Tips for Seeing the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC
Updated: Nov 26
Every year, people flock to Washington, DC at the beginning of spring to see the cherry blossoms. While the Tidal Basin is full of cherry blossoms, there’s a lot to see and do in DC during this season. Here are some spots and tips for seeing the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC.
As someone who has lived here for six years, it’s one of my favorite times of year. There’s so much to do and see in DC this time of year! This post is full of helpful info for anyone who is trying to see the cherry blossoms and get the best experience while here.
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Where to Stay with a View of Cherry Blossoms
Places to See Cherry Blossoms in DC
When To See the Cherry Blossoms
Unique Ways to Experience the Cherry Blossom Season in DC
For more about the best things to see and do in DC, check out my post of favorite things to do in DC for first-time visitors! If you want a Washington, DC itinerary, I’ve got you covered there too!
Where to Stay with a View in Washington, DC
Salamander DC (formerly the Mandarin Oriental) Situated on the southwest waterfront, the Salamander boasts a prime location with views of the Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial, and Washington Monument. This is the perfect place to stay in the spring because you'll have a front row seat to the cherry blossoms in bloom!
Canopy by Hilton at The Wharf: This hotel is situated along the mile-long pier of The Wharf, featuring restaurants, retail and fun activities on DC’s Potomac River. Across from the hotel is a great view of Potomac Park which is lined with cherry blossoms. The Wharf also has a cherry blossom festival making it the perfect spot to stay.
Hyatt House Washington DC: This property is just 3 blocks from the National Mall and located within 1 mi of many of DC's historical attractions including the Smithsonian National Air and the Tidal Basin. It's just a few blocks from the Canopy Hilton.
8 Places to See the Cherry Blossoms in Washingon, DC
The most famous place to see the cherry blossoms in DC is around the Tidal Basin located right near the National Mall. It has the highest concentration of them here, and they are beautiful reflecting on the water. You can also see the trees in some other spots around DC.
But, on your first visit, you can’t miss seeing them along the Tidal Basin. However, you can escape the crowds and see beautiful trees (especially if you’re looking to get great photos) in these spots listed below:
1. Around the National Mall
Steps of Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and Washington Monument on the National Mall
2. National Arboretum (definitely a hidden gem)
3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC
3. Hains Point/East Potomac Park
927 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC
4. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, Virginia
5. LeDroit Park Arch
Corner of Florida Ave NW and 6th Street, Washington, DC 20001
6. Old Town Alexandria
Walk the neighborhood, they are all over!
7. Capitol Hill
Walk the neighborhood, they are all over!
8. Tenlytown
Walk the neighborhood, they are all over!
When To See the Cherry Blossoms
The peak season for the cherry blossoms is typically between March 15 and April 15. If you are planning a trip, then sometime within this window is best. The timing can be really tricky as the National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20 through April 14. Want to know more about the forecast for peak bloom this year? Check this link for the latest info from the National Cherry Blossom Watch.
Also, if you miss peak bloom, try seeing them in Howard County! Peak bloom typically lasts two weeks or so after the National Mall at Howard County Cherrybration, 10000 Rt 108 in Ellicott City.
To see the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, the cherry blossom forecast says the first week of April.
How to Get to the National Mall
If you are planning on going to the National Mall, you have a few different options. During the week, you can fairly easily park along the National Mall and walk, especially in the evening. During the weekend, you definitely do not want to try and drive unless you have reserved parking, don’t mind paying (typically) $20 to park, or walk really far. The best options are to take the Metro to Smithsonian Station, grab an Uber, or use Capital Bike Share.
4 Unique Ways to Experience the Cherry Blossoms
There are a bunch of different ways to experience the cheery blossoms while in DC and below are listed some of the most popular ways to see them. I’ve done them all!
1. Cherry Blossom Festival
Every year there is a big festival that happens for two weekends in the spring. The video above is the reason I do not recommend just coming for the Cherry Blossom Festival. It is insanely crowded! The Cherry Blossom Festival is definitely the most popular time and place to see the cherry blossoms. This past year I went to the festival and was very underwhelmed. There were huge crowds, nowhere to sit, bad food, and there were very few good photo spots because of all the people there. If it is your first time and you really want to see the cherry blossoms, the festival can still be worth it, but I would definitely take the time to go see them again at a different time. Weekdays are way less crowded, and the trees are just as beautiful.
2. Boat
I have been on a cherry blossom viewing cruise that was lots of fun. There are options leaving from the Wharf and from Georgetown. The boat I rode was from Georgetown (check TravelZoo and Groupon for deals!), and we did have fun. There are drinks available and food for purchase that make the ride even better. Pretty views are all over, and if you go in the evening you can see a really nice sunset. Note that this time of year it can be really chilly, especially on the water so wear a jacket and pants if you go in the evening especially!
3. Pedal Boats
In the Tidal Basin, you will find the famous pedal boats that are a really unique way to see the cherry blossoms. If you go during the Cherry Blossom Festival on the weekend, you can wait over three hours for a pedal boat. If you go during the week you will wait far less and still get the same view. If you want to take a pedal boat, go on the weekend!
4. Walk the National Mall
Walking along the National Mall is the perfect way to see the cherry blossoms. There are a bunch of spots near the Tidal Basin that are great for viewing the cherry blossoms. You can get really great views of the trees around the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument.
Avoiding Crowds
As I’ve mentioned, crowds can be crazy during the Cherry Blossom Festival. This past year, I went down to the area three different times to see the trees around the Tidal Basin.
The best time I had was not during the festival but during a weekday evening. I was able to see the trees during peak time and get incredible pictures without a crowd—and easy parking!
I also went with friends in the morning which helped us avoid crowds, too. We were also able to see the magnolia trees while there at the Smithsonian Castle, which was beautiful! Make a stop here if you can to see all the beautiful flowers and trees there, too (even though they aren’t cherry blossoms they are worth your time!).
6 Tips for Being Prepared
While going to the National Mall to see the cherry blossoms during the peak time can be crazy, there are some things you can do to help yourself out.
There are not many bathrooms available around the National Mall. Port-a-potties and public bathrooms in the Smithsonian’s will be your only options during the festival. Go before you come and avoid long lines!
Be prepared to walk. Even getting dropped off nearby still means lots of walking. The tidal basin is large and the festival is located near the trees but toward the National Mall, so it is a walk.
Parking is very difficult. If you want a chance to park, try using ParkMobile’s reserve-a-spot feature or do not drive!
There will be crowds. Be prepared to wait a long time for food, drinks, and anything you want to buy. There are street vendors who sell drinks and ice cream that have no line and sell for cheaper than stands along the National Mall.
You can buy cherry blossom souvenirs at a bunch of different shops all around DC. Don’t feel like you have to buy something at the actual festival.
The weather can be hot or cold. Spring in DC is a time when the weather is constantly changing. Bring a light jacket to wear and short sleeves during the day.
Now you’re prepared to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC 2020! I know you’ll have an awesome time here in DC whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, DC has something for everyone.
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