If you haven’t heard the news, or at least seen it all over your newsfeed, the Okame cherry blossoms around the District have officially bloomed!
These cherry trees, unlike the popular Yoshino variety that is synonymous with the District’s National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Okame cherry blossoms tend to be a more vibrant shade of pink.
In contrast, the Yoshino cherry blossoms tend to be a softer, less intense shade of pink.
If you want to get out and spot some of these incredibly iconic and breathtaking pink petals before their bloom ends, we’ve rounded up a few spots around the District where you can spot a few Okame trees for yourself!
1. On the North Side of the Supreme Court
Not far from Capitol Hill is a group of Okame cherry blossoms already showing off their bloomed pink petals!
The photos taken from this spot are incredibly striking because the Capitol Building lines up perfectly in the background, making for a stunning shot that contrasts two of the most popular sites: historic structures and cherry blossoms!
2. Long Bridge Park in Arlington
Just across the Potomac from the District is a string of incredibly striking Okame cherry blossoms that are already in full bloom!
The location couldn’t be better for a long outdoor walk or bike ride that will get you some fresh air and hopefully into a new area around the District that you haven’t managed to explore before.
3. Dumbarton Oaks Park
The historic estate of Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown is home to cherry blossoms galore!
Dumbarton’s Cherry Hill houses three different species of cherry blossom trees, along with several other flowering trees, making for a unique and gorgeous sight!
4. The National Arboretum
Along with Yoshino cherry blossoms, magnolias, and other flowering trees are visible scattered around the National Arboretum in Northeast D.C.!
This spot is the best in town for a full day or at least a full evening surrounded by nature without having to venture too far from the city.
If you’re lucky, you may even see Washington, D.C.’s iconic bald eagle couple, “Mr. President” and “Lotus”, who happen to have a nest deep in the trees of the National Arboretum.
5. LeDroit Park
While there aren’t as many Okame cherry blossoms here as there are in some of the other locations we’ve mentioned, that doesn’t make it any less stunning!
The awe-inspiring visual of the two Okame cherry blossom trees lining the arch over the gate’s entrance feels both nostalgic and magical all at the same time.
6. Congressional Cemetery
If you’re a D.C. outsider, don’t worry—it’s not morbid!
While the cemetery is obviously closed during ceremonies, you can visit it most days to enjoy the cherry blossoms at this often-overlooked location.
This historical cemetery just along the banks of the Anacostia River is lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees, perfect for a slightly quieter and unique spot.