Every year, at the beginning of spring, people flock to Washington, DC, to see the cherry blossoms. While the Tidal Basin is full of cherry blossoms, there’s a lot to see and do in DC during this season. Here are some spots and tips for seeing the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC.
As someone who has lived here for years, it’s one of my favorite times of the year. There’s so much to do and see in DC this time of year! This post is full of helpful info for anyone who is trying to see the cherry blossoms and get the best experience while here.
For more about the best things to see and do in DC, check out my post of favorite things to do in DC for first-time visitors! If you want a Washington, DC itinerary, I’ve got you covered there too!
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Canopy by Hilton at The Wharf: This hotel is situated along the mile-long pier of The Wharf, featuring restaurants, retail and fun activities on DC’s Potomac River. Across from the hotel is a great view of Potomac Park which is lined with cherry blossoms. The Wharf also has a cherry blossom festival (Bloomaroo) and making it the perfect spot to stay.
Hyatt House Washington DC: This property is just 3 blocks from the National Mall and located within 1 mi of many of DC’s historical attractions including the Smithsonian National Air and the Tidal Basin. It’s just a few blocks from the Canopy Hilton.
Places to See the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC
The most famous place to see the cherry blossoms in DC is around the Tidal Basin located right near the National Mall. It has the highest concentration of them here, and they are beautiful reflecting on the water. You can also see the trees in some other spots around DC.
But, on your first visit, you can’t miss seeing them along the Tidal Basin. However, you can escape the crowds and see beautiful trees (especially if you’re looking to get great photos) in these spots listed below.
First time in DC? Consider a tour:
1. Around the National Mall
Steps of Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and Washington Monument on the National Mall
If you are planning on going to the National Mall, you have a few different options. During the week, you can fairly easily park along the National Mall and walk, especially in the evening.
During the weekend, you definitely do not want to try and drive unless you have reserved parking, don’t mind paying (typically) $20 to park, or walk really far. The best options are to take the Metro to Smithsonian Station, grab an Uber, or use Capital Bike Share.
Note: There is currently a project to raise the Tidal Basin flood wall and walkway. It is slated to be finished in 2027. In the meantime, the northern and eastern sides of the Tidal Basin will still be open to the public. When the project is complete, 274 new cherry trees will be planted.
2. National Arboretum (definitely a hidden gem)
3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC
One of my personal favorite places in DC to see cherry blossoms is the National Arboretum. Home to the original Capital columns and numerous beautiful gardens, you’ll love exploring this area not just for the trees, but just for the beauty of the gardens in spring!
927 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC
Photos above are from this area, and I like viewing them from here because you can see the boats, the Washington Monument, and tons of pretty trees with way fewer crowds. There are portions of this being restored through 2027.
You can walk here from the Tidal Basin. It takes about 15 minutes and you go under a bridge to get here. Many people choose to park in this area when visiting the Tidal Basin as well.
4. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, Virginia
Similar to the National Arboretum, these gardens are great for flowers year round, but also have beautiful cherry blossoms. This makes a great alternative to fighting the crowds in DC.
5. LeDroit Park Arch
Corner of Florida Ave NW and 6th Street, Washington, DC 20001
LeDroit Park was founded in 1873 by Amzi Barber, a former member of the Howard University Board of Trustees. This historic neighborhood is home to beautiful Victorian mansions and rowhomes. The entrance to the neighborhood has am arch way surrounded by cherry blossoms that is lovely!
6. Old Town Alexandria
7. Capitol Hill
Walk the neighborhood, they are all over! One of my personal favorite neighborhoods for a spring walk is Capitol Hill. Similar to Old Town, they are all over, but you’ll find a beautiful park full of them called Stanton Park.
8. Tenlytown
Walk the neighborhood, they are all over! If you want something truly quiet and residential, head to Tenlytown and take a nice stroll through the neighborhood. You’ll see plenty of beautiful historic homes with cherry blossom trees.
