Springtime in the District: A Washington, D.C. Getaway
Each spring, Washington, D.C. bids adieu to winter and comes alive with one of nature’s most showstopping springtime displays: the blooming of the cherry blossom trees. If you’ve ever wondered if this spectacle is worth a visit to our nation’s capital, wonder no more. This is the perfect year to set your spring break sights on the District of Columbia.
This year, the citywide National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held March 20 to April 17 and features plenty of spring-inspired activities and events. The trees themselves (over 3,000 of them were gifted to the city in 1912 by the mayor of Tokyo) are most prominent at the Tidal Basin, located in West Potomac Park, but can also be found along the shoreline of East Potomac Park and along the National Mall. The delicate and fragrant pink blooms are a stunning celebration of American and Japanese cultures.
But it’s not just these beautiful blooms that make Washington, D.C. a great spring break destination. From location and weather to attractions and outdoor fun, Washington, D.C. offers springtime fun for the entire family. Convenient to just about every East Coast and Mid-Atlantic destination, D.C. is an easy drive or train ride whether you’re in New York, Maryland, Virginia or Pennsylvania. A little too far for a road trip? There are three major airports in the region making this an easy-to-get-to locale no matter your departing destination.
Need more convincing? Washington, D.C. weather is just about perfect in the spring. The notorious summer humidity hasn’t set in yet, and the pleasant temperatures are just right for enjoying miles of hiking and walking trails (Rock Creek Park is a favorite), water activities (explore the Potomac and Georgetown via kayak) and, of course, the monuments and memorials. As far as indoors, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds at the multitude of museums scattered throughout the city. Don’t miss the sculpture garden at the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the International Spy Museum. Just be sure to confirm operating hours as many museums remain closed or have limited tickets.
Your home base for all things spring in D.C.? Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown – a sophisticated and welcoming hotel ideally located in the city’s West End at the intersection of Georgetown and Foggy Bottom. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a stunning lobby and if you’re lucky, Georgie, the hotel’s adorable Canine Ambassador. In fact, you can even check in with your own four-legged friend at this pet-friendly paradise! Elegantly appointed guest rooms provide a welcome respite from all of the outdoor fun you’re sure to experience. Don’t miss dinner or evening cocktails in the hotel’s peaceful Courtyard or venture out to one of the many cafes and restaurants within walking distance.
To celebrate the spring cherry blossoms, Fairmont Washington, D.C.is converting their newly built Courtyard Barr into the Cherry Blossom Courtyard – a fully outdoor space that where you can enjoy one of our 40 Gins mixed to perfection, paired with our Cherry Blossom food menu (such as a Sakura and Peach Blossom Gelée) around fire pits and comfy seating just steps from your room. With numerous seating options, including al fresco breakfast, lunch and dinner, you will be surrounded by our own Cherry Blossom Trees that frame the Courtyard Bar and make this a truly unique venue in D.C. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your hotel to enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival!
Just like the cherry blossoms so beautifully remind us, spring is the perfect time to celebrate new beginnings – more so this year than ever before! So, pack your bags and head to Washington, D.C. for an unforgettable spring break with Fairmont.