Washingtonians herald the departure of winter when the world-famous cherry blossoms cast their characteristic pink petals over the Tidal Basin. The cherry blossoms, however, aren’t the only reason to plan a spring break getaway in the nation’s capital. It’s a season of festivals, parades, graduations, garden tours and more.
March means the start of festival season in DC. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade struts down Constitution Avenue on the Sunday before the holiday. At the end of the month, the annual Smithsonian Kite Festival marks the start of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, luring competitive kite-flyers and amateurs alike to the grounds of the Washington Monument.
Film lovers from throughout the region and around the globe descend on the nation’s capital for springtime film events, such as the Washington, DC International Film Festival and the DC Independent Film Festival. In late April, brightly colored azaleas cover the grounds of the National Arboretum and Hillwood Museum & Gardens, while the Folger Shakespeare Library marks the Bard’s birthday with an annual family-friendly festival.
Spring also signals the beginning of tour season, as walking, biking segway and boating companies resume their tour schedules. In late April, you can take advantage of free neighborhood and thematic walking tours with a weekend-long festival, WalkingTown DC. You’re also bound to uncover major art exhibitions, spectacular performances and more at cultural institutions throughout the city.
As temperatures rise and summer draws near, you’ll discover more reasons to fall under the spell of the nation’s capital. Gardening enthusiasts will love the National Cathedral Flower Mart and the Capitol Hill and Georgetown house and garden tours, while arts and crafts lovers enjoy the Smithsonian Craft Show.
Spring break visitors can take advantage of special promotional hotel rates right here at Washington.org. Log on now to check availability.
