The cherry blossom festival is prime time for visiting DC and arguably the prettiest time to visit. But between the fantastic weather and the gorgeous flowers, come huge amounts of crowds! So how can you see the cherry blossoms without getting overrun by the masses? There are a few key tips to keep in mind when planning any trip. But this cherry blossom festival guide will give you tips on the best times to visit the cherry blossoms and how to avoid the crowds!
What is the Cherry Blossom Festival?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival was first started in 1912 when the Mayor of Tokyo, Yukio Ozaki gifted Washington, DC with 3,000 cherry trees. The festival celebrates the
Best Time to Go:
There are two parts to this question, the first is, the peak time for the cherry blossoms. When is peak time? I grew up in the DC area and over the years peak time can be anywhere from late March to the end of April. I always use the Cherry Blossom Watch website, it will tell give you the predicted peak time for that year as well as the dates for the Cherry Blossom Festival. If you are planning a trip based around the cherry blossoms, my recommendation is to check in mid-February. And follow the Cherry Blossom Watch Instagram, as it will give you a more accurate time frame.
The second part of this question is, once you know the peak time, how can you see the cherry blossoms without the crowds? The best way to avoid crowds is early in the morning and during the week! We made the mistake of going on a Saturday and at one point we couldn’t even walk because there were so many people! Not the ideal situation to enjoy the blossoms.
How to Get There:
The main mode of transportation in DC is the Metro. It is very easy to use and cheap on the weekends/non-peak hours. (Our cost, from Virginia, was around $6 with a return on Saturday). The closest Metro stop would be Smithsonian or the Federal Triangle (a little farther from the blossoms).
When you exit the Smithsonian Metro station head towards the Washington Monument. On 15th street, take a left and keep straight. Once you reach Maine street, you can stay on the path and head right towards the Tidal Basin. From there it is a big circle and you can enjoy the views of the cherry blossoms from all sides!
Best Places to See the Cherry Blossoms:
Here are just a few of my favorite spots to enjoy the blossoms! (Great for Instagram photos too)!
On the steps of
Across the Bridge: to the left of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a bridge. I don’t know about you but views from a bridge make the whole place seem romantic!
Through the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial: This is one of my favorite parts to walk through. There are so many beautiful paths and gorgeous blossoms on either side! It looks like it could be right out of a painting!
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: From the MLK memorial you have a great view of the Jefferson Memorial! There are some gorgeous cherry blossoms and magnolias that make the whole place pop with pink!
Rent a Boat
Another way to avoid the crowds is, to get a boat and sail away! On the banks of the Tidal Basin is the Tidal Basin Paddle Boats.
- $18.00 per hour – 2-passenger boat
- $30.00 per hour – 4-passenger boat
- $34.00 per hour – 2-passenger SWAN boat
It is a great way to enjoy the view away from the crowds!
Other Things to See:
When you are traveling to DC during the Cherry Blossom Festival, there are a few other places to add to your list!
Thomas Jefferson Monument – you will see this as you walk around the Tidal Basin. It is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset and it is free to enter!
Washington Monument – The Washington monument is directly in front of the Jefferson Monument. There are some great viewpoints near the base of the Monument; sadly you are no longer able to climb to the top (due to damage
Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial – As you walk around the Tidal Basin, you will pass the Roosevelt Memorial. It is a small but lovely park to walk through, especially when all the flowers are in bloom!
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial – Past the Franklin D. Roosevelt is the MLK Memorial, this is another fabulous park to walk through, and enjoy the scenery and gorgeous flowers!
Lincoln Memorial – When you are in DC, you cannot miss the Lincoln Memorial. A short walk from the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial stands magnificently in front of the reflection pool. Be sure to take the iconic photo with the penny!
White House – A must when you are in DC, visiting the homes of our great presidents since the 1800s. Most times you are only allowed behind the gate of the front lawn. If you are wanting to book an inside tour, you must do so through your Member of Congress.
Capital Building – You may have to put on your walking shoes for this one, but the Capital Building is not something to miss. A tour inside is around $18 per person. The tour is just amazing and so fun to see the big dome!
