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Introduction to the National Cherry Blossom Festival
The Cherry Blossom Festival, started in 1927, welcomes 1.5 million visitors each year to the nation’s capitol. It takes place from mid March until early April. The Japanese cherry trees, that line the National Mall and appear all over DC, greet visitors and locals alike with the sweetness of springtime. It’s a time to celebrate the beauty of nature, join in festivities, and spend quality time with loved ones.
Since the original cherry trees were planted, locals and travelers have marveled at their beauty each spring. The National Park Service and the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. create spectacular programming relating to the trees, the National Mall, and springtime in DC. Even though the blooms only last for a short time, the Festival lasts more than a month.
Cherry Blossom History and Significance
Mrs. Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore is the primary motivator of the cherry trees' arrival in the United States. After visiting her brother in Japan in 1885, Mrs. Scidmore began a grassroots campaign to bring Japanese flowering cherry trees to the United States. Eliza was an author, travel writer, newspaper correspondent and photographer and used those platforms to lobby for her trees.
Finally, in 1908 she found an ally in David Fairchild, who worked for the Department of Agriculture. He experimented with planting various varieties on his property in suburban Maryland and when they thrived he began supplying them to DC schoolyards. This successful effort inspired Mrs. Scidmore to develop a plan to propagate trees over time through private subscriptions. When she wrote First Lady Helen Taft, for an endorsement of the idea, Mrs. Taft jumped into action to bring cherry trees to DC.
By 1910, the Japanese consul general had arranged the shipment of 2,000 trees to arrive in Seattle enroute to Washington, DC. Unfortunately, the trees arrived diseased and infested with insects and had to be burned. The mayor of Tokyo graciously offered to replace the trees and shipped 3,020 trees to the U.S. including twelve different varieties of cherry trees.
The trees were planted in the fall of March 1912 and thrived in their new location. For more than 100 years these trees have brought joy to locals and visitors alike. Unfortunately, only 100 original trees still exist although the Park Service, in conjunction with the US Botanical Garden, have been able to create descendants of the original trees to replace those that have died.
When to Visit: Best Time to See the Blossoms
The beauty of the cherry blossoms is undeniable, but the peak bloom is very difficult to predict. The National Park Service hosted their first press conference about the bloom predication on February 27th. From that point forward, they will regularly observe and update the stages of bloom development.
Typically, their forecasting is accurate within about 10 days of peak, but even small changes in DC weather can cause a sudden bloom or a delayed peak window. The blooms generally peak between March 15 and April 15 with most years falling the last week of March or the first week of April.
Top Spots to See the Cherry Blossoms in DC
The Tidal Basin is the best known place to see the blossoms in DC. The Basin is completely surrounded by cherry trees, some of which are original to the first planting. It is the busiest area in DC during the festival, but we know of other places where you can see original trees. Lower Senate Park, part of the series of parks leading from Union Station to the National Mall, has a grouping of Yashino cherry trees, the same variety as the ones seen at the Tidal Basin.
Our favorite location off the Mall is at the Library of Congress. On our Capitol Hill tour, we can take you to see an off the beaten track cherry tree with all of the beauty of the ones down the hill.
Festival Events You Can’t Miss
Sakura Taiko Fest - Taiko is the Japanese word for drum, but these performances extend beyond just the drum to include music and dance. The event will include an afternoon of performances by groups from across the country. The venue, the Sylvan theater, is an outdoor theater with seating right on the grounds of the Washington Monument. A truly iconic DC experience.
Blossom Kite Festival - A local favorite where you can participate in various competitions or just come out and watch the show. Colorful kites spread across the sky with the monuments of the National Mall in the backdrop. It competes with seeing the blossoms themselves.
Petalpalooza - While seeing the blossoms can be tough to predict, Petalpalooza allows your family to plan a fun day along the river, capped off with fireworks to celebrate this special time in DC.
Cherry Blossom Runs - One of the most popular events of the festival is the Cherry Blossom 10-miler. It’s a stunning course around the DC area. If you’re not up for 10 miles, there’s also a 5K and a kids run. Registration sells out quickly.
