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City Cast DC

Tips and tricks by Washington, D.C., locals, for locals.

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

Margaret Kingsbury

Gas prices around the nation are soaring because of the U.S. and Israel’s joint attacks on Iran. According to AAA, 

 are $4.2 a gallon on average, up from $3.125 just one month ago. Here are some tips for saving on gas in D.C.

 gives you points for every dollar you spend on groceries to be spent at BP and Amoco stations. They also frequently offer 4x bonus fuel points days. If you’re a frequent Harris Teeter shopper, buy some gift cards on those days to rack up more fuel points. 

 also have fuel savings programs for members, although there aren’t any in D.C. proper. If you tend to go to the same gas station, check whether it has 

 keeping tires properly inflated, and making sure to drive the speed limit. As speeds exceed 50 mph on the highway, aerodynamic drag reduces fuel economy. While limiting air conditioner use helps save on gas, that’s often impossible in D.C. summer. Use a windshield shade to lessen heat buildup inside the car, and remove bulky items — it takes more fuel to accelerate in a heavier car.

🚌 Take Advantage of DC’s First Class Public Transit

If you’re willing to walk a few blocks, 

WMATA will get you most places in the DMV

. Take advantage of your local bus and train stops. Oftentimes, using a bikeshare can be faster than driving especially when you consider trying to find parking (Plus, you’ll get jacked 💪). It’s not always possible, but even just replacing a few car trips can make a big difference.

 is free and tracks gas prices in your area. Enter your address or route, and it will show you the current gas prices at stations along the way. It’s crowdsourced, and you can enter your receipts to earn points toward rewards, including discounts on gas. You can also play games to earn points.

Gas prices around the nation are soaring. Here how to save on gas in D.C.

Hacks To Save Money on Gas in DC

Tips and tricks for living your best DC life, by locals, for locals.

DC Life Hacks

you told us cherry blossoms aren’t worth the crowds

. But what if you could see them without braving the Tidal Basin hordes? Here’s everything you need to know about the time-honored D.C. tradition, including where to get your blossom fix sans tourists.

Why Is DC So Obsessed With Cherry Blossoms Anyway?

In 1909, after hearing about First Lady Helen Taft and journalist Eliza Scidmore's 

 around the National Mall, Tokyo's Mayor Yukio Ozaki decided 

Unfortunately, when they arrived, the trees were found to be diseased and had to be destroyed. Ozaki agreed to send another donation, this time of 

These arrived safely and were planted primarily around the Tidal Basin and the White House. First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda, the wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted two trees at the basin — a small ceremony which eventually grew into the 

 — The most common by far, their flowers are small and white in groups of 2 - 5 with an almond scent on a round widespread tree. (70% of cherry trees on the National Mall)

— Flowers are baby pink and full-looking with about 30 petals, and can be up to 2.5 inches across. (13% of cherry trees on the National Mall)

Identify all of them on the National Park site!

peak bloom will be between March 29 - April 1

 this year, but rumor is it could actually be 

. However, different varieties will bloom slightly earlier or later.

More than 9,000 cherry trees line streets, parks, and other spaces in D.C. Here are our favorite spots.

The main pathway at the historic cemetery becomes a tunnel of pink in the spring, perfect for some photo ops with your pup.

Over 1,200 cherry trees are concentrated in this small neighborhood in the suburbs, specifically along Kennedy Drive, Dorset Avenue, and Kenwood Avenue.

Located at the back of the gardens, these cherry trees are very old and much larger than others in D.C. They also bloom a little later than the ones along the Tidal Basin.

Just a 10-minute walk from Union Station, this is a good option for out-of-towners. The small park has a dense population of blossoms and plenty of space for lying under them on a picnic blanket.

This park has over 200 cherry trees and will host the annual 

 on March 29 with vendors and live performances.

Ok, obviously not underrated, but if you must go (aka you’re new to D.C. or your mother-in-law is in town), then go before 9 a.m. and avoid weekends.

Everything you need to know about the D.C. cherry blossoms, including where to see them without fighting the crowds.

Underrated Spots To See Cherry Blossoms In Washington DC

Underrated Spots To See Cherry Blossoms In DC

We've officially survived another D.C. winter, and it’s time to break out of hibernation. This spring we’re headed to Delaware, an underrated spot for some of the best getaway deals around. Travel writer Tim Ebner led us through 

 to Wilmington for $20 and head straight to the 

 — a former bank turned boutique inn. Rooms start at $219, but split two ways with rail fare it comes out to about $120 per person. The building is a former bank and still has its original vault architecture, a speakeasy bar that reminds us of 

 and a banging northern Italian restaurant.

