Enjoy Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Style

Spring is festive time in our nation’s capital as we welcome the annual Cherry Blossoms! It marks a time of hope, renewal and beauty. Each year, we wait eagerly for estimates of peak bloom time so we can enjoy all their splendor. When the kids were young, we walked along the Tidal Basin with our strollers, ate picnic lunches under the cherry trees and had fun paddle boating alongside them. As Modern Empty Nesters, we have even more opportunities to enjoy these beauties. Walk under the trees, attend a cherry blossom event with friends or eat a cherry blossom inspired meal with your spouse throughout the city! So many fun ways to Enjoy Washington DC, Cherry Blossom Style!

This year, peak bloom time estimated by the National Park Service is between March 22-25. However, unusually warm temperatures in DC are creating earlier peak bloom predictions for 2023. Whether early or peak bloom, the city celebrates these pink beauties in all their glory. Head to Washington, DC and stay for the weekend. Enjoy Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Style with this action packed list!

When did Cherry Blossoms Arrive in Washington D.C.

Cherry trees arrived in Washington, D.C. in 1912. They were a gift from Japan, as a symbol of friendship from the People of Japan to the People of the United States. This gift of 3,000 beautiful cherry trees, or sakura, were planted at the Tidal Basin by First Lady Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador Chinda, in a ceremony on March 27, 1912. Sakura symbolizes rebirth, renewal and new beginnings.

Cherry Blossoms Up Close in Washington, DC

You can enjoy cherry blossoms at several locations throughout the city! Grab your good walking shoes, have your camera ready and Enjoy Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Style!

• Tidal Basin: The Tidal Basin is your first stop to enjoy the wave of pink cherry blossoms. Walk along the tree covered path toward the Jefferson Memorial. Grab a paddleboat and watch them in full view. Peak season brings big crowds, so plan your visit accordingly.

• The 2023 National Cherry Blossom Parade: Washington D,C.’s annual Cherry Blossom Parade will take place on Saturday, April 15, 2023 along Consititution Ave from 10am-Noon. Enjoy master of ceremony Carson Daly welcome performances by C+C Music Factory and more! Mickey and Minnie will travel to D.C. from Walt Disney World. You can get your Grandstand tickets here.
• The Blossom Kite Festival: Colors fly high in the sky on the National Mall during the Blossom Kite Festival. This year, the festival takes place on the grounds of the Washington Monument on March 25 from 10am – 4:30. For more information, click here. The Washington Monument is a short walk to the Tidal Basin where you can walk amongst the cherry blossoms.
• The Wharf: A stay at the Washington, D.C. Wharf is a perfect location to enjoy everything Cherry Blossom in Washington, D.C. Just a short walk away from the Tidal Basin, the Wharf is home to numerous restaurants, music venues and the luxe Intercontinental Hotel, Hilton and others! The Wharf will celebrate spring with the Bloomaroo Festival, a free event held on Saturday, April 1st from 2pm-9pm with live music, games and activities followed by a fireworks show at 8:30pm. A stay at the Wharf will be the perfect view!
• Spa Weekend at Salamander DC: Enjoy cherry blossom views with a weekend getway at the new Salamander DC (formerly Mandarin Oriental). Located between the Tidal Basin and The Wharf, its a short walk away from everything cherry blossom!
• Navy Yard: Celebrate Spring with Petalpalooza at The Yards in Navy Yard on Saturday, April 8th from 1pm-9pm. Make it a staycation or getaway weekend with a stay at Thompson Washington, DC. Experience views of the Potomac and enjoy the fireworks show that evening at 8:30pm from their rooftop bar!
• PixelBloom at ARTECHOUSE: See ARTECHOUSE’s virtual exhibit of Timeless Butterflies from March 11 – June 11, featuring cherry blossoms and a kaleidescope of butterflies. A color explosion!

• DC Cherry Blossom Tour: Enjoy a 4 hour monument tour seeing DCs famous landmarks, including the White House, and famous cherry blossoms. Learn more here.
• Moonlit Monument Electric Cart Tour: Monument pictures at night are stunning. Enjoy a small group, private tour visiting D.C.’s monuments at night in an electric cart. Super fun and unique experience! Learn more here.

• Enjoy D.C. on Bike: Enjoy the flexibility of riding your bike along paths, museums and monuments. Great way to experience the city up close, get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful weather! Learn more here.
• Explore D.C. by Segway: Take a guided, small group tour of the nations capitol by segway and learn history while gliding away. Click here for this one-of-a-kind experience!

Cherry Blossom Time For Foodies in Washington, DC

• High Tea: Cherry Blossom high tea is quite a treat. You can experience beautiful, cherry blossom themed tea time at the Salamander DC, Willard Intercontinental, Waldorf Astoria and the Fairmont Hotel. Be sure to book in advance!

• Cherry Blossom Brunch: Dolce Vita will offer a five course, fixed price brunch. Dovetail will offer a three-course brunch menu from March 20-April 16th!
• Cherry Blossom Themed Dinner: Luxe Dupont Circle Pembroke Restaurant has a special cherry blossom prix fixe menu and cherry blossom inspired cocktails. Moon Rabbit at The Wharf will offer a beautiful, cherry blossom themed dinner. Surveyor at Thompson DC Navy Yard will offer seasonal, cherry blossom themed fare from March 20 – April 16.
• Party Time: Dirty Habit DC located in Hotel Monaco is celebrating Sakura season by hosting Cherry Night Dirty Habit DC on March 31st at 7pm. A DJ, special menu, and inspired drinks by their mixologist come alive that evening! Attendees are encouraged to wear pink! On April 3, The Willard Intercontinental will host an afternoon Rose Soiree in their floral filled courtyard, featuring rose wines, food stations and live music. A Katana Kitten x Silver Lyan One Weekend-Only Collab at Silver Lyan will host a pop-up collaboration at The Riggs from March 31-April 2.
• Sweet Treats and Coffee: Dog Tag Bakery will be serving beautiful cherry blossom inspired bake treats beginning March 17th! All purchases support veterans and military families. Compass Coffee locations will offer a seasonal Cherry Blossom blend and drinks. Dolce Gelati will have cherry blossom flavored gelato. And Georgetown Cupcake will have their seasonal cherry blossom cupcake!

Festive Cherry Blossom Season in Washington, DC

No doubt, cherry blossom season is a festive time in Washington, DC! The city comes alive celebrating these beauties with events, cherry blossom inspired cocktails and meals fit for foodies! Whether you’re a local or making it a weekend getaway, don’t miss an opportunity to Enjoy Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Style!