The prime viewing sites—from landmarks to secret spots—that make Washington D.C.’s cherry blossoms well worth the trip
Spring in D.C. is all about one thing : cherry tree blossoms . The district ’s iconic Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree were first plant back in 1912 when the Mayor of Tokyo , Yukio Ozaki , gifted 3,000 yoshino cherry tree to the city . While over a dozen tree diagram varieties now turn throughout the DMV , the most unremarkably found is still the OG yoshino — which is also what devoted devotee fastidiously monitor through the 24/7Bloom Cam .
As synonymous with the district as the White House and tourists on the National Mall , cherry heyday wake drew in more than 1.5 million visitors last year and is mark to break away its record in 2025 — the D.C. metro had itsbusiest daysince 2019 last month , on March 29 . Here ’s what you call for to know about cherry tree blossom time of year and the in effect places to make out the airy Tree .
When will cherry blossoms bloom in D.C.?
consort to the National Cherry Blossom Festival’swebsite , Tidal Basin , D.C. ’s principal cerise bloom attraction , is in peak bloom . The tree diagram usually last anywhere from a few 24-hour interval up to two week , and the fete ends April 13 . Other spots in the DMV domain have different blooming times , and most have tracker specific to their locations .
What types of cherry blossoms are in D.C.?
The two most popular species of cherry blossoms in D.C. are the yoshino and kwanzan variety . Tidal Basin is mainly inhabit by yoshino tree diagram , have it off for their pale color , while the pink kwanzan tree diagram are most dominant in East Potomac Park . Overall , D.C. has11 types of cherry red tree diagram .
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in D.C.
Tidal Basin
National MallNowhere in the DMV part is more closely associated with cherry blossoms than the Tidal Basin . And it ’s for good ground : The Tidal Basin was the land site of the district ’s first cherry tree , planted more than a century ago . Today , the expanse is home plate to nearly 4,000 cherry trees that line the Basin ’s path . A amble from the National Mall to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial is an obligatory D.C. spring manner of walking , but keep going and stretch your roam to pass the Japanese Pagoda , Japanese Lantern , and the Martin Luther King , Jr. Memorial . A manner of walking here at the height of the season is nothing short of iconic .
US National Arboretum
NortheastLocated on the far easterly boundary of D.C. , the U.S. Arboretum boasts 446 sprawl acres and over nine sea mile of roadway ( both cars and bikes are take into account here ) . The Arboretum is plate to several varieties of cherry trees , including three different hybrids that were developed on website . Cherries are n’t the only inflorescence Tree at the Arboretum ; visitor this give will be treat to varieties of dogwood , magnolia , and crab apple tree . Find your way among the blooms with theArboretum ’s detached appwhich offers efflorescence tree guides and map .
Stanton Park
Capitol HillA far more understated place to see the cherries in their flower is Stanton Park in Capitol Hill . The compact , four - Akka park may be small , but its walkway , line with blossoming cherry Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , pack a punch . The park is appoint for Abraham Lincoln ’s Secretary of War , Edwin Stanton , and has been a public parkland since the 1870s . Today , it ’s popular with locals for walkway and picnics . While it draws more people when the tree diagram are in full heyday , it ’s a good place to admire the blooms ( or stop for an unrehearsed photoshoot ) while forefend crowds .
Dumbarton Oaks Garden
GeorgetownDumbarton Oaks is an oasis in the city fill up with blossom . The 53 - acre holding and Harvard University inquiry institute is locate at the highest point in Georgetown and boasts solid ground desirable of a day ’s wander . Meticulously cultivated to have anthesis Tree and plants throughout the year , there are several spots not to be missed , perhaps most notably , Cherry Hill , located on a remote incline of the gardens and awash in cherry red trees . Do n’t neglect the Prunus Walk ( for flowering plum trees ) and Forsythia Dell , as well . Purchase a$15 day passin advance to reserve your stroll .
Hains Point Loop
The WharfIf you need to deflect tourists in all , Hains Point Loop , the area at the southernmost destruction of East Potomac Park , is the perfect finish . Just over four miles long , the loop is lined with cherry trees and offers panorama of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers , as well as the Wharf . The parking area is approachable by foot or bike from the 14th Street Bridge and by car via Ohio Drive .