Festival Parade - This unique parade travels down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th St. This year, the parade’s special guests have lots of experience bringing crowds joy: Mickey and Minnie Mouse! Plus, no need to worry about bringing chairs or standing in the heat. You can reserve tickets for seating areas in advance.
How to Get Around During the Festival
Traffic in DC is notoriously some of the worst in the country. During the festival, we highly discourage accessing the Tidal Basin or other festival sites by car. Public transportation is always best, particularly the Metro train service which keeps you off the city streets.
On the busiest days, even train service can be challenging, so you’ll need to be more creative. Pedestrian access is always the easiest, but you can save some steps by renting bikes or scooters to get you closer to the sites. Always remember that pedestrians have the right of way so watch your speed when you approach event venues.
What to Wear and Pack for the Festival
Cherry Blossom weather can be quite unpredictable. While sun and warm weather will bring about the bloom, spring in DC can range between sunlit perfection and freezing precipitation. It is best to check the forecast carefully the day before your adventure. Plan to wear layers and good walking shoes. Given the challenges of getting to the Tidal Basin, it is worth bringing a picnic basket with snacks and drinks so you can stay awhile. There are also limited services, so consider bringing your own water.
Sustainable Tips for Enjoying the Festival Responsibly
The most important thing to remember is the cherry trees can be quite fragile. With Tidal Basin fluctuations, unpredictable DC weather, and limited soil resources, the trees already experience significant stress. While the National Park Service continually improves conditions for the trees, they need your help to ensure the enjoyment of future generations.
Please stick to paved paths where possible to avoid stepping on roots or disturbing the vital soil and mulch around the trees. Never climb on the cherry trees; not only is this bad for the trees, it can be dangerous. The tree may appear to be healthy, but branches can be hollowed or weakened without obvious outward signs and lead to falls.
Tempting though it may be, please do not break off flowers or branches as souvenirs. These actions can irreparably damage weakened trees or create open areas for disease or insects to enter a previously healthy tree.
As in all National Parks, if you carry the items in, please carry them back out. Pack up your trash and belongings before you leave the area. Dispose of trash in marked receptacles and if the can is full, please hold your trash until you come to the next available can.
Day Trip Ideas: Exploring D.C. Beyond the Blossoms
To get more out of your Cherry Blossom trip, consider traveling along the Mount Vernon trail on the Virginia side of the river. You can access the trail via Memorial Bridge and if you’re ambitious, you can walk all the way to Mount Vernon. You will have the chance to see the cherry blossoms from across the river, which is a special sight.
Speaking of the river, this is a wonderful time to consider kayaks or stand up paddle boarding. With rental facilities in Georgetown and at the Wharf there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. To stay in the immediate Tidal Basin area, there are pedal boat rentals available on the Constitution Ave side of the basin opposite the Jefferson Memorial.
From pirates to dinner cruises, there are a variety of boat experiences available where you don’t have to do any paddling. Many of these options offer indoor seating with large windows as the weather can be unpredictable at this time of year. Your photos from the river will be a unique souvenir from your trip to DC.
Accessibility and Accommodations for Festival Goers
The Cherry Blossom Festival and Tidal Basin do have drop off zones for those who do not feel comfortable walking into the site. However, access is along small historic roads which means traffic to these areas can be significant. Motorized accessibility scooters can be a good option, but check their range and ability before bringing or renting an accessibility scooter. Many places on the National Mall are a long way from charging stations or have rough terrain.
Related Article: Where to Stay in DC
Now you’re prepared to enjoy the best of the Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a truly unforgettable celebration of nature, culture, and history. With its breathtaking blossoms, exciting events, and rich legacy, the festival offers something for everyone, from the beauty of the Tidal Basin and to the lively performances and activities throughout Washington, DC.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a festival veteran, the allure of the cherry blossoms is sure to captivate your heart. As you enjoy the festivities, let’s remember to treat the trees with care, helping preserve this stunning tradition for future generations to cherish. We hope this guide gives you a starting point for your springtime adventure in Washington DC.
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