Visiting Washington D.C.’s Cherry Blossoms in 2025
Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossoms are as iconic as the Washington Monument or U.S. Capital.
Thousands of cherry blossoms bloom throughout Washington most notably 3,800 around the Tidal Basin each spring. The spectacular display attracts over 1.5 million visitors each year.
Cherry trees with the Jefferson Memorial in the background.
We have visited Washington dozens of times but the thought of facing huge crowds has kept us away during cherry blossom time.
Last year we found ourselves in Washington for a commercial photo shoot right in the middle of cherry blossom season. We decided to head to the Tidal Basin to check out the blooms and we are so happy we did.
People walk along the Tidal Basin.
The first thing to remember is that it’s going to be crowded. Keep a positive attitude knowing it’s crowded because it’s beautiful.
The best way to lessen those crowds is to go very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Not only will the crowds be less but the early or late light will make great photos.
Unfortunately on our recent trip, it was cloudy but I know from experience that there are few places like the National Mall at dusk.
History of Washington D.C.’s cherry blossoms.
For hundreds of years, the people of Japan have celebrated the spring cherry blossom bloom.
Many people in the late 1800s and early 1900s including Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore, Dr. David Fairchild, and Eliza Scidmore tried to convince government officials to plant cherry trees in the Tidal Basin area.
The idea didn’t get much traction until in 1909 Scidmore reached out to the new First Lady, Helen Herron Taft.
Taft, who lived in Japan for a while, used her influence and within the year Tokyo's Mayor, Yukio Ozaki, had donated 2,000 cherry blossom trees.
Where to see Washington’s cherry blossoms
The Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin is the iconic spot to see the cherry blossoms. The 2.1-mile loop allows a view of many of Washington’s monuments as well as the cherry blossoms.
We’ll go into more detail about visiting the Tidal Basin below.
U.S. National Arboretum
Located on the border of Maryland The National Arboretum has 900 flowering cherry trees. Not only is the Arboretum much quieter than the Tidal Basin but they have a wider variety of trees so there is a better chance that you’ll see blooms at the time of your visit.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in both the United States and North America, and it is one of the ten largest churches in the world.
Add 150 cherry trees and east Metro access and you’ve got a great place to visit.
Dumbarton Oaks
During a visit to Dumbarton Oaks, you’ll be treated to not only cherry trees but also a wide variety of flowers and trees.
The on-site museum houses a world-class collection of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art so there is lots to see in addition to the cherry trees.
Cherry blossoms with the Washington Monument in the background.
When do the cherry blossoms bloom in Washington?
The 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20 to April 13, 2025.
The timing of the cherry tree blooms varies depending on the weather. The National Park Service website hosts Bloom Watch and Cherry Blossom Cam, where you can watch the Tidal Basin live.
Cherry Blossom Festival Activities
Blossom Kite Festival - March 30, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bring your own kite or children can make their own during a workshop.
Petalpalooza - April 6, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The festival celebrates art and music at the Capital Riverfront at the Yards (Navy Yard Metro stop). It is capped off with fireworks.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade - April 13, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
One of Washington’s largest events, the parade runs for 10 blocks along Constitution Avenue. The parade includes balloons, marching bands, and floats.
How to visit the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin
We’d suggest taking the Metro to the Smithsonian stop and walking to the Japanese Lantern.
Following the path past the Martin Luther King Memorial.
Continue along the path to the FDR Memorial and the Japanese Pagoda.
Cross over the Ohio Drive Bridge to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
At this point, you could loop back around to the National Mall or head to The Wharf. We decided to visit The Wharf DC and have lunch at one of the many restaurants and take the Metro from L'Enfant Plaza.
You can read all about the Wharf in our blog post: Visiting The Wharf DC in Washington
Police block off driving lanes to create wider sidewalks during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
We’d advise not driving to the Tidal Basin area during Cherry Blossom time. Not only is the traffic very heavy but parking is scarce.
If you do have a car there is parking both at The Wharf and L’Enfant Plaza. From there you can walk to the cherry blossoms.
So be brave, head into the crowds, and enjoy a very nice day with nature right in the middle of Washington D.C. We are very happy we finally did.
This post was researched and written by John of the Empty Nest Explorers. You can learn more about the Empty Nest Explorers here
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