War Memorials
DC War Memorial – There is a small gazebo beyond the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. It is a great place to sit and reflect on the memory of those who served.
World War II Memorial – This memorial is located right at the end of the Lincoln Memorial. There are pillars for each state and signifying the unity shown during the war.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial – Located to the left of the Lincoln Memorial is a beautiful wall with the names of the men and women who served in this
Korean War Veterans Memorial – 19 stainless steel statues are located to the right of the Lincoln Memorial. This memorial commemorates the sacrifices of the 5.8 million Americans who served. The Korean War was one of the
Thank you for reading! If you have any specific questions about visiting Washington, DC please be sure to leave a comment below or contact us!
Until the next destination!
20 Comments
Alysa Tarrant
May 8, 2019 at 7:45 pmWow I love the boat idea! I had no idea this festival was a thing. It’s definitely on the list now!
Emily and Sam
May 9, 2019 at 11:09 amYeah it is such a fun time!!
Brittany
May 8, 2019 at 7:48 pmSo sad I missed cherry blossom season when I visited last! Would have loved to rent a boat and witness those flowers in bloom
Emily and Sam
May 9, 2019 at 11:10 amIt is such a beautiful time of year! You have to witness it at least once!
Daniel
May 9, 2019 at 3:43 amI never visited Washington and didn’t think it’s a place where one can see the cherry blossom. I would love to visit someday and experience this- your pictures look absolutely amazing!
Emily and Sam
May 9, 2019 at 11:10 amThank you! Yes, it is such a gorgeous time to visit DC!
blair villanueva
May 9, 2019 at 7:50 amIsn’t it such a wonderful feeling to watch the cherry blossoms petals falling from its trees? I had an amazing experience in Himeji Castle ground and its like showering of petals every minute 😀
Emily and Sam
May 9, 2019 at 11:11 amI love when that happens!! It looks like it is snowing flowers! 🙂
Merryn
May 9, 2019 at 9:05 amGreat tips for visiting DC – I’ve never been there for the cherry blossoms, but it sounds beautiful. Love the idea about renting a boat – looks cost effective and a way to escape the crowds. Thanks!
Emily and Sam
May 9, 2019 at 11:12 amYes, definitely a great way to avoid the crowds! And a beautiful view of the entire tidal basin!
Wander Women Abroad
May 9, 2019 at 12:12 pmRenting a boat is such a good idea that I have never thought about! Going to see the cherry blossoms in bloom is on my bucket list but I never knew when was the best time to go. I will def use that website for next year 🙂
Emily and Sam
May 9, 2019 at 1:07 pmIt is such a pretty time to go! Def use the cherry blossom watch to see when the exact time of bloom will be!
Vedante | The Lavish Nomad
May 9, 2019 at 9:16 pmCherry Blossom in Washington DC? Never heard of this, but it does look beautiful
Emily and Sam
May 10, 2019 at 8:25 amYes!!! Definitely worth a visit!
Shreya Saha
May 9, 2019 at 9:47 pmI didn’t know about this before. There is cherry blossom in Japan that I am aware of. Thanks for sharing this information about Washington. It’s so cool to actually have a boat and visit the place. Would be great for photos too. Thanks for listing other things to do as well when in DC.
Emily and Sam
May 10, 2019 at 8:25 amYes, it is a great way to see the cherry blossoms if you can’t make it to Japan!
Eden
May 10, 2019 at 7:27 pmThis is such a helpful post you’ve put together. This is one of the many festivals I always want to go to each year, but just haven’t gotten around to planning it. This makes a little easier. Hopefully I can talk my travel partner into this one.
Emily and Sam
May 13, 2019 at 9:07 amIt’s super easy and super fun!! Glad to make planning easier! 🙂
Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions
May 11, 2019 at 12:53 amI think I knew that the trees were gifted by Japan, but I had no idea they were given in 1912! I think I always assumed that it was done after World War II. Thanks for sharing that little bit of history 🙂 Awesome pics and great information as well.
Emily and Sam
May 13, 2019 at 9:06 amThank you!! I love to learn the history of traditions around the world!