It is always a great idea to visit Washington, DC, no matter the season, but seeing it during the peak cherry blossoms season is very, very special. Springtime is just magical in DC, as the capital gets a light pink over-glow from all the decorative cherry and magnolia trees.
In 1902, Washington, DC received 3,020 cherry trees as part of a gift of friendship from the people of Japan. The trees were shipped from Yokohama, Japan. The original cherry trees were planted mostly on the banks of the Tidal Basin.
The celebration of the blooming cherry trees (‘sakura’) is a long-standing Japanese tradition (‘hanami’) which dates back centuries. 🌸🌸🌸 Hanami has become a Washington, DC tradition as well. 1.5 million people visit the US capital every year to see the beauty of the cherry blossoms. We highly recommend that you take a spring trip to DC and try to catch the blooming cherry trees at least once.
When is the perfect time to see the Washington DC cherry blossoms?
Generally, the season to see the cherry blossoms in their full splendor is between the end of March and the middle of April. However, every year is different, and you need a little bit of flexibility if you want to be in DC during peak Cherry Blossom season.
Each year, the city of Washington, DC holds a Cherry Blossoms festival. The 2024 Cherry Blossoms Festival will be March 20 through April 14. This means that the trees are expected to bloom during this period. However, you can monitor the updates from the National Park Service (NPS) as it gets closer for a more precise date. The Cherry Blossoms peak is currently projected to be around March 23 – 26. You can view the NPS updates here.
Where can you see the cherry blossoms?
Tidal Basin
The most popular place to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC is at the Tidal Basin. When the trees are in full bloom, this location is just so perfect for being under the trees, having a stroll, and taking beautiful pictures. If you go early in the morning, you will also be able to smell the fresh and delicate aroma of the cherry blossoms.
Alternative locations
Clusters of trees can be seen all throughout Washington, DC.
- Take a walk around Georgetown and you will be sure to see different varieties of cherry trees.
- Make a stop at the Dumbarton Oaks estate and see their beautiful spring gardens.
- Take a trip to the National Arboretum. Be sure to check their calendar for Sakura events and viewing.
- Visit the Kenwood Neighborhood in the Bethesda, MD suburb of DC (Kenwood, Bethesda, MD 20815). This neighborhood and its cherry blossoms are a true hidden gem. Most people head for the Tital Basin, but Kenwood offers a spectacular site. There are 1,200 cherry trees in Kenwood and in full bloom they are just magnificent. As a bonus, due to the location of Kenwood, its cherry trees bloom a few days after the trees in the Tidal Basin. So, if you miss peak bloom in the Tital Basin, head to Kenwood and catch the splendor of this quiet neighborhood. ❤️🌸
Avoiding the crowds
During peak bloom season, the Tidal Basin is most crowded during the day and during weekends. You can still enjoy the trees but be prepared that there will be many, many people trying to do the same.
In our opinion, the best time to see the trees is in the early morning hours on weekdays. If this is an option for you, we highly recommend it. You will miss seeing the color variations of the blossoms and contrast between them and the sky if you visit the Tidal Basin in the evening, though it will be less crowded. Still spectacular!
The Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival
Every year, Washington, DC hosts a Cherry Blossom Festival. There are always a variety of family friendly events such as kite flying, a parade, art activities, music and more. Be sure to check the festival website and plan how you want to participate. For something very unique, you can see the Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival (April 13-14, 2024) – the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States. You can buy tickets for it here.
Where to stay
Many of the Washington, DC hotels offer special packages during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. You can check the festival website for specific offering from participating hotels this year.
Some of our favorite hotels to stay in DC during this time of the year include:
- Salamander Washington, DC – located within walking distance of the Tidal Basin. The rooms are beautifully appointed and very comfortable, and there is plenty to do onsite – indoor pool, spa, excellent restaurants.
- Park Hyatt Washington, DC – another favorite hotel with easy access to Georgetown and the DC metro. The rooms and suites, amenities, indoor pool and gym are all excellent, and the Blue Duck Tavern and Lounge are personal DC favorites.
- Rosewood, Washington DC – a Georgetown hotel located on the C&O canal. Very comfortable and stylish rooms and suites, excellent rooftop bar with views of the city, elegant restaurant and bar by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck.
- Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf – within a half mile from the Tidal Basin, this hotel is located in the lively Wharf area of DC. You can have plenty of fun at the Wharf, as there are many excellent restaurants and bars, and the hotel has beautiful views of the Potomac River.
How to dress
The spring weather in Washington, DC is anything but predictable. Some years it is rainy and others way too hot. In general:
- Dress in layers to feel most comfortable.
- Bring comfortable shoes as there is a bit of walking to see the cherry blossoms.
- Have an umbrella, as spring often brings showers. We like this one for travel – but Amazon has many reasonably priced options.
- Bring waterproof shoes, if it happens to rain.
- Bring your favorite and stylish sunglasses. Right now, we love this and this pair.
Check out our list of travel essentials on what to take and how to maximize your packing.
Can’t make it to Washington, DC to see the cherry blossoms?
If you don’t think you can make the trip to see the cherry blossoms this year, you can still follow their progress online at the Cherry Blossoms Watch website. Additionally, be sure to check the Bloomcam for your daily dose of cherry blossom progress. Finally, you can take a look at the Photo Gallery provided by the National Park Services for some great pictures of the blooming trees.
In closing, a spring trip to Washington, DC to see the cherry blossoms should be on everyone’s trip list. The nation’s capital gets transformed by the blossom’s colors, smells, festival activities and parties. It is truly a special time in DC. We hope you get to enjoy it soon! 🌸🌸🌸
[All pictures taken by the Styled Traveler]
Additional resources and inspirations
Here are some links to additional resources you might find useful and inspirational for your spring trip to see the Washington, DC cherry blossoms:
- The Colorful History of Washington’s Cherry Blossoms by National Geographic
- This Overlooked Scientist Helped Save Washington, D.C.’s Cherry Trees by Scientific America
Pin it
