Peak bloom is predicted to hit D.C.’s Yoshino cherry blossom trees around late March to early April, but before peak bloom is reached, expect D.C. to get more and more pink as more trees start to flower.
Peak bloom refers to the day 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms are “open”, making it the most beautiful time to peruse the paths, trails, and streets throughout the District!
To ensure you can bask in the beauty of the cherry blossoms, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots to take in the sights.
1. The National Mall
The National Mall is the perfect place to take in the cherry blossoms, whether by bike or by foot!
You can ride on two wheels through the views enjoying the breeze, slowly walk through to savor the scenery, or participate in the Cherry Blossom 5K or 10-miler!
In any case, you can’t beat the views.
2. Tidal Basin
Despite the ongoing construction to repair the Tidal Basin’s crumbling sea wall, the Tidal Basin remains one of the best spots in town for admiring the Cherry Blossoms during peak bloom!
Striding around the Tidal Basin, on foot or on a paddleboat, offers an all-around view of the cherry blossoms that people travel across the world to see.
3. Jefferson Memorial
While some of the Cherry Blossoms near the Jefferson Memorial were among the 158 removed for the sea wall reconstruction project, the Jefferson Memorial still offers one of the most iconic vantage points for taking in the sights during peak bloom.
4. Martin Luther King Memorial
While you stroll along the Tidal Basin, you can also head over to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial!
Take a moment to read the speeches and quotes inscribed along it.
The powerful scene is enhanced by the natural beauty of the surrounding cherry blossoms.
5. Take a view-cruise along the Potomac River
Why walk when you can float?
You could boat in style with a private yacht along the Potomac, or even simply rent a kayak or paddle board at the Key Bridge Boathouse!
6. Hains Point Loop trail
Hains Point Loop trail is beautiful year-round but especially during cherry blossom season.
A beloved place to bike ride or picnic, you’ll still see plenty of people and blossoms, and it will be less crowded than the Tidal Basin!
7. Dumbarton Oaks
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!
8. Congressional Cemetery
If you’re a D.C. outsider, don’t worry—it’s not morbid!
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.
9. The U.S. Arboretum
This stunning park is perfect for visiting all year round, but it looks extra gorgeous during spring thanks to its cherry blossom trees (and other beautiful flower-blooming trees, like the magnolias above!).
Even better, the Arboretum’s trees tend to hit peak bloom at a different time than the Tidal Basin ones, so it’s a great alternative and a less crowded place to catch the cherry blossoms!