TIPS FROM A LOCAL – SEEING THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN WASHINGTON, DC

In the heart of Washington, DC, the Tidal Basin is a sea of pink as cherry blossom trees come into full bloom. From picnics under the trees to strolls along the water’s edge, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this annual display of natural beauty in the nation’s capital. It’s a sight that’s not to be missed and draws crowds from far and wide. Even though I’ve lived here since childhood, I still get excited seeing the beautiful blooming trees and the festival that celebrates them. As a local, I’ll share everything you need to know about seeing the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC.

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History of the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC

If you hear someone talking about a visit to Washington, DC in late March or April, you can be sure that seeing the cherry blossoms is at the top of their list. It’s an unforgettable sight for nature lovers and anyone else who wants to stroll through a fairy tale setting of pink and white petals. Did you know the approximately 3,800 cherry blossom trees in Washington, DC today all started with a generous gift from Japan? But before that, an American woman started the ball rolling.

According to the National Park Service, in 1885, an American woman named Mrs. Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore, a world traveler and diplomat saw the beautiful cherry blossoms on a trip to Japan. Upon her return to Washington, DC, she made her first appeal to the U.S. Army Superintendent of the Office of Buildings and Grounds to have cherry blossom trees planted along the Potomac. 

Unsuccessful, but still determined, she continued her appeals to have cherry blossoms planted here. 25 years later in 1909, Mrs. Scidmore chose a new plan. She decided to raise the money to pay for the trees and reached out to President William Howard Taft’s wife, Helen. The First Lady, who had also lived in Japan and admired the trees, agreed. Two days later, Mrs. Taft mentioned the plan to Mr. Miduzo, the Japanese Consul and Dr. Jokichi Takamine, the Japanese chemist who discovered adrenaline, who were both in town visiting at the White House. 

Dr. Jokichi Takamine asked if he could arrange for a large donation of Yoshino trees on behalf of the City of Tokyo. In 1912, the Mayor of Tokyo gifted 2,000 trees to the United States as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. However, when the trees arrived in DC, they were infested with insects and had to be destroyed.

The Mayor of Tokyo didn’t give up; he sent another shipment of 3,020 trees the following year, which were carefully inspected before being sent. These trees were planted along the Tidal Basin by the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, and the first Cherry Blossom Festival was held in 1935.

Closest Airport to the Cherry Blossoms

There are two airports that serve the nation’s capital – yet they are both located in Northern Virginia. Reagan National Airport (airport code DCA) is the closest in Arlington, just over the Potomac River from downtown Washington, DC. When you fly into National, you’ll see all the monuments below. Washington Dulles International Airport (airport code IAD) is farther out from the city in the suburbs of Dulles, (part of Loudoun County).

Washington, DC has an extensive, modern metro system that covers MD-DC-VA. You can easily get into the city no matter which airport you choose because there are stops at both airports. Both the yellow and blue line trains pick up and drop off at National airport. The silver line train (which finally opened in November of 2022) runs to and from Dulles airport.

Best Time to See the Cherry Blossoms

The exact timing of full bloom (when 70% of the blossoms open) really varies from year to year. This year, we’ve had a much warmer winter and spring. The best authority is the National Park Service who has already announced that full bloom will be March 22 -25, 2023.

Here’s a great trivia fact to share: cherry blossom trees go through six stages as they bloom. The first stage is called the “green bud” stage, the buds appear but are still closed, and the trees look like they are just starting to wake up from their winter slumber. The second stage is the “florets visible” stage, the buds start to open up, and you can see the tiny pink and white petals inside. The third stage is the “extension of florets” stage, the petals start to extend out from the buds and become more visible. 

The fourth stage is called the “peduncle elongation“, (say that three times fast!) the flower stems grow longer and extend outwards like a finger. The fifth stage is “puffy blossom“, the petals begin to open. Finally, the cherry blossom trees reach their beautiful sixth stage, “full bloom”. At last, the Yoschino Cherry Blossom trees have fully extended petals in delicate shades of pink and white.

To see the cherry trees blooming, watch the live camera feed called the Bloom Cam streaming from down by the Tidal Basin in front of the Jefferson Memorial. For pure entertainment, (with a blockbuster movie-like film score), scroll 1/3 of the way down the Bloom Cam page to see the time lapse version of the full blooming season.

What to Do During the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Since the very first celebration in 1935, the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival has become a huge event in DC, drawing in over a million visitors each year. The festival includes an extensive variety of events including a parade, a kite festival, a Petalpalooza, a Pink Tie fundraiser, 5- and 10-K runs, and a Yappy Hour. The festival runs March 20 – April 16 so you have a full month to get in on the fun. This year’s kite festival will be held on Saturday, March 25th down on the mall.

Visit the official website of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Here you’ll find valuable details including event schedules, ticket information, and more. The website is regularly updated with the latest information, so visitors will want to check back frequently for updates and news.

