How to Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms in DC

For a few weeks at the end of March and early April, our nation’s capital is blanketed in pink. Locals and tourists alike descend on to the city to witness this magical phenomenon known as Cherry Blossoms. A magnificent sight of pink and white colors, it is probably the most beautiful time of year in Washington DC.

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What Are the Cherry Blossoms and Where to Find Them

In 1912, the Japanese government gifted more than 3,000 Cherry trees to our government as a sign of friendship between the 2 countries. In March of that year First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted the first 2 cherry trees on the Tidal Basin.

Today there are 3,750 cherry trees across all DC National Park sites. Of the 10 varieties, the most popular is arguably the Yoshino tree. The other species are Kwanzan, Akebono, Afterglow, Autumn Flowering, Weeping, Sargent, Fugenzo and Okame trees. It is important to note here that these trees are flowering-only trees meaning you wouldn’t be able to go cherry-picking afterwards 😉

Where do you find these beautiful trees you ask? While the majority are located around Tidal Basin, you can also find them at East Potomac Park and Hains Point. There are also few clusters here and there on the National Mall.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Cherry Blossoms

Ideally you want to visit during peak bloom. The cherry trees will be pink/white and at their fluffiest at that time. For those unfamiliar with the term, peak bloom is when 70% of the trees are blossoming. This year, the National Park Service announced that peak bloom is expected April 2-5. However since forecasting peak bloom is tied to the weather, NPS sometimes has to revise those dates. Indeed DC area residents are well versed in the unpredictable temperaments of the weather: Spring-like one day and frigidly cold the next.

If you miss peak bloom, you still have a window of opportunity to view the blossoms up to a week or two afterwards before they lose their petals and turn into green leaves.

How To Get to the Cherry Blossoms

Address: Tidal Basin Welcome Area, 1501 Maine Avenue SW

Needless to say public transportation is the most convenient way to get to the Tidal Basin.

First, we have the DC Circulator Bus which is FREE to ride. It is arguably the best option as it makes stops directly on the Basin, one at Jefferson Memorial and the other stop at Martin Luther King Jr Memorial. The Metrobus also can take you there and stops at the Washington Monument on the National Mall. Unlike the DC Circulator, you will need to pay to ride on the Metrobus.

Another option is to get there by Metro. After purchasing a SmartTrip card, proceed to the Blue, Orange or Silver lines. Make your exit at Smithsonian station and from there, it is just a few minutes walk to the Basin.

For those, like me, who don’t have another option but to drive, fret not: it is not the end of the universe. You will just need to harm yourself with a LOT of patience as the streets will likely be jammed. Once there, you will also have to find parking (I always feel like the odds of winning the lottery are greater than finding a parking spot in DC 🙂 )

Although the National Cherry Blossom Festival partnered with Spot Hero in recent years and should help with the parking situation. If you are unfamiliar with SpotHero, it is an app that allows you to reserve and pay for a parking spot ahead of time sometimes at discounted rates. I have never used them but am familiar with their competitor Parking Panda. I have to say I really like having the peace of mind of knowing that I have a dedicated parking spot waiting for me.

Another useful app for those planning on driving to DC is the Park Mobile app. This app lets you pay the parking meter. No more need to save all your quarters or to rush back to the car to feed the meter. Once you enter your zone number, the prompts are fairly easy to follow.

Here are a few parking spots to consider:

• Ohio Drive SW (from Lincoln Memorial to Jefferson Memorial)
• West Basin Drive has a handful of parking
• Lots A, B and C under the 14th Street Bridge are the best options for Cherry Blossoms parking
• East Potomac Park is a little further out but you can use the DC Circulator Bus to get to the Tidal Basin

One of the most scenic way to the Cherry Blossoms is by boat. Potomac Riverboat Company has water taxis ferrying passengers along the water. From their docks at the Wharf, it is then a 10-min walk to the Tidal Basin. You won’t need to deal with parking and traffic jams. Although practical especially for those coming from Old Town Alexandria or National Harbor, it is also not the most economical with round trip fares starting from $21.

Capital Bikeshare, Jump, Lyft, and Spin have fleets of bikes and dockless scooters throughout the city. Very convenient and very easy to use: just download the app on your phone then set up an account.

