A city in bloom: Washington, DC shines this spring

WASHINGTON, DC - There's no city more synonymous with springtime than Washington, DC, and this year, visitors have even more reasons to discover its annual burst of seasonal energy. Over the coming months, the Tidal Basin will debut a more resilient infrastructure, wider walkways and 400 new trees - 250 of which were a 2024 gift from Japan. Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is spotlighting special offers, experiences and insider tips. Start planning a getaway at washington.org/spring.

Peak bloom for the cherry blossoms is expected to occur March 29-April 1, the National Park Service announced today. The best viewing of the cherry blossom trees typically lasts a few days before and after peak bloom begins, although the blossoms can last for up to two weeks under ideal conditions.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, March 20-April 12, features signature events, cultural performances and celebrations - most of which are free. Throughout the season, visitors can also enjoy blossom-inspired pop-up bars, themed afternoon teas, seasonal food and drink menus, enticing hotel offers and fun activations across the city.

"Spring is one of the most magical times to experience Washington, DC. Each year, visitors from around the world are drawn by the beauty of the cherry blossoms and the surrounding cultural events and various celebrations," said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. "As the season unfolds, the entire city comes alive, making it a perfect time to visit, take advantage of hundreds of free experiences and discover what's new."

Springtime blends seamlessly with DC's center stage role for America's 250th anniversary as opportunities to highlight the city's global connections. Few places tell America's story as vividly as DC - the only place to see the Declaration of Independence and the best place to discover its impact. Local cultural institutions will unveil special exhibitions for the milestone and a wave of major openings from April through July add to the momentum:

• Historic carousel on the National Mall reopens (April 23)
• Smithsonian Castle temporarily reopens (May 22)
• Museum underneath the Lincoln Memorial (by July)
• National Geographic Museum of Exploration (summer)
• African American Civil War Memorial Museum (summer)
• Air and Space Museum expansion, in time for its 50th anniversary (July 1)

Beyond the blossoms, the Sports Capital hosts the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament's East Regional at Capital One Arena (March 27 and 29). The Nationals' home opener is April 3 at Nationals Park, while Audi Field hosts home openers for the Washington Spirit on March 13 and the UFL's DC Defenders on April 11. The Wizards and Capitals are in the home stretch of their respective seasons at Capital One Arena and DC United returns to Audi Field on April 4.

DC's culinary scene also continues to thrive with trendy new openings. José Andrés will add an outpost of Bazaar Meat in the Waldorf Astoria this month; actor Wilmer Valderrama and Daniella Senior introduced Elegancia in La Cosecha; and Carlos Delgado (Causa) debuted Maru San, a Japanese Peruvian hand-roll counter in Eastern Market.

Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Experiences:

• Pink Tie Party presented by Union Station and Design Cuisine - March 13
• Opening Ceremony co-presented with The Japan Foundation - March 21
• Blossom Kite Festival presented by Amazon - March 28
• Petalpalooza® at Navy Yard presented by M&T Bank - April 4
• National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC - April 11

Check out a complete guide here.

Cherry Blossom Travel Tips:

• Common viewing sites:
  • The Tidal Basin, near the Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
  • Small clusters of trees can be found along the National Mall, just northwest of the Lincoln Memorial and around the Washington Monument.
• Alternative sites from the National Mall:
  • Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
  • East Potomac Park / Hains Point Loop Trail
  • Gardens of Dumbarton Oaks
  • U.S. National Arboretum
  • Washington National Cathedral
• Alternative ways to see the blossoms:
  • Water:
    • Lunch, brunch and dinner cruises and water taxis with CityCruises
    • Private charters with Embark DC, Nautiste, Mahogany Yacht Charters and Be You!
    • Party to the Petals aboard a floating bar with SeaSuite Cruises
    • Kayak or pedal boat with Adventures Unbound
  • Foot:
    • Walking and self-guided audio tours with DC by Foot
    • Tidal Basin: Beyond the Blossoms with DC Design Tours
  • Bike:
    • Blossoms by Bike Tour with Unlimited Biking

Make it a Blossom-Inspired Trip:

• National Cherry Blossom Festival's Cherry Picks Program
  In collaboration with the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, participating restaurants highlight creative spring menus.
• RAMW's Spring Wine Fling
  Participating restaurants offer a two-course dinner menu and two glasses of wine for $55.
• Seasonal Afternoon Tea
  The Fairmont, Hay-Adams, Hillwood Estate, Pendry, Salamander, Waldorf Astoria and Willard InterContinental are among the many places to experience high tea with seasonal flair.
• Seasonal Fun
  Compete in Stumpy's Petal and Paddles Race on March 19. On March 28, check out a taiko drumming performance outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum, then head to Bloomaroo at The Wharf, a free, family-friendly festival. The 64th annual Sakuri Matsuri Japanese Street Festival takes place April 11-12. Explore Jazz & Blossoms in Franklin Park on April 12, a lively spring playground.
• Seasonal Selfies
  Snap a photo under the pink lanterns at CityCenterDC or with elaborate floral decorations at Residents Café, Love, Makoto, Mercy Me's Blossom Garden and Ciel Social Club, among other hot spots.

View more here.

