7 Tips for Cherry Blossom Viewing Success in Washington, DC
I have mentioned in other posts that I live right outside of Washington, DC, and I just realized that this is the perfect time to discuss DC. Why you ask? Because we’ve just begun a time of year that many look forward to.
Welcome to Cherry Blossom season!
As a local, this is both my favorite and least favorite time in DC. With the flowers in bloom and spring around the corner, you can feel the city come to life. With that, though, come many tourists, causing high traffic and low mindfulness.
First, I will take you through the history of these magic trees, then follow it up with the 7 things you should do to make your time in DC easy and fun!
History of DC’s Cherry Blossoms
You are wondering, “why do I need a history lesson if I am coming just to see some trees?” Call me a nerd, but I think it is important to research the area you are going to—especially if it is during a big celebration.
In my case, I love to learn the history of the places I go to. I think it’s really cool to have that knowledge and think about it when wandering around. For the cherry blossoms, it is truly special to see the friendship we, as a country, have with another country!
What friendship, you ask? Aha! You now see what I’m getting at. Read on to learn more.
Most people know that in 1912 the Mayor of Tokyo gifted the United States about 3,000 cherry trees. But there is more to this story. But before I get into the story, I want to share that it is important to learn the history of places you go. It is important to
In 1909, First Lady Helen Taft received a letter from Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore, a local author and member of the National Geographic Society. She detailed a plan to plant cherry trees around the Tidal Basin. Mrs. Taft responded to the letter by agreeing to the project but had some minor changes to the layout of the trees.
The Japanese consul was informed about the plan and offered to donate approximately 2,000 trees. The first batch arrived in Washington, DC, in 1910.
Sadly, the trees were infested with insects, so President Taft agreed to have them burned a few days later. The mayor of Tokyo and others from Japan donated another batch of cherry trees to the Capitol.
In March of 1912, approximately 3,000 trees arrived in the district. The gift of these trees celebrates the friendship between the Japanese and American people. Those trees still stand today with a small plaque commemorating the event.
The flowering cherry tree, or "Sakura," is a critical flowering plant in Japan. The beauty of the cherry blossom is a symbol with rich meaning in Japanese culture.
Types of Cherry Trees
Before I go into some of my favorite tips for the Cherry Blossom season, I wanted to share that two varieties of trees are most common in DC: Yoshino and Kwanzan. Most of the trees that encircle the Tidal Basin and some near the Washington Monument grounds are Yoshino cherry trees. These trees produce blossoms that create this white cloud surrounding the Tidal Basin.
My favorite cherry tree, the Kwanzan, blooms about two weeks after the Yoshinos. This type is found in East Potomac Park and produces a heavy cluster of double pink blossoms.
If you want to learn more about these trees, I recommend checking out the National Park Service Website, where they break down these other varieties of cherry trees.
Tips to Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms!
These tips below will help you save the trees, your time, your patience, and us locals. Let's go!
1. Please DO NOT sit, pull, touch, or climb on the trees
I see people do this every year, and I will walk up to those people and tell them not to do it. These trees are fragile, and they will break. Remember, they’ve been here since 1912.
Sadly, if a tree breaks, they have to remove the whole tree because it can't be saved. Find a park ranger if you feel uncomfortable telling people not to do that, and please help us locals keep these amazing trees alive and in one piece.
2. Be mindful about pictures
It’s great to take pictures. Hell, half the city pretends to be a photographer! But are you blocking the footpath so people can't get through even though you already have 10 of the same pictures? Other people are not paying attention to that, either, so sometimes it's kind of like cardio trying to dodge picture-takers and walkers.
Also, pay attention if you are walking, and try not to walk through someone’s picture—it’s just rude! And since you walked through their picture, they will end up taking another 20.
3. Be flexible with your time when visiting!
Each year around the end of February and the beginning of March, the National Park Service will predict the peak bloom time. Peak bloom means when 70 percent of the Yoshino cherry tree blossoms are open. This is HIGHLY dependent on the weather.
This year's peak bloom is 22-25 March 2023. But this still can change, depending on the weather. We could end up with snow or freezing temps, high winds, or even heavy rain—all of which can push the season back.
The main blooming period can last up to two weeks. As I mentioned above, the Kwanzan cherry blooms two weeks later. So, plenty of cherry blossoms will be seen and enjoyed.
4. Sunrise or Sunset, not in the middle
I've visited the blossoms very early in the morning a couple of times while running at the mall on a Saturday morning. The lighting was excellent for photos, and the crowds were minimal until about 10 am. I have also been out right before golden hour/sunset during a weekday, and just like sunrise, there were fewer people, and the lighting was great for photos. But anything between 10 am and 5 pm on a weekday or weekend is just chaos. I used to work a 10-minute walk from the Tidal Basin and went out on my lunch break—it was not worth it.
Also, consider other viewing perspectives, like from a kayak on the water. If you want a ride on the popular pedal boats at the Tidal Basin, check a few weeks before your visit.
5. Free guided tour with the rangers!
Over the years, the National Park Service has provided various Ranger-led programs focused on the Cherry Blossoms. These programs vary yearly and may include daily ranger talks, Junior Ranger activities, or weekend lantern walks.
Check the National Park website for up-to-date program information. You can also check out Free Tours by Foot for guided tours. It offers special tours during the Cherry Blossom season.
6. Use Public Transportation
While there are options for metered street parking around the National Mall, many spots are only good for 3 hours, and parking is expensive! Also, traffic is awful during this time, especially during rush hour. So, take the metro to save time, money, and patience.
If you plan to take it, you can preorder your SmarTrip card online or get it when you arrive. This card will allow you to get on the metro and switch to the bus. You can also take DC Circulator, which is just $1. Or if you’re looking for something you won’t find just anywhere, you can even take a water taxi.
If you plan to take the metro, use the blue, orange, or silver lines and exit at the Smithsonian Metro. ONLY go here during off-peak times! Peak times are horrible, and you will wait forever to get in and out of the station. I recommend getting off at Federal Triangle and walking to the Mall from there. It's a tad longer walk to the basin but much more accessible.
You can also take Uber and Lyft, but I definitely do not recommend them during rush hour. That would be one expensive ride!
7. Skip the tidal basin!
"Bel, what the hell are you saying?! That’s my whole point of going to DC!”If that’s your sole purpose for coming to DC, do it! But if you want to see cherry blossoms without crowds, skip the basin and check out the places below so you can still enjoy the blossoms without it being too crazy!
Washington Monument
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
MLK Jr. Memorial
WWII Memorial
United States National Arboretum
Dumbarton Oaks (Georgetown)
Hains Point (East Potomac Park)
Kenworth neighborhood (Bethesda, MD)
Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington, VA)
I hope these tips help you to have a great and magical trip in DC! It really is an enchanting time in the city.
Have you been here during cherry blossom season before? What tips can you add to this list? Tell us all about your experience in the comments!
