If there is a national symbol of springtime in the United States, it has the be the blooming of the Washington, D.C. cherry blossoms. Every year in the last days of March, the almost 4,000 cherry blossom trees surrounding the Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park, and the grounds of the Washington Monument spring forth their vibrant blush petals and cause a fury of shutter flashes. Tourists flock in from all over the country and the world to see and photograph the blooms, but there’s more than just pretty pictures on offer!
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a citywide celebration of American and Japanese cultural events, parades, art installations, and kite-flying! If you’ve never seen the Washington, D.C. cherry blossoms in full bloom, it’s a must-do for this spring, and we’ve gathered all the historical facts, festival events, and hidden spots to help you plan the perfect trip. Let’s roam!
Experiencing the Nation’s Capital on a Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunt
The absolute best way to explore a new city (especially one blooming with gorgeous Yoshino Cherry Trees) is on foot! Check out our gigantic list of Washington, D.C. scavenger hunts to help you navigate this amazing city while picking up tidbits of fun information and capturing fantastic photos. Washington, D.C.’s Cultural Gems takes you through the heart of historic D.C. exploring sites like the Old Post Office and the world’s best museums. You hop from spot to spot, answering intriguing trivia questions and racking up points on our inventive photo/video challenges. At the end, see how you stacked up against other teams on our citywide leaderboard. Maybe you can catch some Washington, D.C. cherry blossoms on the way!
LET’S ROAM!
History of the Cherry Blossom in Washington, D.C.
Long before the fiascos of 1941 and 1945 between the United States and Japan, an offer of friendship was extended by Japan to the U.S., and it’s one that still graces us with immense beauty today! In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo sent 2,000 Yoshino cherry trees to the United States as a gift. Unfortunately, these trees were infested with disease and insects and were later burned by order from President Taft. Distraught at the news, the mayor immediately sent another gift of 3,020 cherry blossom trees of 12 different varieties.
The first tree was planted by First Lady Helen Herron Taft, who had already been working with a few prominent people in the area to plant the Yoshino cherry blossom in and around the National Mall. Mrs. Taft had lived in Japan and was familiar with the tree and became the spokesperson of the initiative. Many first ladies have inaugurated the ceremony or planted further trees over the years, including Lady Bird Johnson and Michelle Obama.
The blooming of sakura (cherry blossoms) has long been a time of celebration in Japan. The gift of the Japanese was not only the beautiful cherry blossoms but also a chance to celebrate Japanese culture and the ancient rites that traditionally accompany the appearance of the first buds.
Cherry Blossom Season in D.C.
Peak bloom predictions are a tricky task, especially with wildly varying weather conditions in early spring in D.C. from year to year. However, the National Park Service gives its best shot keeping an eye on the weather conditions, the state of the buds, and several other factors that determine peak bloom time.
Peak bloom encompasses the days when at least 70% of the trees surrounding the Tidal Basin have open buds. To see the trees in full bloom, you’ll need to tune into the NPS website for their predicted dates, which are usually released in late March. Though it varies every year, the peak bloom date is usually on or around April 4th. The blooms typically last about two weeks in all, but the best days for viewing are within four to seven days of peak bloom.
Cherry blossom predictions are a huge deal, and there are several niche websites devoted to monitoring every aspect of the blooms. You can watch timelapse videos of blooming on Cherry Blossom Watch, analyze watch updates on the NPS site, and even watch the Bloom Cam on the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s website. Warning: It’s a bit addictive!
National Cherry Blossom Festival Events
It’s important to note that many events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which is set months in advance, do not coincide with peak bloom. The 2024 festival dates are March 20th through April 14th. Here are a few of the best events to mark on your calendar!
1. Pink Tie Party—March 15th
Forget black-tie—it’s a pink-tie party! The annual fundraiser for the National Cherry Blossom Festival helps to ensure that most of the rest of the events of the festival stay free to the public! Snag a ticket, and get dressed up for a night of fashion, international cuisine and co*cktails, and a silent auction at Union Station.
2. The Opening Ceremony—March 23rd
The official opening ceremony is a celebration of not only the blossoms but of Japanese culture. Held primarily on the Warner Theatre Stage, internationally acclaimed artists with ties to both the United States and Japan will light up the night with award-winning performances. This year’s stars include New York-based composer Kaoru Watanabe, the choreography of Jo Kanamori in conjunction with the Washington Ballet Company, and vocalist Naotaro Moriyama.
Tickets are free with a registration fee. Stay tuned to the National Cherry Blossom Festival website for ticket release dates! If you’re unable to get there on March 23rd, the festival will be live-streaming the Opening Ceremony on their YouTube channel.
