Spring break is coming up quick, and that likely brings back memories of fun trips and time away from school in your younger years. Many people travel during this mid-winter period, often escaping the cold weather for warm, tropical breezes in southern parts of the country or taking trips to explore aboard. Those vacations might not be for everyone, though, and sometimes staying closer to home can be a better fit.
Whether you’re short on funds, can’t get enough consecutive days offs, need to stay in and study for midterms, or just feel like being closer to home for spring break 2019, a D.C. staycation can have all the elements of a great vacation — without the money, time, and stress involved in traveling.
DC Spring Break: Local Adventure Guide
- Washington, DC offers diverse staycation activities that can rival traditional spring break trips, without the high costs and stress of travel, making it an attractive alternative for those staying local.
- The city provides numerous relaxation options, including day spas and salons offering massages, facial treatments, and other pampering services as alternatives to traditional beach vacations.
- Active visitors can enjoy both outdoor and indoor fitness opportunities, from the 1,754-acre Rock Creek Park with its 4.4 miles of trails to various yoga studios and gyms offering flexible class options.
- DC’s cultural scene includes both famous attractions (like the Smithsonian Museums and monuments) and lesser-known gems such as the National Arboretum, President Lincoln’s cottage, and the intriguing Mansion on O.
- Sports enthusiasts can enjoy year-round professional games, with teams across multiple sports including the Capitals (NHL), Wizards (NBA), Nationals (MLB), and DC United (MLS).
- The city’s diverse food scene spans multiple neighborhoods, with particular emphasis on areas like 14th Street in Columbia Heights and Dupont Circle, plus a variety of food trucks offering international cuisine.
- Most attractions are easily accessible via public transportation, eliminating the need for driving and making the staycation experience more convenient.
What to Do During a D.C. Staycation
One of the great things about Washington, D.C., is that it truly has a little bit of something to offer everyone. Its diverse neighborhoods and cultural scenes, food and drink options spanning multiple genres and ethnicities, historical sights, and indoor and outdoor activities can give you a whole world of experiences in just a few short hours. Residents and visitors can go running by renowned monuments in the morning, brunch at a hot food spot in an adorable neighborhood, check out museums in the afternoon, and hit a spa for relaxation before a sporting event or night out with friends — and that’s just day one.
Here are some great options for D.C. staycation fun. Even better, you might not have to drive to of them because the public transportation system can take you just about anywhere!
Relax and Unwind – You’ve Earned It
Most people escape the cold to shed job or school stress or get away from the dark, winter days. They often equate relaxation with salty air and lapping waves, but it doesn’t take much to recreate that same relaxed feeling. D.C.’s many neighborhoods have you covered.
We might not have sun, sand, and waves this time of year (though D.C. does have beaches along the Potomac River, and is within just a couple hours’ drive of the Atlantic Ocean), but the area is home to plenty of day spas and salons. These professionals offer massages, hair, and facial treatments, manicures and pedicures, tanning, and more, giving you all the pampering you need to shrug off your day-to-day routine and thoroughly enjoy your staycation.
Move Around and Be Active
It might be fun to be lazy a few of the days that you’re home, but nothing recharges the brain and relaxes the body quite like good exercise. Lucky for D.C. residents, the region has plenty of indoor and outdoor opportunities to get them up and moving!
For those who like to spend a little time outdoors, even in the winter, Rock Creek Park spans 1,754 acres and features 4.4 miles of biking and pedestrian trails. It was designed to give summer and bundled-up users alike the perfect, “peaceful refuge” from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and getting into nature might be just what you need to let go of your stress.
If being indoors is more your thing, consider checking out a yoga class. Many D.C. area studios and groups often offer pop-up, free or low-fee classes for drop-in, and yoga is great for twisting out toxins, removing built-up tension, refreshing and renewing, and taking a break from the daily grind. Want something more aggressive? Go for a run past the monuments and museums near the National Mall, or stop by a local gym to spend some time with cardio equipment, free weights, weight machines, classes, and more.
