Spring Things “To Do” in Washington DC

Most people in America are waiting with baited breath for spring to, well…spring!  We’re looking forward to warmer weather, fresh garden blossoms, and refreshing, cool drinks.  But, as we know, spring in San Antonio may be very different from spring in Seattle…and there is nothing like spring in DC.

No matter where you’ve lived before living in the Washington DC Metro area, I’m sure you’ve heard of our Cherry Blossom Festival.  Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival helps us to remember the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries.  The festival includes a parade, pageant, music and more!  So, if you dig cherry blossoms, there’s that.

But there’s so much more to do in the Washington DC Metro area during spring!  Here are a few more cool things to do this season:

1.       ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT

Rent a paddle boat and tour the Tidal Basin and cherry blossoms (yeah, we’re a sucker for the cherry blossoms, too J).  Or rent a kayak or canoe and paddle the Potomac!

2.       SOMETHING TOURISTY

Take a tour of the Washington Monument and then get a cocktail on the roof of the W Hotel. Sipping a fancy cocktail and enjoying the view from the roof is a great way to end an afternoon of sightseeing on the Mall.

3.       KICKBALL

Every spring, the National Mall is filled with kickball/softball players, and it’s easy to see why: it combines the beauty of the monuments in springtime with a mild workout. So join a team, have some fun, and please, don’t be that guy who takes it way too seriously. Nobody likes that guy.

4.       NATS PARK

Nationals Park is one of the best stadiums in America!  The atmosphere inside the park is electric, and if you actually decide to follow the game closely - even better!

5.       ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Visiting Arlington Cemetery is one of the most patriotic experiences one can have.  …and the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is breath-taking.

6.       DC FESTIVALS

Try the DC Jazz Festival or Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which celebrates DC’s multiculturalism unlike anywhere else!

7.       ROLLING THUNDER

It’s just NOT spring without Rolling Thunder! You can hear the motorcycles rolling into town as early as Wednesday.  They’re loud and attention-grabbing.  The motorcycles display American flags, as well as POW and MIA flags.  The intent of the thousands of riders that come to DC on Memorial Day weekend is to educate and bring awareness to the many service members who are still Prisoners of War or Missing in Action.  …and there’s nothing like seeing - literally- hundreds of motorcycles riding across the Memorial Bridge, past the Marine who’s standing at attention, and remembering that although seeing them here is “way cool!”, they are here for a reason.  The display is sad and inspiring at the same time – and not to be missed.  This year, Rolling Thunder is on May 29, 2016.

8.       DOUBLE-DECKER BUSSES

Every big city has them and, admit it, you’ve been on one.  Double-decker sight-seeing busses are the greatest thing since a museum docent.  You get on the bus and get a first class ride to all of the local attractions, plus a tour guide!  Just don’t mind the pointing and stares from the locals. J

9.       DC's MARKETS

DC's oldest operating fresh food market, Eastern Market, attracts visitors on weekends with produce, fresh flowers, baked goods and more!  Another popular DC market is the Georgetown French Market.  This annual, almost pop-up market, is usually is only open on April 25.  The market was designed to emulate an authentic Parisian open-air market. More than 30 local boutiques, galleries, cafes and more will display the best of their spring offerings - many at steep discounts - alongside French musicians and vendors serving croissants and coffee.

10.   PICNICS

It’s an old stand-by but think about it… Lounging and enjoying a picnic on the grounds of the National Mall with the Capitol Building on one side and the Washington Monument on the other side and the Smithsonian all around you.  You may get lucky, President Obama has been known to take strolls along the Mall!  If not, finish your picnic and grab a bike or a Segway and tour the Mall before heading home.

If none of these things speak to your adventurous spirit, visit the Family & MWR Community Activity Center at 228 McNair Road, Bldg. 495, Fort Myer, VA or give them a call at 703.696.3469/70.  The team over there has their finger on the cool happenin’s in the DC Metro area!


~pmjp