There are a few times of year that consistently draw spectacular numbers of locals and tourists alike to Washington, D.C. Every spring, the tidal basin is engulfed in light pinks and whites as the cherry blossoms come into bloom, accenting the marble monuments. In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gifted the trees to the United States. The first festival took place in 1927, and every year since, the Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the friendship between the two countries. The Cherry Blossom festival runs over the course of several weeks, culminating with a parade and street festival in mid-April.
When to See the Blooms
One of the big mysteries of spring in DC is when peak bloom will occur. The National Park Service has a website (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm) dedicated to watching the progression of the blooms and predicting peak bloom. The NPS defines peak bloom as the day when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open. After reaching peak bloom, the blossoms typically last a few days to a week, depending on weather conditions.
Due to the popularity and short lifespan of the cherry blossoms (typically not longer than a week), you can count on a crowd around the basin when the trees are in bloom. This is the only time in my life I have ever been in a “traffic jam” of pedestrians. At a complete standstill in a crowd, unable to progress forward.
If you want to avoid the worst of the crowds, you can make an early morning trip down to the blossoms and watch the sunrise over the monuments. While still crowded, you are sure to miss the worst of the crowds this way. There’s also something so serene about watching the sunrise over the Tidal Basin, the darkness lifting to illuminate a sunny spring day.
While the peak bloom for the blossoms has now passed, spring is such a beautiful time in the city! Check out some images from my morning in the city and plan your trip for next year.
Still looking to get your floral fix? Check out these other areas around the city!
- National Botanic Garden
- National Arboretum
- Dumbarton Oaks
- Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens – Lotuses and water lilies will be in bloom in June and July!
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