HOW TO SPEND A SPRING DAY IN DC
- emilyleelee2021
- Apr 28, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: May 30, 2024
Washington DC is FULL of things to do from museums, to visiting monuments and eating tasty foods... you could easily make it a longer trip. But I am going to tell you how to make the most of it in just one day! I took a day trip back in late March so get ready for ALL the pretty flowers and best spring spots!

LINCOLN MEMORIAL AND REFLECTING POOL
We made this our first stop because it tends to get very crowded later in the day. So, we arrived at sunrise and got the whole place to ourselves. It was such a peaceful way to start the day before the crowds came.
TIDAL BASIN
Next, we headed over to the MOST popular place to see the Cherry Blossoms which is the Tidal Basin. By the time we got here around 8 the crowds already began to form but it wasn't too bad. If you want to visit Tidal Basin I would try to get there before 10 which is when most people arrive. This place is crowded for a reason.... it's BEAUTIFUL! Looking across the water and seeing the Thomas Jefferson Memorial surrounded by all the Cherry Blossoms is definitely a view that I would not miss out on!

TULIP LIBRARY
For more flowers, head on over to the Tulip Library which is right next to the Tidal Basin. Tulips are one of my favorite flowers so making this one of my stops was a no brainer. Plus, it makes for the perfect spot to snap a few pictures!

ENID A. HAUPT GARDEN
This garden is between the Smithsonian Castle and Independence Ave. It is a public garden so it's free to visit! If you want to see the beautiful magnolias that bloom, visit during mid to late march.

DC RESIDENTS CAFE AND BAR
After all the exploring you will probably be hungry for lunch! DC Residents Café and Bar is the perfect restaurant if you are looking for something fun and seasonal. They change out their décor according to the season and if you go during spring you will experience their Cherry Blossom theme which in my opinion is the best! Here we ordered the espresso martini, "The Burger" and Turkish eggs on pita bread. This restaurant is very popular so you will need to make a reservation here!

SHOPPING AND STROLLING IN GEORGETOWN
After you have filled up on food, head over to the PRETTIEST neighborhood in DC... Georgetown! This charming neighborhood is full of shopping, colorful townhouses, and cute coffee shops.

CAFE GEORGETOWN
Speaking of coffee shops, be sure to head to Café Georgetown for their beautiful latte art. If you are here for the Cherry Blossom season ask for the Cherry Blossom Latte!

CALL YOUR MOTHER
Head on over the MOST instagramable deli... Call Your Mother! I mean just look at this place! I am in love with any building that is pink and the flowers are just too cute. Even if you don't eat here, it is still worth walking by and snapping a pic!

Tip: If you just want a picture, go after 2 when the shop closes. If you go before, you will get a line of people behind you!
DUMBARTON OAKS
After you grabbed some coffee head over to the historic estate of Dumbarton Oaks. It costs about $7 dollars to enter but totally worth it to stroll the gardens that transform you to Europe. I really felt as though I was walking through a secret garden straight out of a storybook. This garden is complete magic and I am dreaming of coming back in May when the wisteria is in bloom. Get your tickets here!

FARMERS FISHERS BAKERS
Relax and rewind on your fun filled day by grabbing a bite to eat at Farmers Fishers Bakers. This is a farm to table restaurant and you will not be disappointed! Make a reservation here!

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