The best things to do in Washington, D.C. right now

What is it? Washington, D.C.'s very own film festival has brought interesting independent films from all over the world to the District for 39 years. This 11 day festival features 63 films from 36 countries, all of which will screen at Regal Gallery Place, plus events and opportunities to hear from the filmmakers and other notables.

Why go? Cinephiles in the District have been reeling since the unexpected closure of the beloved Landmark's E Street Cinema, the go-to movie house for independent and international film fans. While we wait for another theater to fill its slate with indies, this festival can tide us over. This year's program includes plenty of interesting titles: Oscar nominee and French national treasure Isabelle Huppert stars in "Visiting Hours," a drama about two very different women who bond while their husbands are incarcerated; "Grand Finale," an Icelandic comedy about an orchestra fending off financial ruin; a biopic of Charles Aznavour, a French singer remembered as the "French Frank Sinatra;" and a special selection of films from Arab countries like Tunisia, Lebanon, Palestine, and Morocco.

Time Out tip: Certain titles, usually ones with big stars or which cover something current in the news, tend to sell out so it's best to snag tickets online. Get tickets before noon on the day of your screening, which is when online sales end, or buy them at the theater (you may want to call ahead first).

What is it? The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20-April 13) is a celebration of spring that draws both visitors and locals. 

Why go? Savor the last bits of cherry blossom season with the final events of the festival: the National Cherry Blossom Parade (April 12) and the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival (April 12-13). Gawk at floats and enjoy live music as the parade snakes along Constitution Ave., then head to the street fest for the massive Japanese culture festival. Shop, watch traditional performances, and snag tasty food and drinks. 

Time Out tip: Don't even think about driving and parking. Hop on Metro instead. 

What is it? Immersive, colorful art installations.

Why go? D.C. loves its cherry blossoms, and one of the fun bits of spring is seeing how local businesses and cultural institutions work the pink and white buds into their programming. One entry into this canon is ARTECHOUSE's best exhibit, a colorful wonder that's a tribute to spring flowers. Wander through the space and admire all the (virtual) botanical wonders—don't forget to nab a drink from the excellent on-site bar.

Time Out tip: The small space is manageable and each reservation covers one hour, so this is a perfect activity to pair with something else before or after, whether that's a short walk to see the real cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin or dinner nearby (maybe a coveted res at Dōgon or one of the many eateries on The Wharf?).

What is it? For 29 years the U.S. Botanic Garden and the Smithsonian Garden have jointly hosted special exhibits to show off their vast orchid collections. This year's iteration is all about orchids that aren't exactly what they seem.

Why go? These displays are so artful and cool. The delicate flowers are always arranged into awe-inspiring, tall plant sculptures—this year, they include 9-foot-tall "cherry trees" of pink and white orchids, plus curtains of orchids with special roots that mean they can live without soil. 

Time Out tip: Are you a plant parent in need of some help? If you email or call the U.S. Botanic Garden's free Plant Hotline with your plant care questions, the garden's experts will answer your gardening questions. 

What is it? Located at the highest point in Georgetown, this historic estate is known for its art museum and stunning gardens.

Why go? Dumbarton Oaks has something to offer visitors every season, but spring is when it really shines. Snag a day ticket and stroll through 16 acres of impeccably maintained gardens. Any green thumbs will be in awe—the gardens include formal vistas and terraces, bountiful kitchen plots, and wooded paths and meadows begging for exploration. In March, the main draws are flowering plum trees, forsythia, magnolias, and, of course, the pink and white cherry blossoms on Cherry Hill. 

Time Out tip: For a truly relaxing afternoon, pair a visit to Dumbarton Oaks with a stroll down Wisconsin Ave. to browse the antique shops. Pop into Yellow, the buzzy Levantine cafe, for a baklava croissant or head to Thomas Sweet for an ice cream (keep in mind they only take cash). 

