Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a seasoned local, my Ultimate Guide to Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC is here to help you make the most of this stunning season. I’ll share Insider tips on catching peak bloom, navigating the Cherry Blossom Festival guide, and everything you need to celebrate spring in the nation’s capital. Let’s dive into the beauty and history of Cherry Blossom season together!
Guide to DC Cherry Blossoms - Table of Contents
- Why so Popular? & Types of Cherry Blossoms
- Peak Bloom & When to Visit
- Where to See
- Cherry Blossom Festival Highlights
- Local Recs (Hotels, Transportation, Activities)
- Photography Tips
- FAQs About Cherry Blossoms in DC
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Introduction to Washington DC Cherry Blossoms
Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossoms are one of the city’s most iconic springtime attractions. There are over 3,800 trees in the city alone! A gift from Japan in 1912, these stunning trees symbolize friendship and renewal. The annual bloom attracts over a million visitors who come to admire the delicate blossoms against the backdrop of D.C.’s historic monuments.
Washington, D.C. is home to several varieties of cherry blossoms, each adding its unique beauty to the city’s springtime charm:
- The most iconic and abundant type is the Yoshino cherry tree, known for its delicate, pale pink to white blossoms. These trees dominate the Tidal Basin and create the signature "cloud-like" effect that draws so many visitors.
- Another standout is the Kwanzan cherry, which blooms slightly later and features striking, double-pink blossoms that are fuller and more vibrant than the Yoshino.
- The Weeping cherry has cascading branches covered in blossoms and is one of my personal favorites.
DC Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom and When to Visit
Understanding Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom in Washington DC.
Peak bloom refers to when 70% of the cherry blossoms are open, typically lasting only a few days. While the National Park Service predicts the peak each year, it can vary due to weather conditions.
- 2025: March 28-31
- 2024: March 17
- 2023: March 23
- 2022: March 21
- 2021: March 28
- 2020: March 20
This year's Cherry Blossom Festival is from March 20 to April 13, 2025.
Best Timeframes Based on Past Years
Generally, peak bloom occurs between the last week of March and the first week of April. However, I really recommend visiting in the days leading up to or just after peak bloom, as it can still provide breathtaking views and slightly smaller crowds.
Guide to Where to See the Washington DC Cherry Blossoms
I have a whole blog post with the 10 Best Spots To See the Cherry Blossoms!
- 10 Best Places in DC on and off the Tidal Basin
- Parking/Metro Tips
- Cherry Blossom Tours
- Visiting DC with Kids
- Map of DC Spots
It includes these more hidden gems:
- Hains Point: A quieter area with fewer crowds.
- East Potomac Park: Offers scenic views along the Potomac River.
- Congressional Cemetery: Beautiful and earlier than the Tidal Basin ones.
DC Cherry Blossom Festival Highlights
The National Cherry Blossom Festival will be March 20 - April 13, 2025 and includes dozens of events throughout the City including:
- The Blossom Kite Festival (my tips here)
- Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on Saturday, April 12, 2025
- Parades and Cultural Performances
- Petalpalooza on Saturday, April 5, 2025
Local Recommendations for Planning Your DC Cherry Blossom Trip
Transportation and Parking at the DC Cherry Blossoms:
Parking near the Tidal Basin is limited. I would highly recommend using public transportation, like the Metro, or rideshares. Bike rentals and scooters are also convenient options for navigating D.C. during the busy season.
With that said, we lived outside the city for 10 years and drove in multiple times. The best parking garage close to the Tidal Basin is here (with photos) and the best parking garage near the National Mall is here.
Navigating Crowds at the Blossoms in Washington DC
The early morning hours are the best time to visit, especially on weekdays. Crowds are significantly smaller, and the light is perfect for photos. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting one of the hidden gems mentioned earlier.
Hotels Near the DC Cherry Blossoms
- Number 1 recommendation would be this Residence Inn near the Tidal Basin and National Mall. Full review from our family's visit here.
- Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf
- Holiday Inn Washington-Capitol - Budget Option for Friendly Family Friendly Hotels Washington DC
- Hyatt House at the Wharf in Southeast - Vibrant Family Friendly Hotel Near the DC Monuments
- Willard Hotel- Luxury Family Hotel Near the White House DC
Other Spring Activities in D.C.
- 30 Best Things to Do in Washington DC in the Spring 2025
- Stroll through the U.S. National Arboretum.
- Visit the Smithsonian Castle Gardens for more spring blooms.
Photography Tips for the Washington DC Cherry Blossoms
It's all about the light! You can see in the above and below photos the difference between shooting with the light behind or in front of the cherry blossoms.
Best Spots for Photos
- The footbridge at the Tidal Basin
- The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial framed by blossoms
- The Jefferson Memorial at sunrise or sunset
Capturing the Blossoms at Different Times of Day
- Sunrise: Soft, golden light and less crowds (but lots of long lenses!)
- Midday: Vibrant colors and reflections on the water.
- Sunset: Warm tones and a dreamy atmosphere.
FAQs About Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
Q: Is there a fee to see the cherry blossoms?
No, visiting the cherry blossoms is free!
Q: How long do the cherry blossoms last?
The blossoms typically last 1-2 weeks, depending on weather conditions.
Q: Are pets allowed near the cherry blossoms?
Yes, pets are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
Q: Can I picnic near the cherry blossoms?
Picnics are allowed in designated areas. Please clean up afterward to preserve the beauty of the park.
Q: Are the cherry blossoms stroller friendly?
I wrote a special section for each of the 10 Best Spots blog post on whether each one is stroller-friendly. I will say that while some spots have sidewalks, because of the sheer amount of crowds, many times you have to cut around and so a baby carrier would be best for most of the crowded spots.
Q: What other free things are there to do in Washington DC?
Here is a list of 50 Free Things to Do in Washington DC including:
- Free Monuments and Memorials (10)
- Free Museums (10)
- Gardens and Parks (10)
- Neighborhoods and Markets (10)
- Hidden Gems (10)
