Spring Brings Blossoms, Outdoor Opportunities and Memorable Experiences to Washington, DC

(Washington, DC) – Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, offers ways to experience the beauty of spring in Washington, DC, including renowned cherry blossoms, outdoor experiences, new hotels, attractions, dining and virtual and in-person events. For the latest information, including COVID-19 visitor protocols and safety measures, visit the newly redesigned washington.org. Visitors may also order the free spring Official Visitors Guide available March 18.

“Destination DC is ready to support potential visitors and locals as they explore different ways to enjoy spring in Washington, DC, with safety in mind,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “No matter what reopening phase DC is in, there’s always a way to support local businesses in line with current regulations, and we have the latest on spring deals, dining, DC experiences, hotel offers and more on the newly redesigned washington.org.”  

March 2021 marks the first anniversary of the COVID-19 crisis, and DC’s tourism industry remains severely challenged. From March 2020 through January 2021, visitor spending was down 69%, or $5.3 billion, compared to the same period one year earlier, according to Tourism Economics. This also translates into a loss of more than $400 million in tax revenue for Washington, DC. DDC continues to provide ideas to stay local and support DC’s strained businesses this spring.

National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20 – April 11)

• Local restaurants create spring-inspired dishes and DC-area hotels offer blossom-themed packages, deals and discounts.
• Blossom viewing sites include the Tidal Basin as well as the Gardens of Dumbarton Oaks, U.S. National Arboretum, East Potomac Park and The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
• Virtual highlights
  • View the live BloomCam
  • Virtual Opening Ceremony on March 20
  • Pink Tie Party fundraising event turns into a home party with optional food and drink components on March 26
  • Participate in the Blossom Kite Fly at home March 27-28
  • National Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration Show presented by Events DC debuts Friday, April 9 online

Outdoor Opportunities  

• Enjoy waterfront neighborhoods along the Potomac and Anacostia rivers
• Rock Creek Park offers miles of trails and greenery as well as picnic areas, a nature center, golf course, horse stables, amphitheater and planetarium.
• The U.S. National Arboretum is 446-acres of gardens, exhibits and long-term botanical research.
• The National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The Hirshhorn's Sculpture Garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial opened Sept. 18, 2020
• National Native American Veterans Memorial opened Nov. 11, 2020

Recently Reopened Attractions

• George Washington's Mount Vernon is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., non-members should buy tickets online.
• ARTECHOUSE is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
• Museum in The Mansion is open for lodging, outdoor dining and shopping; the garden is open for reservations. 
• International Spy Museum is open on weekends and holidays. You must get advance tickets. 
• Museum of the Bible is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets required. 
• Dumbarton House grounds are open every day from dawn to dusk for free, and the museum is open Friday-Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets required. 
• Museum of Women in the Arts is open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. Tickets required.
• The Phillips Collection is open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The centennial exhibition, Seeing Differently: The Phillips Collects for a New Century, is now on display. Tickets required.

New & Forthcoming Hotels

• Hotel Madera opened mid-February in Dupont Circle
• Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront opened mid-February in Capitol Riverfront
• The Ven at Embassy Row opened mid-March in Dupont Circle
• Lyle opens in April in Dupont Circle
• Kimpton Banneker Hotel opens late spring in Logan Circle

Seasonal Hotel Packages

• Perfect for exploring the blossoms outdoors, Kimpton George Hotel offers a dining credit, Capital Bikeshare passes and viewing maps for the blossoms with the “Pedal to the Petals” package.  (March 19-April 13, book by April 12)
• Walk to the Tidal Basin or view the blossoms from your room with the Cherry Blossom Views package at Mandarin Oriental. Offering overnight accommodations in addition to an afternoon tea, incredible views, overnight parking and late checkout. (Now-April 11)
• Indulge in the blooms with Riggs DC and in addition to a deluxe room, enjoy credit for your choice of dinner or brunch in Café Riggs, seasonal cocktails to enjoy in-room and hotel amenities. (March 20-April 11)
• The St. Regis Washington, D.C. is offering an array of cherry blossom inspired experiences, including a Cherry Blossom Suite, unique overnight packages and a Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea in the hotel lobby, in-room or to-go.
• Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is ushering in spring with Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea in its festively decorated Cherry Blossom Pop-up Lounge on Saturdays and Sundays. (March 27-April 25)

Dining

The District is a culinary destination, evidenced by the creativity of local chefs and annual Michelin Guide honors. Restaurants around the city continue to offer takeout and contactless delivery via dctogogo.com. Many establishments offer temperature controlled outdoor seating with heating lamps and fire pits for comfort. As of March 15, indoor dining is open for 25 percent capacity.

Per Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, Washington, DC is in phase two of reopening. Travelers are required to test negative for COVID-19 72 hours in advance of visiting unless fully vaccinated. Masks and social distancing are required in DC and on federal land. Indoor gatherings are capped at 10 people and outdoor gatherings at 50.

All in-person activities listed above adhere to DC’s protocols. Guests should review safety requirements in advance.  All activities mentioned in this press release are open as of the release date. Check washington.org for the latest updates.

About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. washington.org.