March 16, 2017

Top Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in DC

Here in Washington, DC, spring signifies more than just the arrival of warm weather—the season marks the blooming of our world-famous cherry blossom trees, symbolizing the natural beauty of our nation’s capital city.  

Each spring, the cherry trees take over the Tidal Basin, drawing thousands of visitors to a sea of pale pink and white blossoms at the Jefferson Memorial. While the Basin is home to the official Welcome Center and a majority of the cherry trees, it is not the only location in the city to marvel at the pink petals. Avoid the crowds and witness the beauty of the cherry trees at these lesser-known locations:

Hains Point/East Potomac Park

If you’re already at the Tidal Basin, take a short walk down to East Potomac park, across the Washington Channel from The Wharf and Maine Ave Fish Market. Here you can enjoy a game of tennis or golf, or simply walk around the island with river views to one side and blossoms to the other.

The best way to reach East Potomac Park is by bike. There are two Capital Bikeshare Stations at East Potomac Park—one at the Jefferson Memorial and another at Hains Point/Buckeye & Ohio Dr SW by the tennis courts.

US National Arboretum

The US National Arboretum is home to a myriad of plants and horticulture, including cherry blossom trees. You can access the Arboretum via the B2 and X8 Metrobus routes. There is also a Capital Bikeshare station at 24th & R St/National Arboretum near the park entrance.

National Cathedral

Hop on DC Circulator’s Georgetown-Union Station route (up Wisconsin Ave) to get to the National Cathedral and take in the beauty of the blossoms set against the gothic architecture of the Cathedral.

Bonus tip: Take binoculars and try to spot the Darth Vader grotesque on the northwest tower!

Foxhill Village

Take a walk among picturesque Tudor-style homes in the Foxhall Village neighborhood to see the cherry trees at Hardy Recreation Center. To get there, board the D5 Metrobus from Georgetown and disembark at MaCarthur Rd NW and Q St NW to begin your stroll.

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

The Hillwood estate is famous for being the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post’s collection of Faberge eggs, but take a walk through the grounds to find cherry trees this spring. Take Metrorail’s Red Line to Van Ness-UDC station or the L1 Metrobus to the corner of Connecticut Ave NW and Tilden St NW to walk to the estate.

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We’ve partnered with the National Cherry Blossom Festival to bring you a free walking tour of the blossoms.

 Share your adventure with us! Tag @goDCgo.