Washington, D.C. is one of the most popular places to watch cherry blossom with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. There will be thousands of cherry trees come into bloom come into bloom along the Tidal Basin and throughout the city. Follow this guide to prepare for your Cherry Blossom journey in Washington, D.C.🌸
National Cherry Blossom Festival and Events
The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Japan to the United States and is one of the most eagerly awaited events in Washington, D.C. It will be hold from March 20th to April 13th in 2025! The festival spans an entire month and features a wide range of activities and events for people of all ages.
Key events include:
Opening Ceremony
Blossom Kite Festival
Source: nationalcherryblossomfestival
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
| Ticket | Price per Ticket | Location |
| Telecast (East End) | $40 + $5 fee | between 7th and 9th Streets NW |
| Finale (West End) | $30 (Performance Zone Seating) + $4 fee | Between 16th and 17th Streets NW |
| $25 + $3 fee |
* All information is for reference only. Please check the details on official website.
Petalpalooza
Best Time to See Cherry Blossom in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossom season is a stunning spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Typically, the trees hit their peak bloom between late March and early April. The peak bloom happens when 70% of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are in full bloom, creating a breathtaking sea of pink and white petals.
Tidal Basin @Trip.com
The National Park Service (NPS) offers a bloom forecast, usually updated in early March. Keep an eye on these updates, as weather patterns can make the blossoms come early or later. The best time to visit is during this peak bloom window, which lasts about a week, but the flowers can fall quickly with rain or wind, so timing is key.
To avoid large crowds, try to visit in the early mornings or on weekdays. This way, you can experience the blossoms at their most peaceful.
Top Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.
Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin is undoubtedly the most iconic spot to experience cherry blossoms in D.C. With over 3,000 cherry trees surrounding the water, it’s a photographer’s dream. The blossoms frame landmarks like the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, giving you a beautiful blend of history and nature.
You can stroll along the pathways or rent a paddle boat to see the blossoms from the water. If you’re looking for a quieter time, try visiting early in the morning or during the weekdays. In the evenings, the area is lit up, offering a serene and less crowded experience.
"It's an enjoyable journey to the Jefferson Memorial along the Tidal Lake, past Franklin Roosevelt Memorial. We can stop bothering the presidents. The ducks in the calm lake and the water are comfortable enough. The lake is full of cherry trees. In April, there is an incomparable landscape."
- Trip.com User
National Mall and Memorial Parks
For those who want cherry blossoms paired with some of D.C.'s most famous landmarks, the National Mall and Memorial Parks is a great option. The cherry trees along the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial create stunning views and photo opportunities.
Because the trees are more spread out, it feels less crowded compared to the Tidal Basin, making it a great choice if you're looking for a more relaxed visit. Walking or biking through the National Mall while admiring the blossoms is a favorite activity for many visitors.
"There are really many buildings to see in Washington, and the Lincoln Memorial is also famous in Washington, and there are many tourists here. Outside is a large square, and you can see the Washington Monument from the square. In front of the square is a large lawn, like a big park. We saw many foreigners riding bicycles here in the square, and there were also children enjoying parent-child time in the park."
- Trip.com User
East Potomac Park
If you’re looking for a less crowded spot, East Potomac Park is a hidden gem. Located between the Washington Channel and the Potomac River, this park offers a more tranquil setting for cherry blossom viewing. There are plenty of cherry trees lining the waterfront, and the park is perfect for activities like biking, jogging, or having a picnic under the blossoms.
Since many people overlook this park, it’s a peaceful alternative to the more popular spots, allowing you to enjoy the flowers in a quieter atmosphere.
U.S. National Arboretum and Kenwood Neighborhood
For a different experience, head to the U.S. National Arboretum. Unlike the Tidal Basin, which mainly has Yoshino cherry trees, the Arboretum features a variety of cherry species that bloom at different times, so the cherry blossom season here lasts a bit longer. It’s also a fantastic spot for families and photographers looking for more open space and fewer crowds.
Another lesser-known gem is the Kenwood Neighborhood in nearby Bethesda, Maryland. The streets here are lined with hundreds of cherry trees, creating a beautiful tunnel of blossoms. Though it’s a residential area, visitors are welcome to walk through and admire the flowers.
"It is a very suitable place to bring children here. There are a lot of plants here, and there are a lot of introductions to the growth of plants. It is a good place to cultivate children to get in touch with nature and understand plants."