What is the National Cherry Blossom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc is a non-profit organization which operates the Festival surrounding the Cherry Blossoms. Scheduled for March 20 to April 11 2021, this 3-week long cultural festival features daily activities. I listed below are our personal favorites.

UPDATE 2021: due to the on-going pandemic, most events surrounding the Cherry Blossoms Festival are going virtual. For the latest information, please check the website.

The Blossom Kite Festival is our family’s favorite event. Set on the grounds of the Washington Monument, kids and adults alike enjoy launching their kites in the sky. Activities like kite competition, trick shots demonstration or kite-making station will be abound. Because the weather can be very windy in DC, I recommend investing in a good kite. Trust me on this one! I’ve made the mistake of buying cheap kites and they broke within 30 mins to my daughter’s utter chagrin.

One of the marquis event of the Festival is the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade Although tickets are available for sale, this rain or shine event is best viewed for FREE along the Parade route, on Constitution Avenue between 9th and 15th St NW. Just make sure to arrive early and bring chairs/blanket, snacks and drinks.

Located at Capitol Riverfront, Petalpalooza (April 11, 2020) is another fun event. It is a full day filled with family-friendly activities, live music, interactive art installations and culminating with fireworks over the Potomac River.

Tips to Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms

• Go on a weekday morning
• If you are going on a weekend, go really really early. Best yet is to watch the sunrise and then go get brunch afterwards (we always do this)
• Do not bring a stroller. The walkway around the Basin is narrow, muddy if not downright flooded. A stroller will also be hard to maneuver in the crowds.
• If you have toddlers, do keep them nearby as some spots do not have rail guards around the Basin. You do not want them to fall in the water
• Be prepared to walk in mud
• Be considerate of other people and do not hold up the line to take a picture for longer than a few minutes. Otherwise expect them to walk in your shot
• Come early morning if you want to get pictures without dealing with the crowds
• Download and set up the Park Mobile app if you intend to drive
• Remember not to touch the blossoms as it is against the law!
• Do not let the rain scare you away! The blossoms are also pretty viewed on a rainy day. Just make sure to dress accordingly.

Where to Eat

Best way to enjoy the blossoms is to lay down a picnic blanket a cherry tree and enjoy. You could also grab something to munch on from the multitude of food trucks lining up the major Avenues and side streets.

Museum cafes have surprisingly good food if somehow a bit pricey. However I expect them to be completely packed with people. Try Sweet Home Cafe at the National Museum of African American History for a taste of African American regional cuisines.

DC is home to hundreds of restaurants, some even offering a special menu for the occasion. I highly recommend making a reservation wherever you decide to go. Our favorites eating spots during Cherry Blossom Festival are: the Willard Intercontinental for Afternoon Tea, Old Ebbitt Grill or Founding Farmers for brunch, and Hank’s Oyster Bar or Kith/Kin at the Wharf for lunch/dinner. As I previously mentioned, reservations are a must.

Beyond the Cherry Blossoms

If you missed peak bloom or just want to escape the throngs of people, Kenwood Cherry Blossoms in Bethesda, Maryland is a wonderful alternative to the DC Cherry Blossoms. Some 1,200 cherry trees planted back in the 1930s-40s line up the streets of this entire neighborhood, creating a whimsical vision straight out of a fairytale. Kenwood is popular with the locals but the crowds are still very manageable. It is accessible by car and Metro (although the nearest Metro is Bethesda station and is 1.5 mile away). Do not attempt to park in the neighborhood. Since it is a residential area, street parking is strictly forbidden and enforced. The best parking option is the Capital Crescent Trail Park & Ride Lot and walk over to Dorset Avenue.

Although the Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin are the stars of the show, gorgeous saucer magnolias are also blooming about a couple of weeks before the cherry trees. I have a little confession to make here: I actually prefer the magnolia trees to the cherry trees! My favorite trees are the ones at the Enid A Haupt Garden as well as Rawlins Park.

I hope this guide answers your questions about visiting Washington DC during Cherry Blossoms season. If anything, you should definitely plan your visit in the Springtime as it is the most beautiful time of year in DC. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions.

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FOR MORE DC AREA KID-FRIENDLY OUTINGS:

• Washington DC: top 20 kid-friendly activities in DC
• Washington DC: top 10 gardens in DC
• Maryland: cool off at the Poolesville swimming hole
• Maryland: visit the sunflowers of McKee-Beshers
• DMV: best outdoor playgrounds in the DC area