DC in Bloom: Best Places to See Spring Flowers in Washington

There’s something about the season of renewal – springtime is my favorite! After months of early sunsets and cold weather, it’s so exciting to see signs of the warmer weather ahead. Every year I look forward to peeping cherry blossoms and flowers in the city! Here are my recommendations for best spring flower highlights in Washington, DC.

Magnolias

Bloom Timing: Mid-March

Enid A. Haupt Garden

Closest metro stop: Smithsonian

I might love tulip magnolias even more than cherry blossoms! Enid A. Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian castle is a beautiful place to enjoy these stunning trees.

The timing really depends on the weather, but last year they were still blooming during the Blossom Kite Festival!

There’s constructions around the front of the Smithsonian Castle currently, but the garden is still open! Dogs are unfortunately not allowed (although I was not aware of this in previous years).

Grand Army of the Republic Memorial

Closest metro stop: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter

On the north side of the National Mall, there’s another beautiful cluster of tulip magnolias surrounding the Grand Army of the Republic memorial.

Tulips

Bloom timing: Late March-Mid April

Floral Library

Closest metro stop: Smithsonian

Sometimes folks miss this while enjoying the cherry blossom festival! The Floral Library is a flower bed just next to the Tidal Basin. Make sure to pass by if you visit the cherry blossoms.

Capitol Grounds

Closest metro stop: Capitol South

Capitol Grounds is one of my favorite places to meander, so there’s really no need for an excuse to walk here. However, the tulips make it extra scenic in spring!

Crabapple

Bloom timing: Mid-April

US National Arboretum

The National Arboretum is a huge park that is worth visiting any time – but especially in spring. They do have some cherry blossoms if you want a lesser crowded place to enjoy them. I personally love the crabapple trees near the Capitol columns that bloom later in the season.

The National Arboretum also has the Azalea Collection which is worth visiting!

Wisteria

Bloom Timing: Late April

National Mall

Closest metro stop: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter

Wisteria is a dreamy flowering vine that reminds me of grape clusters! There are huge wisteria vines climbing up walls on each side of the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Dumbarton Oaks

Closest metro: DuPont Circle

The Gardens at Dumbarton Oaks are absolutely gorgeous and they’ve got plenty of dreamy wisteria. Review their website closely – they have limited hours, you need tickets, and they often sell out!

There’s so many great places to enjoy spring flowers in the city, it’s hard to pick only a few! Where’s your favorite?