Hi all! Cherry Blossom season is a super busy time in DC. It is also one of the most beautiful. Because of this, tourists from all around the world visit the nation’s capital city during the early spring to see the amazingly beautiful cherry trees bloom on the Washington Mall. DC is a super magical place in the spring during the cherry blossom season. Personally, I think spring is the best time to visit DC. It is super beautiful and not too hot. It will be busy, but it’s definitely worth it! After having lived in DC for 5 years, I’ve figured out how to best visit the cherry blossoms – while avoiding the hoards of tourists as much as possible. Below you will find my best tips for visiting DC during cherry blossom season.
1: Try to be flexible
I know this is really hard when planning a vacation. However, the cherry blossoms don’t bloom at the exact same time every year, so it can be very difficult to plan a trip in advance. Usually the cherry blossoms bloom in the first week of April. But there have been years where they bloom as early as mid March, or all the way into late April. Because of these varying dates, if you can have flexibility with your trip dates you’ll have the best chance of seeing the cherry blossoms in full bloom. If not, plan for the first week of April, as that is usually the best, and most consistent, time to see the blossoms.
2: Peak bloom is a short window – plan accordingly
In 2019 and 2020 peak bloom only lasted for a few days. Some years it’s longer, but not by much. If you’re unable to visit during peak bloom, but still come during the correct weeks, you’ll be able to see the blossoms – they just won’t be as full and vibrant.
These photos were taken about a week post peak season. They aren’t as spectacular, but they’re still pretty!
3: The Tidal Basin is the best viewing point – but there are many options
The Tidal Basin, on the National Mall, is the best place to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. However, there are viewing areas all over the National Mall!
Map from the National Park Service website
4: Check out the National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom festival is held each year for about a month. There are tons of fun activities throughout the weeks of the festival for people of all ages. Each year you can expect parades, parties and cruises and story times for kids! Some of these events are ticketed, so be sure to plan in advance. Check out their website for more information.
5: Visit during the week
Of course, week days tend to be less busy than weekends. However, with the huge amounts of tourists that come to the city there will likely still be a crowd – just slightly smaller.
6: Visit early in the morning or later in the day
There will be less people out and viewing the cherry blossoms very early in the morning. Going down to the Tidal Basin and National Mall for sunrise is beautiful, and you will likely be able to take tons of photos with very few people around.
Later in the day there will also be fewer people, especially if you visit around dinnertime. The below photos were taken in the evening, slightly post peak season, and the Tidal Basin is almost empty.
7: Take photos early in the morning
Personally, I think the best lighting for cherry blossom photos is early in the morning. At this time, there are also less people, so you’ll be able to get better shots without tons of tourists in the background.
8: The National Mall and Tidal Basin are open 24/7
This means you can view the blossoms at any time of day! Of course, they will be harder to see at night, but it will definitely be less crowded.
9: Monitor the National Park Service website
The National Park Service predicts when the cherry blossoms will bloom. Usually, they are able to predict when the blossoms will be in peak bloom about ten days beforehand. Click this link for more information from the National Park Service. Be advised that this year, 2021, there are new regulations from the National Park Service regarding visiting the cherry blossoms and the COVID-19 outbreak.
10: Be prepared to walk
If you’re viewing the cherry blossoms a the Tidal Basin and National Mall you will have to walk. There are no cars allowed directly in these areas. Biking can be an option depending on the time of day, but there will likely be tons of people – making biking difficult. The walk isn’t strenuous by any means, and it is definitely suitable for children and elders.
11: Bring water + snacks
There are limited areas to buy water on the National Mall. I recommend bringing your own, in a reusable water bottle of course! Also pack small snacks (fruit, granola bars, etc) – as there will not be many places to pick up food.
12: Take public transportation
This piece of advice does not apply to 2020 – during the Covid-19 outbreak. However, in other years, it is best to take public transportation (bus/metro) to the cherry blossoms. Ubers are also an option, but they are more expensive and there can be quite a bit of traffic. Take the metro (silver, blue or orange line) to the Smithsonian Metro stop. From this subway stop it’s about a 15 minute walk to the Tidal Basin. Other close metro stops include the Federal Triangle stop (silver, orange and blue lines) as well as the Archive stop (yellow and green lines).
If you prefer to take a metro bus, the 32, 34 and 36 routes all drop off at the Washington Monument. From the Washington Monument you’re a ten minute walk to the Tidal Basin.
You can also take the Circulator – a $1 bus. This bus has a National Mall Route, so it’s also a great option! This bus also accepts SmarTrip cards, which are used to pay for the metros and metro buses.
13: Take a tour
There are tons of different tours available during cherry blossom season. You’ll be able to find walking tours, bike tours, segway tours, boat tours, etc. Check out Airbnb Experiences for other fun tour options!
14: Plan for Spring weather
Sometimes Spring in DC is beautiful and warm. Other times it’s rainy and chilly. Be sure to check the forecast before your trip and to pack accordingly. During this time of year layers are important. Always have a light jacket/rain jacket, and bring an umbrella!
Cherry blossoms at the White House Spring Garden Tour 2018
I know 2021 might be a hard year to visit the cherry blossoms – but that’s okay, there’s always next year! Each and every year that I lived in DC the blossoms were amazing, so don’t worry if you have to postpone your trip for a year. These tips for visiting DC during cherry blossom season will also apply for next year, so save them and use them whenever you make your trip! Also, when packing for DC don’t forget to bring your sustainable travel products 🙂
Such a great guide! I live in the middle of VA and have always missed peak time – I didn’t realize the window was so short. And YES for getting there early when other people aren’t out yet. I love your photos – so feminine and pretty. And the map is super helpful, too!
Love this guide! I’m hoping to go next year, and did not realize there was such a short window. Definitely saving this to refer back to when I start planning my trip 🙂 Gosh I can’t wait to start traveling again!
I love viewing cherry blossoms! I saw them last year in Tokyo, Japan and they were gorgeous. Now know that I can see them in Washington DC. Thanks for sharing your tip on the Tidal Basin as the best viewing spot. The National Cherry Blossom Festival looks fun too. Can’t wait to visit Washington DC during springtime in the future!
Seeing the cherry blossoms is definitely something that is on my bucket list! I hope to make it to DC one day to see them but didn’t realize that they dont always bloom at the same time! I also had no idea how short of a window you have to actually see them so thanks for sharing that information!
This is something I definitely want to do soon! Ideally, wouldn’t it be great to be able to spend 1 or 2 months in DC? It would be awesome to see the cherry blossoms fr ok m beginning to end.
I absolutely love cherry blossoms. I admired them in Japan and London. You have some lovely pictures.
I had planned to go this year!! Sadly I’ll have to wait until next year. So I’m saving these awesome tips for the future!
Wow – I didnt realise this was such a big thing in DC to be honest and I can imagine it’s crazy popular. Always good to have an insider guide like this to read before you go!
I used to live in DC and the cherry blossoms are pure magic! Thank you for these tips!
I have a friend living near DC and she has been posting TONS of cherry blossom photos lately and I love it 😁 I hope to visit DC during cherry blossom season next year, they’re so pretty!
My best friend lived in DC for three years, and both times I went to visit her it wasn’t Cherry Blossom season, so I’m hoping to go back one day during this time to experience it! Your tips will be a great help!
Being flexible is such a great tip for seeing these amazing blossoms! I love DC and I hope to go there during Cherry Blossom season one of these years!