Cherry blossom season is in full swing, with the National Park Service declaring the trees reached peak bloom on April 1. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 20-April 14.
Now's the time to start prepping for the big festival events, pick your favorite viewing spots and find other ways to celebrate the blossoms through art, music and food in D.C.
Avoid Crowds and Find Your 'Secret' Blossom Viewing Spot
Founders Park in Alexandria, American University, the U.S. National Arboretum and Foxhall Village are all places to enjoy the spring flora without the massive crowds. Scope out the map below or check out our full list here.
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Here are some iconic favorites and off-the-beaten-path places
Soak in the Blooms All Day With This Itinerary
You can easily spend an entire day hunting down blooms and indulging in cherry blossom-themed food and drinks. Here's how.
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Visit the Cherry Blossom Pop-Up Bar
The third annual cherry blossom pop-up bar (1839 7th St. NW) is open and features nearly 90,000 individually placed cherry blossoms. The Shaw bar sells cocktails inspired by the flowers and ramen. It's open until April 21.
See Blossoms From the Water
Grab a paddleboat at the Tidal Basin ($18 for a two-person boat) or take a cruise. Odyssey Cherry Blossom Cruises ($64.90 for lunch, $77.90 for brunch, $114.90 for dinner) and the Spirit of Washington Cruise ($54.90 for lunch, dinner for $99.90) will take you around the Potomac River.
Eat and Drink Some Cherry-Theme Treats
Cupcakes, doughnuts and cocktails remain the mainstays, but there are savory options to sample as well.
Feast on Cherry Blossom-Inspired Cocktails, Food u0026 Goodies Around DC
Look at Cherry Blossoms Though a Digital Realm
Surround yourself around interactive cherry blossoms in the new exhibit "In Peak Bloom" at ARTECHOUSE (1238 Maryland Ave. SW), opening March 20. Tickets range online from $8 to $16.
Attend Some of the National Cherry Blossom Festival's Key Events:
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade: April 13
Watch the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade travel along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets NW. The parade will feature giant balloons, floats, a marching band, celebrity appearances and more. Grandstand seating for the event is $20 per ticket, but standing along Constitution Avenue is free.
Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival: April 13
This street festival celebrates is the largest one-day celebration of Japanese culture in the U.S., according to the Cherry Blossom Festival organizers. The event will have Japanese vendors, food, drink, performances and more on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW. Admission is $13 for those older than 13 and tickets are available online.
