Date of Travel: March 2024
The BEST spot in the United States to experience Cherry Blossom Heaven
We’ve been dreaming of traveling to Japan to witness the breathtaking beauty of Sakura trees in full bloom for quite some time. Wait, did we just say “Japan”?! Yes, we did! And you’ll learn more about our trip to Japan during cherry blossom season in an upcoming blog post, as we’re set to visit this beautiful country in March/April 2025.
Little did we know, however, that the US also has an absolutely stunning place to admire Japanese Sakura in full bloom – right in the heart of Washington, D.C. Hands down, this was one of the most breathtaking sights we’ve ever experienced – and, in our opinion, it even surpassed the beauty of New England’s fall foliage (blog post on that is also coming soon). Don’t take it the wrong way – we certainly don’t want to diminish the magic of leaf-peeping in New England! But there’s just something truly special and unparalleled about witnessing cherry blossoms at their peak in Washington, D.C.
Let us fly you to Washington, D.C. in this post to discover why experiencing cherry blossoms there is so extraordinary.
So, WHY go to D.C. during cherry blossom season?
D.C., the capital of the United States, is known for its iconic landmarks, historical buildings and great museums (which, by the way, are mostly free). We truly fell in love with this city the moment we first arrived. It’s such a historic place, which certainly doesn’t lack majesty. We’ve visited many times and will share our experiences and tips for exploring this amazing city in a separate blog post.
Around the tidal basin, a reservoir situated between the Washington Channel and the Potomac River, thousands of cherry blossom trees burst into bloom, transforming the city into pastel wonderland every spring. This iconic sight, a gift from Japan in 1912, draws visitors from all over the world.
For all the cherry tree enthusiasts out there: The most common types of cherry trees in D.C. are the Yoshino and Kwanzan varieties, with Yoshino cherry trees being the predominant species around the Tidal Basin.
WHEN go to D.C. to witness cherry blossoms?
D.C.’s cherry blossoms typically reach peak bloom between the last week of March and the first week of April. However, the timing varies each year depending on weather conditions, sometimes occurring slightly earlier or later. In recent decades, the bloom has generally been trending earlier – but there are always exceptions!
In case you’re wondering, we visited on March 24th, 2024. We were incredibly lucky to exactly hit the right day – all trees were at peak bloom. Some of our friends played it safe by going to D.C. two weekends in a row, just to ensure they caught the blossoms at their best. Truth be told, it’s always a bit of a hit or miss!
We did plenty of research before our trip – call us botanical nerds – and our takeaway is that it’s usually better to go later rather than earlier. If you’re too early, you won’t see anything but closed buds. But if you are on the later side, you might at least experience “Hanafubuki,” the Japanese term for “flower snowstorm.” Picture yourself stepping into a pink dreamscape, standing beneath cherry blossom trees as petals gently drift down around you. Sounds pretty magical, right?
The National Park Service closely monitors bud development and provides a detailed blooming forecast. However, according to their website, it’s not feasible to make a reliable forecast more than 10 days in advance. One of us cardinals met a D.C. native at the New York Public Library. This woman (we’ll tell you about her favorite, non-touristy cherry blossom spot in just a bit) remarked on how unreliable D.C.’s cherry blossom predictions can be, saying, “They simply can’t get it right – every year.” While we wouldn’t second this – in our case, the forecast was spot-on – there’s no denying that sustained cooler temperatures can delay the bloom, while warmer weather can cause it to arrive unexpectedly early. Once the trees bloom, they typically stay that way for several days – weather permitting. Mild, calm conditions can prolong the bloom, while a single rainy, windy day can swiftly bring the delicate blossoms to an end. Additionally, a late frost can prevent the trees from blooming entirely.
One last thing, we’ve mentioned “peak bloom” quite a bit. You might be wondering, what exactly is considered “peak” bloom? Peak bloom is defined as the moment when 70% of the cherry blossoms are open on the trees. That’s the sweet spot you’re aiming for during your visit!
Our tip: Treat this as a trip to D.C. and come without any expectations. If you’re lucky enough to see the cherry blossoms, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. If not, no worries, we got you covered. Just check out our blog post on Washington D.C. (currently in the making), and discover the wide array of amazing things this city has to offer!
WHAT were our main highlights of this trip and what would we like to see next time?