What is it? This brutalist beauty on Independence Avenue boasts a wealth of modern art. Outside the famous circular building designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Gordon Bunshaft is the delightful outdoor sculpture garden, which features pieces by Giacometti and Rodin.

Why go? This museum is a treasure trove of 20th-century art (it has more than 12,000 pieces) and includes pieces by notable artists like Mark Rothko, Yayoi Kusama, Mark Bradford, and Barbara Kruger. The Hirshorn often hosts buzzy exhibits that become the talk of the town, like "Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors." The latest is "Basquiat x Banksy," the world's first-ever side-by-side display of works by Banksy and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Time Out tip: The Hirshorn is my personal pick for the best museum to visit on a sticky summer day because its lobby cafe is run by beloved local cafe Dolcezza, and one of these offerings is a cute outdoor gelato kiosk. When you're done enjoying the art and AC, buy a cup of gelato and eat it on the go as you navigate back to the Metro or bus. 

What is it? A massive zoo that's open yearround, Smithsonian's National Zoo is home to more than 2,200 animals. 

Why go? There's nothing more D.C. than a stroll around the (free) National Zoo. Visit the zoo's most famous inhabitants, two Giant Pandas, who just arrived in January and probably want you to visit. There are plenty of other cool animals like elephants, American Bison, cheetahs, lions, Komodo dragons to observe. Reserve a free entry pass online to visit.

Time Out tip: The D.C. Metro is the best way to get to and from the zoo, but you should get off at the Cleveland Park stop instead of the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan stop to avoid a steep uphill walk, which can be particularly brutal in the summertime. 

What is it: Smithosonian's Museum of Natural History is pure fuel for anyone who loves the natural world. One of the most iconic museums on the National Mall, this has something for everyone. 

Why go? The Museum of Natural History includes some really great exhibits. See priceless jewelry and semiprecious and precious stones in the Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals, which is also home to the Hope Diamond, the massive blue stone that inspired Rose's Heart of the Ocean necklace in Titanic. Dinosaur fossils come to life in the Hall of Fossils, and the Butterfly Pavilion is a beautiful escape into the rainforest filled with tropical plants and live butterflies.

Time Out tip: The Museum of Natural History has one of the best gift shops of any museum in the city. Pop by for elevated gifts like scarves and jewelry or buy stuffed animals, Legos, and activity sets for the kids in your life (or the kids at heart).

What is it? This eight-story museum continuously draws huge crowds—it may be hard to get a ticket—but a visit is so worth it. The reverential collection pays tribute to the historical figures, moments and events that shaped the African American experience. You must reserve free, timed entry passes online to visit.

Why go? This is one of the best museums on the National Mall. The way visitors experience it, which involves descending an elevator and rising through the building as you advance through time, is well thought out and makes the content even more profound. Exhibits are thorough and plentiful (to truly experience it would take days). Another bonus? The cafeteria, Sweet Home Cafe, caught the eyes of the James Beard Foundation, which named it a semi-finalist in the best new restaurant category in 2017.

Time Out tip: If you're having trouble finding tickets, try calling the museum and seeing if anyone missed their timed entry window. Typically the best times to try are first thing in the morning and the later slots on weekdays.

What is it? Technically a research division of the Agriculture Department, this 446-acre haven always has many more trees than people, even on its busiest days.

Why go? Like so much of D.C., the Arboretum comes to life in the spring, when its azaleas bloom. Highlights include a boxwood collection, dwarf conifers, an Asian collection, a herb garden and an “herbarium” of dried plants. Also on display, somewhat incongruously, are 22 columns removed from the Capitol’s East Front during its 1958 expansion. 

Time Out tip: The National Arboretum is also home to an extremely underrated and cool museum—the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Inside you'll find more than 300 bonsai tress including one specimen that's 400 years old and survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

What is it? The National Gallery of Art is a gargantuan museum located smack-dab on the National Mall. It is a treasure trove of art and sculpture and is one of the most visited museums in the world. The 6.1-acre outdoor Sculpture Garden that's also part of the NGA campus is well worth visiting and is the site of the beloved summer concert series Jazz in the Garden.

