More than 3000 cherry trees burst into bloom in the heart of Washington, DC each spring. Given by the people of Japan to the people of the United States in 1912, the cherry trees (or sakura) are at the heart of the annual DC cherry blossom festival.
If you’re planning a trip to witness the glorious sight, you may be wondering, “What is the best way to see the cherry blossoms in Washington DC?” You can stop your search right here! We’ve collected all the important intel necessary to make your trip a success, including the best time to view cherry blossoms in DC as well as where to stay, what to pack, and more. Get ready to embrace the magic of these breathtaking blossoms by reading through our tips below and then visiting the district’s official guide to this very special season.
Timing: Best Time to View Cherry Blossoms in DC
Picking the right time for the best cherry blossom viewing is both an art and a science. Too early and you’ll miss peak blooms. Too late, and the petals will have dropped. Adding even more pressure, the petals start to fall only three or four days after the peak bloom date! Luckily for tourists and locals alike, there are dedicated cherry blossom websites that make it a practice to keep fans informed on the probable peak dates.
Peak Bloom Predictions
When it comes to cherry blossoms in DC, 2024 may be a year they show up on the earlier side due to the unseasonably warm temperatures in the area. The official festival dates are slated to be from March 20 to April 14. Peak bloom – which is when 70% or more of the blossoms are on display – generally occurs in either the last week of March or the first week of April. (At the time of writing this piece, the peak bloom predictions had yet to be published.) Given the impact of temperatures on the trees, we would wager a bet, however, that the best time to view cherry blossoms in DC will be in March this year.
Sunrise Serenity
There may be few things more beautiful than early morning light hitting the blossoms. The sun generally rises before 7 a.m. in DC during that time of year, so be sure not to hit the snooze button too many times if you want to position yourself in the best place to get the best shots. If you’re nervous about navigating the area, check out tour operators like the Washington Photo Safari for group excursions. You’ll be sure to have plenty of gorgeous shots for the ‘gram well before breakfast.
Plan Your Stay on Time: Best Place to Stay in DC for Cherry Blossom Bliss
More than 1.5 million visitors visit DC every year during the cherry blossom season so if you’re planning on being one of them, it’s well past time to secure a place to stay. It goes without saying that the closer your lodging is to the Tidal Basin (the center of all the cherry blossom action), the easier your local travels will be. That said, there are plenty of great neighborhoods in DC that are just a short Lyft or Uber ride away from the action. Get creative and you’ll likely find more (and cheaper) options available than whatever an online search for the “best place to stay in DC for cherry blossoms” turns up.
Strategic Spots for Spectacular Views: Best Cherry Blossom Viewing in Washington DC
When it comes to where to see cherry blossoms in Washington DC, the Tidal Basin is undisputed as the top spot. Part of the West Potomac Park, the man-made reservoir is ringed by the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Japanese Pagoda, and the Japanese Lantern. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is also the site of the first cherry tree plantings in the area.
Tidal Basin Tranquility
Given the popularity of the Tidal Basin during this time of year, it can be difficult to enjoy the views peacefully. One great suggestion is to pack a picnic and relax beneath the canopy of blooms instead of fighting the crowds wandering around. There are no picnic tables, so be sure to bring a blanket to carve out your own space.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Treasures
While the Tidal Basin is generally considered to be the best place to see the cherry blossoms in Washington DC, it’s certainly not the only option. Thrillist has a great piece describing several alternative spots, including Arlington National Cemetary, Stanton Park, the US Arboretum, Dumbarton Oaks Garden, and Hans Point Loop. While these locales may be a bit farther afield, they also offer plentiful – and not nearly as crowded – opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms.
Essential Tips for a Blossom-Perfect Day
Once you’ve answered the question, “Is it worth going to DC for cherry blossoms?” in the affirmative, it’s time to get organized to make your trip as fun and stress-free as possible. Given that the National Park Service doesn’t announce its prediction for peak bloom until about ten days before the event, you’ll have to either move fast to book accommodations and travel – or simply make your best bet as to when the blossoms will be the most striking. We can tell you from experience that the trip is well worthwhile, and the views are absolutely magnificent – even if you don’t hit peak bloom.
Midweek Escapes to Avoid the Crowd
There’s no two ways about it: the Tidal Basin can get packed no matter when in March or April you visit. Locals say that your best bet for a relaxed viewing is generally sunrise or sunset on Monday or Tuesday, but any weekday will be less crowded than the weekend.
Evening Illumination: Best Views
If possible, you’ll want to plan your trip so that you can experience the cherry blossoms at night as well as during the day. While the blossoms aren’t lit in the evening anymore, the glow from the surrounding memorials illuminate the area. The Tidal Basin is open to visitors 24 hours a day, so do yourself a favor and visit after sundown for a far less crowded – and far more unique – experience.
Pack Essentials
One question tourists generally ask themselves is “What do you wear to a cherry blossom viewing?” Our answer to that is to wear whatever is most comfortable to spend the day walking around in. Sturdy shoes, breathable and natural fabrics, and sunscreen are musts. Other essentials include water, snacks, a fully charged phone, a camera, and a hat. If you’re bringing kids, rest assured that the paths are stroller-friendly. Wheelchairs can also be checked out from both the World War II Memorial and the FDR Memorial.
Stay Informed
We’ve linked to many great websites and articles to bookmark before your trip. These will keep you updated not just on the peak bloom estimates, but also on the large number of events and celebrations happening in DC around this time. Keep an eye on those sites, as well as the local weather for the area, and you’ll be well informed to make the most out of your visit. We hope you enjoy hanami (Japanese for “admiring the cherry blossoms”).
