It’s the time of year when our nation’s capitol blooms — the city springs to life with hundreds of activities, including street fairs, live music and dance performances, a kite festival, a run with a view, and (of course) those gorgeous pink trees.
This year, The National Cherry Blossom Festival is happening in DC from March 20 through April 14. Are you ready for it?
It’s cherry blossom season in DC.
Say hello to Spring. (Photo Credit: Valeria Boltneva)
The annual event celebrates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees to Washington DC from the Japanese government, made in an effort to enhance the growing friendship between the US and Japan. The trees were presented to First Lady Helen Herron Taft and planted around the Tidal Basin, a partially manmade reservoir between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel.
Today, there are close to 4,000 trees in 16 dazzling varieties at the Tidal Basin, in East Potomac Park, and on the Washington Monument Grounds; a handful are also sprinkled throughout various locations in the city, providing every opportunity to witness these beautiful blooms in a variety of settings.
How to Experience the Festival
The festival opens with a performance that is an artistic celebration of the longstanding relationship between the United States and Japan. The Opening Ceremony features world-renowned composers, choreographers, and dancers from DC’s Washington Ballet Company, as well as performances from artists with ties to both countries.
Start the season off right at the Pink Tie Party. (Photo Credit: Nataliya Vaitkevich)
At the first sight of cherry blossoms, the Pink Tie Party kicks off with a celebration of international culinary delights and cocktails from the best DC-area restaurants. Carve away a few hours for the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, the largest Japanese culture festival in the US and a beloved tradition. It features J-Pop performers, tributes to Japanese fashion, sake tastings, and a market with Japanese snacks and collectibles.
Also make sure to check out the Blossom Kite Festival. Held on the Washington Monument Grounds, it turns all attention skyward as families learn to make kites, watch high-flying competitions, and glean tips from pros. (Don’t have a kite? No problem — Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC will have kites so that guests can participate in the festivities.)
Make sure to check out the Blossom Kite Festival.
Love to run? Race one of the most beautiful courses of your life.
Grab the kids and head to Petalpalooza, an outdoor extravaganza on the banks of the Anacostia River. With interactive art installations, outdoor music, and a beverage garden, there is something for everyone at this celebration. Oh, and don’t forget the fireworks show that will light up the sky once the sun sets.
If you’re a runner, sign up for the Cherry Blossom Run, where you can run either the 5k (3 miles) or 10k (6 miles). The race runs along the Potomac River and the Tidal Basin, offering sweeping views of cherry blossoms all along the way. (If you’re staying at Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC, make sure to grab a protein bar or energy drink before heading out for the run.)
How will you experience the National Cherry Blossom Festival? (Photo Credit: Yifu Wu)
As cherry blossom season winds down, the Springtime Parade marches down Constitution Avenue amidst colorful balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and performances in a celebration of all-things-Spring.
Where to Witness the Best Blossoms
If you can make it to DC to witness the cherry blossoms, you need to get the best photos. Here’s where to see the most beautiful blossoms, while also exploring the nation’s capital.
Head to one of the quieter spots in town to get the cherry blossoms all to yourself. (Photo Credit: Kyler Boone)
- Since the Tidal Basin crowds promise to be mighty at any time of day, head to the Jefferson Memorial to take that iconic shot of the gorgeous trees against a backdrop of sleek Washington monuments. (To get there, borrow a PUBLIC Bike from either Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC or Kimpton George Hotel.)
- Snap the trees from a Tidal Basin paddle boat that allows you to sail into the center of the action. Alternatively, board boats with killer views operated by DC Cruises or the Potomac Riverboat Company, or hop into a kayak for close-up water views.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy under the branches of less-frequented blossom spots like West Potomac Park, Hains Point, and the National Arboretum, where you can photograph trees next to the Corinthian columns that once belonged to the Capitol building. Favorite local takeaway sandwich and salad spots include Sundevich and Taylor Gourmet.
Beauty is all around this season. (Photo Credit: Eric Dekker)
No matter how you witness cherry blossoms in DC, the prime locations of Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC and Kimpton Hotel George offer unrivaled vantage points for experiencing the season. With exclusive packages — including a custom floral fragrance class complete with a bottle of rosé — as well as festival-related perks, your visit to DC during cherry blossom season will be an unforgettable experience.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC or Kimpton Hotel George
