Classic Spring Things to Do in Downtown DC

Spring showers but Downtown DC still flowers! As the cold fades, welcome spring in style with a day in the heart of the city. From coffee stops to arts and culture, Downtown DC is ready for full-bloom mode.

Start Your Morning Fresh at Nino’s Bakery

• Location: 1310 L Street NW

Specializing in French pastries, this boutique bakery welcomes you with warm scent of butter the moment you step inside. Grab a classic flaky croissant or try the Nino’s Bakery‘s special Sicilian cookies, and your morning is already off to a great start.

Enjoy Spring Air at Franklin Park

• Location: 1332 I Street NW
• Distance from Nino’s Bakery: 0.2 miles |🚶4 min

Just a short walk from your morning pastries, let spring set the pace with fresh air and a moment to slow down at one of Downtown DC’s favorite gathering spots. With plenty of benches, blooming paths, and a calendar full of lively events, Franklin Park is the perfect place to pause, people-watch, and soak in the season.

Take a Spring Stroll Through CityCenterDC

• Location: 10th St NW & Palmer Alley NW
• Distance from Franklin Park: 0.4 miles | 🚲 3 min | 🚶8 min

With fresh air and spring energy emerging, wander through Palmer Alley as it glows with pink lanterns overhead. Stroll through the alley, explore a mix of high-end shops and restaurants, and don’t forget to snap a few photos — this is your moment to let the spring breeze freshen up your Instagram feed.

Soak in the Natural Light at Kogod Courtyard

• Location: 8th Street NW & G Street NW
• Distance from CityCenterDC: 0.4 miles | 🚲 2 min | 🚶7 min

Nestled within the National Portrait Gallery, the Kogod Courtyard offers an immediate spring feel, with natural light streaming through its glass canopy. Enjoy light bites surrounded by lush greenery—whether you’re stopping for a snack or seeking a quiet pause, this spot is the perfect escape from sudden spring showers.

Grab A Taste from Garden

• Distance from Courtyard Cafe: 0.6 miles | 🚲 2 min | 🚶7 min

Choose your spring bite just steps away. From veggie-forward tacos at Chaia to farm-inspired comfort dishes at Founding Farmers and garden-inspired plates at Arrels, Downtown DC serves up fresh flavors all season long.

• Chaia Tacos | 615 I Street NW
• Founding Farmers & Distillers | 600 Massachusetts Ave NW
• Arrels | 333 G Street NW

Spend A Spring Night Dream with Beauty and the Beast

• The National Theatre | 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW | March 18 – April 5
• Distance from Arrels: 0.9 miles | 🚘 7 min | 🚲 6 min

End your evening with a storybook musical that feels especially magical on a spring night. Relive cherished childhood memories and enjoy a Broadway-style Beauty and the Beast at the National Theatre, right in the heart of Downtown.