This is my list of 10 things to do in Washington DC, not just THIS spring, but EVERY spring. Are you new to Washington DC? Or a tourist visiting the nation’s capital during the spring season? Or even a local to DC but you’ve been putting off enjoying the sights and attractions for “next year”? (Why let the tourists have all the fun?)
Hopefully, this list below helps you make the most of your spring season in the DC area.
Top 10 Springtime Things To Do In Washington DC
- Monuments By Moonlight (or hangout at the mall by day) The iconic monuments on the National Mall are often encased in marble and bright stones that just shimmer under the lights of the moon (and skylights). Have you ever seen the monuments of the National mall under the light of the stars? From the White House to The Capitol, the Washington Monument, and much of downtown Washington DC, the buildings shimmer with brilliance at night. Join this one-of-a-kind 4 mile hike that’s only possible in the nation’s capital!
- Cherry Blossom Festival – This is an annual springtime celebration that takes place over 5 weekends in the nation’s capital. No springtime “things to do in Washington DC’ list would be complete without featuring this popular event. Events include a 10-mile run, a parade, a kite festival, a fireworks festival and much more.
- The National Harbor In Maryland – The National Harbor sits just across the water from the Southwest DC waterfront and the Alexandria, Virginia waterfront. It’s just a 20 or so minute water taxi hop away from the National mall. Take advantage of the many options for enjoying your time at the national harbor.
- DC Dragon Boat Festival – Have you ever watched a dragon boat race? Or attended a dragon boat festival? It’s a brilliant way to spend an afternoon. The DC dragon boat festival takes place over the course of 2 days.
- Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival – The Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival celebrated its 7th year in 2016. It has become the signature springtime folk festival in the DC area. Enjoy food, fun and music at this fundraising event for Living Classrooms.
- Around The World Embassy Tour – One of the benefits of being in one of the world’s great capitals is that you can take advantage of events like this. The “Around the World” Embassy tour features more than 45 embassies opening their doors to visitors to experience the food, art, dance, fashion, music, innovations, and manufactured goods.
- Manassas Air Show And Open House – Aircraft exhibits, aerial acrobatics and more.
- Spend A Day At The National Zoo – More accurately termed, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, the zoo spans 163 acres in Northwest Washington DC, with over 1800 animals from about 300 species.
- Visit the National Capitol Columns – Taken from the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol in 1958, they now stand in the Ellipse Meadow at the National Arboretum in NE Washington DC.
- Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens – Hike the trails and boardwalks of Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens. Enjoy a day of quiet and natural beauty in the spring, right here in Washington DC.
This article is part of the “Get Out This Spring” campaign sponsored by Alpha Allergy and Asthma, top DC area allergists focused on the needs of adults and children suffering with spring allergies / hayfever, asthma, eczema, food / drug allergies, as well as various allergic and immunologic diseases.