SpotHero Spring Picks: Our Top 10 Things to Do in DC This Spring
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 ten of our favorite things to do in the DC area this spring, hand-picked by SpotHero’s DC team!
Visit the Cherry Blossoms
Recommended by Emily
Dates: Late March-Early April (estimated)
Location: The Tidal Basin and National Mall
Cost: Free
Details: The 2022 Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from March 20 to April 17 — you can visit our post if you need help with parking! But 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.
Passport DC
Recommended by Anthony
Dates: May 1 – 31, 2022
Location: Embassy Row
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: Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 8am-1pm (Postponed due to COVID-19)
Location: The starting line is in West Potomac Park and the finish is on Pennsylvania Avenue in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol. A full course map can be found here.
Cost: $58
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. (Please note, this event is typically in May but has been postponed to the fall.)
Reserve parking near the finish line below!
Picnic in Yards Park
Recommended by Erin
Date: Anytime! Park is open from 7am-10pm
Location: Yards Park – 355 Water St. SE
Cost: 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
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.
Visit the National Gallery Sculpture Garden
Recommended by Emily
Date: Anytime! The garden is open daily from 10am-5pm
Location: Constitution Ave NW &, 7th St NW
Cost: 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
Recommended by Anthony
Date: The Nationals home opener is Thursday, April 7, 2022. You can view the entire regular season schedule here.
Location: Nationals Park – 1500 S. Capitol St. NE
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 root for the home team.
Maine Avenue Fish Market at the Wharf
Recommended by Erin
Date: 8am-8pm daily
Location: 1100 Maine Ave 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.
Arena Stage
Recommended by Erin
Date: Check out the schedule here for the 2022 season
Location: 1101 6th St. SW
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:
Dulles Airport
Reagan Airport
Happy spring, DC!