 Take a 15-minute Uber across the Pennsylvania border to 

. It has one of the largest tulip displays in the world, cherry blossoms, and a sprawling English garden. The gift shop is dangerous if you love plants. Consider yourself warned.

Enter Your Nicholas Sparks Era At Bethany Beach

 in Bethany Beach is a Victorian B&B sitting right on the shoreline. The wraparound porch, Adirondack chairs, and ocean views gives big “anguished romance lead looking to start again” energy. In spring, weeknight rates start at $199. Factor in about $60 for gas and tolls from D.C., split two ways, and you’re looking at under $150 per person. Breakfast, afternoon tea, beach chairs, and umbrellas are all included. Rates spike to $600 a night in summer, so now is the time.

Delaware is a sales tax-free state, and you know what that means … outlet malls! The 

 along Route 1 are perhaps the only reason we can be convinced to leave the beach for a few hours. Rehoboth also has great boutique shopping along the main streets.

Perhaps the most budget-friendly and underrated option on this list, 

 in Felton has rentable cabins right on the water that go for $62–$89 a night. They come with a full kitchen, bathroom, beds, and a grill. Just remember to bring your own linens and kitchen cookware. Think of it like glamping.

 — bird walks, forest bathing, nature art classes, and night programs like owl and bat watching. Most run $8–$20 per person.

More Summer Activities Under $150

Travel writer Tim Ebner led us through his best Delaware trips for around $150.

The Best Spring Trips Around Washington, DC For Under $150

The Best Spring Trips Around DC For Under $150

Don’t get me wrong — D.C.’s public transit is stellar. But there are times when you just need a car: a day 

, a furniture haul, a late-night errand, or a 

. No money for a down payment? No problem. Luckily, there are plenty of easy ways to rent a car in D.C., including several that skip the traditional counter entirely.

 is D.C.’s most established carshare with vehicles parked in every neighborhood. The model is simple: you join as a member, find a car near you on the app, book it by the hour or day, and return it to the same spot when you're done. Gas, insurance, and parking in designated spots are all included in the rate.

 Membership is $9/month or $90 a year. Rental rates range from $15 - $20 per hour.

 Easy! The app makes it very easy to book. There is no need to go to a rental counter or get gas before returning.

 works similarly to a bikeshare, you can pick up any car using the app, rent it by the minute and return it anywhere in the “home” area for the next person. The zone covers all D.C.’s central neighborhoods including Georgetown, Anacostia, Downtown, Dupont Circle, and Arlington. The catch is the fleet is entirely Jeep Renegades.

Rates start at $0.45/minute, $22.99/hour, or $94.99/day — whichever version is cheapest for your trip automatically applies. There is no registration or monthly fee.

Easy! The app handles everything from finding a car to ending your trip. No paperwork, no counter.

Decent. They have 600 Jeep Renegades across D.C.

Multi-day rentals, visitors flying in, or longer road trips

DCA is the most straightforward option for longer trips. All major rental companies — Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and others — 

, just a short walk from baggage claim. Pro tip is to book online and use self-serve kiosks to skip the lines at the counter.

Daily rates typically range from $40–$85 depending on vehicle type and company.

Straightforward once you know where to go. Pre-booking and kiosk check-in make it quick.

Tough. You have to deal with getting in and out of the airport and there is only one pickup location.

 — you rent directly from D.C. residents who list their personal cars on the platform. The selection is far more varied and they are all managed by individual hosts, some of whom will drop it off directly to your home.

Varies widely by host and vehicle. Expect roughly $50–$120/day for most cars.

Easy via the app, though it pays to spend a little extra time reading reviews and nailing down pickup details.

Amazing. You can choose when and where you want the car delivered.

Cheap deals, short distances, and picking up Craigslist finds.

 as a surprisingly cheap rental car alternative, even if you’re not hauling furniture around. Also, for those who are not yet 25, U-Haul’s rental age limit is lower.

 start around $19.95/day. But be warned they also have a mileage cost after a certain cutoff which can add up quickly.

Pretty easy to book online. No account or sign up needed.

Good. Multiple D.C. locations mean you're rarely far from a U-Haul lot, many of which offer 24/7 app-based pickup and drop-off.

Now that you’ve got wheels, let’s go explore! 

D.C.’s public transit is stellar. But there are times when you just need a car. Luckily, there are plenty of easy ways to rent a car in D.C., including several that skip the traditional counter entirely.

How To Rent a Car In Washington, DC

How To Rent a Car In DC

It’s Oscars season, and D.C.’s cinephiles are out in full force. We spoke with Abbie Ginis, the founder of DC Movie Club, about how to get involved in D.C.’s growing film scene and the best places to catch a flick.

 — If you're new to D.C.'s film scene, 

 is the easiest on-ramp. The club hosts up to seven events a month — screenings, movie trivia nights, and small-group discussions — and is open to everyone, no matter what’s in your Letterboxd.

