First Timer’s Guide to the Beautiful Cherry Blossom Season in Dc
Cherry Blossoms signify new beginnings and the start to Spring season! For a few weeks in March/April, the Nation’s capital is covered in gorgeous Cherry Blossoms that are in peak bloom. Below, I’m going to share my favorite tips and first timer’s guide to Cherry Blossom Season in DC!
Related Post: Washington, DC City Guide
History of Cherry Blossoms in DC
Cherry Blossom Trees (sakura in Japanese) are the National Tree in Japan. For centuries, the Japanese have celebrated the blooming of these trees each spring. These trees symbolize a time of renewal and beauty. Japanese people partake in “hanami” which literally means “watching blooming”. During Hanami, Japanese people will picnic under the blossoming trees and celebrate Spring time.
Japan originally gifted America 2,000 cherry blossom trees in 1910 as a gift of friendship between our two nations. However, President Taft quickly realized the kind gift had become infested with bugs and diseases so he ordered to have them all burned down. Two years later, Japan gifted America 3,020 cherry blossom trees – which are still growing and blooming today!
Peak Bloom of Cherry Blossoms
“Peak Bloom” is a magical timeframe when the Cherry Blossoms are at their maximum bloom. Peak Bloom indicates that at least 70% of the Cherry Blossoms have opened their buds around the tidal basin.
Peak bloom is very short lived – typically just around two weeks. It is hard to predict the exact date of peak bloom, but the average date is April 4th. It has been known to range between March 15-April 15. For more information on the exact peak bloom, check out the National Park Service’s Bloom Watch.
Where To See the Cherry Blossoms in DC
The most iconic Cherry Blossoms are located at the Tidal Basin near the National Mall. From here, you can see the Martin Luther King Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and enjoy views of the Washington Monument. This area will be extremely crowded during this season as every tourist and local alike will flock here to see the gorgeous blooms.
Other locations where you can enjoy small clusters of Cherry Blossoms in DC are listed below:
– Washington Monument
– National Arboretum
– Anacostia Park
– Dumbarton Oaks (Georgetown)
Tips on Visiting the Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin
- Visit as early in the day as possible to avoid crowds
- Take public transportation to avoid the struggle of finding parking. The closest DC Metro stop called “The Smithsonian” is about 10 minutes away.
- Do NOT pick any of the buds off of the trees – it is illegal.
- Avoid bringing a stroller to the tidal basin. The crowds are so thick you won’t be able to navigate through.
- Wear walking shoes. The tidal basin is a 1.7 mile loop and chances are you’ll be walking around quite a bit before/after.
- Visit the Tidal Basin during the week rather than on weekends.
DC’s National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a three week event to kick off the beginning of spring – its one of the best parts of the Cherry Blossom season in DC! There are many events, festivities, and activities that you can participate in! Check out their official event page HERE. Most events are open to the public and free, but others will require tickets purchased far in advance. Some of the most popular events are listed below:
- Festival Opening Ceremony
- Pink Tie Party
- Blossom Kite Festival
- Petalpooloza
- Cherry Blossom Parade
- Anacostia River Festival
- Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
Save this guide to Cherry Blossom Season in DC on Pinterest:
For more fun things to do in DC, check out my Washington, DC City Guide!
Wow! Lovely pictures! Didn’t know Washington D.C had cherry blossoms. Glad to come across your post, I learned something new today.