Yesterday, you told us cherry blossoms aren’t worth the crowds. But what if you could see them without braving the Tidal Basin hordes? Here’s everything you need to know about the time-honored D.C. tradition, including where to get your blossom fix sans tourists.
Why Is DC So Obsessed With Cherry Blossoms Anyway?
In 1909, after hearing about First Lady Helen Taft and journalist Eliza Scidmore's plans to plant cherry trees around the National Mall, Tokyo's Mayor Yukio Ozaki decided to gift 2,000 cherry trees to D.C.
Unfortunately, when they arrived, the trees were found to be diseased and had to be destroyed. Ozaki agreed to send another donation, this time of 3,020 cherry trees from 12 varieties.
These arrived safely and were planted primarily around the Tidal Basin and the White House. First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda, the wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted two trees at the basin — a small ceremony which eventually grew into the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Tidal Basin cherry blossoms, 1941. (Martha McMillan Roberts/Library of Congress)
How To Identify Them
Yoshino — The most common by far, their flowers are small and white in groups of 2 - 5 with an almond scent on a round widespread tree. (70% of cherry trees on the National Mall)
Kwanzan — Flowers are baby pink and full-looking with about 30 petals, and can be up to 2.5 inches across. (13% of cherry trees on the National Mall)
When To Go
The National Park Service estimated peak bloom will be between March 29 - April 1 this year, but rumor is it could actually be as early as today. However, different varieties will bloom slightly earlier or later.
Cherry blossoms at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. (The Washington Post/Getty Images)
Where To See Them
More than 9,000 cherry trees line streets, parks, and other spaces in D.C. Here are our favorite spots.
The Congressional Cemetery (Hill East)
The main pathway at the historic cemetery becomes a tunnel of pink in the spring, perfect for some photo ops with your pup.
Kenwood Neighborhood (Bethesda)
Over 1,200 cherry trees are concentrated in this small neighborhood in the suburbs, specifically along Kennedy Drive, Dorset Avenue, and Kenwood Avenue.
Dumbarton Oaks (Georgetown)
Located at the back of the gardens, these cherry trees are very old and much larger than others in D.C. They also bloom a little later than the ones along the Tidal Basin.
Stanton Park (Capitol Hill)
Just a 10-minute walk from Union Station, this is a good option for out-of-towners. The small park has a dense population of blossoms and plenty of space for lying under them on a picnic blanket.
Oxon Run Park (Congress Heights)
This park has over 200 cherry trees and will host the annual Oxon Run Pinknic & Kite Fly on March 29 with vendors and live performances.
The Tidal Basin (National Mall)
Ok, obviously not underrated, but if you must go (aka you’re new to D.C. or your mother-in-law is in town), then go before 9 a.m. and avoid weekends.
Find more spots with Casey Trees’ detailed map of D.C.’s cherry blossom trees.
