Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
SightseeingIconicFreeFamily Favorite

National Cherry Blossom Festival

· Washington, DC

Why you should go…

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual multi-week celebration in Washington, DC marking the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo. Centered on the Tidal Basin and National Mall, it runs from late March through mid-April and includes the Blossom Kite Festival, a parade presented by Events DC, and a Tidal Basin welcome area hosted with the National Park Service. Viewing the blossoms and most festival programming is free and open to the public.

  • #festival
  • #spring
  • #flowers
  • #free

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to National Cherry Blossom Festival, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    National Museum of African American History and Culture

    Free

    A powerful journey through African American history and culture, from the slave trade galleries to Motown and beyond.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Washington Monument

    Free

    Ride 500 feet up the world's tallest stone obelisk for the only aerial panorama of the White House, Capitol, and Mall.

    0.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Smithsonian National Museum of American History

    Free

    Dorothy's ruby slippers, the actual Star-Spangled Banner, and Julia Child's kitchen, America's attic, free on the National Mall.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Theatre & Events
    History Buff

    Ford's Theatre

    Under $25

    Stand in the theatre where Lincoln was shot, then cross the street to the Petersen House where the story ended.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Lincoln Memorial

    Free

    Climb the marble steps where Dr. King spoke and take in the Mall's most moving view, free and open 24 hours.

    0.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Thomas Jefferson Memorial

    Free

    The domed rotunda on the Tidal Basin, a 19-foot bronze Jefferson, his words carved in marble, and DC's best cherry-blossom backdrop.

    0.9 mi awayMore like this