Washington, DC (often just called “DC” for short) is the capital of the United States. It’s located on the East Coast, bordered by the states of Virginia and Maryland.
We had visited Washington, DC, several times but were fortunate enough to be there during the Cherry Blossom Festival in March. The blooming period typically lasts about two weeks, subject to weather conditions. The Tidal Basin is the prime location to witness this beautiful spectacle.
Cherry Blossom festival
The blooming of the cherry blossoms is celebrated with a festival that includes events such as the National Cherry Blossom Parade, Kite Festival, fireworks, and cultural performances. It is a popular time for tourists to visit Washington, DC, to see the beautiful pink and white blossoms. Typically the blooming of cherry blossom trees in the US capital city is during the last week of March or the first week of April. The cherry blossoms were a gift from Japan in 1912 and have since become a beloved symbol of springtime and the friendship between the United States and Japan.
Things to do
National Mall and Memorial Parks
Start your trip with a stroll along the National Mall, home to many of DC’s most famous monuments and museums. You can see the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, among others.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial was built to honor the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson.
The memorial is situated on the banks of the Tidal Basin and offers stunning views of the cherry blossom trees that bloom in the spring.
The memorial features a bronze statue of Jefferson standing on a pedestal, surrounded by quotes from his writings and speeches.
Martin Luther King Memorial
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was built to honor the civil rights leader and activist Martin Luther King Jr. The memorial features a 30-foot statue of King, surrounded by a wall inscribed with some of his most famous quotes and speeches. The memorial was officially opened to the public in 2011.
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is a famous monument in Washington, D.C., USA, built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
The memorial features a massive statue of Lincoln seated in a chair, looking out over the National Mall and reflecting pool.
The reflection pool provides a mirror-like reflection of the Washington Monument, creating a stunning visual effect.
Two more memorials are next to the Lincoln Memorial, Korean Memorial, and Vietnam Memorial.
World War II Memorial
The World War II Memorial was built to honor the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II.
The memorial features 56 granite pillars, each representing a U.S. state or territory that contributed to the war effort.
The memorial also includes two large arches representing the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of the war as well as a large fountain and water feature.
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is an iconic obelisk-shaped monument built to honor the first President of the United States, George Washington. The monument stands at the height of 555 feet and is made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss.
You can take an elevator to the top of the monument to enjoy a stunning city view. The monument is free to enter, but tickets need to reserve in advance. Click here for additional information to book your tickets.
There was a kite festival, and people were flying kites of all shapes and sizes, from traditional diamond kites to elaborate creations like dragons.
White House
The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. While you can’t go inside without a special invitation, you can view it outside and take photos.
The White House is open for public tours, although a member of Congress must request tickets in advance. Click here to learn more about how to tour the White House.
US Capitol
The U.S. Capitol is the home of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. The building serves as the U.S. Congress’s meeting place, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The U.S. Capitol is open to the public for guided tours but needs to be booked in advance. Click here to learn how to book the tour. It was covered in scoffing the day we visited.
Smithsonian Museums
The National Mall is also home to several Smithsonian Museums, all free to enter. Some of the most popular ones include the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History.
Best time to visit
Spring is the most popular time to visit DC, as the cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin are full bloom. The weather is mild and pleasant, but crowds can be heavy too. Summer is the peak tourist season, and the weather is hot and humid. Fall is also a great time to visit DC, as the weather is still mild, and the fall foliage can be stunning. Winter can be a quiet and peaceful time to visit DC, but the weather can be cold and snowy.
How to get around
DC is a walkable city with many popular attractions nearby, and it can be a great way to see the sights. However, if you choose to drive to D.C., finding parking can be a challenge, especially during peak times. While street parking is an option, it can be difficult to find an available spot. Thankfully, several parking garages are available throughout the city, and you can even use the SpotHero app to book a spot in advance. Additionally, D.C. has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses and a subway system, making it easy to get around the city and its surrounding areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available for those who prefer not to use public transportation.
How to get there
DC is also served by Amtrak, which offers train service from many cities on the East Coast and beyond. Many bus companies, such as Greyhound and Megabus, also offer service to Washington, DC, from cities across the US. Union Station in DC is a major transportation hub for trains and buses. Additionally, DC has three major airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), which offer direct flights to many cities around the world.