Spring in DC is here at last! When you’re ready to head outside, plan ahead to make the most of your time! Here are nine of our favorite things to do in the DC area this spring.
Visit the Cherry Blossoms
Dates: Late March-Early April (estimated)
Location: The Tidal Basin and National Mall
Price: Free!
Details: The 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from March 20 to April 14 — you can visit our post if you need help with parking! If you can’t make any of the festival events, that’s okay, these blooms are festive enough by themselves. A great time to visit is early in the morning before it gets crowded. You can enjoy the blossoms around the tidal basin and give your day a truly spectacular start. Click here for a full list of Cherry Blossom Festival events and details about when you can expect peak bloom season.
Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run & 5K Run-Walk Parking
Date: April 5, 2025 at 9:15 a.m. (5K Run-Walk), and April 6, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. (10-miler)
Location: Washington Monument Grounds
Price: Registration is now closed, but the race is free to spectators!
Details: The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk are premier road races for runners kicking off the spring running season. Proceeds from the event support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Click here for more information on the race.
You can find the course maps here.
Passport DC
Dates: May 1 – 31
Location: Various locations in Embassy Row.
Price: 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.
Picnic in Yards Park
Dates: Anytime! The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Location: Yards Park, 355 Water Street, SE
Price: Free
Details: Yards 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
Date: Rock Creek Park is always open! Select areas may have restricted hours or limited access, you can check here for details.
Location: Rock Creek Park.
Price: 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.
Visit the National Gallery Sculpture Garden
Dates: The garden is open daily from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Location: Constitution Avenue, NW & 7th Street, NW
Price: Free!
Details: This garden is an oasis of flora, fauna, and spectacular art. Spend an afternoon here, bring your lunch for a quick picnic, or pay a visit to the Pavilion Cafe. No matter how long your visit, it’s time that is never wasted. You can visit the Sculpture Garden page for exhibit details and more information.
Catch a Nationals Game
Dates: The Nationals home opener is Thursday, March 27. You can view the entire regular season schedule here.
Location: Nationals Park, 1500 S. Capitol Street, NE
Price: 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 root for the home team.
Maine Avenue Fish Market at the Wharf
Dates: 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. daily
Location: 1100 Maine Avenue, SW
Cost: Free to enter – 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.
Catch a Show at Arena Stage
Dates: Check out the 2025 season here
Location: 1101 6th Street, SW
Price: Varies by show, they also offer a ‘pay your age’ program if you’re under 35.
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:
Dulles Airport
Reagan Airport
Transportation Tips and Tricks
Street parking and metered parking is in very high demand throughout the District. Pay close attention to any posted signs; parking in a restricted spot could result in a ticket or even a boot. Click here for more information.
If you are planning on parking on the street, we would recommend downloading the ParkMobile app, which allows drivers to pay for parking and extend their time at a meter directly from their mobile device!
DC also has many garages and lots that are available for a fee. You can use SpotHero to reserve a spot in advance and park with ease!
Public Transportation
The DC area is served by the WMATA Metro system, which is available for a fee. If you’re going to a large event, consider parking further away in a less busy area and taking public transit to save time and money. You can learn more and view schedules here.
Happy spring, DC!