A Visit To Washington, D.C. With Road Scholar
Hi there, it’s Lizzie from Road Scholar, and I love exploring new cities! I was born and raised in New York City and currently live in Boston. So, I was excited for the opportunity to get to know Washington, D.C. After an easy Amtrak train ride straight down the Northeast Coast, I was looking forward to walking around and soaking up the atmosphere to see how our nation’s capital compares and contrasts with other cities I love. Spoiler alert — I discovered that I officially adore Washington, D.C.!
As a solo traveler, the best way for me to immerse myself in a new city is to join a Road Scholar learning adventure. So, I was happy that Discover Washington, D.C.: The Best of the Capital had a spot available for me. And the timing turned out to be perfect because the dates I visited (March 30 – April 2) coincided with the short window of peak bloom for D.C.’s 2025 cherry blossom season, an annual event that keeps everyone guessing — sometimes right up until the last minute — as to when those buds will bloom!
Of course, our programs are centered around learning and discovery but knowing that even former President Barack Obama took the opportunity to walk the same cherry blossom pathways that we were exploring (he was posting on Instagram!) made our group even more excited. Many thanks to our incredible Group Leader, Steve Flynn, who brought us to the best spots for experiencing those pink and white blooms.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Although I joined this learning adventure for just a couple of days, what I absorbed in that time was tremendous! So, I thought I’d share a little about the program with you. After invigorating and informative morning lectures with experts on current events, policy and politics, we’d head out to explore for the day.
The first day, we started out at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, where we were treated to amazing views of the Tidal Basin, with the Cherry Blossom Festival in full swing. From there, we explored more of West Potomac Park.
Cherry Blossom blooming at the Tidal Basin
In the early afternoon, we enjoyed an expert-led exploration of the incredible John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and its many theaters. From rooftop views overlooking Arlington and Georgetown to the unique aspects inside each performance venue, lounge and great hall, we learned about the history of the building and the artwork that graces each space (many pieces gifted from the governments of more than 60 countries).
Afterward, it was off to the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, where another expert joined us for a lesson. She then accompanied us on a ride through Arlington, Georgetown and along Embassy Row, providing impressive commentary about many of the 170+ foreign embassies as we came upon them. After taking in beautiful Dupont Circle and a stretch of Massachusetts Avenue, we were able to squeeze in one last walk, this time around Lafayette Square to the White House, awash in cherry blossoms.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Statue
Our first evening concluded with a fabulous dinner at Roofer’s Union — a loft restaurant with views overlooking the colorful Adams Morgan neighborhood — where we enjoyed great conversations, easily forming friendships after just one jam-packed day together.
The morning of our second day was spent at the Hillwood Museum and Gardens, where we again had exclusive docent-led explorations of both the majestic mansion, dripping in period history, and its acres of meticulously manicured gardens.
Lincoln Memorial
Early in the afternoon, we headed to Washington National Cathedral for an expertly guided exploration of this iconic structure. From the stained-glass windows to the pulpit and soaring ceilings, the cathedral is recognized as one of the great achievements in ecclesiastical architecture.
The rest of the afternoon went by in a whirlwind — and our energetic group was up for it! Starting at the powerful Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, we walked along the Tidal Basin cherry blossom pathways. Then it was on to the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Washington Monument. Phew! What a fulfilling day.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Appreciating just how many moments of learning and adventure were packed into the first two days of that program, I reluctantly said my goodbyes, as I had to head back to Road Scholar headquarters. But over the course of the rest of their program, the group would go on to experience riding the Metro, visiting the U.S. Capitol Building, Library of Congress and Ford’s Theater, exploring the Smithsonian Museums and taking in a performance at the Shakespeare Theatre. Pretty amazing for a six-day program!
I would highly recommend this educational journey to anyone who wants a firsthand look at our nation’s capital city, from its iconic memorials to its most-treasured monuments and unique neighborhoods — all while learning more about our political system, policy issues, vital history and famous figures.
I hope you’ve enjoyed a little of that experience through my eyes.
Until next time,
Lizzie from Road Scholar
Lizzie at the Tidal Basin