Why go? The museum showcases an extensive collection of both traditional and modern art and is separated into two wings; the recently renovated East Building showcases an impressive collection of modern art, including mobiles by Alexander Calder and Katharina Fritsch’s playful Hahn/Cock—a gigantic royal blue rooster perched on the roof. The West Building holds art from the 11th through 19th centuries, including the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas and rare sculptures by Edgar Degas. Of particular interest lately is an exhibition on American documentary photography from the 1970s in the West Building that's here until April.

Time Out tip: Seeing just one wing can take an entire day, and seeing the whole museum can take several. Use a map to find exactly which works you want to see and head there first because you'll get plenty of steps and possibly lose steam if not.

What is it? Rock Creek Park is a 1,754-acre green space in the heart of the city that has been around since the 1800s. On the edge of Woodley Park and Mt. Pleasant, one of Time Out's coolest neighborhoods in the world, the park is a slice of peace in the buzzing capital. 

Why go? Home to more than 32 miles of hiking and biking trails, Rock Creek Park is beautiful in every season. Take off on a self-guided hike or walk, zoom through on a Capital Bikeshare, or book a ranger-led history, nature, or stars and planets program. 

Time Out tip: Cell phone service can be spotty in Rock Creek Park, so it's a good idea to take a screenshot of your exit route on Google or Apple Maps before you enter so you don't get lost.

What is it? Designed in a Neo Gothic style, the Washington National Cathedral is one of the tallest buildings in D.C., and certainly one of the prettiest. The grounds are home to lots of greenery and beautifully landscaped gardens, and the building itself contains ornate stained glass windows and stately architecture.

Why go? Whether you're religious or not, the National Cathedral is well worth visiting for its beautiful grounds, stained glass windows, and architecture. The Cathedral also hosts all sorts of concerts and events. Spring means the garden is starting to open up, so it will be in full splendor soon. Be sure to stop by the quiet and serene Bishop's Garden, a calm retreat from the city.

Time Out tip: Start or end your visit with a little brunch or coffee at Open City's on-campus location. The local chain serves lattes, teas, smoothies, and healthy portions of treats like sandwiches and waffles topped with chocolate sauce and fruit. The setting of this cafe makes it a standout—be sure to look up to enjoy the dark wood beams, old windows, and domed ceiling. 

What is it? This 12-acre park is famous for its gushing fountain and greenery. It's the unofficial bridge between Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights, and is the place to be on a warm, sunny day.

Why go? The Park is filled with sculptures and memorials, including statues of Joan of Arc, Dante and James Buchanan, the 15th U.S. President. Pack a picnic (for convenient food, try sandwiches from Dupont Market on 18th St. or a pizza slice from Lucy Bar on 14th St.) and hang out in front of the Cascading Waterfall in the formal garden, or visit the upper mall area, where concerts and events are often staged. 

Time Out tip: Mosquito repellent is a must-have accessory as warmer weather gets underway in D.C., and it's especially essential if you're going to sit on the grass in the upper mall at Meridian Hill. Spray any bare limbs before you enter the park to avoid gassing your fellow picnickers and to avoid gross bites.

What is it? Although it's been a bustling commercial district for centuries, today, this area is one of the most popular places in the city to go out for a drink or a bite to eat.

Why go? Also known as Barracks Row for its proximity to the Marine Barracks, Eighth Street SE in the Eastern Market neighborhood boasts plenty of restaurants. Head to Eastern Market Crepes, Barrel, or The Duck & The Peach. Walk across the street to Capitol Hill Books for some reading material or to Relume for homewares, plants, and crafts. For a fancier feel, head across the street to James Beard Award-winning cocktail spot The Wells. 

