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
Cost: Free!
Details: The 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from March 20 to April 16 — 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.
Passport DC
Dates: May 1 – 31
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.
Picnic in Yards Park
Date: Anytime! Park is open daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
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
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
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
Date: The garden is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
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
Date: The Nationals home opener is Thursday, March 30. 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
Date: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 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
Dates: Check out the schedule here for the 2023 season
Location: 1101 6th St. SW
Cost: Varies by show, they also 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!