Even though we discovered some other neat spots, the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin, nestled near awe-inspiring national monuments, were undoubtedly the highlight. This area has the highest concentration of cherry trees in D.C. and was definitely our favorite spot. Reflecting water, memorials, and countless cherry trees – what more could you wish for?
Next time, we’d like to check out these spots during D.C.’s cherry blossom season:
- A hidden gem you’ll read about in just a minute
- The U.S. Arboretum (supposedly, still quite a hidden cherry blossom spot)
- Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
- Congressional Cemetery
- Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
- The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
So, WHERE did we go?
Although it was just a day trip for us, we managed to hit quite a few spots and still had time to fully appreciate the majesty of the blooms.
The Tidal Basin
We hit this spot first thing in the morning, and we’d definitely recommend you do the same. It tends to get VERY crowded later on. We arrived around 9 am, and while it was already well-frequented, the crowds were nothing compared to what we encountered in the late afternoon. Additionally, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place throughout Washington, D.C., centers its main events around the Tidal Basin and nearby areas, making the popular spots even more crowded during peak bloom season.
We walked around the entire Basin, which offered magnificent views of the cherry trees framed by the various monuments. Near the Kutz Bridge, you’ll also find the Japanese Stone Lantern, a simple yet historic piece tucked among the cherry blossoms. Gifted by Japan in 1954, it’s not a major attraction, but it adds a nice touch of tradition to the scenic walk – worth a quick stop as you take in the blooms!
Some people opt for a paddleboat ride, which certainly offers a unique perspective, but the lines were crazy long on the day we visited. And speaking of water, the reflections of the cherry blossoms in the Tidal Basin are a sight to behold – definitely worth taking in!
Washington Monument
On the grounds around the Washington Monument, we found beautiful cherry blossom trees that offer a stunning backdrop. Just take a stroll around the awe-inspiring marble obelisk, and you’ll be treated to a collection of gorgeous cherry trees.
Capitol Hill
What a spectacular place and definitely not to be missed. We recommend walking from the Tidal Basin across the National Mall towards the Capitol. Along the way, you’ll encounter beautiful cherry trees as you climb up Capitol Hill. Seeing the Capitol framed by the blooms felt like a painting come to life – simply unparalleled.
East Potomac Park
We strolled across the East Potomac Park on the roughly 6.6 kilometers (4.1-miles) Hains Point Loop Trail and found many different species of cherry trees on the way. This area offers a peaceful cherry blossom escape, especially compared to the Tidal Basin, with stunning waterfront views along the Potomac River and Washington Channel. We also enjoyed watching airplanes take off and land at Ronald Reagan Airport, located just across the Potomac River on the opposite bank. Lined with cherry trees, this scenic route is perfect for a walk or bike ride, allowing you to enjoy the blooms without the Tidal Basin crowds. Note, however, that this isn’t a hidden gem – finding a parking spot here can be quite stressful, especially during peak times.
Hidden gem: Want to enjoy cherry blossoms in the Washington D.C. area like locals do? Our friend from Washington, D.C. recommended visiting the cherry trees in the Kenwood neighborhood near Bethesda and Chevy Chase (Maryland). Driving down Kennedy Drive, Dorset Avenue and Kenwood Avenue is an insider cherry blossom adventure.
Finally, HOW to tackle peak cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C.?
We only took a day trip by train to see the cherry blossoms in D.C. Boarding the Amtrak in New York City and heading south is a very convenient and fast way to reach the nation’s capital. So, you could also easily combine a visit to Manhattan with cherry blossom viewing in D.C.
Since D.C. attracts many visitors, especially during cherry blossom season, we recommend booking your accommodation well in advance if you plan to stay overnight. Also, make sure to visit the Tidal Basin as early as possible (preferably before 8 am).
On that day, we walked nearly 30 kilometers (~18,6 miles), so you’ll definitely be doing lots of walking – make sure to wear comfortable footwear. You might want to take the Metro, which, by the way, is much cleaner compared to New York City’s subway, to either Federal Triangle (less crowded) or Smithsonian Station and start from there. If you prefer, you could rent a bike to get around, but be prepared to park it when exploring the Tidal Basin, as it gets too crowded for cycling.
Don’t forget to check the National Park’s blooming forecast, and we also heard that there’s a cherry blossom app for D.C. (which we didn’t use).
Now, let’s see if D.C.’s cherry blossoms can hold a candle to those in Japan. We’ll keep you posted. Come fly to Japan with us in our next blog post after our Japan trip in March/April 2025.