It’s finally here: the first glimpse of cherry blossoms, and with them, spring. Since 1912, when the Mayor of Tokyo gifted 3,000 Yoshino cherry trees to the city of Washington, D.C., cherry blossoms have become an iconic part of spring in the DMV, and predicting their arrival has become something of a sport (just check out BloomCam). Although some trees in the region are already in bloom, peak bloom is anticipated to occur between March 23–26. While the trees that ring the Tidal Basin bring in over a million visitors each year, and even have their own festival, there are many more spots off the well-worn tourist track, as well as other, local festivals, where the blooms are just as—if not more—beautiful and celebrated. Here are 12 of our favorites.
Arlington National Cemetery
The final resting place for over 400,000 veterans, Arlington National Cemetery is sacred and consecrated ground. It’s also one of the most beautiful spots in the DMV to see the blooming trees this time of year. The cemetery’s Memorial Arboretum serves as a living tribute to those who have honorably served our nation. Throughout the cemetery’s 639 acres, you’ll find more than 9,000 trees, about 400 of which are spring-blooming cherry trees. More than 140 memorial trees commemorate veterans. A self-guided walking tour leads you to many of the ground’s flowering and notable trees. // 1 Memorial Ave. Arlington
Art Blooms at Mosaic
The Mosaic District will be in full bloom for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Sip on your favorite cocktail while you stroll the shopping area April 6 and 7. The event features artisanal and vintage market vendors, kids’ activities including a games corner, and live musical performances. Enjoy fresh produce from more than 50 local FreshFarm vendors and delectable snacks for sale. Then shoot your own memento of the event at Merrifield Garden Center‘s spring-themed selfie stations. //Mosaic, District Ave., Fairfax
Artechouse
Stop by the only place where the cherries are (metaphorically) blooming inside! This Southwest D.C. exhibition space’s new show, Isekai: Blooming Parallel Worlds combines Japanese pop-culture, anime, and manga to create a multi-sensory, immersive cherry blossom experience. It runs March 9-June 1. //1238 Maryland Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C.
Cherry Blossom Cruise
Book a tour by water on on weekends from March 16–April 21. The 45-minute journeys depart from the Alexandria Marina and sail from Old Town to the Tidal Basin and Georgetown. (Or opt for a guided water taxi trip with stops in Alexandria, Georgetown and National Harbor.)// 1 Cameron St., Alexandria
Congressional Cemetery
This historic cemetery is livelier than its name suggests and particularly gorgeous this time of year. The cemetery—which is popular with both off-leash dogs and their humans—is home to several varieties of cherry trees including the Okame, which bloom up to two weeks before the more common Yoshino—and the Kwansan, which can bloom up to two weeks after the Yoshinos. We like to think of this spot as one of DC’s most under-the-radar tree viewing spots, and a great place to catch a sneak peak, or last glimpse, of the city’s flowering trees. (Nearby: Swing by District Doughnut on Barrack’s Row for an indulgent, and very much worth it, cherry blossom doughnut—vanilla bean dough with cream cheese glaze and a cherry filling). // 1801 E. St. S.E., Washington, D.C.
Dumbarton Oaks
A sanctuary in Georgetown, this 53-acre property houses a museum and a research center . Its sprawling grounds are a favorite for cherry bloom watching. The grounds (which are free to access until March 14 and then require timed entry tickets) are meticulously maintained and have flowering trees scattered throughout. Head to Cherry Hill for a mixture of cherry varieties, and be sure to make time for a stroll through the Forsythia Dell and the Prunus Walk, the latter of which is majestic when the plum trees are in bloom. (Nearby: Indulge in a cherry blossom-themed meal at The Living Room located in the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown. Don’t miss the Yūjō cocktail featuring Japanese whiskey and cherry blossom-infused syrup.) // 1703 32nd St. N.W., Washington, D.C. (Georgetown)
Hains Point
Hains Point, the southern end of East Potomac Park, which is visible from the Wharf, is one of the most underutilized parks in the city of D.C. This 4-mile-long loop trail is lined with cherry trees and showcases 360-degree views of the Potomac, the Anacostia, and the Wharf. The best way to experience the area is by bike. Just take the 14th Street Bridge and pedal your way around the point. Or choose from any of the 320 parking spots and enjoy the picnic areas and a playground. // 1100 Ohio Drive S.W., Washington, D.C.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Meadowlark Botanical Garden has about as many cherry trees as it does acres (around 100). The trees tend to reach peak bloom a few days after those lining the Tidal Basin in D.C. Enjoy a blossom-filled stroll around the grounds, which is also home to an assortment of 30 manicured gardens as well as woodlands and a lake. Be sure to stop by the Botanical Garden’s Korean Bell Garden, a cultural landmark and one of the only Bell Gardens in the Western Hemisphere, and soak in the views of the Piedmont Hills of Fairfax County. Parking here is likely to be much easier than at the Tidal Basin, but there is an entry fee: $4 for ages 6-17 and ages 55-plus, $8 for ages 18-54, and free for ages 5 & under. Have a dog? Take advantage of the garden’s special Pup Day on March 20 when the grounds are open to four-legged friends. Dogs must be leashed and you will have to purchase them a ticket ($6).// 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
Mount Vernon and the Mount Vernon Trail
It’s a great time of year to get back on your bike or to re-lace your running shoes and enjoy the first weeks of spring. The Mount Vernon Trail, which spans 18-miles from the capital to Northern Virginia and winds through riverfront and woods, past Alexandria, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon (it’s about ten miles from DC to Mount Vernon) is the perfect place to stretch your legs. Enjoy the blooming trees along the route. While You’re There: George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill reopens for weekend tours beginning in April. Visit a working reconstruction of Washington’s Distillery. The fully-functioning structures are a little under three miles from the main entrance of the Mount Vernon estate. In 1799 it was one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America. You can still purchase spirits produced there. // 5513 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria
Pink in the Park
Take a break from blossom watch and celebrate with three events featuring live art, food, family-friendly activities and music at National Landing. On Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to noon, bring the kids to the Long Bridge Aquatics Fitness Center for Pink in the Pool, a free pool party with pink pool toys, sweet treats, tea tastings, story time and origami. From 1-5 p.m., head over to Metropolitan Park for the Art of Pink, a pop-up market, showcasing more than 20 creatives, and arts activities from The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington. On Saturday, April 13, stop by Water Park and let the rhythm of pink move you at Pink Beats, an evening of music featuring artists from across the DMV. // See website for event locations.
United States National Arboretum
The National Arboretum—nearly 450 sprawling acres in the far east of the district’s city limits—is a mecca for cherry blossoms. Follow the park’s tour Beyond the Tidal Basin and visit 40 sites on a three-mile route to see a wide range of flowering cherries, many of which are quite rare. Each type has its own peak bloom time so you will see different trees in flower depending on when you visit. Come for the cherries, but stay for the rest of the flowering trees that are just beginning to bud, including dogwood, crab apple, and magnolia. Nine and half miles of roadways make this space as accessible for walking as it is for cars, bikes, and strollers. Check out the Arboretum’s app which includes maps and guides to the full range of flowering trees. While you’re there: On Sunday, March 24, the Arboretum is hosting a Flowering 5K fun run. Get fit while running a course lined with flowering cherries and magnolias. //3501 New York Ave., N.E., or 24th & R Streets, N.E., Washington, D.C. (The R Street entrance is CLOSED to incoming automobile visitor traffic after 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.)