 — DCPL hosts free movie screenings and discussions almost daily. From the 

They host the annual Filmfest DC and also offer regular screenings and discussion groups. A small yearly membership gets you access to passes for preview screenings of independent and foreign-language films.

 sends out info on re-releases, indie-films, and special showings around the DMV.

This is a fun way to meet fellow movie nerds

 and show off your knowledge without the pressure of a full discussion group.

The gold standard for serious cinephiles. This restored 1930s theater regularly hosts retrospectives, international cinema, and special screenings on 35 mm and 70 mm film. This week, they are going all in on Oscar-nominated films, including short film screenings.

A neighborhood gem in Chevy Chase doubles as a community space. Its café and indie programming make it a popular spot to linger before or after a film. Go for everything from blockbusters to local director screenings.

Nothing fancy — and that's the point. The seats are a little uncomfy and they only show a couple of movies at a time, but their choices are peak. Then swing by 

 for post-film arguments about third acts.

Suns is the cool kid hangout for the D.C. movie and arts scene (seriously, they don’t let you in without a digi-cam and carabiner keychain). The theater upstairs shows one or two screenings a night while downstairs runs a great bar and hangout space. Tickets drop at the end of each month and go fast, so plan ahead.

Alamo is a reliable destination for special events, themed screenings, and community programming. They have a partnership with DC Movie Club, and the Arlington location hosts events from DC Film Society.

DC Movie Club Oscars Watch Party at Penn Social

 — Back for the third year in a row, this Oscars party has blown up in popularity (aka, 

!). People dress up, there’s a red carpet, photo booth, prizes, and drink specials — like the martini supreme after “Marty Supreme” 🤭

 on the big screen. It will be hosted by two DC Film Society critics and longtime co-hosts Tim Gordon and Travis Hopson.

 — More about the yapping than the watching, 

 comes with plenty of popcorn, photo props, and socializing.

Your Guide to DC's Film Scene

D.C. is breaking out of hibernation and so should you 🫵 Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, the Persian new year, or just the existence of delicious meatballs, 

 and putting the lonesome days of winter behind us.

 on March 14 for a true Irish festival with rugby, dancing, bands, and a whole lot of Guinness. Local musicians like the 

 to eat — a Chinese-inspired Irish fried compilation that gets shaken up in a paper bag. There are only a few around D.C., including at Sook and Irish Channel.

Embrace Pisces season and head to Turner Farm in Great Falls 

 on March 7. There will be guided star gazing, telescopes, and storytelling about the constellations around the campfire. Hot chocolate is included with the $10 ticket price, 

 makes me want to take up running. Luckily, D.C. has dozens, if not hundreds, of social run clubs of all speeds and sizes. If you’re just getting into the scene check out our article about 

 is bringing traditional Persian music, food, and dance to the 

 March 15 to celebrate the Spring equinox. There will be dozens of art and crafts vendors as well as sweet treats from Toi Moi bakery and others. The Museum of Asian Art is also hosting its own highly attended 

 in Takoma on March 14. The venue itself is 

, so it might be your last chance to check it out. Located in an industrial office park, it feels like you’re headed to the dentist before you open the door to a sick bar and DJ room.

 at Osteria Morini. Eight of D.C.’s top chefs will compete to see who can make the tastiest meatball, and you get to vote. Plus, there’s unlimited pasta and focaccia. It’s bulking season anyway … right?

More Things To Do In DC This March 

Your Guide to DC in March 2026

The Year of the Fire Horse starts Feb. 17. Occurring only once every 60 years, the 

 a period of transformative energy, courage, and new growth — something D.C. could use a little of!

Celebrations are happening all month long in the DMV. From fire dances to lunar raves, here are the best events to check out for every type of Washingtonian.

 on Feb. 22 will be filled with performers and firecrackers. Or, if the crowds are too much, check out the 

 the day before with dozens of makers, performers, and food vendors. Rosslyn is also having its own 

Then you’re in luck. Legendary D.C. restaurateur Peter Chang is 

 with tons of Chinese street food, New Year’s sweets, crafts and a red envelope draw. 

 is having a free, food-centric new year celebration. And for dessert, Rose Ave Bakery is selling 

Make crafts, watch performers, and complete a scavenger hunt at the GW Textile Museum's 

 on Feb 21. Head to Old Town Books in Alexandria for 

 with local author Pat Tanumihardja. Or, learn about D.C. Chinatown history from local community members on this 

Head to Alexandria to learn how to build these adorable tiny 

 at Del Ray Artisans. They also have a LNY 

Local DJs will be spinning Asian American EDM all night at this 

 at Lucky Danger. Even Decades is ringing in the Year of the Horse with a 

 (2/13). Finally, the Young Asian Americans of Washington are hosting a 

“YEE-YAAW” Lunar New Year dance celebration

How To Celebrate Lunar New Year In DC 2026

It might not feel like it, but I swear spring is right around the corner (please 🙏). So, crawl out of your winter hibernation and let’s hit the town for everything from line dancing to dives.