Get Lost and Find Culture
Most people know about the monuments, memorials, and museums — the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Building, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Korean War Memorial, legislative buildings, National World War II Memorial, White House, Washington Monument, Smithsonian Museums, and National Museums come to mind — and those are all great to visit (many of them for free!) during your D.C. staycation. The region is also home to several hidden and off-the-beaten-path gems, however, some in the same vein as the above, and others that will completely surprise you. A few of our favorite attractions in DC include the George Mason Memorial, National Arboretum, President Lincoln’s cottage, the Exorcist Steps from the 1973 film The Exorcist, the Mansion on O, and the Postal Museum (trust us on that one — we wouldn’t steer you wrong!).
Cheer Your Heart Out at a Spring Break Sporting Event
Did you know that Washington, D.C. has sports teams for just about any fan? We’ve got professional and semi-professional baseball, basketball, football, soccer, hockey, and tennis, not to mention several collegiate teams nearby that would love to have your support. We’ll even have a Rugby team by 2020. Check out any of these teams during your staycation for a fun sports-focused outing, or mark your calendars for when their seasons start up again:
- Winter: NHL: Capitals, NBA: Wizards, WNBA: Mystics
- Summer:MLS: DC United, NWSL: Spirit, Tennis: Kastles
- Fall: NFL: Redskins
Make Merry While Supporting Local Food and Drink Establishments
If you’ve ever wandered around a D.C. neighborhood, you’ll already be aware that food and drink spots are in abundance here. Stop by the food scene and nightlife on 14thStreet in Columbia Heights for everything from great breakfast and brunches to bakeries and a happening night scene, or wander around any of the other neighborhoods (like Dupont Circle) to sample the local fare. D.C. also plays host to a number of mobile food trucks with plenty of options from all around the world, meaning you won’t go hungry during your staycation extravaganza.
For more information about living or finding your perfect apartment in a Washington, D.C. neighborhood, contact our team. We have multiple properties — on Rodman Street, Massachusetts Avenue, Connecticut Avenue, R Street NW, 16th Street, and Lamont Street — and we’d be happy to walk you through our available units. Give us a call at (833) 202-6055 to get started and find your new home today.
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DC Spring Break: Local Adventure Guide FAQ
Why should I consider a staycation in Washington, DC for spring break?
Washington, DC offers a wide variety of activities that rival traditional spring break destinations, but without the high costs and stress of travel. The city provides diverse entertainment options that can create memorable experiences while staying local, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a break without leaving the area.
What relaxation options are available in DC during spring break?
DC offers numerous relaxation opportunities through its many day spas and salons. Visitors can enjoy massages, facial treatments, and other pampering services that provide the same rejuvenating experience as a beach vacation, all while staying in the city.
What fitness and outdoor activities can I do during a DC staycation?
The city offers both indoor and outdoor fitness options. Rock Creek Park spans 1,754 acres with 4.4 miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts, while various yoga studios and gyms throughout the city offer flexible class options for those preferring indoor activities.
What cultural attractions can I visit during my DC spring break?
DC features both famous landmarks and hidden gems. While the Smithsonian Museums and national monuments are well-known attractions, visitors can also explore lesser-known sites like the National Arboretum, President Lincoln’s cottage, and the unique Mansion on O.
What sports events can I attend during spring break in DC?
DC offers year-round professional sports entertainment with teams in multiple leagues, including the Capitals (NHL), Wizards (NBA), Nationals (MLB), and DC United (MLS). This variety ensures sports fans can find exciting games to attend regardless of the season.
Where can I find good food during my DC staycation?
The city’s diverse food scene includes vibrant areas like 14th Street in Columbia Heights and Dupont Circle, featuring various restaurants and cafes. Additionally, numerous food trucks throughout the city offer international cuisine options, ensuring visitors can enjoy a wide range of dining experiences.
How easy is it to get around DC during a staycation?
DC’s comprehensive public transportation system makes it easy to access most attractions without needing a car. The metro and bus systems connect to major destinations throughout the city, making it convenient to explore different neighborhoods and attractions.
