Cherry Blossom Season in Washington, DC
Make it a magical weekend getaway
As we patiently wait for the peak bloom of the cherry blossom trees in and around Washington, D.C., look to Archer Hotel’s consummate host to help you plan the perfect visit. This guide provides all you need to know about cherry blossom season.
Join us at Archer Hotel Falls Church or Archer Hotel Tysons — our chic, boutique hotels are hospitable home bases for those who venture out to explore the area’s gorgeous cherry tree blooms and all the other great things to do in D.C.
Cherry blossom season's peak bloom
The peak bloom of the beckoning cherry blossom differs every year due to temperature and weather conditions — but on average, the beauty of the trees comes to life between the last week of March and the first week of April. Visitors can see the trees a few days before and after the peak bloom and still enjoy a lovely experience. The trees are sometimes in full bloom for a couple of weeks.
Anticipated timing for the 2023 peak bloom: March 22 – 25.
Get updates on cherry blossom season timing and safety protocols by visiting the National Park Service website, a blossom watch on Facebook and Instagram and a live-feed Bloom Cam.
Our favorite viewing spots for cherry blossom season
D.C. is home to 3,770 cherry blossom trees and has multiple spots that offer a lovely view. Bring your camera and pretty smiles for the perfect photo op:
- Tidal Basin — Visit the most popular spot to see the cherry blossom trees, as almost all the trees are in sight along the banks. Rent a paddle boat to heighten your experience on the water.
- The steps of the Jefferson Memorial — Relax on the marble steps while looking out to the Tidal Basin lined with cherry blossom trees. Bonus: The Washington Monument peeks behind the pink buds in the distance.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial — Make a stop at the MLK Memorial if you choose to roam around the Tidal Basin. The 30-foot statue is surrounded by pink cherry blossoms.
- The Japanese Lantern — This nearly 400-year-old stone lantern sits alongside the basin and lights up during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This duplicate of the lantern in Tokyo was sculpted to glorify the third shogun of the Tokugawa period.
- Hains Point Loop Trail — Fill two needs with one deed: Get in some exercise while sightseeing. Whether renting a bike from Unlimited Biking or staying on your feet, Hains Point Loop Trail offers 4.4 miles of cherry blossom trees.
- The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception — Enjoy more than 150 cherry blossom trees on-site of the 10th-largest Roman Catholic church in the world.
- National Arboretum — Visit the National Arboretum, a hidden gem, where the bloom time slightly differs from the Tidal Basin; it’s a great place to see the cherry blossoms on a slightly different bloom schedule than peak bloom
Things to do in DC during cherry blossom season
Washington, D.C., celebrates the charm of the cherry blossom trees every year with trolley tours, including the options of a silver or gold pass, as well the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Book your boutique stay at Archer Hotel Falls Church and enjoy a limited-edition cherry-inspired turndown treat from Cardinal Chocolates, along with easy walkable access to Art Blooms at Mosaic, an official event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival that runs April 1 – 2.
Looking for family activities? Bring your family, kids, friends or SO for special popup experiences, shopping, music, movies, good eats and tasty treats. Archer’s knowledgeable team can recommend even more things to do near the hotel.
Tips + tricks for family activities with kids
While enjoying cherry blossom season and viewing the beautiful trees is a kid-friendly experience, Archer has some timely tips to keep the stress low and the fun high:
- When first arriving at the cherry blossom trees, snap a (cute) photo of your child in case they happen to drift away. This way, a current photo is available as a reference for those who help reunite you with your child.
- Have no fear: In case of emergency, NPS rangers, volunteers and police are never out of sight.
- Bring a bevy of snacks to keep the kiddos happy.
- Backpack-styled children’s carriers are a go-to when it comes to hauling around the little ones. As sidewalks get packed during cherry blossom season, strollers are harder to navigate.
- Kids can only look for so long — the Maine Avenue Lot has numerous activities set up just for them, with frames for pictures and murals they can draw on. The FDR and MLK Memorials also have large, open spaces for children to run around.
- Coloring books and books geared toward children are available in nearby gift shops.
