The Insider's Guide to Our Outside: Arlington in Bloom
As springtime begins to bloom, it’s the perfect opportunity to disconnect from your daily routine and reconnect during a getaway to Arlington, Virginia – just across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital.
These insider tips will help you craft the ideal spring-inspired escape to our area!
Catch the Blooming Beauty
From parks and gardens to scenic streets, Arlington is home to some of the most breathtaking spots to see spring flowers in full bloom. If you're a fan of tulips, Netherlands Carillon in Rosslyn is the place to be. This gift from the Dutch not only manifests itself as a towering monument, but as fields of sprawling flowers. The Navy and Merchant Marine Memorial, which was built in honor of those who died in service during World War I, is another lesser-known flower hotbed featuring rows and rows of beautiful tulips. Looking for roses? The Bon Air Park Rose Garden is home to gorgeous roses, ornamental tree gardens, azalea and more.
Insider’s Tip: You don't have to cross the Potomac River to see cherry blossoms! Some local spots known to have their very own cherry trees include: Cherrydale Baptist Church (3910 Lorcom Ln), Long Bridge Park, Welburn Square (901 N Taylor St), and Arlington National Cemetery.
Savor in the Sunshine
With the arrival of spring, Arlington's patios, rooftops, and open-air spaces come alive with fresh blooms, pleasant weather, and vibrant culinary offerings. Some local favorites for outdoor dining include:
- El Rey in Ballston
- Urban Thai in Crystal City
- Bar Bao in Clarendon
- Buena Vida Gastro Lounge in Clarendon
- Carlyle in Shirlington
- Westover Beer Garden in Westover
- Quarterdeck in Rosslyn
Click here for a full guide to "Dining Al Fresco in Arlington."
Insider’s Tip: Arlington is home to a handful of popular rooftop bars that can surely make for an exciting evening on the town. Want to do some bar hopping without breaking the bank? Many of these havens are located within walking distance of each other, but if your targets aren't in the same neighborhood, taking the Metro provides a safe, affordable alternative to driving and connects the majority of Arlington's most high-traffic nightlife spots.
Exercise Under the Sky
Want to get movin' outdoors as the weather warms up? Explore our outdoor spaces like Theodore Roosevelt Island, a living memorial to America’s 26th president, a great outdoorsman, and conservationist. Just steps from Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood, this 91-acre wooded island sanctuary features a memorial plaza (a perfect spot for a photo op with Teddy), as well as miles of trails through wooded uplands, swampy bottomland, and along the Potomac River.
Insider’s Tip: For some of Arlington’s most classic views of downtown Washington, D.C., venture just 1 mile to the Marine Corps War Memorial. Grab a Capital Bikeshare bike and you’re there in less than 15 minutes or get there by foot through the lively heart of Rosslyn. Upon arrival, enjoy incredible views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol as you walk amongst the tulips that bloom in the springtime.
Discover Blooming Backdrops
There's no better time to have a photoshoot in Arlington than the spring! Fortunately, many of Arlington's BIDs and Neighborhood Partnerships assemble seasonal activations that often include photo walls, backgrounds, and more. The National Landing BID often activates Metropolitan Park in the Spring to coincide with regional cherry blossom themes and The Crossing Clarendon often activates their outdoor space to include floral photo ops to utilize while you're out shopping. Learn more about some of Arlington's most Instagrammable spots here.
Insider’s Tip: Use #allinarlington in any photos you take while you're visiting Arlington for a chance to be featured in our marketing materials! We love to see your unique travel experiences.
Experience Arlington's Signature Spring Events
Arlington buzzes with events nearly every day of the year, from musical, artistic, food and family to sports, heritage, outdoors and more. Arlington in the spring is NO exception! Discover some of Arlington’s most anticipated spring events, including:
- The National Cherry Blossom Festival - March 20 to April 13 (Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas)
- Earth Day Every Day on Langston Boulevard - April 27
- Arlington Festival of the Arts in Clarendon - April 26 & 27
For more Arlington events, check out our events page, which is constantly being updated with the latest happenings around our area.
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850 N Lexington St Arlington, VA 22205 (703) 228-6525
475 Long Bridge Dr Arlington, VA 22202 (703) 228-6525
2800 Clarendon Blvd Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 442-4370
2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 205 Arlington, VA 22202 (703) 412-9430
1200 Fort Myer Dr Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 528-2722
2900 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 888-1528
3100 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 600-0500
4000 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206 (703) 931-0777
561 S 23rd St Arlington, VA 22202 (703) 979-0777
4201 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22203 (571) 312-5530
Theodore Roosevelt Island Arlington, VA (703) 289-2500
1501 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1100 Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 247-6986
Many attractions in and around D.C. can be reached by using Metro, the area’s subway system. Try Metro's real-time Trip Planner for rail and bus.
Metrorail Hours of Operation
For more information on using the Metro and the area's bus system Metrobus, visit https://www.wmata.com/service/...
5863 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA 22205 (703) 536-5040