Congressional Cemetery
Capitol HillThe cherry tree tree at D.C. ’s Congressional Cemetery are on a agenda of their own thanks to their singular varieties . The cemetery is home to both okame cherry tree trees , which incline to blossom up to two workweek before the yoshino cherry red elsewhere in the territorial dominion , and well as kwanzan cherry trees which can blossom up to two weeks after the yoshinos . The Congressional Cemetery is one the metropolis ’s best kept secret — stroll through to catch a first or last coup d’oeil of the urban center ’s riot of outflow vividness .
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
AnacostiaThis sweeping park and aquatic garden is one of the most unique spaces within D.C .. A walkway along the pathway through the weewee garden will institute you past 500 - twelvemonth - old Nelumbo nucifera bloom , tropical lilies , turtles , silk hat , nearly 250 species of birds , and the city ’s renowned cerise tree . A fleck off the beaten path in southeast D.C. , Kenilworth offers one of the city ’s most peaceful places for a spring saunter .
Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral
Cathedral HeightsThis walled garden , designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. , is tucked aside just outside of the National Cathedral . Olmsted drew inspiration for the garden from European medieval walled gardens , and it was to begin with intend as a private space accessible only from the bishop ’s theatre on the grounds of the Cathedral . Years after it was constructed , the garden opened to the world but continues to be one of the city ’s best kept secrets and a peaceful office to take in cherry prime , diachronic and native plants , and plants mentioned in the Bible and in Christian legend .
Easy Day Trips from D.C. to See Cherry Blossoms
Virginia
Arlington National CemeteryArlingtonWith over 600 Acre , Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 service member and their families , and is one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in the DMV . In springtime , the cemetery ’s blooming trees stand as a arresting rude protection to America ’s military service penis . There are over 400 spring - blooming cerise tree throughout the grounds and thecemetery ’s websiteprovides a helpful template to landscape painting ’s unfolding trees
Meadowlark Botanical GardensViennaThe Meadowlark Botanical Gardens offers walking path through 95 acre of garden , woodlands , and a lake . The garden ( there are 30 of them ! ) are home to or so 100 cherry trees . The Tree here run to extend to bill rosiness a few day after those at the Tidal Basin . Take them in while enjoy views of Fairfax County ’s Piedmont Hills . Make certain to walk by the Gardens ’ Korean Bell Garden and chew the fat the restore eighteenth century logarithm cabin .
Mount Vernon & the Mount Vernon TrailOld Town AlexandriaThe 18 - mile Mount Vernon Trail is an approachable biking and walking trail that runs from Washington , D.C. to Virginia . The scenic path leads you through waterfront and woods , past Old Town Alexandria , and finally to George Washington ’s Mount Vernon . You ’ll find flower cherry red , and early spring flowers , intermittently along the way .
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Carlyle House GardenOld Town AlexandriaAny stroll through Alexandria ’s Old Town during cherry bloom time of year will necessarily pass you past XII of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in bloom , but make certain to step into the historic Carlyle House Garden . This secret house museum and gardens in Alexandria is popular for weddings and engagement photos , and for good reason : it ’s flush with cherry Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
Maryland
GlenstonePotomacWhile a practiced distance from D.C. , Glenstone is well - worth the minute private road . The commons / museum offer 300 acre of art , architecture , and gardens . snag afree , time tickethere is well-nigh tantamount to an Olympic sport , but do n’t fear , if you arrive by autobus you are welcome to take a ticket at the logic gate . In addition to its indoor museum , Glenstone offers walking path that swerve artfully past modern-day sculptures , open meadows , and mossy forest .
Brookside GardensWheatonLocated in Maryland ’s Montgomery Country , Brookside Gardens span 50 acres of public gardens include an azalea garden ( in heyday shortly after the cherry tree blossoms ) , rose garden , and a Japanese - manner garden . Brookside is home to 26 cherry red tree diagram , a mix of Yoshino and the rarer weeping cherry . What ’s more , admission fee to Brookside Gardens is entirely free .
Tidal Basin|Photo credit: Sean Pavone, via Getty Images
Tidal Basin|Photo credit: Sean Pavone, via Getty Images
Arlington National Cemetery
