There’s a Japanese words, hanami, that basically means appreciation of the cherry blossoms. When spring rolls around, delicate white-pink flowers bloom by the thousands on the beautiful yoshino cherry trees in Washington D.C., covering the basin in a carpet of baby-pink blossoms. Hanami is more than just going to see cherry blossoms or snapping a few photos for the gram; it’s an experience and a valued tradition of beauty and peace.
Now, if you’re going to see the cherry blossoms at Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin, I’m going to go ahead and say that there is very little hanami that you will be able to experience.
The peak blooming season of the 3000 blooming yoshino cherry trees in the nation’s capital means that this is D.C.’s busiest week of the entire year, and thousands of people descend on Tidal Basin every year to go see the blossoms. There is no peace or tranquility to be found here. Especially on the weekends, you can’t swing a dead cat here without hitting a dozen other people!
But if you’re interested in seeing the magical cherry blossoms at Tidal Basin anyway, just keep reading.
History of the Cherry Blossoms
I know it’s hard to believe, but yoshino cherry trees aren’t actually native to the United States. So how did we get such a bounty of cherry blossoms? The trees were actually a gift from the Japanese to thank the United States for aiding them in the war. Interesting fun fact, the first set of trees were unfortunately diseased and had to be destroyed, but the Japanese weren’t deterred at all. They came back with an even bigger gift of 3000 yoshino cherry trees, which continue to bloom beautifully in D.C. to this day!
Love cherry blossoms? Then I bet seeing cherry blossom season in Japan is on your bucket list. Here are the best places to see them in Kyoto, Japan!
When is Peak Bloom?
Peak bloom changes every year because, surprise, nature isn’t always the most consistent. Generally, the peak will fall around late March or early April, but it can vary by up to a couple weeks per year. The National Park Service keeps an active cherry blossom watch and posts detailed predictions about when the absolute peak couple of days is, and this can still be changing and updating as little as two weeks out.
There are plenty of websites that make cherry blossom watches and predictions, but I would trust the NPS website the most. Besides time predictions, they also post important information and updates regarding bloom season, including any closures. Be sure to check their page before heading to D.C.!
How to Get to Tidal Basin
There are a couple ways to get to Tidal Basin, and some are definitely superior to others.
- Car: unless you are coming at a very uncrowded time (sunrise/sunset on a weekday), I would not recommend driving to Tidal Basin. There is very little parking available and fighting the traffic here with a million pedestrians in the way is every bit as nightmarish as it sounds. If you’re determined to get here by car, I would suggest catching an Uber or Lyft to near the Tidal Basin area and then walking from there.
- Public Transit: this is, in my opinion, the best way to get to Tidal Basin. D.C. is quite transit-friendly, and there are great bus and metro options all around the city. Even if you’re coming from outside of D.C.—for example I took the train down from Baltimore—you can take a train to Union Station and walk about half an hour from the station to Tidal Basin.
- Bike/Scooter: this is a great option to quickly get to the Tidal Basin area, but I would not recommend trying to navigate the basin with your personal one as there are far too many people to ride. If you’re relatively close by, you can grab a rideshare bike or scooter to get close to Tidal Basin, and then drop it off nearby and walk from there.
- Walk: Because of the crowds, you are going to have to walk some to get to Tidal Basin. D.C. is very walkable and even from Union Station it’s only about a half hour’s brisk walk to get to the cherry trees. However, from anywhere further than the immediate D.C. area, I would not suggest walking as it can be a rather long walk.
The Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms
As with many beautiful but popular destinations, the best time to visit Tidal Basin to avoid enormous crowds is to show up during a sunset, sunrise, or weekday. The absolute emptiest time to see the blossoms would be on a weekday (preferably Monday or Tuesday) at sunrise—if you come to Tidal Basin at this time, you’ll likely only find some photographers here. Sunset is also a beautiful time to come and past the peak visitation hours, but obviously this will be a little more crowded since it’s after work.
However, I know a lot of people don’t have the luxury of showing up on a weekday, me included. Visiting on the weekend and avoiding crowds is still mostly possible if you come during sunrise or sunset. Sundays are less crowded than Saturdays as well. On the weekend, crowds will really take over by around 9 AM, so if you must come on the weekend, I would suggest coming earlier than that. After 9, you can forget about trying to take photos without people in them!
Alternatives to Tidal Basin
So all this talk about packed crowds is a major turn-off; where else can you find blossoms in D.C. and not have to fight for your life? Luckily, there are plenty of blooming locations around the city!
- Hains Point in East Potomac Park: Hains Point is located about a 20-minute drive or 40-minute walk from the Jefferson Memorial. However, the roads might be closed off during peak season, meaning your best bet is to walk. Do not try to rent a scooter or bike to get here—you aren’t allowed to park it anywhere in East Potomac Park, meaning you’ll have to hang onto it (and pay) for the entire time you’re there.
- U.S. National Arboretum: Two good things about the National Arboretum: it’s huge, and it’s free! If you’re really looking to enjoy throngs of cherry blossom trees without crowds, this is a great place to go. The only drawback is that the National Arboretum isn’t easily accessed by public transit, and it’s a fairly long walk. I would suggest Ubering or biking here. The Arboretum is open 8-5, but check their page for any updates or alerts.
- Rawlins Park: these aren’t cherry blossoms, but rather the deeper pink saucer magnolias with beautiful large flowers. Rawlins Park is an urban park, which basically means a concrete plaza surrounded by a ring of beautiful trees, so it’s not very large. Saucer magnolias also typically bloom about 2 weeks before yoshino cherry trees, so these are a great option if you happen to be in D.C. before the peak Tidal Basin bloom.
- Enid E. Haupt Garden: Located at the Smithsonian Castle, this is also a great place to see saucer magnolias. The Enid E. Haupt Garden also has beautiful benches and a lovely moon gate that looks super picturesque!
- Stanton Park: Yet another place to see magnolias! This is a relatively small park located in the Capitol Hill area just a 15-minute walk away from Union Station. There’s more greenery here than at Rawlins Park or the Enid E. Haupt Garden, if you’re looking for those beautiful natural vibes.
I hope this article has provided you with helpful insights on experiencing the enchanting cherry blossoms at Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. Embracing the arrival of spring, these delicate blooms paint the landscape in breathtaking hues, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Whether you choose to stroll along the basin, have a picnic under the blooming trees, or capture stunning photographs, the cherry blossoms offer a captivating experience for all. Remember to plan your visit during the peak bloom period, be prepared for crowds, and take a moment to soak in the beauty and tranquility of this iconic location.
Now that you’re armed with all the cherry blossom knowledge that you could possibly need, who’s ready to tackle Tidal Basin? Are you planning a little hanami pilgrimage of your own? Cherry blossom season is one of my favorite times of year and I’m constantly looking for more ways to experience and enjoy these beautiful flowers. Have fun enjoying all the most beautiful moments springtime has to offer!
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