Cherry blossom season is right around the corner here in NYC, but it’s nearing full blooming right down the road in Washington DC!
If you’re like us, and already planning weekend getaways for spring, we highly suggest the nation’s capital and its world-renowned cherry blossom scene. Each year the East coast city turns into one of the world’s most decorated cherry blossom locations, and it becomes a whole city-wide takeover.
In this guide, we’ve compiled all the essential information New Yorkers need to know when planning a once-in-a-life time trek to DC to see the blooms.
Best time to visit DC for peak cherry blossom bloom
The peak cherry blossom bloom period in DC varies each year but typically occurs between late March and early April. Our friends at Secret DC actually suggest that this weekend (March 28 – March 30) is one of the best weekends to make the trip.
To make planning a visit easier, the National Park Service (NPS) releases a bloom forecast each year, so you can check out what stage the blooms are at during any given time.
At the time of writing this, DC’s cherry blossoms are currently in Stage 5…with Stage 6 being predicted for this weekend’s peak bloom.
With all that said, the next three weekends are the best time to visit DC from NYC as that’s when peak bloom will occur!
Consider planning your trip during the week as there tends to be less crowds than the weekends, or go cherry blossom hunting early in the morning to get the best unobstructed floral views.
The peak blossoms usually last about a week (ending by mid to end of April) so be sure to keep this in mind!
🌸 Stay posted with Secret DC’s guide to peak cherry blossom bloom
How to get to Washington DC from NYC
Once you’ve decided on when you’re going to make the weekend getaway to DC, the next part is figuring out how to get there. We break down your best options.
- Amtrak (OUR BEST RECOMMENDATION) – Just like everything else in NYC, taking the train is your best option and it’s actually the fastest option. The Acela Express takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes from NYC to DC, while the Northeast Regional takes around 3.5 hours. Trains depart daily from Penn Station and arrive at Union Station in DC.
- Bus – Buses depart daily from Port Authority and arrive at Union Station in DC but can take up to 4 – 5 hours. Budget-friendly choices are common like Megabus, BoltBus, FlixBus, and Greyhound.
- Driving – This trip is a 4-5 hour drive, but traffic (especially around NYC and DC) can add delays. Parking in DC can also be expensive and limited.
- Flying – There are flights from NYC to DCA (Reagan National Airport), but we don’t recommend it. Sure, the flight is only 1 hour but the whole airport process can make it just as long.
Best neighborhoods to stay in DC to see cherry blossoms
Cherry blossoms are scattered throughout Washington DC but here’s a list of some neighborhoods that make for easy access to the florals.
- Near the National Mall (Downtown, Penn Quarter, or Foggy Bottom) – Right in the heart of historic Washington DC and right near all the famous monuments and museums. You can catch cherry blossoms blooming near the White House, Washington Monument, and more. It’s also walkable to Tidal Basin, the reservoir where a majority of cherry blossoms are in the city.
- Dupont Circle – Washingon DC’s “artsy” distrcit with great dining and nightlife, with easy Metro access.
- Capitol Hill – Further east in downtown DC, with a more residential vibe, plenty of charming boutique hotels.
- The Wharf – Waterfront area along the Washington Canal with great views, trendy hotels, and dining close to the blossoms.
Best cherry blossom viewing spots in Washington DC
Washington DC’s cherry blossoms are all over the place in late March and April, but these viewing spots make for the ultimate views and photo moments. Painting the country’s iconic monument landscape with pink hues is something everyone must see. Put these locations on your shot list:
- Tidal Basin – The most iconic spot, offering breathtaking views of cherry blossoms surrounding the water with monuments in the background. Take a pedal boat around the water for extra fun
- Jefferson Memorial – Catch a glimpse of the memorial through cinematic frames of cherry blossoms.
- Hains Point & East Potomac Park – A less crowded park than the Tidal Basin, with long stretches of cherry trees along the waterfront.
- National Mall – Cherry blossoms galore with the Capitol building as a backdrop.
- Dumbarton Oaks – A hidden gem estate in Georgetown with charming gardens and 3 different types of cherry blossoms.
🌸 Check out Secret DC’s guide to best cherry blossom viewing spots
Best cherry blossom events in DC
Looking to add even more cherry blossom festivities to the list? Try planning your DC getaway around one of the city’s seasonal floral events! Here’s some to bookmark this year!
- National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – Arguably DC’s biggest celebration, with a grand parade of floats, marching bands, and performers along Constitution Avenue. (April 12, 2025)
- Blossom Kite Festival – Held on the National Mall, this event showcases colorful kites flown by professionals and visitors. (March 29, 2025)
- Petalpalooza – A full-day festival at The Wharf with live music, art, and a fireworks show. (April 5, 2025)
- Japanese Street Festival (Sakura Matsuri) – The largest Japanese cultural festival in the U.S., featuring food, performances, and exhibits. (April 12 – 13, 2025)
🌸 Discover the best cherry blossom events in DC
Tips for avoiding cherry blossom crowds
Our Secret DC writer let us in on some of his insider tips on how to avoid the tourist-y cherry blossom crowds. See what he had to say below.
- Visit early in the morning – Make time early in the morning to see the cherry blossoms and you’ll beat the crowd. Going at sunrise is highly recommended, since there will be fewer people and that magical golden hour vibe.
- Go on a weekday – Beat the busy weekend crowd by going during the week, maybe even on a day trip if schedules allows.
- Explore lesser-known spots – Sure, the “famous” viewing spots are a must for your cherry blossom bucket list, but consider other hidden gem vantage points like The National Arboretum, Dumbarton Oaks, and Kenwood (Bethesda).
- Use alternative transport – Especially during peak weekends, roads can become clustered with Ubers and traffic. Consider biking, scootering, or walking to avoid congested streets and sidewalks.