Blues Alley, Key Bridge Boathouse: Places To Go This Spring

WASHINGTON, DC — Ah, springtime: the days are getting longer and temperatures are rising. Now that warmer weather is finally here, it's time to step outside, breathe that fresh air, and get moving.

Whether you're looking to expand your wine repertoire or kayak on the Potomac River, there's plenty of activities to enjoy in the District.

Patch has rounded up some of the best things to see and do in the area during the warmer months. Check them out below:

Key Bridge Boathouse
Want to escape the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. without skipping town? Then look no further than Key Bridge Boathouse. At 3500 Water Street in Northwest, you can pick up a paddle board or a kayak and enjoy breathtaking views of the Potomac.

Click here for more information.

District Wharf
The Wharf in Southwest D.C. should be on your list of places to see — regardless if you're a tourist or a local. This mile-long stretch along the Potomac River bustles with people enjoying the monumental views on the boardwalk or popping in and out of boutiques and restaurants.

Pro tip: If you're hungry, head over to Maine Avenue Fish Market and get some fresh fish (I order the fish and chips). Then sit out on the boardwalk and chow down. Nothing beats it, in my opinion.

You'll usually find me walking around the Wharf, contently rubbing my belly, and gobbling up some Ben & Jerry's.

If you're up for it, hop aboard the free water jitney at Recreation Pier. It'll take you to beautiful Hains Point in East Potomac Park.

Tudor Place
Tudor Place — a National Historic Landmark in Georgetown — was built by a granddaughter of Martha Washington and a son of Robert Peter, a Scottish-born merchant who became Georgetown's first mayor, according to the non-profit's website.

Another fun fact: Dr. William Thornton, architect of the first U.S. Capitol, designed the house. The home was finished in 1816.

Today, you can take a guided tour (offered hourly) and see the house as it was when the Peters lived in it. The estate is chock-full or decorative art items and historic and archeological artifacts.

In addition, you can take a self-guided tour of the gorgeous 5.5-acre garden. It encompasses a mix of lawns, historic garden spaces, and garden structures.

Click here for more information.

Blues Alley
The jazz venue has been a mainstay in Georgetown for more than 50 years. Founded in 1965, Blues Alley is America's oldest jazz supper club and has featured world-renowned artists such as Grover Washington Jr., Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, and Nancy Wilson.

Blues Alley at 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW is open daily from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

You can learn more about this Georgetown spot here.

U.S. Botanic Garden
You can't explore D.C. without going to the United States Botanic Garden — which, by the way, is plant heaven.

As one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America, this museum is home to a world of plants and indoor and outdoor gardens. You'll find everything from endangered plants to the latest in home gardening.

It's free to visit the U.S. Botanic Garden, which is located at 100 Maryland Ave. SW. Click here to learn more.

S Street Dog Park
There are so many great dog parks in D.C. One of them, not surprisingly, is S Street Dog Park.

Located at 1800 New Hampshire Ave. NW, this fenced-in, off-leash dog park boasts 7,500 square feet of running space.

The property also has a synthetic turf surface designed specifically for dog parks and plenty of benches for visitors.

Vinoteca
Vinoteca is more than just a wine bar. While enjoying a glass of wine, you can roam around the outdoor plaza or play bocce ball.

At this popular U Street destination, it's all about creating a casual and friendly atmosphere for both wine novices and aficionados. Vinoteca is located at 1940 11th St. NW.

The Washington Harbour
How lucky as we to live in a city that's right on the water?

Take a stroll along the boardwalk and check out the beautiful waterfront views. At The Washington Harbour, there is no shortage of restaurants and outdoor seating. Restaurants include Sequoia and Farmers, Fishers, Bakers.

The Washington Harbour is located at 3000 & 3050 K St. NW. Click here for more information.

Dacha Beer Garden
If you're looking for a place to unwind and knock back a cold one, check out Dacha Beer Garden. Located at 1600 7th St. NW, the outdoor beer garden offers a carefully curated selection of German, Belgian, and American craft beers, as well as wines, meads, and ciders.

In addition to its open-air format and communal seating arrangement, Dacha Beer Garden is also known for it's three-story mural of Elizabeth Taylor.