Washington D.C. Day Trip
3 Things to Do
Is your Spring Break quickly approaching and you’re contemplating plans? Do you only have a week for Spring Break and are hoping to squeeze all the goodness you can out of your precious 7 days off? Well, for you my friend, I’d love to suggest a day trip! If, like me, you’re a nature lover and admittedly a bit on the nerdy side, then a visit to Washington D.C. in spring time would make for an awesome Spring Break day trip! Here are 3 cool ways to spend your spring day in America’s Capitol.
Library of Congress
Commissioned on April 24, 1800 when the capitol made the move from Philadelphia to Washington D.C.,the Library of Congress is a must see for any history aficionado. According to the Library of Congress, it is the largest library in the world with well over 170 million items in its collection! Today the library is comprised of 4 buildings, but the oldest and arguably the most well known is the Thomas Jefferson Building.
Opened to the public in 1897, the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress allows visitors to take in extraordinary history. Just as extraordinary is the art and architecture of the building. As you make your way around the library and up the marble staircase to the third floor, you are led to another captivating view in that of the main research room.
If you’ve watched films like All the President’s Men or National Treasure (both of which come highly recommended 
) you’ve seen this room featured. However, witnessing it in person is an experience not easily forgotten. It’s not hard to wonder what notable historical figures once roamed the halls. Although, if you do not have official researcher credentials you’ll have to settle for viewing it through a thick plexi-glassed balcony. Even so, it is well worth the visit!
Some other highlights of the library are the magnificent paintings that line the stately walls, a Gutenberg Bible, Map Room, and a wonderful photography exhibition in the Southwest Gallery.
Admission to the Library is free but timed passes must be reserved for entry.
Cherry Blossoms
Whether you’re on Spring Break or not, Washington D.C. during cherry blossom season is well worth the trip! From late March to early April, D.C. is awash with beautiful cherry blossom trees in bloom. According to Cherry Blossom Watch, once peak bloom occurs the flowers last about a week or two. As you walk the grounds of the Capitol Building, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress you will encounter these delightful beauties. You can also walk the national mall and make a stop at the Washington Monument where there are many cherry blossoms lining the sidewalks.
However, to take in these beauties in the best and most iconic location, you will need to cross Independence Street from the National Mall and make your way to the Tidal Basin. This is where the original cherry blossom trees are planted that were gifted to the United States from Japan. Here, they are in their full glory. It’s like a dream as you walk the roughly 2 mile distance round the Tidal Basin. Along your walk you can also see the Martin Luther King Monument and Thomas Jefferson Monument.
Be advised that the Tidal Basin path can get very crowded during peak bloom. I may have hit a sweet spot during my visit though as I went on a weekday afternoon a few days before peak bloom. Weather wise, during my visit it was a bit dreary and chilly for me as a Floridian (high 50’s, low 60’s). There was also a persistent drizzle but the views of the cherry blossoms were still wonderful and crowds were not an issue.
Eat
I did A LOT of walking while in D.C. It’s a wonderful way to take in the city while also getting some pretty good exercise. All the walking can surely work up an appetite though! With this being a day trip and all, I opted for more of a quick bite restaurant near the Library of Congress. Here are some other great choices (all on Pennsylvania Ave SE) near the library:
- Good Stuff Eatery – Good ole burger joint
- Burrito Brother of Capitol Hill – Who doesn’t love a great burrito?
- sweetgreen Capitol Hill – If you’re looking for a more health conscious alternative, sweetgreen is for you!
If you choose to eat after your walk around the Tidal Basin, The Wharf area on aptly named Wharf St. SW is nearby and has an abundance of eateries to choose from. For quick, inexpensive eats some solid choices include:
- Falafel Inc.
- Toastique
- Chopsmith
Getting There
If you’re traveling into D.C. from Ronald Reagan National Airport, Ubers and taxis are abundant. However, with a station in the airport, the Metro is also a super quick, easy, and cheap way to get into the city. Getting to my first stop at the Library of Congress from the airport was a breeze. I had purchased a $10 metro card before arriving in D.C. but machines to purchase cards can also be found in every station.
Have you been to Washington D.C. in springtime? If so, what was your experience like? I’d love to hear from you below!