Time Out tip: Be sure to stop at The Market Lunch, a bustling and beloved local gem known for its hearty breakfasts. Try the blueberry buckwheat pancakes. 

What is it? Union Market is an upscale food- and drink-focused "artisanal marketplace," with shops selling local and imported goods.

Why go? Unlike your typical farmer's market, Union Market is open every day, so if you have a midweek hankering for locally made cheese or extra virgin olive oil, you can come here to satisfy your urge. The space houses more than 30 artisans peddling everything from acai bowls to Korean tacos; you'll also find coffee, jewelry, vintage clothes, home goods, flowers and spices. Be sure to check out La Cosecha, the Latin American marketplace that's just around the corner from Union Market and filled with great food and drinks.

Time Out tip: There is no shortage of food options within Union Market, but I'll give you my favorites: the Brown Butter Bourbon Bread Pudding from Puddin' is to die for, the espresso from Peregrine Espresso is strong and satisfying, the shrimp tacos and fish and chips from The District Fishwife, any dumpling from Laoban Dumplings (and the bao buns on weekends), and tender schwarma and kebabs from Yasmine. 

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What is it? This nature conservancy, which spans 20 acres and is situated between Cleveland Park and Woodley Park, remains a hidden wonder in the heart of D.C. 

The non-profit Tregaron Conservancy owns and protects the site of a century-old, neo-Georgian estate formerly known as The Causeway (and now as Tregaron Estate) and its surroundings, which are filled with greenery and plants.

Why go? March heralds the beginning of spring, when Tregaron really starts to show off. Crocus, Lenten rose, paper bush, and snowdrops are all waking up from the frost this month, along with cherry blossoms. Best of all? You can roam the conservancy grounds for free, seven days a week (but donations are welcome).

Time Out tip: Looking to take up a new hobby? The Conservancy is a great place for bird watching, and DC Bird Alliance regularly organizes bird walks. 

What is it? Once a tiny, art-scene dive renowned for its heat (and smell), the 9:30 Club now boasts state-of-the-art sound (and ventilation).

Why go? The club features an eclectic mix of artists and a few long-lived (or reunited) punk and post-punk bands have played here, including Wire, the Feelies and Mission of Burma. Make sure to arrive early and scope out the best vantage point to ensure a good view.

Time Out tip: The club has way better food than other concert halls. The menu is a study in the tortilla, and includes tacos, nachos, and quesadillas (plus yummy cupcakes from Alexandria's Buzz Bakery). My personal favorite? The grilled shrimp tacos with corn tortillas.

What is it? Where else but in D.C.'s Air & Space Museum can you see missiles, aircraft and space stations, all without stepping outside the city limits?

Why go? The permanent exhibitions in this beloved museum detail the history of jet aviation, space travel and satellite communications. This museum is a monument to American innovation: you'll see artifacts like a moon rock, the Wright Flyer that Wilbur and Orville Wright flew in Kitty Hawk, and the Apollo 11 command module that brought Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the moon 1969. 

Time Out tip: It's closed for renovations at the moment (although it opens this spring), but the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater at Air & Space is one of D.C.'s best movie houses. The theater regularly screens films that involve space and avation on its massive screen.

I've seen Dune, Captain Marvel, and First Man at the museum's theater, and watching in this space enhanced each movie-going experience. In the meantime, the hike to the Airbus IMAX Theater at Air & Space's Udvar-Hazy campus is rewarding.

What is it? It's the right of anyone killed in action in any branch of military service, or who served for 20 years, to be buried at Arlington, along with their spouse. More than 400,000 people are buried here.

Why go? Time has worked its healing magic and transformed Arlington into a place of honor and memory. There's much to see here, so start by paying your respects to the imposing marble amphitheater at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The changing of the guard on the hour remains moving in its reverent precision.

Time Out tip: Comfy footwear is an essential for any trip to Arlington, which is sprawling and includes many rolling hills. Also keep in mind that the mood here is quiet, respectful, and reflective, so behave accordingly.