March 16, 2017
Explore DC Beyond the Blossoms with the DC Circulator
by Korrea Johnston
The National Cherry Blossom Festival has arrived and the whole city is in bloom! From March 15th to April 16th, Washington, DC transforms into a city transfixed by pink petals, as the Festival partners with restaurants and attractions District-wide to bring the spirit of the season to the entire city.
We’ve referenced the National Mall route as the best way to get to the Tidal Basin this season, but the DC Circulator is also a great way to explore the city beyond the blossoms. Six simple routes connect exciting neighborhoods all over the city, from Georgetown to Downtown, Adams Morgan to Capitol Hill and beyond.
Here are a few of our recommendations for getting around via the DC Circulator this cherry blossom season:
Monuments & Memorials
DC is home to some of the country’s most recognized and historical monuments, most of which reside within walking distance of the National Mall. From the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, the DC Circulator’s National Mall route can take you on a tour before dropping you directly at the blossoms.
The District has an awesome variety of museums for you to explore. From the Air and Space Museum to the Postal Museum there’s a little something for everyone. Visit si.edu for more information on the Smithsonian museums, all of which are completely FREE to visit!
Restaurants
Got a craving? You’re in luck. The District has no equal when it comes to cuisine. Whether you’re grabbing brunch at a bistro in Adams Morgan, sampling global cuisine in Dupont or trying tapas in Penn Quarter, every meal of the day is something to look forward to.
- Woodley Park – Adams Morgan – McPherson Square
- Dupont Circle – Georgetown – Rosslyn
- Georgetown – Union Station
Nightlife
DC doesn’t slow down just because the sunsets! Catch an event at the Verizon Center in Chinatown, hit the club scene on K Street or check out a trendy bar on U Street to see what the capital city has to offer after dark.
- Woodley Park – Adams Morgan – McPherson Square
- Georgetown – Union Station
Shopping
From the designer row at City Center Downtown to Georgetown’s independent clothing boutiques, DC’s neighborhoods offer a diverse shopping experience. You’re sure to find something that suits your style.
- Dupont Circle – Georgetown – Rosslyn
- Georgetown – Union Station
- Woodley Park – Adams Morgan – McPherson Square
National Zoo
The National Zoo in Cleveland Park is one of DC’s biggest attractions. Of course it would need to be big in order to call itself home to giant pandas, Asian elephants and lions. The best part? Admission is always free.
- Woodley Park – Adams Morgan – McPherson Square
Eastern Market
Historic Capitol Hill’s, Eastern Market is DC’s premiere food and arts market. On weekdays, stop by for fresh produce, meat, cheese and flowers. On weekends, the market moves outdoors to include jewelry, arts and crafts.
- Union Station – Navy Yard
- Potomac-Skyland via Barracks Row
Need more ideas for exploring the city beyond the blossoms? Check out the exciting spring menu options with the Festival’s Cherry Picks restaurants, many located along DC Circulator routes. You can stop in and get great discounts with your Petal Pass at participating restaurants, museums, theatres and more!
There’s all kinds of things to do in DC during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, so hop on the DC Circulator and see the whole city in bloom!
We’ve partnered with the National Cherry Blossom Festival to bring you a free guide to get to the blossoms, including:
- travel options to signature events
- transportation choices to the Festival welcome centers
- National Mall monuments and memorials locations
