Many have said that on a sunny day when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, Washington, DC, is the most beautiful city in the world.
The cherry blossoms have shocked us this year by reaching peak bloom two weeks earlier than expected. If you want to see the blossoms at their most beautiful, GO NOW, rain or shine, as the peak blossoms usually last only four days; and if there is a storm or high winds, it could be even less!
DC gets 1.5 million tourists annually, and during Cherry Blossom Time it can seem like they are all here at once! Driving into the city can be a real challenge, so here are some tips to make your trip from Cameron Station a little easier: 
Photo courtesy of Arlington Magazine
- Go very early or late in the day.
- Check the weather forecast before you head out: it’s always best to take an umbrella.
- Use the Metro. Travel from the Van Dorn Metro Station to the Smithsonian Station, which is .7 miles to the Tidal Basin; the L’Enfant Plaza Station is about a mile walk.
- Rent paddle boats at the Tidal Basin…you will avoid crowded paths and get great pictures.
- DC also has a bike ride share program, and there are scooters, as well.
- There are a variety of Cherry Blossom Sightseeing and Dining Cruises offered through City Experiences (click HERE for more information), including a water taxi route from Alexandria to Georgetown that provides a good view of the blossoms.
- Once in DC, there are a few guided tours via viator.com (to visit the website, click HERE).
- If you must drive, be prepared for gridlock. Remember—you need to go over a bridge to get there. Consider parking downtown and using Uber/Lyft or the DC Circulator bus. City buses 32, 34, and 36 can also get you to the National Mall. Look for a downtown parking lot that will take reservations.
- Above all, expect crowds, and bring your patience!
There are three major events during the Cherry Blossom Festival:
March 26 is the Opening Ceremony to commemorate the 1912 gift of the 3,000 trees from Tokyo, Japan. There is no charge to participate, but people do need to register to attend, and advance tickets are sold out. However, some walk-ups may be allowed. Click HERE for more information.
March 30 is the Annual Kite Festival on the National Mall. Make a homemade kite and fly it—there are prizes for the best kites.
April 13 is the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. The parade is 10 blocks along Constitution Avenue NW, between 7 and 17 streets.
Enjoy!
Follow