3. Blossom Kite Festival—March 30th
Taking place on the Washington Monument Grounds, the Blossom Kite Festival is a fun event for the whole family with musical performances, kite-flying, and competitions. This year’s attractions include the Sakura Taiko Fest at Sylvan Theater, which is an all-day exhibition of traditional Japanese drumming. There will also be performances by Not a Saint Band, Ian Carroll, and Guava Jelly as well as demonstrations by Team KiteLife and Wings Over Washington Kite Club. Enter your best kite in the adult or youth kitemaker’s competition, or check out the traditional Edo kite showcase by Mikio Toki!
4. Petalpalooza—April 6th
Oh, how we love a palooza! Petalpalooza brings together live music acts, art installations, and family-friendly games for a day of fun by the Anacostia River. The event is free for all ages and ends with the Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks show at 8:30.
5. Sakura-Matsuri Japanese Street Festival—April 13th-14th
The Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street Festival is an explosion of Japanese culture on the streets of Washington, D.C. It features 24 hours of live performances on multiple stages, martial arts demonstrations, scores of food vendors showing off the taste of Japan, and markets featuring traditional Japanese goods and new innovations!
6. Art in Bloom—Entirety of Festival
Art in Bloom is a collection of blossom-inspired art installations that are set up all over the eight wards of D.C. You can find them in restaurants, parks, and even the porches of D.C. citizens. Check out the map to find every last one!
7. Oxon Run Pinknic and Kite Fly—March 24th
Running for just a few hours, from noon to 3 p.m., Oxon Run Park hosts an annual festival of kite flying, family-friendly activities, and live music.
8. The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade—April 13th
The big to-do of the National Cherry Blossom Festival is undoubtedly the parade! The extravagant procession includes giant helium balloons, elaborate floats, vibrantly costumed performers, and marching bands imported from all across the nation. The parade takes place on Constitution Avenue, and it’s one of the few events that isn’t free. Prices vary depending on the zone you choose, and tickets are currently available online!
For detailed information on all the National Cherry Blossom Festival Events, including advice for parking and directions via public transit, check out the events page of the festival website.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in and Around Washington, D.C.
The absolute best place to see cherry blossoms bloom is around the Tidal Basin. However, this will certainly be the busiest spot, and you’ll be fighting for space to see the blooms. From the steps of the Jefferson Memorial, you get a panoramic view of the blossom-lined Tidal Basin in front of you with the Washington Monument anchoring the background. Stroll around the basin taking in the blossoms from different vantage points like the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. You could even hop on a paddle boat and get a few iconic reflection pics from the water.
If you do decide to visit the Tidal Basin during peak bloom, we suggest you use public transit. Parking in the area is very limited. The D.C. Circulator’s National Mall Route stops at the Jefferson Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Alternatively, the Silver, Orange, or Blue Metro lines will take you to the Smithsonian Metro Stop. From there, it’s a lovely walk along the National Mall to the Tidal Basin. You can also take Metrobus 32 or 36, which will drop you near the Washington Monument.
Here are a few other spots around town to catch a glimpse of the famous blush beauties!
1. Kenwood Neighborhood—Bethesda, Maryland
This hidden gem is a feast on the eyes! The upscale neighborhood streets of Kenwood are lined with more than 1,200 cherry blossom trees, and the effect is magical. There’s even a little babbling brook in the neighborhood. Without traffic or too many tourists, you’ll be able to stroll the quiet streets and snap some excellent photos, especially if you arrive in the early morning. It gets busier on the weekends and afternoons. The cherry blossoms of Kenwood typically bloom 5-7 days after the Tidal Basin trees.
Parking is not available within the neighborhood. We suggest parking at the nearby Landy Street Parking Lot and accessing Kenwood by Capital Crescent Trail. It’s a short, easy walk.
2. U.S. Capitol Grounds
There are cherry trees dotted in groves all along the National Mall from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building. One of the best spots to snag epic photos is from Lower Senate Park, where you can catch the dome of the U.S. Capitol Building shooting up over a grove of about 100 cherry blossom trees.
We don’t suggest driving in or near the National Mall. This highly visited strip is accessible by Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour Buses and all the same public transportation options we listed above for the Tidal Basin.
3. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Catholic Church building in the United States and the tallest habitable building in D.C. It’s located in the Brookland Neighborhood, and it’s a must-see stop on any trip to the nation’s capital. However, during cherry blossom season, it’s a real treat. The grounds are dotted with more than 150 trees, providing some incredible angles to photograph the pink buds against the tiled Byzantine dome.
Entry is free, and the basilica is easily reached from the National Mall by taking the Red Line Metro from Judiciary Square to Brookland CUA. You can also use Bus Line 80.
4. The Gardens of Dumbarton Oaks
Located on a historic estate in Georgetown, the gardens of Dumbarton Oaks are a treasure of botanical beauty. Complete with a stone bridge, quaint walking path, and a historic greenhouse, Cherry Hill is the most picturesque portion of the gardens. Here, you can find three separate species of white and pink cherry blossoms to peruse! The gardens are more than 100 years old and also feature Magnolias and Japanese plums that typically bloom at the same time as cherry blossoms. For fabulous pictures with far fewer crowds, purchase your ticket for Dumbarton Oaks!
