DC in Bloom: Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington
The National Cherry Blossom Festival brings more than a million visitors to Washington, DC each year! Although it gets crowded, the cherry blossoms have always been a must see for me. Β
Here are my favorite places to see cherry blossoms in Washington, DC:
Tidal Basin
Closest metro stop: Smithsonian
Yoshino cherry trees are the iconic light pink blossoming trees surrounding the Tidal Basin. These trees were originally gifted to the US by Japan as a symbol of friendship in 1912. Unfortunately, not many of the originally gifted trees remain. (Does anyone remember stumpy!?) National Park Service and National Arboretum work together to replace unhealthy trees with new ones cloned from cuttings of the originals.Β
National Park Service estimates there are about 3,800 cherry trees in total. If the crowds aren’t too crazy and you have the time, it’s really lovely to walk the full loop of the basin. Β
Every year, the National Park Service projects the date of “Peak Bloom” when 70% of the cherry blossoms have opened. Today, they just announced the projected peak bloom of March 29-April 1! Mark your calendars! Β You can also monitor the progress on the Bloom Watch. Β
Tips for Your Visit
Consider visiting for a sunrise – there’s less foot traffic early morning and you’ll get stunning lighting. Β
I highly recommend using public transit while visiting as parking can be really difficult. Last year, we tried to visit on a weekday holiday and spent more than an hour driving in circles with no luck finding a vacant spot. My husband ended up dropping me and my toddler off to take a few pictures while he kept circling then picked us up on the next loop! Not at all the leisurely afternoon I had in mind.
I also recommend bringing a tripod for your camera or phone! My husband brought his to take some maternity shots a few years ago, and took some really cool time lapses with it. Time lapse is a clever way to work with the crowds!
Washington Monument
Closest metro stop: Smithonsian
It’s right next to the Tidal Basin, but sometimes folks miss this! There are lots of cherry blossoms around the Washington Monument and on the East side between the monument and the World War II memorial. It gets especially crowded during the Blossom Kite Festival with activities and tents set up in this area. Β
Congressional Cemetery
Closest metro stop: Stadium-Armory
It might sound weird to visit a cemetery, but let me tell you: Congressional Cemetery is absolutely worth a visit! Entry is free (and you can bring your dog for a fee). Β
This National Historic Landmark has dozens of cherry trees, most of them in the center near the Congressional Cemetery Chapel. Β These cherry trees are much darker pink than those that bloom by the Tidal Basin and they tend to bloom a couple weeks earlier. Β I’d guesstimate maybe mid-March!
Several years ago, I was visiting Congressional Cemetery at the same time as Nano from Travels with Nano. She shared with me this stunning shot she took!
Hains Point
The Yoshino cherry trees definitely get most of the attention during the cherry blossom festival, but I’ve become partial to the Kwanzan cherry trees. They’re so FLOOFY and gorgeous! These trees tend to bloom a little later than the Yoshinos, usually early April.
Hains Point has a long stretch of 481 (NPS is so precise!) Kwanzan trees which tend to bloom about two weeks after the Yoshinos. This four-mile loop is great for a scenic bike ride.Β
I personally love to drive to the Potomac River side and park close to the Kwanzan trees to hang for a picnic. It must be a lesser-known spot, because I have never had any issue parking when I have visited (hopefully I don’t jinx it). Grab a picnic blanket and a basket or cooler and enjoy the stunning setting. Last year when I picnicked, a family was grilling out and kindly shared some kabob!Β
One year I brought a hammock and strung it up on some nearby (larger and more sturdy) trees and relaxed with a book. I saw a couple do the same last year with their dog!
US Capitol Grounds
Closest metro station: Capitol South
The Capitol makes a stunning backdrop to the many Yoshino cherry trees on the US Capitol Grounds. Β You can find cherry blossoms on both the east and west side of the building.
Although it is a bit of a walk from the Tidal Basin and Washington Monument, you could definitely visit the Capitol in the same afternoon.
While the crowds can be a headache and getting in and out of the city during such a popular time can be challenging, I personally think it’s worth it to see the beautiful cherry blossoms in person. Β What do you think – are they overhyped or worth the logistical headache?
Are you more of a cherry blossom fan or magnolia fan!? Β Stay tuned for my upcoming post on magnolias and other spring flowers to see in Washington, DC!
