First timer’s guide to the DC Cherry Blossoms

April 14, 2019

Visiting the nation’s capital is great any time of the year, but it is truly magical in the springtime when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The cherry trees were a gift of friendship from Japan to the US in 1912 (of course the US reciprocated the gesture by gifting flowering dogwood trees to Japan).

The timing of peak bloom varies from year to year, which is why we rely on the National Park Service (NPS) for the official peak bloom prediction date. If you’re planning a trip to see the blossoms, plan it during the DC Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs from mid-March to mid-April and follow the NPS, which will post an accurate forecast as early as 10 days before the peak bloom on its website.

The most popular place to visit the cherry blossom trees is at the Tidal Basin. However, be prepared for big crowds. It’s going to be crowded, no matter what day of the week you go. We have been there on the weekends and we have been there on weekdays. There is no difference. Traffic is terrible no matter what day of the week. The best way to avoid big crowds is to go VERY early in the morning, or in the evening.

Don’t be fooled by the photos you see on Instagram (Instagram is art not reality?). Even though it might appear as if there is no one around us in our photos…there are always people around. You have to be fast snapping photos, or you’ll have someone photobombing ?

These two photos were taken seconds apart. Most people wait and let you take a photo or two, some are a little oblivious to their surroundings and walk in behind or in front of you!? But can you blame them? -everyone wants that perfect shot with the low hanging branches as their backdrop! ?

Crowds, crowds, and more crowds.

My favorite “secret” spot to see the cherry blossoms is the East Potomac Park (along Ohio Drive- see photo below). This is also the best place to park if you plan on driving. Be sure to get there early, because these spots go quickly. The shuttle service starts at 10am and it will take you all the way to the Jefferson Memorial. If you get there before the shuttle service starts, park near shuttle stop #10 or #2 -you’ll have a 10 min walk to the Tidal Basin.

The easiest and fastest way to get to the Tidal Basin is by metro. Take orange/blue line to the Smithsonian station and from there, it’s a 10 min walk (make sure to wear comfortable shoes).

Once you’re at the Tidal Basin, paddle boats are a popular way to enjoy the cherry blossoms. The cost is $18 per hour for a two passenger boat or $30 per hour for a four passenger boat. A two passenger SWAN boat will cost you $34 per hour.

If you decide to take a cherry blossom cruise, remember you will be seeing the cherry blossom trees from the Potomac River not the Tidal Basin. It’s still a fun experience.