Another great source for up-to-the-minute coverage, is our local NBC News 4 Washington TV station. You can check in through their downloadable app when you’re on the go, or watch their broadcast from 6-7 pm and again from 11 – 11:30 pm. 

How to Get to the Cherry Blossom Trees in Washington, DC

Traveling by bus or metro is the easiest way to get down to see the cherry blossoms. Driving by car is not recommended. There will be a lot of traffic, especially down by the Tidal Basin which is the best place to see the trees. Street parking is extremely limited. Check Spot Hero for suggestions. The best idea is to park you car in a parking garage near the last station in Virginia (Rosslyn) or in Maryland (Friendship Heights, Silver Spring, West Hyattsville) and take metro rail into the city. 

To catch the DC Circulator bus, you can head to any of the designated bus stops located throughout the city. The National Mall route, which takes you to the cherry blossoms, stops at Union Station, the Smithsonian museums, and the Tidal Basin. You can easily locate the bus stops by looking for the bright red buses or pink blossom wrapped buses with the Circulator logo.

A unique and fun way to see the cherry blossoms is by booking a 2-hour guided bicycle tour. You’ll get exercise, have a chance to stop for photos and learn about the history of many DC landmarks from the tour guide. If you’re traveling alone, this may be a great way to meet others and see the cherry blossoms.

Traveling by metro rail is the most common choice. The closest stop to the cherry blossoms is Smithsonian station which lets you out on the National Mall. Take the ORANGE, BLUE OR SILVER LINE trains to the Smithsonian station. All three originate in Virginia. If you are coming from Maryland, you will need to take the red or green line to Metro Center station. Go downstairs to the lower level platform to change to the orange, blue or silver line trains to the Smithsonian station.

Metro rail fares will vary depending on where you are traveling from and note that the system uses reusable plastic SmarTrip fare cards now. When you purchase the card, you will see that the value will deduct $2 for the card itself but it is a one-time fee. A trip planner, fares and map are all available on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) website.  Download the SmarTrip App and keep it on your phone to make your day easier.

Best Places to See the Cherry Blossoms

(Looking across from DC at the cherry blossoms along the banks of Rosslyn, VA.)

One of the most popular spots to see the cherry blossoms is the Tidal Basin by the Jefferson Memorial. This man-made 107 acre reservoir is surrounded by more than 3,000 cherry trees, and it’s a great place to take a stroll or have a picnic. You can also rent paddle boats and enjoy a unique view of the blossoms from the water. Stop by the Welcome Area to pick up a map and refreshments and also see the festival stage.

Another great spot to see the cherry blossoms is the National Mall. This iconic stretch of green space is home to many famous landmarks, including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The cherry trees here provide a stunning backdrop for photos. 

George Mason Memorial  – located in East Potomac Park near the Jefferson Memorial. You can have a seat on the concrete bench next to the bronze statue of George Mason and enjoy both the blooming pink trees and the colorful flowers in the garden there.

Parking Available: Less Crowded Places to See the Cherry Blossoms

If you really want to take a car to see the cherry blossoms, enjoy visiting one of the following places that have parking available but not the crowds you’ll face down by the Tidal Basin or on the National Mall. 

Hain’s Point Loop Trail – located at the southern tip of East Potomac Park, it’s also one of the few places that if you drive, you can find a large  parking lot (400 spots). This is a great place to take pictures because it has over 12 other types of cherry blossom trees including a few from the original 1909 shipment of trees from Tokyo that were said to be infested and destroyed.

The U.S. National Arboretum – is another fantastic place to see the cherry blossoms. The arboretum is home to more than 300 varieties of cherry trees, so you’re sure to see a wide range of colors and styles. There are also guided tours available to help you learn more about the history of the cherry blossoms.

Dumbarton Oaks Gardens – may surprise you. It’s an unforgettable historic mansion in Georgetown. Purchased in 1920, the estate now spans 53-acres and was built at the highest point in Georgetown. The gardens have cherry trees as well as Japanese Plum trees and Tulip Magnolias.  It also offers an interesting museum known for its specialized collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art.  

Where to Stay Near the Cherry Blossoms

There are numerous places to stay in DC, MD and Virginia depending on your price range. Here is just a sampling:

Luxury Accommodation: RIGGS WASHINGTON DC. Stay in a piece of history located in Penn Quarter, just 5-minutes away from Gallery Place – Chinatown metro station. This beautifully decorated hotel was formerly the headquarters of Riggs National Bank. It has two restaurants and a mixology bar onsite. Walking distance to the National Portrait Gallery and the International Spy Museum.

Mid-Tier Accommodation: HILTON WASHINGTON DC NATIONAL MALL THE WHARF.  Only one mile from the National Mall and the Smithsonian Museums, this Hilton property is directly connected to the L’Enfant metro station. Solo travelers rated it highly with a 9.1. The hotel’s L’Enfant Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Where to Find Cherry Blossom-Inspired Food and Drink

After sightseeing all day, you will have quite an appetite. If you’re looking for food and drinks inspired by cherry blossoms, there are some amazing places you can check out. From French macaron cherry-blossom gift boxes at Olivia Macaron to a cherry blossom afternoon tea at the Williard Hotel, there’s plenty to sample. For even more ideas, bookmark DC.org, the official tourism office for DC.

