As a Canadian, visiting Washington DC was never on my bucket list. However, I am so glad I visited because I got to learn so much more about American history, and yes it was surprisingly really interesting. Washington DC (not to be confused with Washington State) is the capital of the US and home to famous landmarks such as the White House, Martin Luther King Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. DC offers more than 70 unique museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and a diverse culinary scene.
Washington DC is not only iconic because it is the central hub of history, culture, and politics, but it is also iconic because it harbors thousands of beautiful cherry trees that bloom at an estimated time. Thousands of predictions and debates are made to determine when these vibrant pink trees will be in full bloom. Although more crowded, this time period is the best time to visit Washington as you get to witness added beauty and a magical touch to the district. Walking along the water's edge as you marvel at the dainty pink and white flowers is a truly romantic scene.
Whether you are interested in exploring the city's rich history or enjoying the city's intoxicating fragrance of cherry blossoms in the air, there's never been a better time to experience Washington DC then in the springtime. I will also go over the many wonders I visited and the most fascinating museums in DC, so you can also uncover the secrets that make it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.
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Where to Stay
Prices can get quite expensive during the famous Cherry Blossom season, here is a list of most to least affordable stays in DC. I've done the research so you don't have to: best location, reviews, and rooms.
Hostel - U Street Capsule Hostel
Mid-range - Glover Park Hotel Georgetown
Aesthetic mid-range- citizenM Washington DC NoMa
High range- Viceroy Washington DC
Cherry Blossoms
Everyone is aiming to arrive in Washington for the cherry tree blossom festival which starts a few days before the peak bloom and ends three weeks after. You may ask yourself what is peak bloom and when is it. First, let's talk about the history of the cherry trees in Washington:
The celebration of the blooming of cherry trees, called Sakura, is an old tradition in Japan that carries great significance in their culture. In 1912, 3020 cherry trees were shipped from Japan to Seattle and then transferred to Washington as a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan.
When is the peak bloom date? The day when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open. It varies annually depending on weather conditions, but the most estimated time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April. Peak bloom can last for several days. Fresh, calm weather can extend it and rainy gusty days can shorten it. A late frost can stop the trees from blossoming at all although it's very rare. Forecasting peak bloom is almost impossible more than 10 days in advance but predictions are still made every year.
Top Attractions in the National Mall
The national mall is a large open space perfect for picnics, events, and outdoor activities that include most of the iconic monuments, memorials, and museums in Washington. The Tidal Basin is the central reservoir of Washington located within the National Mall where you can witness the beauty of the blossomed cherry trees along the water line. A great thing about Washington's sites and museums is that mostly all are ALL FREE. Everything mentioned below is free entry.
1. Lincoln Memorial
The 19ft tall Greek-style temple is dedicated to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln is best known for his role in leading the country through the Civil War and for his Emancipation Proclamation, which declared slaves in Confederate-held territory, mostly in the South, to be free. He was assassinated inside a theatre that is located nearby which you can take a tour of.
The memorial is surrounded by 36 columns each representing a state in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. The Lincoln Memorial has been the site of many historic events and speeches, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. You climb the steps to reach the monument, then are rewarded with a panoramic view of the National Mall. Open all year all day, I recommend visiting for sunset and at night when it is illuminated, providing a stunning backdrop for evening strolls along the National Mall.
2. George Washington Memorial - Obelisk
The Washington Monument was built to honor the first President of the United States, George Washington, and is the tallest central landmark in the city. The obelisk monument stands at 555 feet tall, one of my favorite angel numbers :) George Washington set the tone of the country's political and social systems. He also established the tradition of the two-term limit and the importance of a peaceful transition of power.
3. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The 19-foot bronze statue is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. The monument features Jefferson standing in front of a domed marble building modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.
Jefferson is known for writing the Declaration of Independence and being involved in the Louisiana Purchase from the French, which doubled the size of the United States. Amongst many beliefs, he believed in democracy, individual rights, and a good education system. His controversial acts included owning slaves and treating the Natives poorly.
4. Martin Luther King Memorial
One of my favorite memorials and advocates. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American civil rights leader and skilled organizer who dedicated his life to the fight against racial segregation and discrimination in the 50s and 60s. He was a Baptist minister and skilled organizer who used his religious background and beliefs to inspire and bring thousands to listen to him. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial features several inscriptions of King's famous quotes. Martin's memorial is the first memorial that introduces the tidal basin from the west side.
