Nature doesn’t cease to amaze me. These last few days I experienced the Cherry Blossom in Washington DC and it left me speechless. Let me take you around the Tidal Basin for a spring walk filled with beautiful flowers. Keep reading to learn some background, what to expect, when is the best time and which are the best spots to see the Cherry Blossom in the nation´s capital.

Some background

Here are some basic facts about the Cherry Blossom in Washington DC:

• Blooming cherry blossom trees mark the arrival of spring. Although they are considered Japan’s unofficial national flower, they are also popular in other locations around the world such as the capital of the USA.
• When journalist Eliza Sidmore and botanist David Fairchild sought to beautify the American capital, First Lady Helen Herron Taft showed interest in the project. The first donation of 2,000 cherry trees was received in Washington DC in 1910 but burned on orders from President William Howard Taft. Unfortunately, insects and disease had infested the gift, but after hearing about the plight of the first batch, the Tokyo mayor sent another 3,020 trees to the city two years later.
• The first tree was planted in West Potomac Park in 1912. Many First Ladies, including Mamie Eisenhower, Lady Bird Johnson, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush, have officially commemorated the blossoms. On March 27, 2012, Michelle Obama took up the cause by planting a cherry tree to mark the centennial of the blossoms.
• The average peak bloom date, which is when 70% of the flowers of the cherry blossom trees are open, is around April 4. In the past, peak bloom has occurred as early as March 15 and as late as April 18. The entire blooming period can last up to 14 days, which includes the days leading up to peak bloom.

If you’d like to know more about this unique event happening every spring in the nation’s capital, you will find some additional sources of information here:

• Washington.org: guide & things to know
• Cherry Blossom Watch
• National Cherry Blossom Festival

What to expect

If you’re in Washington DC during the Cherry Blossom, here’s what you can expect during this must-see event:

• lots of people
• plenty of flowers

All joking aside, the Cherry Blossom has become increasingly popular. That is why, many people flock to the American capital to experience this unique natural show.

Hence, I advise you come equipped with a lot of patience as well as good photographic gear to capture this precious time of the year!

During this season, you can also attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held every year. This event includes an opening ceremony, a parade and many fun activities for kids and adults alike.

When is the best time to see it?

The Cherry Blossom comes hand in hand with spring. Thus, the average peak bloom date typically happens between the last week of March and the first week of April. This, of course, varies annually depending on the weather conditions.

If you want to get more clarity about the specific predictions for a year, you can watch the ones from the National Park Service and the Washington Post‘s Capital Weather Gang.

Regarding the best time to see the Cherry Blossom in Washington DC, any time you go will be breathtaking. However, due to the many people wanting to take in all the beauty, I recommend you go there early in the morning (watching the sunrise is worth the effort!) or late in the evening.

Which are the best spots?

As you might remember from one of my previous posts, the Tidal Basin is one of my favorite places since I arrived to DC.

If you’re looking for the best location to admire the beauty of the Cherry Blossom in Washington DC, I would recommend you do so from the Tidal Basin.

Located close to the National Mall, the Tidal Basin is filled with cherry blossoms lined along its shores, making it the perfect spot to experience this must-see event in the nation’s capital. Besides, you can stop at some of the Memorials on your way to sit down and enjoy the view. I strongly suggest you do so at the Jefferson Memorial although you can also get a glimpse from the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

The promenade around the Tidal Basin can be especially narrow with all those people walking, so be extra cautious. I came here twice during the peak season and I almost fell with my bike into the water!

I’ll be traveling to Miami at the end of this week to visit some friends there, so stay tuned!

I hope you liked this post. Feel free to drop me a comment below!