When To See the Cherry Blossoms and Events
The timing can be really tricky as the National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20 through April 13 (and it pretty much sticks to these dates every year).
Want to know more about the forecast for peak bloom this year? Check this link for the latest info from the National Cherry Blossom Watch.
Here’s the main events for Cherry Blossom Season in DC:
- Tidal Basin Welcome Area & Performance Stage – dates TBD for 2025
- Opening Ceremony – March 22, 2025
- Blossom Kite Festival – March 29, 2025
- Petalpalooza – April 5, 2025
- National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – April 12, 2025 (tickets required)
- Pink Tie Party – March 14, 2025 (tickets required)
Also, if you miss peak bloom, try seeing them in Howard County! Peak bloom typically lasts two weeks or so after the National Mall at Howard County Cherrybration, 10000 Rt 108 in Ellicott City.
The cherry blossom forecast makes regular updates to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC. No forecast for 2025 has been made yet.
Types of Cherry Blossoms in DC
The most common type of cherry blossom in Washington, D.C., is the Yoshino cherry. These blossoms are light pink and have a five-petaled flower.
Yoshino Cherry Trees were a gift from Japan to the United States in 1912, and they line the Tidal Basin, creating a stunning display of pink and white blossoms during peak bloom. So when we talk peak bloom, we’re talking Yoshino cherry.
However, there are several different types of cherry blossoms in DC beyond the Yoshino and they all bloom at different times, either earlier on in spring or later. So, if you miss peak, you won’t necessarily miss all the cherry blossoms in the DC area!
Common types of cherry blossoms in DC Include:
Kwanzan Cherry: These blossoms are a deeper pink and have a double layer of petals. Kwanzan cherry trees are often found in various locations around the city. Good place to find them is in East Potomac Park. The Kwanzan cherry blossoms bloom a little later than the Yoshinos.
Akebono Cherry: Akebono cherry trees produce light pink, semi-double blossoms and are also part of the cherry blossom collection in Washington, D.C. The showy, large, rose-pink blooms of the Akebono cherry tree appear early in spring before the tree leaves out.
Autumnalis Cherry: Also known as the winter-flowering cherry, Autumnalis cherry trees have pink or white blossoms. The Autumnalis tree blooms exceptionally early in spring, usually before all other flowering cherry varieties, and then once more late in autumn.
Weeping Japanese Cherry/Higan Cherry: Interspersed between the Yoshino, Akebono, and Kwanzan cherry trees. These trees flower about a week before the Yoshino trees.
While Yoshino Cherry Blossoms are the most iconic in Washington, D.C., the variety of cherry trees contributes to a diverse and visually appealing cherry blossom season. You’ll see a variety of trees all over the city!
Fun Ways to Experience the Cherry Blossoms
There are many different ways to experience the cheery blossoms while in DC, and below are listed some of the most popular ways to see them. I’ve done them all!
1. Cherry Blossom Festival
Every year, a big festival takes place for a month in the spring to celebrate the cherry blossoms and spring in DC. This is one of the most popular events all year long in DC. It is insanely crowded!
The Cherry Blossom Festival is definitely the most popular time and place to see the cherry blossoms. This past year I went to the festival and was very underwhelmed. There were huge crowds, nowhere to sit, bad food, and very few good photo spots because of all the people there.
If it is your first time and you really want to see the cherry blossoms, the festival can still be worth it, but I would definitely take the time to see them somewhere else as well. Weekday mornings are way less crowded, and the trees are just as beautiful.
2. Take a Cruise on a Boat
I have been on a cherry blossom viewing cruise that was lots of fun. Options leave from the Wharf and Georgetown. The boat I rode was from Georgetown (check TravelZoo and Groupon for deals!), and we did have fun.
There are drinks available and food for purchase that make the ride even better. Pretty views are all over, and if you go in the evening you can see a really nice sunset. Note that this time of year it can be really chilly, especially on the water so wear a jacket and pants if you go in the evening especially!
