The Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms In Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., comes alive in many ways during springtime, but in our nation's capital, there is no spring sight more classic than the cherry blossoms in bloom. During cherry blossom season, these iconic flowering trees erupt in a riot of delicate pink and white blossoms in seemingly every corner of the city. They're easy to spot in recognizable locations like the Tidal Basin and National Mall, but they're also scattered throughout neighborhoods and local parks, and they line sidewalks throughout the metro area. Why cherry blossoms? The city-wide sensation stems from a 1912 gift of 3,000 Yoshino Cherry Trees from the Mayor of Tokyo, Yukio Ozaki, to the city of D.C. That gift of friendship and goodwill still blankets the city in blossoms, and now, well over a century later, the trees are an integral part of the fabric of the capital city.

Part of the continued allure of the cherry trees is the flowers’ ephemeral beauty. They have a peak bloom that lasts just a few short days, and it is closely monitored by a 27/4 “Bloom Cam” to ensure that everyone who wants to see the blooms can experience them at the height of their beauty. For those peak bloom days, as well as the weeks leading up to and following, the city celebrates with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which draws well over a million people to the area and turns the capital into a epicenter of budding springtime.

While the iconic picture of cherries in D.C. may conjure up images of the path along the Tidal Basin leading to the Jefferson Memorial, there are plenty of places throughout the city, and just outside it, that offer photo opportunities, picnic spots, and delightful strolls amongst the blossoms. Whether you’re planning your first trip to see the trees in bloom or are a repeat visitor, here are seven of our favorite spots in Washington, D.C., where you can see the cherry blossoms this spring.

Tidal Basin

National Mall

The Tidal Basin was the site of the district’s first cherry tree plantings over a hundred years ago, and today it remains the most iconic place in the city to see the blossoms. The paths along the Tidal Basin, and the surrounding grounds adjacent to the National Mall, are home to nearly 4,000 cherry trees (mostly of the Yoshino variety). When in bloom, they form an elegant pink canopy that hugs the water. A stroll here is an obligatory activity. Follow the path to the Jefferson Memorial and keep going to pass the Japanese Pagoda, Japanese Lantern, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

Dumbarton Oaks Gardens

Georgetown

Charming and historic Georgetown is beautiful at any time of the year, but it is especially colorful in the springtime. Plan a visit to Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, the neighborhood oasis that is a Harvard University research institute and museum. Dumbarton Oaks' 53 acres of grounds and gardens are carefully cultivated to showcase flowering trees and plants throughout the year. In the spring, Cherry Hill (a spot located on a remote slope of the gardens) is awash in blooming cherries. Don’t miss the Prunus Walk for flowering plum trees and the Forsythia Dell. Purchase a $7 day pass in advance to reserve your stroll.

Hains Point Loop

The Wharf

Hains Point Loop, the area at the southernmost end of East Potomac Park, is the perfect destination for avoiding the more heavily trafficked areas like the Tidal Basin. Just over four miles, the loop trail is lined with cherry trees and offers views of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, as well as Washington, D.C.’s newest neighborhood, The Wharf. The park is accessible by foot or bike from the 14th Street Bridge and by car via Ohio Drive. 

Old Town

Alexandria, Virginia

Across the Potomac in Alexandria, Virginia, cobblestoned Old Town is a picture-perfect spot to visit for blooms. Spend an afternoon meandering through the historic neighborhoods that are decked out in pink petals, and check out the grounds of the historic Carlyle House. Dozens of blooming cherries make this a popular spot for photoshoots. From Alexandria you can catch a tide on the Cherry Blossom Water Taxi and sail to The Wharf in D.C. The ride will allow you to enjoy the views of the cherry trees from the water. 

U.S. National Arboretum

Northeast

A bit off the well-worn tourist track, the U.S. Arboretum covers 446 lush acres of fields, forests, and gardens, and it boats nine and a half miles of roadways. You can explore by car or pick up a Capital Bikeshare at the entrance gate. The free-and-public arboretum is home to many varieties of cherry trees, including three different hybrid varieties that were developed on the grounds. Given the nature of the space, cherries are far from the only flowering trees you’ll find here, so make sure you take time to enjoy the early blooming dogwoods, magnolias, and crabapples. Navigate your visit with the Arboretum’s free app, which offers guides to the flowering trees and plants as well as a map to help you plan your visit.

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, Virginia

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for over 400,000 American service members and their families. As such, it is one of the most beautiful, peaceful, and contemplative spots in the area. In springtime, Arlington’s flowering trees stand as a stunning tribute to America’s veterans and their loved ones. There are over 417 spring-blooming cherry trees throughout the 600+ acre grounds and the cemetery’s website provides a helpful guide to the landscape’s flowering trees.

Stanton Park

Capitol Hill

More locals-in-the-know than tourist locale, Stanton Park is a compact four-acre park. It may be small, but it boasts walkways that are lined with beautifully blooming cherry trees. Named for Edwin Stanton, Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of War, the park has been a favorite neighborhood spot since the 1870s. Today it draws a wider-than-local crowd when the trees are in full bloom. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic or snap some pictures while avoiding crowds.

Anacostia Park

Southeast

Washington, D.C.'s Anacostia Park is located south of the Anacostia River. Its namesake neighborhood is one of the city's oldest, and it's home to Cedar Hill, a home once occupied by Frederick Douglass. Cedar Hill is now a historic site operated by the National Park Service. The park, which spans more than 1,200 acres is home to many cherry trees that bloom out in spring and have river views.

Oxon Run Park

Southeast

As a big green space with a good concentration of cherry trees, you would expect Oxon Run Park to be a popular place come springtime. The park plays host to an annual event, the Oxon Run Pinknic & Kite Fly, which brings the community together to marvel at the blooms and fly kites in the breezy spring air.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Vienna, Virginia

If you're outside of the city center and are still on the hunt for cherry blossoms, you can find them in northern Virginia. Not too far from Reston lies Vienna, Virginia, the home of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Planted here are a concentration of around 100 cherry blossom trees. The park spans 95 acres of springtime blooms as well as walking trails and three lakes.

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