SpotHero Spring Picks: Our Top 10 Things to Do in DC This Spring
Last Updated on
Spring in DC is here at last! We survived a late-in-the-season winter storm, and a beautiful spring day has never sounded better. When you’re ready to head outside, plan ahead to make the most of your time! Here are ten of our favorite things to do in the DC area this spring, hand-picked by SpotHero’s DC team!
Light City Baltimore
Recommended by Anthony
Dates: March 31 – April 8
Location: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
Parking: find and reserve parking here
Cost: Free
Details: Light City transforms Baltimore’s cityscape with large-scale light installations, music and more. The BGE Light Art Walk along Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is one of the focal points, featuring more than 50 attractions, including illuminated sculptures, projections, performances, concerts, food vendors and a children’s area. You can find more info here.
Truckeroo
Recommended by Anthony
Dates: April 7 (plus other dates)
Location: Fairgrounds at Nats Park – 1201 Half St. SE
Parking: Find and reserve parking here
Cost: Free to get in! Food is a la carte
Details: Truckeroo is a monthly food truck festival held at Fairgrounds. The hottest food trucks from the DC area come together for a family friendly event featuring live music, games, cold drinks, delicious eats and more! Check out more info and find participating food trucks here.
Photo via Georgetown Events
Passport DC
Recommended by Anthony
Dates: May 1-31
Location: Embassy Row
Parking: Reserve parking here
Cost: Free
Details: Passport DC is a month-long journey around the world highlighting DC’s international diplomatic community and its lively and varied culture. Passport DC is a great way for residents and visitors alike to experience a global excursion without ever leaving the city. For more details on specific events, click here.
DC Bike Ride
Recommended by Anthony
Date: May 14, 8am-1pm
Location: The starting line is in West Potomac Park and the finish is on Pennsylvania Avenue in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol. Full course map can be found here
Parking: Reserve parking near finish line here
Cost: $60
Details: DC Bike Ride is DC’s only closed-road and car-free 20-mile bike ride. This course begins in West Potomac Park, before riding past some of DC’s most iconic sights and finishing on Pennsylvania Avenue in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol. You can find more details on the official page here.
Picnic in Yards Park
Recommended by Erin
Date: Anytime! Park is open from 7am-1opm
Location: Yards Park – 355 Water St. SE
Parking: Reserve parking here
Cost: Free
Details: Yard’s Park is a waterfront green space with a wading pool for kids. There are lots of great spots to bring a blanket, a book, and lunch–or pick up Sweetgreen around the corner! Relax and enjoy a beautiful spring day.
Hiking in Rock Creek Park
Recommended by Anthony
Date: Anytime!
Location: Rock Creek Park
Cost: Free
Details: Rock Creek Park is one of DC’s natural treasures. This 1,754-acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the 3rd national park to be designated by the federal government. With 32 miles of trails and great picnic areas, you can’t go wrong! For more information, check out the official Rock Creek Park page.
Catch a Nationals Game
Recommended by Anthony
Date: The Nationals home opener is April 3rd – you can view the entire regular season schedule here
Location: Nationals Park – 1500 S. Capitol St. NE
Parking: Be sure to reserve parking in advance here
Cost: Ticket price varies based on opponent
Details: Nothing says spring like a day at the ballpark. When the weather is nice, grab your friends and head over to Nationals Park to cheer on the home team.
Maine Avenue Fish Market at the Wharf
Recommended by Erin
Date: Anytime!
Location: 1100 Maine Ave SW
Parking: Find parking here
Cost: Free – food is ala carte
Details: The Maine Avenue Fish Market is the oldest open air seafood market on the East Coast. You can buy any kind of seafood there, but they specialize in crabs, shrimp, and oysters. You can find more info on the market here.
Arena Stage
Recommended by Erin
Date: Check out the schedule here for the remainder of the 2016-2017 season
Location: 1101 6th St. SW
Parking: Reserve parking here
Cost: Varies by show, but they offer a ‘pay your age’ program if you’re under 30
Details: With a focus on American artists, Arena Stage brings a diverse range of shows and performances to the theater. They have done a great job attracting top tier talent and always have an interesting array of shows!
Jet off on spring break
If you’re heading out of town for spring break, we wouldn’t hold it against you. Catching a flight? Just remember to reserve your airport parking spot in advance:
Happy spring, DC!