Where to See the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC

Seeing the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC is one of my favorite times of year. Crowds come from far and wide to see the blooms on the Tidal Basin but the energy of warmer weather, longer days, and spending more time outside pulses throughout the city. I love experiencing the crowds on the National Mall but there are plenty of other places to see the blossoms and events to enjoy the parades of pink all spring long.

When to Visit the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC

This year, the Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20 to April 14. The trees usually bloom around the festival timeframe but it can vary based on the weather. You might hear people asking when “peak bloom” is in Washington, DC. Peak bloom means 70% of the blossoms around the Tidal Basin have bloomed. Depending on the weather, the flowers are usually around for several days to two weeks after peak bloom. Peak bloom is also specific to the Tidal Basin. If you enjoy the cherry blossom trees at other locations like the National Arboretum, you will find other varieties of flowering cherry trees that bloom at different times.

Best Places to See the Cherry Blossoms

The National Arboretum: The National Arboretum is one of my go-to “hidden” spots to see the cherry blossoms. There are dozens of flowering cherry tree varieties. This means the trees will peak at different times, and you can enjoy them throughout the month. With acres of land to explore, it rarely feels crowded. Pick up a self-guided tour pamphlet at the visitor center and wander the arboretum to your heart’s content. It’s a great opportunity to get pictures with the pink flowers without fighting Tidal Basin crowds. The National Arboretum welcomes dogs on a leash and allows picnics in the Grove of State Trees.

East Potomac Park/Hains Point: Hains Point is the very tip of East Potomac Park but the entire area is often referred to as Hains Point. The Hains Point loop trail is a 5-mile loop with beautiful views of the cherry blossoms, plus both the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. It’s a perfect spot for walks, picnics, and biking. Hains Point is walkable from the Tidal Basin and The Wharf. Avoid driving at all costs. I visit Hains Point almost every year, and there is always gridlock traffic. I usually metro to L’Enfant Plaza and walk from The Wharf. If you visit on the weekend and want to eat at the Wharf, make a reservation a few days in advance.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: In Vienna, Virginia, you can visit the cherry blossoms at Meadowlark’s Botanical Gardens throughout the month of April. Like the National Arboretum, Meadowlark is home to a few different varieties of trees that will peak throughout the season. Dogs and outside food are not allowed in the gardens.

Congressional Cemetery: The Congressional Cemetery is located in southeast DC and is open to the public for seasonal events and just to walk around. Dogs are allowed every day except Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm. The cemetery has a variety of flowering cherries that can be enjoyed throughout the spring. They often post the best visitor photos of the trees on their Instagram.

The Tidal Basin: If you must go to the Tidal Basin (the body of water near the Jefferson Memorial), the best time to go in the early morning on a weekday. Start your day early (before 8:00 am) and enjoy a walk around the Tidal Basin with minimal crowds. Walk the Tidal Basin Loop to enjoy the flowers with multiple backdrops. Along the way, you’ll also see the Franklin D Roosevelt Memorial, the George Mason Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

Cherry Blossom Events In Washington, DC

Artechouse: ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds 2024: Artechouse near L’Enfant Plaza is an art venue known for its visual masterpieces that bring together art, science, and technology. From March 9 to June 1, you can check out ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds, inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime.

Bloomarro: Head to The Wharf on March 23 for Blomarro, including a day of Cherry Blossom-themed art, music, and special events. and fireworks in the evening. Live music kicks off at 2 pm and a firework display will light up the sky at 8:30 pm. This event can get very crowded, so make restaurant reservations in advance.

Petalpalooza at the Capitol Riverfront: Petalpalooze is part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, 2024. Enjoy an all-day event with music, art installations, family-friendly activities, and food stands. Free to enter, but food and drinks are pay-as-you-go. This event will get crowded, so I plan to take the metro to the Navy Yard station instead of driving. Festival fireworks will begin at 8:30 pm.