Cherry Blossoms and Beyond: DC Shines This Spring

Nation's capital bursts with seasonal experiences, acclaimed restaurants and new exhibits.

Destination DC (DDC) has shared expert advice for those visiting Washington, DC's famous cherry blossoms, along with a variety of new ways to experience the beauty of spring in the city. With peak bloom approaching (March 23-26, according to the National Park Service), keep reading to learn what's in store.

"When the cherry blossoms are blooming, there isn't a more special place to be than Washington, DC," said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO, DDC. "From the views at the Tidal Basin and beyond, to petal-themed experiences at hotels and acclaimed restaurants, it feels like the entire city blooms this time of year, too."

The best viewing of the cherry blossom trees typically lasts a few days before and after peak bloom begins, although the blossoms can last for up to two weeks under ideal conditions. Notably this spring, the Tidal Basin's Japanese Lantern, a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States, celebrates its 70th anniversary in Washington, DC. Carved in present-day Tokyo in 1651, the eight-foot stone lantern is lit at the start of the festival each year.

In addition to the attraction of the blooming cherry blossoms, celebrity restauranters continue to fuel DC's red hot culinary scene. Recent openings include Pastis from Stephen Starr and Keith McNally, Moon Rabbit from Kevin Tien, Pascual from the Popal Family and chefs Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss, and a new downtown location of local favorite 2Fifty Texas BBQ.

New hotels include the upscale Royal Sonesta Washington, DC – Capitol Hill and rebranded Westin Washington, DC Downtown, emphasizing wellness. The International Spy Museum's Bond in Motion features 007's iconic vehicles (through April 2025); the new portrait of Oprah is on view at the National Portrait Gallery (through October 20, 2024); and the National Building Museum's most ambitious exhibition ever, Building Stories, explores how children's books impact our understanding of construction and design.

CHERRY BLOSSOM TIPS

Common viewing sites:

• The Tidal Basin, near the Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
• Small clusters of trees can be found along the National Mall, just northwest of the Lincoln Memorial and around the Washington Monument.

Alternative sites from the National Mall:

• The Gardens of Dumbarton Oaks
• U.S. National Arboretum
• East Potomac Park/Hains Point Loop Trail
• The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Alternative ways to see the blossoms:

• Water:
  • Lunch, brunch and dinner cruises and water taxis with CityCruises.
  • Private boating experience with Embark DC.
  • Party to the Petals aboard a floating bar with SeaSuite Cruises.
  • Kayak or pedal boat with Boating in DC.
• Foot:
  • Walking and self-guided audio tours with DC by Foot.
• • Bike:
  • Blossoms by Bike Tour with Unlimited Biking.

To explore more, click through to Destination DC's Complete Guide to the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Courtesy of Groups Today.

 Photo Courtesy of Washington.org.