerous events take place in the D.C. area (here is a list from 2017). Additionally, there is Springfest Fairfax County which is a fun, family-friendly event.
6. Take a river ride
Being the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers run through the D.C. region, this means there are numerous ways to enjoy these beautiful rivers through a scenic cruise or by renting a paddleboat, kayak or canoe.
7. Visit a historic property
Being many of America’s early settlers landed on the east coast, it’s no surprise many of the people who arrived called what is now known as the capital region home. Many of the homes built in the 18th century still exist, have been meticulously preserved by their caretakers and are also open to the public.
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| Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg, Virginia |
Springtime is a wonderful time of year to visit because many of the grand homes in the area are located in such picturesque areas. Many properties also have restored gardens which are already in bloom and breathtakingly beautiful this time of year.
8. Take a moonlight tour
The memorials and monuments are beautiful anytime, however, night time is special, especially during the spring evenings. Hop a bus tour and see these sights under the moonlight. I've splurged and done this a couple of times. It's an evening to remember. If you don't want to take the trolley ride, you can self-guide and walk around the National Mall. We do this frequently throughout the year.
9. Take a walk/hike
Literally! There are several amazing places located in D.C. or within a 90-minute drive of the District. Check out Great Falls, Prince William Forest Park, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Rock Creek Park, Harper’s Ferry, and of course, Shenandoah National Park and it’s beautiful Skyline Drive that’ll get you to some terrific walking and hiking spots.
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| Great Falls (Virginia - there is also a park on the Maryland side - I've not been there - yet) |
10. Visit the District Wharf
Making its debut in Oct. 2107, the District Wharf appears to be a great place to hang out in the spring. Admittedly, I haven't been there yet but I thought it a good one to add to the list. With water activities, music, food, entertainment, and other specially scheduled events, there seems to be a lot to do and during the region’s spring season when it's a great time to be outdoors.
These are just a handful of ideas of things to do in the spring in the capital region. Other events to look for include:
March
- ShamrockFest
- Annapolis Film Festival
- Frying Pan Farm Park (springtime means babies on the farm!)
- Sugarloaf Craft Festival (varies by month and location)
April
- Holland in Haymarket (time frame depends on when the tulips bloom, usually sometime in April but can be early March)
- Historic Garden Week (April, Virginia)
May
- Passport DC
- DC Bike Ride
- Annual Flower Mart
- Dragonboat Festival (May but rain date has been in June)
- DC Jazz Festival
- Father’s Day
Most people, while in the area, also visit D.C.’s National Mall and explore the memorials and monuments. What visit would be complete without them?
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