Last Updated on January 16, 2024
If you’re looking for things to do in Washington, DC, for spring break besides museums, you’ve come to the right place. While the city’s cultural treasures are spectacular, there’s a whole spectrum of other exciting activities that can be explored if museums aren’t your thing. From scenic parks to delicious bites, we’ve got you covered with the best things to do beyond typical museum visits. Let’s dive into a spring break adventure that promises memories as vibrant as the cherry blossoms lining the National Mall.
Tons of tourists visit DC during the spring, so we’ve compiled a list of the top ten places to explore that won’t be as overcrowded. While many museums showcase the country’s history, this list aims to present attractions that will allow you to experience DC in a new light.
Here’s my list of Spring Break DC: Top 10 Best Things to do…Besides Museums:
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1. Tour Howard University
Howard University, a private, historically Black university, is in Northwest DC. The campus is beautiful and has several historical landmarks, such as the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, the Fredrick Douglass Memorial Hall, and the Founder’s Library. Spring is a beautiful time to walk around the school’s large campus.
2. Check out the DC Cherry Blossoms
If you’re spending Spring Break in Washington, DC, your trip might occur during the cherry blossoms peak bloom. If so, you’re in for a treat. More than 3,000 cherry blossom trees have been planted in DC. Each spring, when they bloom, it’s a beautiful sight to behold. The entire District commemorates the annual event with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a three-week-long celebration. You can look up the peak bloom status here.
3. Enjoy a Big Bus Tour of DC
A bus tour is one of the best ways to beat the spring break crowds while enjoying the city. On a Big Bus tour, the top of the bus is open for the best sightseeing. It will take you on a journey to all the iconic locations in DC. The tour is flexible because you can hop on and off at major landmarks and attractions. You can purchase a variety of different tours including one-day, two-day, and night tours.
4. Explore the Monuments at Night
Speaking of night tours, visiting the famous monuments in Washington, DC, at night can be a different experience, even if you’ve already visited them during the day. There will be fewer people, and it can be a completely different view at night. Many of the monuments in DC have strategically placed lights for a more dramatic illusion.
5. Catch a Show at the Kennedy Center
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts became a living memorial in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy. Its mission is to share music, opera, dance, and other art forms from all over America and other countries. To honor the late President, the Kennedy Center offers a variety of shows from many artists. If you enjoy any performing art, visiting the Kennedy Center is a great outing to enjoy an exquisite show.
6. Visit the Wharf DC or District Wharf
Located only four blocks from the National Mall and often listed as one of the top things to do in the area, The District Wharf is a popular revitalized area. This mile-long stretch along the Potomac River now boasts more than 20 restaurants and bars, boutiques, a park, a 6,000-seat concert hall, and a few more intimate live music venues. The DC Wharf hosts several seasonal community events each year. It is an excellent option for a family-friendly day trip or an outdoor adventure on the Potomac.
7. Enjoy Some of DC’s Most Iconic Sights While on a Dinner Cruise
Dinner cruises on the Potomac River are a great way to enjoy a meal while viewing the city line from the water. You’ll have great views of the Washington Monument, National Harbor, and many other iconic sites. A dinner cruise lasts about two to three hours for the perfect romantic night out or family dinner. Cruise lines offer three-course meals, buffet-style dinners, a bar, and entertainment.
8. Enjoy the Shops in the Historic Blagden Alley
Blagden Alley is lined with shops and restaurants in the historic Shaw neighborhood. This quaint area is excellent for a coffee break, shopping locally in a boutique, or grabbing a fresh sandwich at lunch. All the restaurants and stores are in beautiful historic buildings with unique character.
9. Take a Stroll Through Georgetown
Georgetown’s streets have picturesque mansions, boutique shops, restaurants, and bars. This area is chock-full of goodies if you’re a history wonk like myself. I love walking along the cobblestone sidewalks and checking out the 18th and 19th-century houses. Georgetown Waterfront Park is a great place to bike, jog, or kayak if you’re into outdoor activities.
10. Have a spring Picnic at the National Arboretum
Spring is a great time to visit the U.S. National Arboretum. The National Arboretum has 446 acres of beautiful landscaping. In addition to its fantastic agriculture, it’s the home of the National Capitol Columns, which are 22 Corinthian columns that once supported a portion of the U.S. Capitol. The columns are a stunning fixture when the Arboretum is the backdrop. I also love to use this location for family photoshoots.
Spring break is an ideal time to visit Washington, DC, to learn and experience American history. There is so much to see and do in the city, and there are many ways to beat the spring break crowds and experience Washington, DC, in unique ways.
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