-Trip.com User
How to Get There
By Air
If you're coming from overseas, you’ll likely fly into Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), located about 45 minutes from downtown D.C. This is the primary airport for international flights from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Alternatively, you can fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is much closer to the city center (around 15 minutes by car). While DCA mainly handles domestic flights, it’s the most convenient option if you're traveling from within the U.S.
Once you arrive, getting into the city is easy. You can use taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or take public transportation to your cherry blossom destinations.
- Dulles International Airport (IAD): From IAD, the Silver Line Express Bus takes you directly to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station, where you can connect to the Silver Line and head into downtown D.C.
- Reagan National Airport (DCA): From DCA, it’s just a short ride on the Yellow or Blue Metro Lines directly into the city.
By Metro
Once in the city, the Washington Metro is the easiest and most affordable way to get around. For the Tidal Basin, the closest metro station is Smithsonian Station (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines), and other nearby stations include L’Enfant Plaza and Federal Triangle.
If you’re heading to the National Mall, metro stations like Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter and Metro Center are nearby. For Kenwood, Maryland, take the Red Line to Bethesda Station, then use a local bus, taxi, or ride-sharing service.
Metro cards (called SmarTrip) are easy to get at stations, and the system is simple to navigate, with all signs available in English. There’s also a Metro app for route planning and real-time updates.
By Car
Driving around D.C. during cherry blossom season can be tricky. Traffic is heavy, and parking is limited near the main blossom sites. If you do decide to drive, be prepared for high parking fees and possible road closures around the National Mall during peak bloom. Paid parking garages are available near L’Enfant Plaza, Union Station, and the National Mall, but spots fill up fast.
By Bike or Scooter
If you want to explore the city at your own pace, Capital Bikeshare has stations near all the major cherry blossom sites, making biking a scenic and fun option. Electric scooters from companies like Lime and Bird are also available and can be a convenient way to get from place to place.
By Bus and Tour Services
The DC Circulator’s National Mall Route is a great budget-friendly option, with stops near major cherry blossom locations. You can also hop on one of the popular hop-on, hop-off tour buses, which offer easy access to the best viewing spots. These are a good choice for first-time visitors to the city.
Where to Stay and Eat Near the Cherry Blossoms
There are plenty of hotels close to the cherry blossoms, including the JW Marriott Washington, D.C., Willard InterContinental, and The Hay-Adams. These places are all within walking distance of the Tidal Basin and offer great views of the city.
When it comes to dining, you’ll find lots of options near the National Mall. Try Old Ebbitt Grill (famous for oysters), Founding Farmers (delicious farm-to-table American food), and The Hamilton (with a wide variety of dishes from around the world). During the festival, you’ll also find food trucks around the National Mall serving everything from tacos to ice cream.
Travel Tips
- Arrive early in the morning or visit in the evening to avoid the crowds.
- Check the cherry blossom forecast from the National Park Service for the latest bloom updates.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—you'll be doing a lot of walking!
- Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the beauty of the blossoms.
- Pack snacks and water, as food options around the Tidal Basin are limited.
- Restrooms are available, but expect long lines during peak hours.
- Be respectful of the cherry trees—do not pick or shake the blossoms!
Time in Washington, D.C.
Here’s a time difference chart for some major cities around the world:
| City | Time Difference from Washington, D.C. (EST/EDT) |
| New York, USA | Same time (UTC-5 / UTC-4) |
| Los Angeles, USA | -3 hours (UTC-8 / UTC-7) |
| London, UK | +5 hours (UTC+0 / UTC+1) |
| Paris, France | +6 hours (UTC+1 / UTC+2) |
| Tokyo, Japan | +14 hours (UTC+9) |
| Beijing, China | +13 hours (UTC+8) |
| Dubai, UAE | +9 hours (UTC+4) |
| Sydney, Australia | +16 hours (UTC+11) |
FAQs
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.?
The peak bloom typically occurs between late March and early April, depending on the weather. The National Park Service (NPS) provides annual bloom forecasts, so check their updates to plan your visit.Where are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.?
The Tidal Basin is the most popular spot, featuring over 3,000 cherry trees near iconic monuments. Other great locations include the National Mall, East Potomac Park, and the U.S. National Arboretum.How crowded does it get during cherry blossom season?
Crowds peak during weekends and festival events. For a more peaceful experience, visit early in the morning or on weekdays.What is the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
This annual festival celebrates the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Japan to the U.S. Events include the Blossom Kite Festival, Cherry Blossom Parade, and Petalpalooza.