The 2011 National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held between
March 26 and April 10. This year's 2011 Festival marks the 99th celebration of the original gift of the 3,000 cherry trees by the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, DC in 1912. Visit the
event's website for more details and a schedule of events. The Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the largest events in the District each year, so it is important to plan ahead and make sure you are aware of the transportation options that are available.
MAP WITH ALL TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
Looking for the best way to get to the Cherry Blossom Festival? Check out this
great map to explore transporation options surrounding the festival's events.
WALKING
One of the best ways to take in the sights of any city is by foot, and that’s especially true in Washington, DC at cherry blossom time. With the vitality of spring and pleasant weather, enjoy the trip to the blossoms by foot, with landmarks and statuesque monuments along the way. The cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are short walks from many Metro stations, including: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Federal Triangle Foggy Bottom–GWU L’Enfant Plaza Smithsonian
BIKING
Several major bicycle trails make their way to and through Washington, DC. The national capital region is extremely bicycle-friendly and readily accessible to riders of nearly every skill level. Maps are available at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association website.
On all three weekends of the Festival, Valet Bike Parking, sponsored by goDCgo, will be available at the Jefferson Memorial on Saturdays and Sundays 10 AM – 6 PM. On Weekdays those racks will be open and available for use which cyclists can utilize with their own locks.
During the Festival, the National Park Service will place bike racks at Independence Avenue & 15th Street, SW, close to the Tidal Basin, which bikers with their own locks can utilize for free. Capital Bikeshare will have staff on hand to assist with bike rentals and docking at the station at Independence Avenue and 12th Street, all three weekends of the festival from 11 AM – 5 PM.
Capital Bikeshare offers 1100+ bikes at 114 stations in the District and Arlington. Members can join for $5 per day, $15 for 5 days, $25 for a month and $75 for an annual membership. Take a bike from any station, enjoy your ride, and return it to the station of your choice. Trips under 30 minutes are free.
DC CIRCULATOR
Easy access to Downtown attractions and museums via the
DC Circulator allows you to come early or stay late and take advantage of more than just cherry blossoms! The DC Circulator is all about downtown Washington, DC. Its five routes link cultural, entertainment and business destinations within the city’s central core.
METRO
Metro opens doors and gets you to most National Cherry Blossom Festival events. View Metrobus and Metrorail station maps on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority website. For a more enjoyable trip, take Metrorail during non-rush hours to the Smithsonian Station (Blue/Orange lines). Alternatively, the L’Enfant Plaza Station (Blue/Yellow/Green lines), 7th Street & Maryland Avenue exit, is only an extra 10-minute walk to the blossoms and much less crowded. To determine point-to-point directions and trip times, use Metro’s Trip Planner. Customers are encouraged to use their SmarTrip® to receive a 25¢ discount per trip.
Click here for Metrorail fares.