Sakura season is on the way, and the best part is that you don’t even have to fly to Japan to see ‘em. 🌸 Washington DC is a great place to do some cherry blossom viewing, especially since plenty of spots are near some of the city’s most popular historical attractions.
We get into where to see Washington DC cherry blossoms and when the peak bloom dates are below, so keep reading for more!
*Please note that the cherry blossom dates in this article are subject to change based on weather conditions, so don’t forget to double-check before you go!
When are the cherry blossoms in DC?
The famed cherry blossoms typically bloom between late March and early April, depending on the weather. Peak bloom—the point when 70% of the blossoms are fully open—lasts for about 4-7 days, though the flowers can remain on trees for about two weeks if conditions are favorable.
Klook Tip: In March and April, daily highs range from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C), while nights can still be chilly at 30°F to 50°F (-1°C to 10°C). Dress in layers to stay comfy during your travels 🧥
We recommend keeping posted with the National Park Service’s Cherry Blossom Watch or Cherry Blossom Watch Washington DC to make the most of your trip. These two websites provide updates on bud development and predict peak bloom dates. As of the time of writing, there are no predicted bloom dates for 2025 yet.
Here’s a chart for the bloom times from 2020 to 2024 to give you an idea of when you might catch them. While these are the peak bloom dates, you can already start seeing the flowers in bloom 2-3 days before.
Year | Peak Bloom Day |
|---|---|
2024 | 17 March |
2023 | 23 March |
2022 | 21 March |
2021 | 28 March |
2020 | 20 March |
(Source: Cherry Blossom Watch)
Spot your travel dates already? 👀 Or even if you’re just getting ready to book your flights or go on a road trip, don’t forget to save the spots below! Cherry blossoms are notorious for coming and going quickly, so there’s no time to waste figuring out where to find them.
Where to see cherry blossoms in DC
🌸 Central Washington, DC
If you’re a first-time visitor to DC, you’ll probably find yourself in Central Washington. Famous areas like the Tidal Basin and its surrounding monuments and memorials and the White House are located here. Plus, it’s the nearest to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), one of the three major airports that service Washington DC.
Tidal Basin
Photo Credit: R M on Unsplash
The Tidal Basin is the centerpiece of Washington DC's cherry blossom season, drawing visitors from around the world. Its iconic location is surrounded by over 3,000 Yoshino cherry trees, gifted by Japan in 1912 as a symbol of friendship.
Klook Tip: Yoshino cherry blossoms are the variety with the fluffy white-pink blooms!
Photo Credits: Eric Dekker on Unsplash
This is the quintessential Washington DC cherry blossoms experience and it’s great for first-time visitors, photographers, and history lovers. From this vantage point, you’ll see the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, and more across the lake.
Peak cherry blossom bloom at the Tidal Basin. Photo Credit: Yifu Wu on Unsplash
It is possible to visit all of these historical locations in one day in addition to the Tidal Basin, so if you want to make the most out of your time, you can consider joining a guided bus tour. You’ll get transportation for fuss-free transfers between the locations, which can be quite the walk going around.
Want the evening to explore by yourself? You can also opt for a half-day tour so you can keep your itinerary flexible.
Cherry blossoms are located all around the circumference of the Tidal Basin, so you’ll definitely find a good photo spot. Just come early to avoid the crowds, especially during the peak spring season.
National Mall. Photo Credit: Samuel Girven on Unsplash
After you visit the Tidal Basin, we recommend taking a nice walk to the National Mall. It’s another of DC’s best-loved attractions and is around 14 minutes away by foot. While you may not see cherry blossoms here, it’s a famous landmark unmissable on any trip to Washington, DC.
- Peak Bloom Dates: Late March to early April
🎊 National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC
Washington DC cherry blossoms aren’t just for viewing — there are festivities, too! The National Cherry Blossom Festival is held in DC and surrounding communities like Maryland every year. It will be held from 20 March to April 13, 2025.
The festival kicks off with a live orchestra performance by famous Japanese composers at the Warner Theatre, followed by events like the Blossom Kite Festival and live performances at the Tidal Basin (specifically on West Basin Drive between the MLK and FDR memorials).
There’s even Sakura Matsuri, a street festival with plenty of – you guessed it — live performances and Japanese food stalls. Hint: Get ready to get your takoyaki and dango fix. 😉🍡🐙
The festival is held in different parts of the city, so if you want to see the attractions before the crowds come in, you can try going on a DC hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Apart from the historical sites, this tour takes you to different museums like the Natural History Museum and Air & Space Museum — plus, the city center and Chinatown for some good food and shopping!