Two-hour street parking is available. You can reach the gardens by taking the metro to the Dupont Circle Metro Station (red line) or the Foggy Bottom-GWU metro station (blue/orange/silver lines). Bus routes 30N, 30S, 31, and 33 as well as the Georgetown Circulator stop at Wisconsin Ave just a short walk away.
5. National Arboretum
The National Arboretum is located in the northeastern part of the city and is another picturesque location to photograph the famous blossoms. The National Arboretum is much less visited by tourists in general because it’s difficult to get to, and it’s not close to any other major attractions. However, the park features 9.5 miles of trails roaming 400 acres and boasts more than 1,000 cherry blossom trees. The site boasts 30 varieties of cherry blossom trees, and they all bloom at slightly different times, almost assuring you’ll get to see at least a few in full bloom. It’s also home to the original Corinthian columns from the Capitol Building. They’re perched high on a hill just begging to land on your Instagram feed!
The National Arboretum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to visit. If you drive, you can park at the New York Entrance. If taking public transit, you’ll need to take the Blue or Orange Line to Stadium-Armory Station. From there, you can get on Bus 2 and hop off at R Street. It’s a short walk to the entrance from there. If you want to use a rideshare, it’s easiest to pick one up at the R Street entrance as well.
6. The Japanese Lantern
For a photogenic and relevant picture spot, hit up the Japanese Lantern! The lantern signifies a renewed friendship between our two countries after WWII. It is more than 400 years old and was once located in the historic city of Edo (now Tokyo). Its twin is still standing there. The lantern marks the spot where the original set of gifted cherry blossoms were planted in Washington, D.C. in 1912. Part of the Opening Ceremony of the National Cherry Blossom Festival is for the Cherry Blossom Princess to light the historic lantern. It’s located next to the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park.
7. Congressional Cemetery
The Congressional Cemetery cherry blossoms create a unique tunnel of blooms enveloping the central road. Park on E Street, and hop out to wander the tunnel on foot. The cemetery is located on the West Bank of the Anacostia River on Capitol Hill. While one of our most historic, it’s still an active cemetery. Please be aware and respectful of any ceremony that may occur during your visit.
8. LeDroit Park
LeDroit Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in D.C., with lines of row houses and Victorians dating to the late 1800s. It’s also one of the best places to catch early bloomers. The Okame variation planted in the park tends to bloom a few days before the Tidal Basin. Most of the trees are located around the elaborate entry gate to the park.
LeDroit is easily reached by taking Bus 70 or 79 to Georgia Ave NW & Florida Ave NW or taking the Green Line to Shaw-Howard University Station. It’s just a short walk from both.
9. Hains Point Loop Trail
Last but not least, the Hains Point Loop Trail through East Potomac Park is the perfect place to see cherry blossoms on a bike! The 4.4-mile loop offers a lush array of cherry blossom blooms backdropped by several bodies of water along the way. You’ll cruise past the Potomac River, Washington Channel, and a segment of the Anacostia River while feasting your eyes on ten different varieties of cherry blossoms!
Don’t Miss These Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossoms!
The blooming of the Washington, D.C. cherry blossoms is certainly a tourist-laden event, but there’s good reason for it! Experiencing the emergence of D.C.’s cherry blossoms and the rich cultural heritage of the annual festival is a bucket list experience. While it’s certainly crowded, under the delicate branches of the blush blossoms is also when our capital feels its most peaceful. Additionally, you now know all the quieter spots to escape to for some solo time with the buds. So, keep an eye on bloom predictions, buy your tickets, and spend spring this year under a canopy of pink!
If you’d like to give back to this amazing national heritage, you can officially Adopt A Cherry Tree. All the proceeds for the donations go to the care and maintenance of the trees by the National Parks Service and to the festival committee to ensure continued free events for the public!
For more excellent ways to wander Washington, don’t forget to download our scavenger hunt app and mix a few fun hunts into your itinerary!
Need help planning your trip? Take a look at “The Top 20 Excursions and Tours in Washington, D.C.” and “The Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.?
Peak bloom for cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. is usually from the last week of March to the first week of April. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 to April 14, 2024.
When should you visit D.C. for cherry blossoms in 2024?
Keep an eye on the NPS Bloom Watch for peak bloom predictions for the 2024 season. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20th through April 14th.
Where can I watch cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.?
While the Tidal Basin is the most popular spot to see cherry blossoms, you can experience the magic at the National Arboretum, Congressional Cemetery, and Hains Point Loop Trail!
Why does Washington, D.C. have so many cherry blossoms?
In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gifted Washington, D.C. more than 3,000 cherry blossom trees as a token of friendship. While many of the original trees are gone, the tradition still stands!
When is the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival dates vary slightly each year but usually span the end of March through the beginning of April. The 2024 dates are March 20th through April 14th.
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