Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in DC

Do you know what spring means in Washington, DC? Cherry Blossoms! Lots of them!

The small and delicate almond-scented flowers of the Cherry Blossom tree, in various shades of pink and white, are a sight to behold. And, if you want to see them in full bloom, you’ll find them in many known and hidden places all over DC from mid-March through April and in Maryland from mid to late April.

So, if you’re planning to visit DC during the blooming days, here are the best places to see Cherry Blossoms in DC.

1. Tidal Basin

Almost a century ago, the Tidal Basin was the first place where the Yoshino Cherry Blossoms were planted from among the 3000 trees gifted to the city by the Mayor of Tokyo. At present, there are more than 4000 Cherry Blossoms sprawled across the Tidal Basin, all the way to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. 

This is the most iconic of places to view the Cherry Blossoms, but it does come with good-sized crowds.

So, if you’re in DC during the months of March and April, do take out time to visit the Tidal Basin and take a stroll through the Basin’s path, winding through the Japanese Pagoda, Japanese Lantern, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial for a scenic and memorable experience amidst theses elegant pink beauties.

2. Hains Point in East Potomac Park

 

The Hains Point in East Potomac Park has Cherry Blossom trees practically lining the road! 

The best part about this place is that it is significantly less crowded and has various varieties of Cherry Blossom trees, from the famous Yoshino to the Kwanzan. The Yoshino Cherry Blossom blooms in March; however, the Kwanzan blooms two weeks after Yoshino.

So, if by any chance you have missed the peak bloom of Yoshino, you can still witness the late-blooming forest of Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms in all its glory at the Hains Point in East Potomac Park. 

3. US National Arboretum 

If you’re looking for a place packed with various Cherry Blossom trees alongside other beautiful trees, head over to the US National Arboretum. 

It is spread over an expanse of 446 acres with a half-mile of roads. It has a large number of Cherry Blossoms trees, including 3 hybrids that were created on the site. Plus, you will find other flowering trees like dogwoods, magnolias, and crab apples. 

The US National Arboretum is a DC Cherry Blossom heaven, where you can take a stroll among the pretty pink Cherry Blossoms while taking aesthetic photographs and enjoying the scenic view!

4. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

Thick Cherry Blossom trees surround the parking area and visitors center at Kenilworth Park. The magnificent sight of pink and white flowers blooming on the Cherry Blossom trees lining the area, combined with a peaceful stroll down the boardwalk while birdwatching, is something you should not miss.

Also, if you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful place to spend the day, you will find an oasis right behind the Cherry Blossom trees. Here you’ll find an abundance of water lilies, dragonflies, beavers, turtles, and pretty little lotus flowers. 

In short, spending a day out in the open with the beautiful Cherry Blossom trees surrounding you makes your visit to DC worthwhile.

5. Congressional Cemetery

If your main purpose for visiting DC is to look at Cherry Blossoms, then we would definitely suggest you visit the Congressional Cemetery. 

We know that it’s a cemetery, but it has some of the most beautiful varieties of Cherry Blossom trees lining the walkway. In mid-March, you can witness the Okame Cherry Blossoms with their rosy-colored flowers. The Yoshino Cherry Blossoms, with their peaceful white and baby pink flowers, steal the show by the end of March.

And, just around mid-April, the Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms, with their various pink-shaded flowers, make an appearance. With almost no crowd, this serene place is a perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of the DC Cherry Blossoms.

6. Dumbarton Oaks Garden

The Dumbarton Oaks Garden is a 53-acre property that comprises a museum and public grounds. The grounds are filled with various flowering trees, including exquisite Cherry Blossoms. 

The Dumbarton Oaks Garden is cultivated in such a way that it has different spots dedicated to different trees. So, if you want to frolic among the soft pink and white Cherry Blossom flowers, head to Cherry Hill, a sloped area packed with Cherry Blossoms.

You can also go to the Prunus Walk and Forsythia Dell to look at the peachy-white flowers of the Plum trees. 

7. Green Park Gaithersburg, Maryland

If you want to see Cherry Blossoms in Maryland, Green Park in Gaithersburg is the perfect place. 

It is a residential neighborhood park with a playground and a dog park. It is a rather secluded place, with beautiful bright pink Cherry Blossoms surrounding the park. Here you’ll find the Kwanzan and Yoshino Cherry Blossom varieties that bloom from mid to late April.

So, when you’re done enjoying the Cherry Blossoms in DC, you can still find some in full bloom in Maryland.  

There are so many great state parks in Maryland you will be able to find blossoms throughout the area.

8. Glenview Mansion, Maryland

The Glenview Mansion in Maryland is a place for private events; however, you can enjoy the endless Cherry Blossom trees lining the road leading up to the mansion if you visit it on a weekday. 

But that’s not the only place where you’ll find trees! The formal gardens of the Glenview Mansion also have rows upon rows of blushy pink Cherry Blossoms, the Kwanzan variety, to be precise. 

You will also find Willow Cherry Blossoms and Magnolias in the gardens. All the corally pink trees make for a picture-perfect spot to spend a peaceful day away from the crowds.

When to See the Best Cherry Blossoms in DC

If you want to catch Cherry Blossom Season in Washington, DC, plan on visiting between mid-March and the first week of April.  The peak time is usually April 4th!

Cherry Blossom trees come in various varieties, each having flowers in different shades of pink and white. If you visit DC or Maryland, you will find many scenic spots with clusters of different Cherry Blossoms, from Yoshino to Kwanzan to Okame. You could check out some free things to do in Maryland with kids when you are done with Cherry Blossoms. 

Want to take a road trip around DC to see more spring flowers? Check out this guide!

 

Guest Author:

Lola from Deyewa.com  Lola writes about family-friendly adventures in Maryland.