Other Cherry Blossom Cruise Options:
In the Tidal Basin, you will find the famous pedal boats that are a really unique way to see the cherry blossoms. If you go during the Cherry Blossom Festival on the weekend, you can wait over three hours for a pedal boat.
If you go during the week you will wait far less and still get the same view. If you want to take a pedal boat, go on a week day! They are a fun way to see the trees from a different perspective.
4. Walk the National Mall
5. Hit Up a Cherry Blossom Themed Restaurant or Bar
During Cherry Blossom season, restaurants and bars around the DC area join in on the fun of themed drinks, food, and decor. Below are a few to highlight for you!
- Kingbird’s has a decadent cherry blossom tea service is lots of fun. Watergate guests can also experience blooms firsthand with a Potomac River private boat ride from the historic hotel.
- Love, Makoto’s Hanami Picnic offers a savory spread that includes 16 pieces of sushi and accompaniments, one seaweed salad, two bottles of strawberry ramune, and, for something sweet, two cherry blossom donuts (one cherry and one vanilla). Order the Hanami Picnic for pick-up in person at its Love on the Run food hall or for delivery for $50.
- Promising views of the blooms from the room, the Salamander doesn’t skimp on glamour. Before making the short stroll to the nearby Tidal Basin, enjoy afternoon tea featuring a glass of bubbles, homemade scones, tea sandwiches, and pastries served with a selection of premium loose-leaf teas.
- Residents has festooned its heated streatery with a canopy of cherry blossom branches, and have drink offerings like a Sakura Spritz (sakura shochu, Japanese bermutto, sparkling sake, morello cherry, and lime).
- Hook Hall (Park View) transforms their courtyard, filling it with pink trees and flowers, and guests can book floral cabanas for gatherings.
How to Avoid Crowds
Tips for Being Prepared
While going to the National Mall to see the cherry blossoms during the peak time can be crazy, there are some things you can do to help yourself out.
- There are not many bathrooms available around the National Mall. Port-a-potties and public bathrooms in the Smithsonian will be your only options during the festival. Go before you come and avoid long lines!
- Be prepared to walk. Even getting dropped off nearby still means lots of walking so wear comfortable shoes. The tidal basin is large, and the festival is located near the trees but toward the National Mall, so it is a walk.
- Parking is very difficult. If you want a chance to park, try using SpotHero or even better, take the Metro!
- There will be crowds. Be prepared to wait a long time for food, drinks, and anything you want to buy. Street vendors sell drinks and ice cream without a line and for cheaper than stands along the National Mall.
- You can buy cherry blossom souvenirs at a bunch of different shops all around DC. Don’t feel like you have to buy something at the actual festival.
- The weather can be hot or cold. Spring in DC is a time when the weather is constantly changing. Bring a light jacket to wear and short sleeves during the day.
- Bring your own food and drinks instead of spending your time in line. Picnicking on the National Mall is a great way to spend the afternoon.
Now you’re prepared to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC 2025! I know you’ll have an awesome time here in DC whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, DC has something for everyone
This is a great post for people visiting Washington to see the cherry blossoms. You’re so lucky that you have so many options. Here in Ontario, we don’t get a lot of them.
We were so happy to visit Washington DC for cherry blossom season one year. But we almost missed the timing! Harder for us having to plan in advance and to fly in. We loved how many different spots there were to see the blossoms. But I can see we missed some for a return visit. Will need to watch the timing for the special events for Cherry Blossom Season and plan around that.
I never new Washington had such gorgeous cherry blossoms. I hope I get to see them one day.
This is the happiest post I’ve read all week! I would LOVE to visit DC during the Cherry Blossom Festivals. I had no idea the Tidal Basin was so beautiful. Great information – I’ve saved it to refer back to for my future visit!
I love cherry blossoms, and Washington D.C. seems to be the perfect place to watch them. Thanks for detailed information, useful tips and amazing pictures.
Yes! I need important tips like “how to avoid the crowd”. Honestly, I just assumed the blooms were on the tidal basin so this is a great list. Thanks!