For locals and visitors alike, the annual bloom of Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossoms is a highly anticipated event. Not only does it mark the arrival of spring—a sign that we’re done with snowpocalypses, snowmageddons, or (as they called it when I was a kid) blizzards—it also creates a beautiful backdrop to some of the capital’s most famous landmarks. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, I always looked forward to venturing downtown to see the springtime skyline or catch the art performances, craft sessions, or live music put on during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
This year, the annual festival will happen from March 20 to April 13, with peak bloom expected March 28–31. Whether you plan to join in on the festivities or simply enjoy the cherry blossoms that line the District’s skyline each spring, here’s how to see Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossoms in 2025.
When can you see cherry blossoms in D.C.?
Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossoms typically bloom in late March or early April. In 2024, peak bloom was March 17, although the EPA says that rising temperatures due to climate change are pushing the peak bloom date earlier: In 15 of the past 20 years, peak bloom has come before April 4 (the average bloom date over the past century).
The National Park Service anticipates a peak bloom between March 28 and 31 this year, but you can expect to see flowers begin to emerge before then. Peak bloom happens when 70 percent of the flowers have opened, and “the best viewing of the cherry blossom trees typically lasts four to seven days after peak bloom begins,” says former Destination DC staffer Julie Marshall.
Even the most popular cherry blossom viewing locations are less crowded early and late in the day.
Photo by f11photo/Shutterstock
The National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a three-week-long series of events meant to celebrate the beauty of the iconic flowers, as well as the long-standing friendship between Japan and the United States. It has been an annual occurrence in Washington, D.C., since 1935. Here are some highlights from the 2025 program:
Opening Ceremony
The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s opening ceremony (tickets $5) will take place at the Warner Theatre on Saturday, March 22, starting at 5:00 p.m, which includes the annual lighting of the Japanese stone lantern. It was given by the people of Japan in 1954 as a symbol of their reemerging relationship with the United States after World War II. This year, the ceremony will feature performances by Seiwa Bunraku, a traditional puppetry troupe from Kumamoto Prefecture and tap dancer Kazunori Kumagai.
Blossom Kite Festival
The annual kite-flying event swoops back into action on Saturday, March 29, on the Mall and at satellite parks around D.C. Bring your own colorful kite or simply watch others taking advantage of the gentle spring breezes.
The best places to see cherry blossoms in D.C.
With nearly 3,800 trees surrounding D.C. monuments and landmarks, the National Mall and Tidal Basin are the most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. If you have your heart set on these sites, you can avoid some of the crowds by visiting early in the morning or around sunset. However, the trees also put on a spectacular show at other, lesser-known areas throughout the District.
Hains Point Loop Trail in East Potomac Park
Venture away from the crowds at Tidal Basin with a 4.1-mile loop hike on the Hains Point Loop Trail, in neighboring East Potomac Park. Along the loop, which begins and ends at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, you’ll find a variety of cherry blossom trees and scenic vistas of the Potomac River, Washington Channel, and Anacostia River.
U.S. National Arboretum
Located in northeast Washington, D.C., 15–30 minutes’ drive from the National Mall, the National Arboretum is home to a large botanical collection, including more than two dozen varieties of cherry trees. Each spring, visitors are greeted with an array of pink, white, and red cherry blossoms, which flower at slightly different times. As for avoiding crowds, the National Arboretum has two things working in its favor: It’s less well known and, at 412 acres (312 football fields), more spread out. Drive, walk, or bike along the Arboretum’s three-mile, self-guided cherry blossom tour to catch the springtime foliage.
The Gardens of Dumbarton Oaks
A beautiful (and relatively less visited) historic estate in D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood, Dumbarton Oaks offers a small, insider destination for cherry blossom spotting in the garden’s Cherry Hill.
“In addition to the Yoshino cherry that visitors encounter at the Tidal Basin, Cherry Hill also contains five other varieties, each with nuanced hues and overlapping bloom times,” says Jonathan Kavalier, Dumbarton Oaks’s director of gardens and grounds. But cherries aren’t the only flower on display. “Earlier visitors can see a stunning specimen of Japanese apricot in flower in February, and an allée of double-flowering plums in March.”
