Viewing cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, is one of the rites of spring in the United States, and a trip to the nation’s capital in spring is a once-in-lifetime experience for many people. To help you plan your trip, this post will answer the following questions:
- When is cherry blossom season in Washington, DC?
- When is the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC?
- What are the best places to view cherry blossoms in Washington, DC?
- What are the best spots to take photos of cherry blossoms in Washington, DC?
- Which hotels are closet to key cherry blossom viewing sites?
Cherry blossoms across the Tidal Basin with the Jefferson Memorial in the background in Washington, DC. Photo Courtesy of Washington.org.
Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC – and More
Japan is rightfully famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, but the Land of the Rising Sun isn’t the only place in the world to enjoy cherry blossoms.
The US capital also puts on a pretty spectacular floral display of its own – thanks to the friendship and generosity of the Japanese people more than 100 years ago.
The Tidal Basin of Washington, DC – home to the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial – has 3,000 cherry trees, which were given the United States in 1912.
Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC: Development of Buds
Buds start to form in winter, erupting into an explosion of pink and white petals each spring, attracting visitors from across the nation and around the world.
Blooms are usually at the peak of their splendour on 4 April, but it is impossible to give an accurate forecast more than 10 days before blooming starts.
Just as the Japanese Meteorological Agency tracks the Cherry Blossom Front in Japan as it moves north, the U.S. National Park Service monitors the development of buds in five stages, giving periodic updates and forecasts.
The peak blooming period can vary wildly from year to year.
Blossoms have been known to reach their peak as early as 15 March and as late as 18 April! The peak blooming period starts when 20% of the blossoms have opened and continues until the petals have fallen off and leaves start appearing.
It can last as long as two weeks, but frost, unseasonably warm temperatures, strong winds, and/or rain can cut the blooming season short.
Best Spots to Take Photos of Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC
The best spots to view cherry blossoms – and, by extension, to take selfies – are along the shores of the Tidal Basin, which is where most of the city’s numerous national monuments and memorials are located.
What are the best spots to take photos of cherry blossoms in Washington, DC?
Running from the steps of the United States Capitol past the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall is flanked by the many Smithsonian museums.
The mall offers many cherry blossom viewing opportunities as well as countless opportunities for taking dramatic selfies!
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When Is the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC typically begins in mid‑March and runs for about three weeks, spanning four weekends through mid‑April.
Each spring, a full program of cultural events, performances, and family‑friendly activities accompanies the blossoms.
Signature highlights include the Opening Ceremony, the Blossom Kite Festival, Petalpalooza, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, and the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival.
As always, the focus is on gardens, green spaces, parks, and trees — a citywide tribute to spring and the gift of cherry blossoms.
Special promotions such as Blossoms and Baseball with the Washington Nationals add to the fun.
Washington Nationals Cherry Blossom Game: Blossoms and BaseballÂ
Each spring, the Washington Nationals baseball team hosts a special cherry blossom‑themed game as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Scheduled for an early‑season home game in late March or early April, the event features cherry blossom‑themed giveaways and a festive ballpark atmosphere.
Fans who purchase the special ticket package receive exclusive merchandise, making it a unique way to celebrate the blossoms while enjoying America’s pastime.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Events in Washington, DC
Admission to the followings events is free unless otherwise noted.
In This Post
Pink Tie Party Fundraiser
Celebrate the blossoms in style at the Pink Tie Party Fundraiser, one of the biggest social events of the year! Wear your finest “Pink Tie” cocktail attire and enjoy a fabulous evening filled with delicious cuisine, cocktails, live music, dancing, and much more. At the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC . Tickets necessary.
Opening Ceremony
Welcome springtime to Washington, DC, and celebrate the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States. There will be traditional and contemporary performances. Tickets necessary. At the historic Warner Theatre at 513 – 13th Street NW, Washington, DC.
Blossom Kite Festival
Kite flying demonstrations and competitions. At the Washington Monument grounds 130 – 17th Street NW, Washington, DC.
Petalpalooza
A full day of live music on multiple stages, a beer garden, and various other activities, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC .
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, celebrity entertainers, and performers will march down Constitution Avenue at the most colourful spring time parade in the United States. Viewing along the parade route is free. Tickets are needed to sit in the grandstand. On Constitution Avenue NW, parade route between 7th Street and 17th Street NW, Washington, DC.
Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
A lively street festival put on by the Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C oat the base of Capitol Hill on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, stretching from 3rd to 7th Streets NW, Washington, DC.
How to Get Around
If you are staying downtown, it is easy to get around on foot. Washington, DC is served by Metrorail, a rapid transit system, and an extensive Metrobus network that links most tourist attractions.
You can also hail a cab, use ride‑share services, or rent a bike through Capital Bikeshare. These options make it simple to explore the city during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Where to Stay in Washington, DC.
Many hotels are located within walking distance of most of Washington’s most important tourist attractions.
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Washington Marriott at Metro Center – a 13 minute walk of the Smithsonian Museum of American History on the National Mall.
Holiday Inn Capitol – a one minute walk to the Smithsonian Air and Space on the National Mall.
JW Marriott Washington, DC– an eight minute walk to the White House.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC– a 12 minute walk to the National Gallery of Art on the National Mall.
W Washington DC– a six minute walk to the White House.
InterContinental The Willard Washington DC– a seven minute walk to the White House.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Washington – a 14 minute walk from the National Gallery of Art on the National Mall.
Kimpton George Hotel– an 11 minute walk from the United States Capitol.
Moxy Washington, DC Downtown– a 14 minute walk from the White House.
The St. Regis Washington, DC– a five minute walk to the White House.
Where to Stay in Alexandria
The following hotel is located across the Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia.
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel– across from Arlington Cemetery, offers a free shuttle to and from Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Spring Weather in Washington, DC
Washington is situated within the northernmost reaches of the subtropics, with a humid climate.
Winters can be chilly with occasional snow, and summers are hot and humid.
March to May, however, is considered one of the best times of the year to visit Washington, with temperatures warming to comfortable levels.
March – average high of 56 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 35 degrees and six days of rain;
April – average high of 67 degree Fahrenheit, with an average low of 44 degrees and eight days of rain;
May – average high of 76 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low 54 degrees and nine days of rain.
How to Get to Washington, DC
Washington Dulles International Airport is the busiest airport serving the Washington/Baltimore metropolitan area. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Unless you’re planning to drive, most visitors to Washington go by either plane or train.
By Plane …
Three airports serve the Washington/Baltimore metropolitan area.
Ronald Reagan National Airport – closest to Downtown Washington, DCA is the smallest of the three, but it is also the most convenient. It is served by eight airlines with flights to more than 90 domestic destinations and three cities in Canada:Â Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto.
Washington Dulles International Airport – located 26 miles south of DC, Dulles is by far the largest airport. Served by 40 airlines, the facility has flights to nearly 140 domestic and international destinations.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport – located 32 miles to the north of DC, BWI offers flights to more than 90 domestic and international destinations.
By Train …
Amtrak serves Washington with approximately 85 trains a day, mostly operating along the Northeast Corridor.
Trains run from Washington to Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston, making intermediate stops.
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