10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

Traveloka Team
29 Mar 2024 - 6 min read

Not only in Asian countries, you can find beautiful cherry blossoms in Washington DC during spring. The Washington DC cherry blossoms are a much-awaited sight for tourists and are one of the popular attractions in the city. The cherry blossoms were gifted by the Mayor of Tokyo in 1912 as a symbol of the relationship between Japan and the US.

For those of you travelling to Washington DC in spring, don't miss this beautiful sight. This article will contain cherry blossoms in this city, including the best time to visit, the best place to enjoy it, and a guide to the Washington DC cherry blossom festival.

The Peak Season of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

When should you expect to see cherry blossoms in Washington DC? The short answer is it's not certain. But, on average, peak cherry blossom bloom takes place around the last week of March to the first week of April, and can vary depending on the weather conditions leading up to the peak. The warmer the spring, the earlier the cherry blossoms bloom. In 2023, the peak of cherry blossoms is on March 23rd.

Then, the blooming period also lasts a relatively short time, just a week or two, as the cherry blossoms change from buds to beauties. After that, they fall off and are replaced with green leaves.

Best Places to Enjoy Washington DC Cherry Blossoms

Here are some of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms in Washington DC:

1. The National Cherry Blossom Festival

During the cherry blossoms, you can enjoy The National Cherry Blossom Festival. This is not just a celebration of cherry blossoms, but a cultural festival that takes place for four weeks throughout the city. This year, The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place on March 20th to April 14th at several spots in Washington DC.

The peak event of The National Cherry Blossom Festival is held during the peak of cherry blossom bloom at West Basin Drive SW with various exciting performances. For accommodation, you can choose Hamilton Hotel Washington DC, which is located not far from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Address: Various places in Washington DC, peak event at West Basin Drive SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20004, USA

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

9.1/10

1001 14th St NW

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2. Jefferson Memorial

Visit the Jefferson Memorial and sit on the marble steps. It's the perfect spot to enjoy the beautiful view of the blossoms along the Tidal Basin. Don't miss capturing a moment with the Washington Monument in the background.

An accommodation not too far from the Jefferson Memorial that you can choose is InterContinental Hotels WASHINGTON D.C. - THE WHARF, an IHG Hotel. This hotel has an outdoor pool that provides a beautiful view of the city of Washington.

Address: 16 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242, USA

InterContinental Hotels WASHINGTON D.C. - THE WHARF, an IHG Hotel

801 Wharf Street SW

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3. The Japanese Lantern

The Japanese Lantern is a lantern-shaped stone located in Potomac Park, Washington DC, next to the Tidal Basin and among the first planted cherry trees. The lantern is lit during the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. The view of the cherry blossoms from this lantern is very beautiful, you can enjoy it and take pictures with the cherry blossoms in the background.

The Watergate Hotel is a great choice when you're on vacation in Washington DC. The hotel is located not far from the park and features complete facilities, such as a jacuzzi, outdoor swimming pool, library, spa, and sauna.

Address: Potomac Park, Memorial Ave, Washington, DC 20566, USA

The Watergate Hotel

2650 Virginia Ave NW

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4. U.S. National Arboretum

The National Arboretum in Northeast DC is always beautiful in any season, especially in cherry blossom season. This hidden gem is a place that many tourists visit during the cherry blossoms. The flowers in this place usually bloom in a different place than in the Tidal Basin. For accommodation, you can choose Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington DC NoMa Union Station.

Address: 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA

Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington DC NoMa Union Station

501 New York Avenue NE...

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5. On a Tidal Basin Paddle Boat

If you want to get a view from a different point, you can take a boat ride at the Tidal Basin. The boat can accommodate two or four people and take you towards the Jefferson Memorial. The Residence Inn Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard is a great place to stay and is located not far from the park. You can use the fitness centre at this hotel and other facilities.

Address: 20245 National Dr, Washington, DC 20024, USA

Residence Inn Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard

1233 First St SE

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6. On the Banks of the Tidal Basin

Still in the Tidal Basin, but with a different viewpoint, along the Banks of Tidal Basin. The cherry blossoms blooming with the sunset is a beautiful combination. Or, you can come in the morning before sunrise, for a perfect view but not many tourists come.

A hotel that you can book near the Tidal Basin is the Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington DC Capitol-Navy Yard. The hotel offers a range of interesting facilities, such as an outdoor swimming pool and a picnic area.

Address: 20245 National Dr, Washington, DC 20024, USA

Homewood Suites By Hilton Washington DC Navy Yard

50 M St Se

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7. The Gardens of Dumbarton Oaks

There, you can see cherry blossoms lined up in the park of Dumbarton Oaks, a historic neighbourhood in Georgetown. You can't miss this beautiful sight because it doesn't last long. The park is open every day, except Monday. A recommended hotel not far from Dumbarton Oaks is The Westin Georgetown, Washington D.C. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre that guests can use.

Address: 1703 32nd St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA

Westin Georgetown, Washington D.C.

2350 M Street N.W., No...

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8. Hains Point Loop Trail

The next location is the Hains Point Loop Trail. You can see cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the Potomac River, Anacostia River, and Washington Channel. There are 10 species of cherry blossoms that you can find here. A hotel that you can choose near the Hains Point Loop Trail is Hampton Inn & Suites Washington DC. The hotel offers a full range of services and facilities, including a fitness centre. You can also go up to their rooftop terrace to enjoy the view of Washington DC.

Address: 927 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States of America

Hampton Inn & Suites Washington DC-Navy Yard

100 Hampton Drive

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9. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The largest Roman Catholic church in America can be your destination for enjoying cherry blossoms. There are about 150 cherry blossoms on the grounds of the Basilica. The architecture of the church is also amazing to admire. You can stay at Washington Marriott Capitol Hill, which features a bar and a fitness centre.

Address: 400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA

Washington Marriott Capitol Hill

175 L STREET NE

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10. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

The next location is near the Markit Luther King, Jr. Memorial, not far from the Tidal Basin. Here, you can see the colours of pink and white cherry blossoms that stand out against the prominent 30-foot statue of the Civil Rights icon. A hotel with great facilities near Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial that you can choose is Hampton Inn Washington D.C./White House. This hotel is also not far from Renwick Gallery.

Address: 1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20004, United States of America

Hampton Inn Washington, D.C./White House

1729 H Street N.W.

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These are the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms in Washington DC. Plan to visit Washington DC in spring for beautiful cherry blossom scenery. You can book hotels and flight tickets at Traveloka. This application makes your vacation easy.

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