Spring Brings Blossoms, Outdoor Opportunities and Memorable Experiences to Washington, DC
Destination DC connects visitors and locals to virtual and in-person events, vast green space, new hotels and the latest travel status and safety information

(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.”
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
