Four reasons why you should spend your spring in DC

Washington DC Cherry Blossom festival

The first thing most people think about in Washington DC is politics – can’t deny that. But when that spring season hits, this city shows off everything that makes the American capital amazing. From the World Series Champion Nationals getting back in action to the beautiful cherry blossoms, the curious will find that learning and fun never ends here, even on spring break. The best part? YOTEL Washington DC Capitol Hill is literally steps away from it all.

Need a little more convincing to venture to DC during the spring? Check out four of the best not so secret options DC has to offer.

THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

From March 20 through April 12, the entire region turns pink. People dress in pink, buildings illuminate soft pink at night, and bartenders start pouring deliciously pink martinis. The annual celebration of the gift of hundreds of cherry trees from Japan draws visitors from around the world for the arboreal pink spectacle. Between the blooms, the fireworks, a massive parade and all sorts of Japanese cultural activities, you won’t find a better Instagrammable moment than this. 

Stay with YOTEL Washington DC and enjoy a special Spring Blossoms Here package, complete with welcome surprises and seasonal keepsakes. From YOTEL Washington DC, a short walk puts you squarely in the middle of the action on the National Mall. Smithsonian (Green) is the closest Metro stop, about four blocks from the edge of the Tidal Basin.

Photo credit: Washington DC

Washington DC Cherry Blossom festival

MUSEUMS

Learning in DC is easy no matter how old you are. Smithsonian museums are free and open to the public, providing a myriad of ways to keep the whole family curious, even on spring break. YOTEL is a short walk from many exciting new exhibits including:

  • Pat Steir: Color Wheel – on view at The Hirshhorn, this is the largest painting installation to date by the famed abstract artist. Thirty pieces of the colour wheel span the museum’s second floor.
  • National Fossil Hall – the dinosaurs are back at the National Museum of Natural History! Catch the T-Rex in all its glory, or explore plants, insects, and all sorts of prehistoric life.

At YOTEL we love tech and design and the best place to see it in motion this year is at DC’s Artechouse. The must-see immersive art space inspires with sensory installations that you have to see to believe. Through March 1, Zach Lieberman’s Future Sketches takes over the space where you can even enjoy a specialty VR technology cocktail.

Photo credit: Natural History

Washington DC museum elephant display

WORLD SERIES CHAMPS

DC has become a city of champions. First, the Capitals brought home the Stanley Cup. Then the Mystics ruled the WNBA. And now the Washington Nationals have won the World Series. This Spring, get in on the action as the team opens its season at home on April 2 against the Mets. If baseball isn’t your thing, we’re betting DC United is next in line for a win. Their season of professional soccer kicks off at home on February 29 at the sparkling new Audi Field. 

Photo credit: Wasington DC

Washington DC WORLD SERIES CHAMPS

PASSPORT DC

Washington ranks among the most cosmopolitan, international cities in the world. It is home to institutions like the World Bank and IMF, but the many embassies are what truly open doors to experience other cultures. Each May, the city celebrates International Cultural Awareness Month and Passport DC gives visitors a chance to visit other countries without ever leaving the city! Over two weekends embassies from around the globe open for free, public programs that span food, music, art and much more. The month concludes with the annual Embassy Chef Challenge – a friendly competition that brings chefs from all over the world under one roof for a night of culinary diplomacy that could only happen in DC.  

Photo credit: The Georgetowner

Washington DC Georgetowner