Buds are appearing on D.C.’s iconic cherry trees, and this year the Tidal Basin will debut several visitor-friendly upgrades, including wider walkways and 400 new trees, 250 of which were a 2024 gift from Japan. (The city of Tokyo gifted the original 3,000 Yoshino cherry trees to the District of Columbia in 1912; some have since died or were removed for seawall repairs.) This year, peak bloom is anticipated to occur between March 29 and April 1. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 20 through April 12, bringing parties, parades and live performances to venues all over D.C. But if you’d prefer to celebrate the sakura sans crowds, here are some viewing spots and experiences that are off the well-worn tourist track—with blooms that are just as striking.
Washington National Cathedral
The Bishop’s Garden on the south side of the cathedral features large, mature weeping cherries. Also lovely is a tranquil public space inspired by medieval walled gardens. The terraced landscape features sculptures and plants of historical interest, along with native plants and plants representing the Bible and Christian legends. 3101 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Arlington National Cemetery
This 600-acre final resting place for more than 400,000 service members and their families is a quiet and peaceful place to see blooming trees in springtime.  The cemetery’s Memorial Arboretum, brightened by some 400 cherry trees in spring, serves as a living tribute to those who have honorably served our nation. More than 140 memorial trees commemorate veterans. A self-guided walking tour leads visitors to many of the ground’s flowering and notable trees. 1 Memorial Ave. Arlington
Congressional CemeteryÂ
This historic cemetery is livelier than its name suggests and particularly gorgeous in spring. A popular spot for off-leash dogs and their humans, the grounds are home to several varieties of cherry trees, including Taiwan, Yoshino, Kwanza and Higan, some of which bloom before and after the Yoshino trees at the Tidal Basin. Sign up for the second-annual Cherry Blossom 5K and run the course under a canopy of petals while raising money for environmental preservation. 1801 E. St. S.E., Washington, D.C.
Dumbarton Oaks
Open 2-6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, this Georgetown sanctuary is prized for its meticulously maintained grounds and flowering trees. Head to Cherry Hill to enjoy a mixture of cherry varieties. Timed-entry tickets are $15 per person (free for tots under age 2). The 53-acre historic estate is also home to a museum and a research institute that supports scholarships in landscape architecture and garden design. 1703 32nd St. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Hains Point
Occupying the southern end of East Potomac Park, Hains Point is visible from The Wharf and has been described as one of the most underutilized parks in the District. Its 4-mile loop trail is lined with cherry trees, offering 360-degree views of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. Leave your car in one of the 320 parking spaces and enjoy the picnic areas and playground. Better yet, leave your car at home and pedal across the 14th Street Bridge to reach the park by bike. 1100 Ohio Drive S.W., Washington, D.C.
United States National Arboretum
The National Arboretum spans nearly 450 acres on the eastern edge of D.C.’s city limits and is a mecca for cherry blossoms. The park’s 3-mile Beyond the Tidal Basin tour features 40 stops showcasing a wide range of flowering cherries, many of which are quite rare. Each type has its own peak bloom time, so you will see different trees in full splendor depending on when you visit. Other showstopping trees that dazzle in spring include dogwoods, crab apples and magnolias. Check out the app for maps and guides to the full range of flowering trees. Admission is free. 3501 New York Ave., N.E., or 24th & R Streets, N.E., Washington, D.C. (Note: The R Street entrance is closed to incoming automobile visitor traffic after 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.)Â
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Serene and relatively tourist-free (with free parking!) the nation’s largest Catholic church building shares its property with more than 150 trees against a backdrop of stunning architecture. The Basilica is also the tallest habitable building in the District. Take a stroll around Mary’s Garden and the Mooney Walk to see the blossoms. The adjacent Catholic University of America campus also features many cherry trees. 400 Michigan Ave., N.E., Washington, D.C.
Cherry Blossom Boat Tours & Cruises
Why try to squeeze through packed sidewalks and congested streets when you can float down the Potomac with drink in hand? Take a tranquil private boat ride or cruise past unobstructed views of the blossoms with Sea Suite Cruises. Most river cruises are BYOF (bring your own food). Opt for a BYOB party cruise and bring your beverage of choice—or go for a bartended excursion and leave the pouring to the pros. Check the website for departure locations and prices. City Cruises offers brunch, lunch and dinner cruises down the Potomac, including the option of a plated, sit-down meal with onboard DJ entertainment and a cash bar. Take the Fireworks Dinner Cruise April 4 for a midriver view of the Cherry Blossom Fireworks display. See website for pricing, dates and times. Cruises depart from 580 Water Street, SW, Washington, D.C.
Kayak and Pedal Boat Tours
Burn some calories as you kayak or pedal past a profusion of blossoms along the shoreline. Join a kayak tour and learn about our nation’s history while gliding past D.C.’s iconic sites and cherry trees from the Washington Channel. Or head into the Tidal Basin on a pedal boat to enjoy sweeping views of the Jefferson and MLK Memorials.
Private Boat Charters
Gather your besties and enjoy the wind in your hair while beholding spring’s majesty from the comfort of a chartered boat. Embark DC offers multi-level yachts and open bow boats that can idle quietly past the sights or get up to thrill-ride speeds. Nautiste’s restored heritage yachts include a full crew and concierge-style planning. Hop aboard a Mahogany Yacht Charter for a celebration or a romantic sunset cruise with views of historic landmarks. Get crafty and creative as you sip wine with friends on a paint and sail yacht party with Be You!, and leave with a work of art you’ve created yourself. Various locations.
D.C. Water Taxi
Cruise along the Potomac and view the blossoms from the water as you hop on and off a bright yellow floating taxi with stops in Old Town Alexandria, Georgetown, National Harbor and The Wharf. Download a narrated sightseeing tour from the City Experiences app. Trips start at $31.
Walking Tours
Want to get your steps in, but aren’t sure where to go? Join DC Design Tours for a one-mile walk through the Tidal Basin with insights about the architectural design, symbolism and visions behind memorials along the way. DC by Foot offers multiple options and locations for prime blossom viewing. A two-hour Tidal Basin and Cherry Blossom Tour includes a professional guide sharing fun facts about the city’s historic landmarks, as well as the history and cultural significance of the National Cherry Trees. For a less-crowded outing, consider the Blossoms on the Waterfront tour, or a walking tour of Arlington Cemetery or Historic Georgetown. Check the website for locations and options.
Bike Tours
Pedal past the throngs of people, take in the blossoms and learn about the history of the National Cherry Blossom Festival as you bike with a small group. Unlimited Biking offers an easy, two-hour guided tour of the Tidal Basin with views of famous landmarks. Tours run at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and start at $65 per person. Fat Tire Tours also offers a guided bike tour of the city at bloom time. Riders will have plenty of time to cycle and take pics while a guide shares fun facts about D.C. history Both companies offer electric bike tours as well as trailers and ride-along options for kids who are too young to pedal alone. 701 D. St., N.W., Washington, D.C.