VISITING WASHINGTON D.C.

Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

Best Places to See
Main Events
Other Attractions

In 2024 the National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to run from March 20th until April 14th.
On average, DC's cherry blossoms bloom around the last week of March into the first week of April, but you don't have to be there precisely on those specific days to be see this amazing sight.
There are still often flowers to see in the days before and after the festival says.

Best Place to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

The most famous and best place to see cherry blossoms in DC is the Tidal Basin.
The Tidal Basin loop is an easy 2.1 mile walk with a great chance to admire thousands of cherry trees blooming.

Tip

The thickest blooms are on the northern and eastern side of the basin. The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument are easily visible along the two mile long Tidal Basin Loop Trail.

Please note

Parking is limited, it’s best to walk from a DC metro stop, the closest being Smithsonian.

Another alternative is to use the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour, which has several stops along the Tidal Basin walking loop.

For those with a more active plan in mind a Monuments & Memorials Bike Tour will be a fantastic option to experience the cherry blossom and see the DC Monuments.

Main events during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC

Opening Ceremony

Saturday, March 23

Kite Festival

Saturday, March 30

Parade

PetalPalooza

Saturday, April 6

Saturday, April 13

Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival

Saturday, April 13 – Sunday, April 14

Other major Washington DC attractions

Make the most of your time in DC when coming for the Cherry Blossom Festival, don’t miss out on other major Washington DC attractions:

1. George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Don’t miss this monument to the life of the first American President, George Washington. A thriving plantation in the eighteenth century, it is now one of the most visited historic sites in America.

2. Potomac River One Day Water Taxi

Travel along the Potomac River while taking in breathtaking views of the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument and many more.

3. American Politics & Debate on Capitol Hill Tour

Take a stroll through the oldest residential neighborhood in Washington, DC and the birthplace of American politics – Capitol Hill! A local guide will lead you through the beautiful and historic neighborhood.

4. Big Bus Discover Tour

Take in the neo-classical grandeur of the USA's capital city with Big Bus. We'll take you to all the famous landmarks, including The White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, National Cathedral, and many more.