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
An architectural icon at any time of the year, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in northeast D.C. is an extra special sight when its 150 cherry trees bloom each spring. It’s also considered somewhat of a secret cherry blossom viewing spot, making it a choice place for avoiding crowds (and also finding parking).
The National Harbor is an underrated place for cherry blossom viewing.
Courtesy The National Harbor
National Harbor
The National Harbor, which sits just outside the southeast edge of D.C. in Maryland, has more than 200 Okame cherry trees whose vibrant pink flowers tend to bloom earlier than the Yoshinos that line the Tidal Basin. “Because our trees bloom early, we can provide visitors with a longer opportunity to view cherry blossoms in the Washington, D.C. region,” said Jackie Saunders, former AVP of Marketing at National Harbor.
As part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Harbor hosts an event called Sakura Sunday on Sunday, March 30. It will feature a mix of activities, such as culinary and painting classes and showcases of Japanese-inspired art.
Cherry blossom water taxi
Another fun way to see the flowers (and get around) is by boat on the Potomac Water Taxi, which stops at the National Harbor, Alexandria, the Wharf, and Georgetown on an hour-long (one-way) ride along the Potomac (from $22). During the festival, advance reservations are recommended.
Where to stay in Washington, D.C. during cherry blossom season
If you want to spend the night in D.C., choose a place to stay that’s close to the cherry blossoms. Navigating parking or public transportation can be a crowded mess (although public transit remains a better option than driving), so consider booking a hotel within walking or biking distance of the trees.
The Willard InterContinental
- Location: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW | Find on Google Maps
- Book now: The Willard, washington.intercontinental.com
The Willard hosted Japan’s first delegation to the United States in 1860 and continues to decorate its grand lobby with cherry trees. After a morning of taking in beautiful blossoms outdoors, give your feet a break with afternoon tea at the hotel. Enjoy unique finger sandwiches, such as tarragon and cognac-infused lobster salad on brioche, and sweets like vanilla and sugar plum scones.
The Graham Georgetown
- Location: 1075 Thomas Jefferson St. NW | Find on Google Maps
- Book now: The Graham Georgetown
Although this small boutique hotel isn’t as close to the main action as others, the Graham Georgetown is near one of our favorite, lesser-known cherry blossom sites: the gardens of Dumbarton Oaks. With a retro-yet-trendy D.C. aesthetic, rooftop bar, and convenient M Street location, it also immerses guests fully in Georgetown’s historic appeal.
If you want to visit the National Mall and Tidal Basin, it’s an easy three-mile bike ride on a path that hugs the Potomac and skirts past some of the District’s famous landmarks.
Salamander DC
- Location: 1330 Maryland Ave. SW | Find on Google Maps
- Book now: Salamander DC, salamanderdc.com
Overlooking the Tidal Basin, the Salamander (formerly the Mandarin Oriental) is the closest hotel to this popular cherry blossom viewing site. The luxurious hotel’s courtyard has a handful of cherry trees planted by the granddaughter of Yukio Ozaki, the Tokyo mayor who gave the original trees to the United States in 1912.
Canopy by Hilton Washington DC the Wharf
- Location: 975 7th St. SW | Find on Google Maps
- Book now: Canopy by Hilton, hilton.com
The Wharf, a vibrant strip along the Potomac River with waterfront dining, shopping, and entertainment, is one mile from the Tidal Basin, the epicenter of the blooms. This outpost of Hilton’s Canopy brand aims to give guests a modern experience infused with local character and nautical charm.
Hotel Zena
- Location: 1155 14th St. NW | Find on Google Maps
- Book now: Hotel Zena, viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
Opened in 2020 by the Viceroy Hotel Group, Hotel Zena offers 191 guest rooms in Washington, D.C.’s Logan Circle neighborhood, roughly one mile from the Tidal Basin. This hotel celebrates female empowerment through mischievous art installations and cheeky design details that honor cultural and historical female icons, including an extraordinary mural of the late, great Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
This article was originally published in 2021 and most recently updated on March 3, 2025, with current information.