Hains Point & East Potomac Park
For a quieter alternative to the bustling Tidal Basin, Hains Point and East Potomac Park offer a peaceful, less-crowded setting to enjoy cherry blossoms.
The area’s spacious trails make it perfect for nature lovers, joggers, cyclists, or just anyone who wants to enjoy the blossoms in a peaceful environment. Plus, the cherry blossoms here bloom around the same time as the Tidal Basin!
If you’re keen to explore even more, you can consider taking this guided tour, which brings you to nearby places like the Georgefront Water Park and gives you a 1-hour cruise down the Potomac River.
- Peak Bloom Dates: Late March to early April
Enid A. Haupf Gardens (Smithsonian Gardens)
Tucked behind the Smithsonian Institution inside the National Mall, the pink blossoms at the Enid A. Haupf Gardens make for a great photo sesh. While these are actually tulip magnolias, their foliage greatly resembles cherry blossoms.
And, with this garden’s proximity to the Tidal Basin, they’re worth stopping for even just to get a few snaps! They also bloom in early March, a little earlier than the cherry blossoms, so you’re in luck if you’re in DC at that time.
For families, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is also nearby for an educational afternoon with the kids!
- Peak Bloom Dates: Early March
🌸 Northeast Washington, DC
Known for its quieter vibe, you can view Washington DC cherry blossoms away from crowds in the Northeast. It features Brookland’s “Little Rome,” filled with historic churches and artistic hubs.
U.S. National Arboretum
Photo Credit: Mike Meyers on Flickr
20-30 minutes away by car from downtown Washington, the U.S. National Arboretum is a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing. With its location away from the city center, you can easily have plenty of space all to yourself!
Klook Tip: The Arboretum is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. Entrance is also free.
Compared to the Tidal Basin, there is a more diverse selection of cherry tree species here. This also means that not all cherry trees bloom at the same time, so the window of blossoming is pretty long at almost 2 months.
Photo Credit: Sunshine Whispers
There are also more flower varieties in general since the area consists of large, sprawling gardens and meadows. If you’re looking for a peaceful day out this spring, this place is for you.
It is most accessible via car so we recommend having your own vehicle when you go. Car rentals in Washington, DC are available on Klook, and you can opt to pick up and drop off your car at the city’s airports.
- Peak Bloom Dates: Early to mid-April, may extend until May
🌸 Northwest Washington, DC
Vibrant neighborhoods, museums, embassies, and the National Zoo come to mind with Northwest DC. And you’ll be happy to know that cherry blossoms can also be found here! If you’re looking for cultural exploration, leisure, and family-friendly attractions, apart from the sakura — it’s worth exploring this area, too.
Dumbarton Oaks
Located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of central DC, Dumbarton Oaks is a beautifully preserved park with manicured gardens that come alive in spring. Cherry blossom trees are most abundant on Cherry Hill in the lower part of the garden. With its intimate setting, this is an ideal date spot for couples.
Just note that the gardens are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 2 PM to 6 PM. You can also check out the entry fee on their official website!
- Peak Bloom Dates: Late March to early April
How are Washington DC cherry blossoms compared to those in Asia?
Most Washington DC cherry blossoms are Yoshino cherries, which are the light pink-white ones like in the photo above. They’re similar to what you might see in Japan and South Korea. If you’re curious to learn about what spring is like in those areas, we got you. You can check out the blogs below for ideas on your next trip there.
Getting around popular spots in Washington DC
Getting around Washington, DC’s most popular spots is easy thanks to its well-connected transportation network. The Washington Metro is the most convenient option for accessing the National Mall, Tidal Basin, U.S. Capitol, and White House. Stations like Smithsonian, L’Enfant Plaza, and Federal Triangle put you within walking distance of major landmarks.
The Green Line of the Washington Metro. Photo Credit: WMATA
For a more scenic option, you can opt for a bike rental! Cycling is a great way to navigate the long stretches between landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol.
For those who prefer walking, the National Mall and Tidal Basin feature wide pedestrian paths, but be prepared for long distances. To save time, guided bus tours provide transport around key attractions, including the Washington Monument, museums, and the Jefferson Memorial.
If you’re planning to visit different attractions, the Klook Pass Washington DC allows you to bundle and save on different tours and experiences. The pass is also valid for 30 days, so you can still keep your itinerary flexible.
Parking near landmarks in Central Washington spots can be limited, so driving is not recommended. However, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. If visiting during peak cherry blossom season, do plan ahead as transportation hubs and paths near the Tidal Basin get crowded.
All set for your Washington DC cherry blossom adventure? If you’re still feeling the springtime fever, you can check out the blogs below for more trip inspiration!
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