Why are there so many Cherry Blossom Trees in Washington DC?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs every year from March to April, commemorates the gift of approximately 3,000 cherry trees from the Mayor of Tokyo to the United States in 1912. The gift celebrates the friendship between the Japanese and American people.
What is the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC?
Peak bloom is when 70% of the iconic cherry blossoms open on the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.
When is the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC?
The 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival is March 20 – April 14.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Washington DC?
The cherry blossom trees bloom in March - April, but the short window is hard to predict far in advance. Check the bloom watch website to get more accurate forecasts. It's best if you are flexible with your travel schedule to go once the peak bloom season is announced!
The full blooming period lasts from several days to up to two weeks, depending on weather conditions. One year I traveled to Washington DC right after a rainstorm to only find all the blossoms on the floor! Poor luck, but that's how it is with these fleeting beauties.
When will 2024 peak cherry blossom bloom dates be available?
The peak period is predicted by the National Park Service at the Festival kick-off press conference in early March of each year.
It's hard to predict far in advance, and they usually only have about a 10-day forecast. Even if your trip misses the peak, you can still see trees throughout and catch a glimpse of the blossoms as well as participate in the Festival activities throughout the City.
Where to see Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC?
The Tidal Basin
Where: West Potomac Park, Washington, D.C., U.S
Tickets/ Cost: Free
Time: Open 24/7 to pedestrian traffic
While you can see cherry blossoms in several places in Washington DC, the most famous by far is the Tidal Basin. Thousands of cherry blossom trees line the waterline making it a dreamy scene with several important monuments next to it. It's famous for landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Smithsonian museums, and the White House.
US National Arboretum
Where: 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
Tickets/ Cost: Free, no tickets
Time: Everyday 8 AM–5 PM
Pack a picnic and head to the US National Arboretum to recline under the cherry blossom trees. The US Arboretum boasts 446 sprawling acres and 9.5 miles of roadways (both cars and bikes are allowed here). The Arboretum is home to several varieties of cherry trees, including three different hybrids that were developed on site. Cherries aren’t the only flowering trees at the Arboretum; visitors this spring will be treated to dogwoods, magnolias, crab apple, and other flowering trees.
Arlington National Cemetery
Where: Arlington, VA
Tickets/ Cost: Free, tickets if you would like to join the tour
Time: Everyday 8 AM–5 PM
The Arlington National Cemetery is beautiful final resting place for more than 400,000 service members and their families. Throughout the 624 acres are 417 cherry trees, including a species that blooms in November! The cemetery’s website provides a helpful guide to landscape’s flowering trees.
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