Washington, DC is a picture of flowering beauty for its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival running from 20 March to 14 April in 2024. Complementing the floral backdrop, the city takes on a celebratory spirit heralding the arrival of Spring with themed entertainment, culinary offerings, exhibitions and special outdoor experiences taking advantage of this pretty time of year in DC.
“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, Destination DC. “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.”
Peak bloom annually is usually from late March to early April and 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.
Taking advantage of Cherry Blossom season is DC’s flourishing culinary scene, with several new American celebrity chef openings including Pastis from Stephen Starr and Keith McNally, Moon Rabbit from Kevin Tien, Pascual from family-owned The Popal Group with chefs Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss, and a new downtown location of local favourite 2Fifty Texas BBQ.
New hotel openings include the upscale Royal Sonesta Washington, DC – Capitol Hill with its sweeping glass facade, 10-story atrium and a curated selection of commissioned artworks; and the rebranded Westin Washington, DC Downtown with its emphasis on wellness from the hotel’s interiors, fitness studio to Eat Well menu.
The International Spy Museum’s ‘Bond in Motion’ features 007’s iconic vehicles (through to April 2025); the new portrait of Oprah is on view at the National Portrait Gallery (until 20 October 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.
Official National Cherry Blossom Festival experiences:
Pink Tie Party | 15 March
2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival | 20 March to 14 April
Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage, Presented with the National Park Service | Occurs during peak bloom
Art in Bloom, Presented by Amazon | 20 March to 14 April
Opening Ceremony, Co-Presented with the Japan Foundation | 23 March
Blossom Kite Festival, Presented by Amazon | 30 March
Petalpalooza at Capitol Riverfront, Presented by Chase | 6 April
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, Presented by Events DC | 13 April
Sakuri Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival | 13 to 14 April
Check out the complete guide here.
Make it a blossom-inspired trip:
Isekai: Blooming Parallel Worlds at ARTECHOUSE | 9 March to 1 June | The ARTECHOUSE Studio explores multiple universes of blossoms during its seventh annual celebration
Bloomaroo at The Wharf | 23 March | The Wharf’s free spring festival will include a full day of cherry blossom-themed art, live music, fireworks, and family-friendly fun along the waterfront
Japanese Culture Day at the Library of Congress | 23 March | The annual event features family activities, including Japanese drum and traditional dance performances, storytelling, and arts and crafts.
Blossom-inspired food and drink experiences:
National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Cherry Picks Program: In collaboration with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, participating restaurants highlight creative spring menus.
Fairmont’s Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea: Served in the Loggia, overlooking the cherry blossom trees in the Courtyard.
Waldorf Astoria’s Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea: The menu at iconic Peacock Alley will feature seasonal favorites. The grand lobby boasts oversized décor and an installation from a local artist.
View more ideas here.
Travel Tips
Cherry Blossom 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
Check out the National Park Service’s Peak Bloom dates for details on what stage of bloom the cherry blossoms will be at and when. Please note that whilst these are the dates for peak bloom, there are pockets of trees that bloom throughout the festival period, as well as a variety of events that happen throughout.
For more information on Washington, DC visit https://washington.org
