The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC

Are you looking for the best place to see cherry blossoms in DC? The United States’ capital city is filled with beautiful pink cherry blossoms each spring. There’s even a dedicated National Cherry Blossom Festival each year!

If you’re planning a getaway to Washington, DC to explore these cherry blossoms in abundance, you’ll be pleased to know there are loads of places to find them! Use this article as your guide.

The cherry blossom is Japan’s unofficial national flower but can also be found throughout the world, with festivals adorning popular destinations.

If you can’t make the ultimate Hanami cherry blossom experience in Japan, then cherry blossoms in DC are still a spectacular sight.

Whether you want to experience them in a stunning park or at a landmark, here is a top-rated list of where to see cherry blossoms in DC. This guide also includes tips on when to go to DC for cherry blossoms and where to stay if you want to be near the peak bloom.

Every year from mid-March to mid-April, the cherry blossoms in DC are in bloom. That also means that Washington, DC’s National Cherry Blossom Festival is in full swing! It’s the perfect weekend getaway.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival has events all over the city, but its home base is truly the Tidal Basin — where the trees gifted to DC from Japan are planted.

Usually kicking off in March, there are four signature events spread throughout this month-long celebration: the Opening Ceremony, the Blossom Kite Festival, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, and Petalpalooza. Each is a wonderful experience – and completely free!

• Travel tip: The Bloom Cam is the best way to visually keep track of the cherry blossoms’ changing colors. There is also the NPS Bloom Watch, which will tell you predicted dates for the different stages of bloom.

Though Washington, DC is brimming with stunning hotels throughout the city, you’ll want to stay at a hotel that’s conveniently located near the best sites for easy access.

Here are DC hotel recommendations for cherry blossom season:

• Mandarin Oriental Washington DC: The Mandarin Oriental is the closest hotel to the Tidal Basin and the city’s best cherry blossoms. It also boasts impeccable interior design, a luxurious spa, and a charming afternoon tea.
• Canopy by Hilton Washington DC the Wharf: The Canopy by Hilton lies less than a mile from the Tidal Basin. While staying at this hotel, you can enjoy a craft beer tasting at Canopy Central Bistro & Bar, do a bit of boutique shopping, and admire stunning rooftop views from Whiskey Charlie.
• Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf: Right next door to the Canopy by Hilton is the Hyatt House. This hotel has quality cocktails at the H Bar, a refreshing outdoor pool, and a prime location amidst The Wharf’s excitement.

Cherry blossoms are scattered throughout the city, but you likely won’t have time to visit them all before the season ends. Instead, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to see cherry blossoms in DC, so you don’t waste any time!

1. The Japanese Lantern

Since DC’s cherry blossoms originally came from Japan, it only makes sense to see these gorgeous flowers alongside another Japanese landmark: The Japanese Lantern.

Located in West Potomac Park next to the Tidal Basin, The Japanese Lantern is free to visit between 6 a.m. and midnight.

2. Tidal Basin

Located in the heart of the city, the Tidal Basin is the most popular place to see cherry blossoms in DC. With its waterfront location, the cherry blossoms look even more picture-perfect than usual.

There is no fee to visit the Tidal Basin, and you can pop by at any time between 6 a.m. and midnight.

3. Washington Monument Grounds

Sometimes the best places to see cherry blossoms in DC are the landmarks, like the Washington Monument. After all, when these landmarks pair with the beautiful cherry blossoms, they become even more magnificent.

There is no fee to visit the Washington Monument Grounds, and you can visit any day between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. If you want to go inside the monument, you’ll need to reserve tickets ahead of time (still free).

• Travel tip: try to experience the blossoms while on a family-friendly walking tour of the National Mall

4. Dumbarton Oaks Park

Dumbarton Oaks Park has loads of eye-catching cherry trees and quite a few Japanese plum trees, which bloom at the same time. The combination of these pale pink and vibrant purple flowers makes a fairytale-like landscape.

Dumbarton Oaks Park is open Tuesday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is free to visit.

5. Montrose Park

Just around the corner from Dumbarton Oaks Park is the lesser-known Montrose Park. It’s a great place to take kids to see the cherry blossoms, because there also happens to be a playground!

Montrose Park is open Tuesday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is completely free.

6. U.S. Capitol Grounds

The U.S. Capitol Grounds boast 100 stunning cherry blossom trees! You can see all of these gorgeous flowers at their finest for absolutely no cost.

Be sure to visit the US Capitol Grounds between Monday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. if you want to see the blooms.

7. East Potomac Park

One of the best ways to experience the cherry blossoms of East Potomac Park is on a bike tour! As you cruise all around the park, you’ll pop by many of the best cherry blossom spots, including the hidden gem of Hains Point.

East Potomac Park is free to visit and is open during daylight hours.

8. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

If you want to escape the crowds but still see loads of cherry blossoms, head to Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens in the Kenilworth neighborhood.

This hidden gem is open every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m and is completely free.

9. National Arboretum

Situated in Northeast Washington, the National Arboretum is one of the most under-the-radar places to see cherry blossoms in DC. In other words, it’s the perfect place to avoid the crowds!

Admission for the US National Arboretum is free, and it is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

10. Steps of the Jefferson Memorial

Some of the most iconic pictures of DC’s cherry blossoms are ones that feature the lovely flowers with the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial all in one shot.

Take a seat on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial during the spring and admire the cherry blossom trees lining the Tidal Basin — or practice your photography and framing skills.

The Jefferson Memorial is free to visit at any time. It is also gorgeous at night if you want to experience a night tour of the National Mall.

11. Stanton Park

If you’re looking to snap a few more cherry blossom-filled photos, Stanton Park is a great place to go. With the soft pink flowers framing the statue of General Nathanael Greene (Revolutionary War, if you’re into history), it makes for a scenic photo.

Stanton Park is open every day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is free to visit.

12. Oxon Run Park

Oxon Run Park has over 200 ornamental cherry trees, making it the perfect venue for the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s “Pink-nic” event in the past. Head to the park to fly kites, picnic, and take adorable photos in pink.

Oxon Run Park is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free to visit.

13. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Cherry blossom season makes the already stunning Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial even more spectacular. In fact, there were 182 additional cherry blossom trees planted at this memorial.

Like the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is free to visit at any time.

• Travel tip: if you love this memorial, definitely consider making a trip to Atlanta for more Black history landmarks, including MLK’s birth home and resting place.

14. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

With its cascading waterfalls and intricate sculptures, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is an amazing sight to see at any time of year. When the spring cherry blossoms are added to the mix, you’ll find yourself savoring the beauty of this spot for hours.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is free to visit at any time.

Which of these Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in DC will you Visit?

This list is just the start of places to see cherry blossoms in DC. Foxhall Village and The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception are both great spots too! Wherever you go in Washington, DC, you’ll be in awe of these lovely vibrant flowers.

Enjoy!

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