We may be far north from New Orleans, but 

 is outrageously fun. Stilt walkers, jugglers, the King and Queen of Mardi Gras, and plenty of beads all make their way down the boardwalk followed by fireworks and a big ole’ brass band.

Dry January is over, and there is nothing like chatting up your local bartenders over a cozy (if slightly sticky bar) as we wait for spring. Our newest obsession (along with the rest of D.C.) is Eebee’s, but if you can’t get in we’ve got 

 at Lincoln Theatre showcases stories about and by D.C.’s Black community. It’s on Feb. 20 and is totally free. D.C. Public Library is also 

 with a different film screening at MLK Library each week.

Queer country-western dance group DC Rawhides is hosting 

 at Eastern Market. The night starts with a line dance lesson followed by open dancing. No experience or partner required. Just show up, get sweaty, and dance your little heart out.

We’re entering the year of the horse! Head to Chinatown on Feb. 22 for the 

 complete with a firecracker show in the middle of H. Or 

 to celebrate at the National Museum of Asian Arts on Feb. 21. There will be local food vendors, music, performances, traditional art demonstrations, face painting, and lion dancers.

Get yourself to an Olympic watch party to cheer on Team USA. 

 has drink specials, and Dacha is having 

. Be sure to look out for our DMV natives, including speed skaters Conor McDermott-Mostowy and Brandon Kim as well as "Quad God” figure skater Ilia Malinin.

More Things To Do In DC This February

Your Guide to DC in February 2026

I know summer seems far away, but January is a pivotal month in booking summer camps, and if you're a parent, it’s time to get your head in the game. Finding summer camps in D.C. can be cutthroat, and registrations are already starting to open. City Cast contributor Austin Graff gave us 

 to set your kid up with an unforgettable summer.

 and cheap options (like ones with the Department of Parks and Rec) are limited. But go farther out of the city, or even to another state, and you’ll find much more affordable options.

Coordinate with other parents. If you can get a group together, that means more socializing for your kid and more carpooling options for you.

Start planning early! Start talking as a family about what programs excite you and potential back ups 

Registration for most local summer camps 

open sometime between now and mid-February

. And it's a good idea to have most things locked down by March. That means the time for looking and planning is now!

The DMV has hundreds of summer camp options! Be sure to think outside the box. Check local aftercare centers and churches, your neighborhood listserve, parent forums, museums, or even options out of the city. Here are a few tried-and-true ones we love to get your gears going.

The cheapest (and most competitive) option in the DMV. The DPR offers dozens of really well-run camps that are available via lottery. The 2026 camp options are not yet available (check back in February!), but be sure to register with DPR ahead of time and log in before the lottery link drops to have the best chance.

Glen Echo offers dozens of camps for every age on every possible topic. From clay animation to shark camp to Irish dancing, there is something for everyone, and all for a (relatively) affordable price.

 Based on the Percy Jackson series (aka my dream) this camp lets kids create and live in their own mystical world in Rock Creek Park where they solve mysteries, crack codes, play sports, and compete in team games.

Spy Camp at the International Spy Museum:

 Take on secret missions, learn from real spies, develop disguises and gadgets, and hit the streets of D.C. to run training missions. I wish they made this one for adults.

 A non-profit in Northwest D.C. with camps for kids aged 3 - 10. Think interactive science experiments, arts & crafts, storytelling, and back to school learning activities.

It wouldn’t be D.C. if there wasn’t at least one MUN camp on this list. This one at Georgetown has options for kids 11 - 17 and is just as smarty-pants as you would expect.

: A multi-arts summer camp for ages 8 - 15. Kids can fill their schedule with theater, dance, music, visual art, filmmaking, and writing. It all comes together in an evening arts extravaganza showcase.

Choose between indoor and outdoor rock climbing, or even a STEM based climbing camp which includes activities like 3D design and robotics. For ages 6 - 14.

Choose from a plethora of week-long camps for all ages on topics from alchemy to video making to recycling. The general lottery for admission opens Feb. 13 but be sure to pre-register before then.

DC Life Hacks

Hacks To Save Money on Gas in DC

Underrated Spots To See Cherry Blossoms In DC

The Best Spring Trips Around DC For Under $150

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Your Guide to DC's Film Scene

Your Guide to DC in March 2026

How To Celebrate Lunar New Year In DC 2026

Your Guide to DC in February 2026

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