2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival
The 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held March 20 through April 15. The Cherry Blossom Parade is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2018.
Visitor Information
Information for visitors about the famous cherry blossoms of Washington DC, including guides on where to stay and how to get there.
Parking for the Cherry Blossoms
If driving remains your best option, here are a few ideas on where to park when going to the cherry blossoms.
Climate Change and the Cherry Blossoms
The National Park Service has put together a video on the topic of how climate change affects Washington DC’s cherry blossoms.
The Floral Library
Consisting mostly of several varieties of colorful tulips, the Floral Library is located at the northeast corner of the Tidal Basin.
Tips for Taking Young Kids to the Cherry Blossoms
Some tips for taking young kids to see the cherry blossoms.
Does Rain (or Storms) Affect the Cherry Blossoms?
Rain, wind, and even scattered storms are pretty common in DC in the spring. So this is a question that comes up often during cherry blossom season.
Monuments of the Tidal Basin
Here’s a quick guide to the monuments you might come across as you wander amongst the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin.
Cherry Blossom Paddle Boat Reservations
Paddle boats on the Tidal Basin offer a unique way to take in the view of the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
2018 Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Forecasts
The latest information and forecasts on when Washington DC’s cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin will reach peak bloom in Spring 2018.
About the Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms
The Kwanzan cherry blossoms are particularly pretty and tend to come out 10-14 days after the Yoshinos. So if you miss the end of the Yoshino cherry blossoms’ bloom, the Kwanzans can offer beautiful consolation.
2017 Cherry Blossom 10 Miler
If you plan to visit the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin on the morning of Sunday, April 2, 2017, you’ll have to contend with the annual running of the Cherry Blossom 10-miler.
How to Find the Indicator Tree
The so-called indicator tree reliably blooms a week to ten days ahead of most of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. Here’s how to find it.
What to Expect, When
Here’s a timeline of what to expect from roughly a week before the peak bloom to about a week after.
2015 Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Forecasts
The latest information and forecasts on when Washington DC’s cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin will reach peak bloom in Spring 2015.
When is the Best Time to Visit Washington DC to See the Cherry Blossoms?
The short answer is that there’s no easy answer. On average, the peak bloom occurs sometime around the last week or so of March through the first week or so of April. But precisely when during that period varies year to year. So here’s the longer version.
Where to Stay in Washington DC for the Cherry Blossoms
Some local recommendations on where to stay if you’re visiting from out of town to see the cherry blossoms.
2014 Peak Bloom Forecasts
The latest information and forecasts on when Washington DC’s cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin will reach peak bloom in Spring 2014.
How to Get to the Cherry Blossoms
Information on the best ways to get down to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms, including by Metro, by car, and by bike.
What Peak Bloom Means and Why It (sort of) Matters
So what exactly is “peak bloom” anyway? When does it happen? And does it matter?
The Symbolism of the Cherry Blossoms
Yoshino cherry blossoms have long been heavy in symbolism in their native Japan. They have come to have their own symbolism here.
Washington DC’s Cherry Blossoms 2018
Each spring, the cherry blossoms lining Washington DC’s Tidal Basin burst into color in a beautiful display of floral fireworks. But the peak bloom period lasts only a few days, and precisely when it happens varies each year. This site brings together information about visiting the cherry blossoms and Washington DC, peak bloom forecasts, and up-to-date photos to help you make the most of your own visit or follow along from afar.