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 along D.C. To help make sure you can bask in the beauty of the cherry blossoms, Secret D.C. has rounded up some of the best spots to visit 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 and the breeze, sauntering by and snapping pictures along the way, or participating in the Cherry Blossom 5K or 10-milers, you can’t beat the views!
2. Tidal Basin
Striding around the Tidal Basin, on foot or paddleboat, offers an all-around view of the cherry blossoms that people travel across the world to see. When the blossoms are in peak bloom, you’re literally surrounded by a sea of shades of pink petals.
3. Jefferson Memorial
Gaze at the beauty of the cherry blossoms from afar on the steps of the iconic Jefferson Memorial!
4. Martin Luther King Memorial
While you stroll along the National Mall, you can also head over to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, reading the speeches and quotes inscribed along it, enhanced by the pretty cherry blossom blooms.
5. The Japanese Lantern
A gift from the governor of Tokyo to the United States, the Japanese Lantern is a historical, 17th-century lantern that was dedicated on March 30, 1954. Every year, the Cherry Blossom Princess lights the lantern to signify the start of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
6. On the Potomac River
Why walk when you can float? From a paddleboat or one of the Potomac River Cruises, you can take in the pretty pink sights from the water!
7. Hains Point Loop trail
Hains Point Loop trail is beautiful year-round, but especially during cherry blossom season. A beloved place to bike ride, you’ll still see plenty of people and blossoms, but it will be less crowded than the Tidal Basin!
8. 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, as well as other flowering trees, making for a unique and gorgeous sight!
9. 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 slightly quieter and unique spot, this is perfect for you!
10. 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 ones, like 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 less crowded place to catch the cherry blossoms!