4. Korean War Memorial
The Korean War (1950-1953) was a military conflict between North Korea and South Korea and began when the North invaded the South. North Korea got help from China and the Soviet Union and South Korea was supported by the United States and other allies.
The Korean War Memorial is dedicated to the millions of soldiers that died. The memorial features 19 large stainless steel statues of soldiers, representing all branches of the U.S. military that fought in the war. The statues are arranged in a triangular formation around a central pool and reflect the harsh realities of war.
5. Vietnam War Memorial
The Vietnam War (1955-1975) was fought between the communist government of North Vietnam and the government of South Vietnam. The South was backed by the United States and other anti-communist allies. The war began as a result of the Cold War-era tensions between the communist and non-communist nations. The South lost and joined as one with the North under communist rule. The memorial is a tribute to the millions who died and consists of two black marble walls that list 58,000 American servicemen and women who died in the war.
6. WWII Memorial
World War II (1939-1945) was a global conflict fought between the Axis powers (Germany, Japan, and Italy) and the Allied powers (the United States, the UK, and the Soviet Union, among others).
The war began when Germany invaded Poland in 1939 and quickly began to invade countries across Europe and the Pacific. The war ended when Germany and Japan were losing and surrendered. Oh, what the world would have been like if that didn't happen. It truly marked the beginning of a new era in world history. National World War II Memorial is dedicated to the millions who served and sacrificed their life. Here you will find a central plaza with a fountain surrounded by 56 pillars, each representing a U.S. state or territory.
7. Capitol Hill: Capitol Building
The United States Capitol Building is the home of Congress since the year 1800. Important events including presidential inaugurations, state funerals, and passing laws all occur here. It is heavily guarded, and you will see a lot of professionals in suits. It is a beautiful building with ample space for pictures.
8. White House
Almost everyone has heard of The White House, one of the most important landmarks in the United States. It is the home and workplace of the President of the United States and has been that way since 1800. To book a tour inside you would need an appointment with a member of Congress, but if you want to just see the outside, you are free to do so at any time. I though it was much bigger in person for some reason, it is still amazing to witness in person.
Museums
As mentioned there are multiple museums within the National Mall, these are the ones I visited and found most interesting.
9. Smithsonian: National Museum of Natural History
One of my absolute favorite museums, because one, it's about animals/dinosaurs, and two, it's about our evolution as a human species. It is home to over 145 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, and other artifacts. Some of my highlights of this museum were the T-rex skeleton, seeing how a giraffe drinks water, and learning where we came from, from a species over 1 million years ago.
10. Holocaust Museum
Dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust, a genocide in which six million Jews and millions of others were murdered by the Nazi regime under the control of Hitler during World War II. I always heard about the Holocaust but this museum helped me to better understand the lived experiences of those impacted by the Holocaust. The museum contains photographs, personal belongings, and exhibits of victims and survivors. Be prepared for a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience that prompts reflection on issues of privilege and human rights.
Here, you are given tickets if there is an open time slot, if not you will get tickets for the next available time slot which can be hours later.
11. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Here you will learn the history of all things aviation and space. You will witness a collection of aircraft, spacecraft, cool cars, and more. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the history of flight, the science of aviation, and the future of space exploration. It is so interesting to see the technological advances that have improved the air and space world today. Some of my highlights of this museum were learning how Satellites can spot animals around the world and learning space stations witness about 16 sunsets per day.
Here you will need to book tickets online through a QR code. Make sure you go early, as this place gets booked up extremely fast and you may have to wait until the next time slot.
Conclusion
Overall, I had a memorable experience in Washington. Besides the beautiful pictures filled with monuments, animals, and cherry trees you get to have on your phone forever, it is the knowledge of history, not only in America but around the world, that you grasp quicker being present in this district. Washington DC, especially during springtime, is a peaceful place for a getaway to de-stress and be present.
Planning on going to Washington DC for Cherry season? Been already? I would love to know your experience and what you did differently, or if you have any questions please let me know in the comments!
Until the next trip, adios! <3
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