Peak bloom is predicted to hit D.C.’s Yoshino cherry blossom trees between March 29th and April 1st, 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 Tidal Basin’s Yoshino cherry blossoms are “open”, but it is a great gauge of 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 around the District.
The Tidal Basin
While the construction on the Tidal Basin’s sea wall was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, a lot of the area is still closed off to allow the hundreds of newly planted cherry blossoms to take root!
Despite that, the Tidal Basin remains the most iconic place to view the cherry blossoms in peak bloom!
Striding around the Tidal Basin, on foot or in a paddleboat, offers an all-around view of the cherry blossoms that people travel from around the world to see.
Hains Point Loop trail at East Potomac Park
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!
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!
Congressional Cemetery
If you’re a D.C. outsider, don’t worry—it’s not morbid!
This historic cemetery, just along the banks of the Anacostia River, is lined with beautiful cherry blossoms, making it a quiet and unique spot.
The U.S. National Arboretum
This stunning park is perfect for visiting all year long, but it looks extra gorgeous during spring thanks to its cherry blossoms and other beautiful flowering 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!
The Brookside Gardens in Silver Spring
While it’s not in the District itself, Brookside Gardens is a great destination for a private romantic moment with someone close to you that won’t be interrupted by the crowds that are all too common during cherry blossom season.
There are a variety of cherry blossoms at this massive public garden, including a weeping cherry tree that leans over the pond, which creates a stunning sight every spring when it blooms!
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 rent a kayak or paddleboard at the Key Bridge Boathouse!
Anacostia Park
A few hundred cherry blossoms are set to bloom along the banks of the Anacostia River in Southeast D.C.
These blooms are off the beaten path and likely won’t be as overcrowded as the trees around the Tidal Basin usually are, making them a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of these seasonal blooms in a rarely calm setting.
National Harbor
Along the Potomac River waterfront, by National Harbor, just a quick drive from the District, is a series of young cherry blossoms.
In addition to the cherry blossoms, there are plenty of attractions at National Harbor worth a visit; we recommend a trip up in the ‘Capital Wheel’, which will give you incredible views of D.C.’s monuments.
