This article was updated on May 5, 2026.
Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 10, and if you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate the moms in your life, consider these ideas.
Take her to brunch
Our food critic rounded up her picks for Mother’s Day brunch, so you can start the day with a celebration. Treat mom to a dim sum feast at A&Js (4316 Markham St., Annandale; 1319 Rockville Pike, Rockville), chilaquiles at Capitol Hill restaurant Pascual (732 Maryland Ave., NE), Turkish/Mediterranean fare at My Little Chamomile in Georgetown (3210 Cherry Hill Ln., NW), and more.
Go for a hike
If mom loves the outdoors, take her to a scenic hiking trails. Great Falls Park (9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean) has stunning waterfalls, and the 1.5-mile River Trail gives you views of the water tumbling down Mather Gorge. In Dickerson, Maryland, Sugarloaf Mountain (7901 Comus Rd., Dickerson) offers four trail options ranging from 1.5 miles to 7 miles, plus scenic overlooks. Afterwards, refuel with sandwiches, salads, and cold drinks at the nearby Comus Beer Garden (23900 Old Hundred Rd., Dickerson). Experience nature without leaving Washington in Rock Creek Park, where you can choose-your-own adventure on the Western Ridge and Valley Trails.
Have a tea party
Hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC (1150 22nd St., NW) and the Henley Park Hotel (926 Massachusetts Ave., NW) host lovely tea services with finger sandwiches and pastries.
Toast mom at a winery, brewery, or cidery
Unwind at one of the area’s lovely wineries or laid-back breweries and cideries. The region is full of great vineyards and wineries, and day trip destinations include Stone Tower (19925 Hogback Mountain Rd., Leesburg), the Crossvines (16601 W Willard Rd., Poolesville), and the Winery at Bull Run (15950 Lee Hwy., Centreville), all within an hour drive of DC. Sip beer on a patio at breweries such as Other Half Brewing (1401 Okie St., NE), known for its Hazy IPAs, and Caboose Tavern (520 Mill St., NE, Vienna). The latter is located on the W&OD Trail, so you can pair brews with a bike ride. If mom is in more of a cider mood, visit Doc Waters Cidery (22529 Wildcat Rd., Germantown) for drinks made from the on-site apple trees or stop by Mt. Defiance Cidery (495 E. Washington St., Middleburg) for easy access to a charming town.
Treat her to a spa day
For a day of relaxation, send mom to a spa. Our list of the best spas around DC features posh, full-service experiences, destinations for facials, day spas, and more. She can explore 11 different saunas at Korean day spa King Spa (25330 Eastern Marketplace Plz., Chantilly) or indulge in luxurious treatments at a hotel spa such as the Relache Spa at Gaylord National (201 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill).
Wander through a garden
Mother’s Day is all about giving mom her flowers, and you can do it in spectacular fashion at a pretty garden. Brookside Gardens (1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton) has 50 acres of scenic plants and flowers, including a Japanese-style garden, fragrance garden, and family-friendly children’s garden. Tour Marjorie Merriweather Post’s gardens and mansion during a visit to Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens (4155 Linnean Ave., NW). The 13-acre garden includes a greenhouse with a stunning orchid collection.
