A Day in Washington, D.C.: Cherry Blossoms, Kites, Food Trucks, and Pandas

    Washington, D.C. in the spring is truly unmatched in beauty. My friends and I took a day trip to Washington, D.C., to catch the cherry blossoms at peak bloom. We had visited together during our sophomore year of college and had a blast, so since it's my last year here, I wanted to revisit. The day was gorgeous, sunny, and warm, the perfect weather for exploring. Here’s a recap of my day, from the iconic cherry blossoms to meeting the adorable pandas at the National Zoo.

Cherry Blossoms and the Washington Monument

    One of the highlights of my visit was seeing the cherry blossoms near the Washington Monument. The trees were in full bloom, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of the delicate pink and white flowers. The monument stood tall in the background, contrasting the soft petals falling gently around us. It was a perfect spring day to be walking around this historic area.

The Washington Monument

The Cherry Blossom Festival and Flying Kites

    While we were near the National Mall, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival was in full swing. The festival is a celebration of the blossoms and the friendship between the U.S. and Japan. One of the most fun activities I saw was people flying colorful kites in the open fields near the Tidal Basin. It was heartwarming to see so many families, friends, and visitors enjoying the sunny day together. Interestingly, my aunt, who lives in New York, was also in D.C. at the same time, so she called me to meet up!

Food Trucks and the First Cheese Steak

    After taking in the cherry blossoms and the festive atmosphere, we decided to grab some food from the food trucks that had cheesesteak up near the mall. I had never tried a cheesesteak before, so it was the perfect time to give it a go. The sandwich was absolutely delicious, savory, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned. The food truck scene in D.C. significantly enhances the city’s charm, offering a diverse range of tasty options that complement the area's lively energy.

Museums and a Metro Ride to the National Zoo

    After our tasty meal, we decided to head towards some of the famous museums lining the National Mall. We walked past the Smithsonian museums, all with fascinating exhibits that highlight the rich history and culture of the country. We didn’t have time to go inside, but we made a mental note to return and explore more. Next, we hopped on the Metro to head to the National Zoo. The National Zoo is home to a variety of animals, but the real stars of the day were the pandas

The Pandas at the National Zoo

    The pandas at the National Zoo are truly special. They came from China and are part of a unique program where China loans pandas to countries around the world as a symbol of goodwill. What makes them even more special is that they aren’t always in D.C. as part of this program, so seeing them felt like a rare and exclusive experience. As I stood there watching the playful pandas munching on bamboo, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. They were absolutely adorable, and it was clear that their presence brought a sense of joy to everyone around.