Meaghan Webster | Public Affairs

The most common places to enjoy cherry blossom peak bloom in DC and how to avoid the biggest crowds.

I live in Washington, DC, and by that I mean the actual city – so I’ve spent a lot of time enjoying our urban nature scene. That includes one of the most popular times of year to visit the District and enjoy our trees: Cherry Blossom Season!

Visiting, and looking for the best way to enjoy these flowering trees in their peak bloom? Interested in getting off the beaten path and maybe avoiding some crowds? Keep reading below.

The Obvious, and Most Crowded (the Monuments)

Let’s get the most popular option out of the way first: you can always visit the National Mall and the Tidal Basin (which holds the Jefferson Memorial) to see our iconic cherry blossom trees.

I don’t recommend driving. The roads around the tidal basin get extremely congested this time of year. Instead, I recommend taking the metro and/or walking. It’s a great way to see more trees on your way to the monuments anyway!

Closest metro stations: Smithsonian, L’Enfant Plaza, Federal Triangle, or Foggy Bottom. All involve 20 minutes of walking.

Less Crowded, and More Parking: The National Arboretum

Another popular but less crowded place to see DC’s iconic cherry blossoms is the National Arboretum. The arboretum is northeast of the city center and has large parking lots, making it easier to access for visitors coming from out of town. It is not accessible via metro, but there is a bus line nearby, and people often bike there.

The arboretum has specific hours of operation, so be sure to check the website before navigating there. Enjoy all the trees and wide open space for walking.

Most Chill: Residential Neighborhoods

Locals know that sometimes during peak bloom, it’s best to avoid the popular spots altogether, and just take a walk through their neighborhood. You’re bound to see plenty of cherry blossoms in residential areas in DC!

My favorite areas to stroll include Capitol Hill, the waterfront, and NoMa, but cherries of many types are planted all over the city, so just set out for a long walk and explore.

While it can be easier to find street parking in residential areas, your best bet is always to take metro or the bus and avoid the parking hassle.

Thanks for reading, and happy spring!