Every spring, the city of Washington, DC and various locations around the DMV region welcome some much needed sunshine, and the annual bloom of the cherry blossom trees. These gorgeous natural beauties are marvelous to look at, historically significant to DC and the country, as well as the inspiration for some of the area’s biggest annual events.

For travelers coming to Washington, DC and Maryland during the 2020 Cherry Blossom Season, we created a comprehensive guide to taking it all in.

When To See The Cherry Blossom Trees

Every year, late March and early April generally tend to offer travelers the best chance at catching the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. To check out real-time updates and predictions on the specific timing for trees to bloom this spring, check out the 2020 Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Forecasts with Cherry Blossom Watch.

Where To See The Cherry Blossom Trees

There are a number of locations around Washington, DC, and nearby in Annapolis, Maryland where we love to view the cherry blossom trees. Here are a few of our favorite examples.

WEST POTOMAC PARK

This well-known public park in DC sits across the street from the iconic Washington Monument Grounds, and its home to the vibrant Tidal basin, and the elegant Jefferson Memorial. Looking out at the view of the pink and white flowers blooming on the cherry blossom trees lining the small body of water is a quintessential Washington, DC experience.

West Potomac Park. Washington, DC

THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL ARBORETUM

A historic sight of its own, The United States National Arboretum is also one of the best cherry blossom destinations in town. Travelers can take a tour of the grounds on foot, or by bicycle to enjoy the extensive variety of flora, which includes nearly 80 varieties of cherry blossom trees. For those looking to get lost in a world of natural wonders, unique exhibits, and beautiful colors, the 412 acres of The United States National Arboretum is a great place to start.

The United States National Arboretum. Washington, DC

STANTON PARK

For a quieter cherry blossom-viewing destination, swing by the quaint and beautiful Stanton Park in Capitol Hill. Known for its signature statue of Revolutionary War hero General Nathanael Greene, Stanton offers travelers a nice place to relax with small benches nearby modest gardens. Families can take advantage of an onsite playground, and everyone can enjoy the always-lovely cherry blossoms standing throughout the space.

Stanton Park. Washington, DC

QUIET WATERS PARK

To those headed to the coast of the DMV region this Cherry Blossom Season, we recommend visiting the 340-acre Quiet Waters Park. Open year round, this popular Annapolis attraction has beautiful hiking trails, open grassy fields, and a children’s playground. Quiet Waters Park is also home to another lovely collection of cherry blossom trees, which complement the shore of Harness Creek with pure opulence.

Quiet Waters Park. Annapolis, MD

The National Cherry Blossom Festival

We can’t talk about viewing the cherry blossom trees in and around Washington, DC without taking some time to cover The National Cherry Blossom Festival. The roots of this event stretch all the way back to when Japan gifted 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the United States back in 1912. This kickstarted a wave of good relations and gift exchanges between the two countries and resulted in the first National Cherry Blossom Festival in 1927.

THE 2020 NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
MARCH 20TH – APRIL 14TH

Today, the expansive celebration lasts for over four weeks, and is comprised of over 50 events and programs. The core theme among all of these connected happenings, is that each performance, festival, and party unites cultural organizations from around the world and DC. These are some of the 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival events we are most looking forward to.

BLOSSOM KITE FESTIVAL
*Please note that the Blossom Kite Festival has been canceled for 2020
MARCH 28TH

Head down to the breathtaking grounds of the Washington Monument for one of the most beloved events of the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. The Blossom Kite Festival is a free, family-friendly extravaganza that features the flight of thousands of kites up into the sky hovering above the National Mall. The day will feature demonstrations, competitions, Rokkaku Battles, and the annual Hot Tricks Showdown.

NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE 
APRIL 4TH

The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is one of the city of Washington, DC’s largest outdoor events. The procession of imaginative floats, marching bands, and giant helium balloons will pass the city’s most iconic monuments and institutions along Constitution Avenue. The route runs from the National Archives to the Washington Monument. Standing is free along Constitution Avenue from 9th Street to 15th Street NW.

PETALPALOOZA
APRIL 11TH

PetalPalooza is another free to attend, family-friendly event at The National Cherry Blossom Festival. The day will feature live music at The Yards, a popular hangout on the Capitol Riverfront. There will be multiple outdoor stages, an expansive beer garden, interactive art installations, and a fireworks show over the Anacostia River to cap things off.

Where To Stay This Cherry Blossom Season

Once you’ve set your itinerary for seeing the cherry blossoms this spring, the next step is securing a place to stay within striking distance of the sights you’re most excited to see.

Exploring areas of Washington, DC like Capitol HIll and Dupont Circle will put you within arm’s reach of the festival, and the city’s best places to see the trees. To explore more of the cherry blossoms across the DMV, and visit a lovely city, travelers should also consider the one-of-a-kind city of Annapolis.

CAPITOL HILL – WASHINGTON, DC

Capitol Hill Hotel is one of the closest hotels to the National Mall, and the various cherry blossom sights throughout the park. In addition to enjoying spacious, luxurious guestrooms when staying at CHH, travelers can also take an easy walk, bike ride, or drive over to locations like the Washington Monument, Tidal Basin, and many of the venues hosting National Cherry Blossom Festival events.

DUPONT CIRCLE – WASHINGTON, DC

Just a couple miles north of the National Mall, Dupont Circle offers travelers a stay in one of the area’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. When staying with The St. Gregory Hotel in Dupont, guests are within a short walk of numerous acclaimed restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, as well as several of the city’s best art galleries. The hotel also offers a timely special named The Cherry Blossom Relaxation Picnic Experience, which is perfect for travelers coming to see the trees. Guests of the hotel can use the Metro to get to the cherry blossoms by the water in less than half an hour.

ANNAPOLIS WATERFRONT – ANNAPOLIS, MD

Washington, DC isn’t the only DMV destination with a bevvy of cultural attractions, historic sights, and a magnificent collection of cherry blossom trees. When you visit the city and its cherry-blossom attractions like Quiet Waters Park, book with Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. At this well-situated and inviting property, a tranquil atmosphere and vibrant collection of guestrooms with views of harbor will perfectly complement your trip.