**Expert Tip: park your car in Rosslyn, VA and start your day with a stroll over Key Bridge. Make time for a stop at the iconic Georgetown Cupcake. (The business rose to fame as the subject of a reality TV show called DC Cupcakes in 2010). Order a Cherry Blossom Celebration dozen ahead of time, skip the line and have a little stash of sweets for the rest of the day.

Then, melt off some of those calories in Georgetown by taking a guided, small group walking tour about historic places and important “Women of the Cold War.” See the house of Kay Graham (editor of the Washington Post), Martin’s Tavern (where JFK proposed to Jackie) and more. Finally, pick up the DC Circulator bus at any of the stops along M Street (which runs through the heart of Georgetown) and ride it for only $1 all the way down to the Tidal Basin to view the cherry blossoms.

Tips for Taking Great Photos of the Cherry Blossoms

Taking photos of the cherry blossoms isn’t that hard but taking spectacular pictures takes some planning. Here are a few tips:

Consider the lighting: Ideally, you want to take pictures when the light is soft and diffused (often called the Golden Hour) which usually means early morning or late afternoon. Avoid the midday sun, which can create harsh shadows and overexposure.

Look for interesting angles: Don’t just take photos straight on. Try shooting from different angles and perspectives, such as from below or above the blossoms, or incorporating other elements in the background to add depth and interest to your shots. 

Keep your gear stable: Whether you’re using a phone or a DSLR, make sure to keep your camera steady to avoid blurry images. You can stabilize your arms against a solid surface to get a good shot.

Be patient and have fun: Cherry blossoms can be fickle, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the perfect shot right away. Take your time, experiment with different settings, and enjoy the process!

Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone to See the Cherry Blossoms

If you are coming down to see the cherry blossoms and you are alone, you should be fine. There are more DC Police and Park Service Police on the mall because this is such a big festival. You still need to use common sense and take precautions like the following:

Be aware of your surroundings. It’s important to always be alert and aware of what’s going on around you. Keep an eye out for any potential dangers or suspicious activity, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.

Watch your belongings. Keep your purse or backpack fully zipped and make sure your phone is charged and easily accessible in case of an emergency.

Use trusted transportation. If you’re using public transportation or a rideshare service, make sure you’re using a trusted provider and take note of the driver’s name, car make and model, and license plate number.

Here’s a tip from TikTok While you’re traveling, pretend to call (or really call) a loved one and repeat out loud the name of the driver, what the car looks like, what the car service is and approximately what time you will arrive. End the call by saying – great, I will see you at ( the name of your final destination).

What Else to Do While You’re in Washington, DC

After you’ve seen the cherry blossoms, you many want to take in some of the 74 amazing museums. From classic and contemporary art to science and history, Washington, DC has it all.

In keeping with the tradition of the Japanese cherry blossoms, this is a good time to visit the National Museum of Asian Art. Enjoy the Enid Haupt Gardens in front of the Smithsonian museum called the “castle.” Or if you’re farther down on the National Mall, honor the women who served by visiting their statue at the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.

The Tidal Basin isn’t the only notable body of water with cherry blossoms around it. Consider a 2-hour lunch or dinner cruise on the Potomac River or take a full day bus tour and see such iconic buildings as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and more. Get all the details and pricing here. 

Final Tips – Including What Not to Do During Cherry Blossom Season

Now that you’ve engaged in Hanami – that’s the Japanese word for “flower viewing” and the custom of enjoying the gorgeous pink flowering trees, why not buy some cherry blossom themed souvenirs to take home? Here’s a few ideas:

Cherry Blossom Postcards: Send a message to loved ones or frame it as art for your walls. They can be found at most souvenir shops around the National Mall and Tidal Basin.

Cherry Blossom Tote Bags: Carry around your daily essentials in a stylish cherry blossom tote bag. You can find these at the Smithsonian museum gift shops and Eastern Market.

Cherry Blossom Jewelry: Adorn yourself with cherry blossom jewelry, such as earrings or necklaces. They can be found at the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s official merchandise store.

Cherry Blossom Tea: Sip on some delicious cherry blossom tea from local tea shops like Capital Teas and Teaism.

Cherry Blossom Art: Take home a piece of cherry blossom-inspired art from local galleries such as the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden or the National Gallery of Art.

And finally, once you see the cherry blossoms trees, you’ll understand why they attract millions of people to DC each year to see them in full bloom and take pictures under their pink and white petals. Taking photos is encouraged but remember, don’t pick the blossoms. We want to protect the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC to keep this beautiful springtime tradition alive for future generations.

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