Blossom-Inspired Hotel Packages:

• AKA Washington Circle: DC in Bloom
  Welcome drinks from a.kitchen+bar, blossom-themed welcome amenity, $40 food and beverage credit per night.
• Arlo Washington, DC: Petals and Pedals
  Save 25% on stays, receive complimentary parking and a Capital Bikeshare rental.
• Capital Hilton: Cherry Blossom Package
  Bento box with Japanese snacks, collectable pin, complimentary breakfast, souvenir kite.
• Capitol Hill Hotel: Capitol Hill in Bloom
  Cherry blossom tote with blossom-themed extras, daily continental breakfast.
• Conrad Washington, DC: Sakura Stay Experience
  Enjoy a robotic massage, chauffeured tour with a cherry blossom picnic, Sakura Club access, themed gifts, drinks and sweets.
• Darcy Hotel: Cherry Blossom Package
  Two signature cherry blossom cocktails or mocktails, $50 breakfast credit.
• Eaton DC: Cherry Blossom Package
  Cherry blossom welcome amenity and seasonal cocktail.
• Hotel Washington: Bloom with a VUE
  Welcome basket, $25 daily dining credit, $10 donation to "Adopt a Cherry Tree" project.
• Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill: Cherry Blossom Picnic Basket
  Thoughtfully curated selection showcases beloved DC-made treats and artisan specialties.
• Kimpton Monaco: Spring in Bloom
  Curated piece from Kendra Scott Jewelry, L'Occitane amenity set, rosé and macaron luxury welcome amenity.
• Le Méridien Washington, DC, The Madison: Petals on the Potomac
  Two signature cocktails, a limited edition mug and a guided cherry blossom tour.
• InterContinental Washington, DC - The Wharf: Cherry Blossom Retreat
  Waterfront room or suite, breakfast in bed, cherry blossom massage for two and a private yacht charter with Nautiste.
• Lyle DC: Blooms by Design
  Enjoy a blossom filled walking tour led by DC Design Tours through neighboring Cleveland Park, Embassy Row and Dupont Circle.
• Marriott properties: Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season
  Stay two or more nights and earn 2,500 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points per stay.
• Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection: Cherry Blossom Princess Fantasy Suite Experience
  The historic hotel debuts a bespoke stay inspired by its historic ties to the Festival's Cherry Blossom Princess and Queen coronation celebrations.
• Melrose Georgetown: Cherry Blossom Days
  Locally made cherry chocolates, Cherry Gin Rickeys, Bento Box lunch from Jardenea.
• Moxy Washington, DC Downtown: Cherry Blossom Stay & Slay
  Grab your string backpack, map and essentials, then enjoy a signature cocktail.
• Omni Shoreham: Cherry Blossom Package
  Welcome gift inspired by Japanese culture and Sakura. On select weekends, watch an authentic Koto performance in the lobby with Japanese-inspired beverages and bites.
• Riggs DC: The Sweetest Bloom
  In partnership Lil Sweet Treat, enjoy a curated sugar rush and daily overnight parking.
• Rosewood Washington, DC: Cherry Blossom Experience
  Two-night stay in presidential suite or townhouse, afternoon tea, blossom-themed cocktails and dining experience, private tour of the monuments, curated picnic and more.
• Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle: Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season
  Two Metro cards, blossom-inspired beverages, late checkout.
• Salamander Washington, DC: Cherry Blossom Views
  A cherry blossom-inspired afternoon tea for two, private walkway to the Tidal Basin.
• Sofitel Washington, DC Lafayette Square: Cherry Blossom Package
  Daily breakfast and nightly cherry blossom themed cocktails.
• The Hay-Adams: Monuments by Night
  Package includes private sedan tour of the city's stunning architecture.
• The LINE DC: Cherry Blossom Bliss
  Save up to 15% and enjoy a $25 food and beverage credit at No Goodbyes.
• Ven at Embassy Row Hotel: Cherry Blossom Package
  Includes custom tote with curated blossom inspired gifts, locally inspired treats, and springtime essentials.
• Waldorf Astoria Washington, DC: Petals & Pours
  Sakura-inspired welcome amenity, chilled rosé Champagne and a private mixology session. The Cherry Blossom Family Adventure includes a private origami class, kite kits and $250 hotel credit.
• Watergate Hotel: Cherry Blossom Charter Package
  Cruise the Potomac River on a 90-minute private boat with a captain.
• Westin Washington, DC Downtown: Touches of Pink
  The hotel's exterior will glow pink throughout the season, while the package includes a Park View room accented with cherry blossom details.
• Willard InterContinental: Blossoms & Diplomacy
  This package includes a history concierge tour and $166 spa credit, signifying 166 years since Japan's 1860 delegation was hosted at Willard.
• View more here.

DC250 Year-Long Hotel Packages:

• Capital Hilton: Capital 250
• Conrad Washington, DC: Celebrate America All Year Long
• Courtyard by Marriott Dupont Circle: Experience the Story of Washington, DC
• Darcy Hotel: DC250 Logan Circle Dream and Dine Package
• Days Inn by Wyndham Connecticut Avenue: Celebrate America's 250th
• Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown: Book Early, Celebrate More - Center of America's 250th Summer
• Hotel Nell-Union Market: 25% Off - America's 250th Anniversary
• Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill: $250 Weekends
• Kimpton Hotel George: Founders & Families Getaway
• Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC: America 250 Blind Box 'Heritage Keepsake'
• Marriott: Monumental Celebrations
• Moxy Washington, DC Downtown: Rebels of 1776
• Pendry Washington, DC: Discover DC
• Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Capitol Hill: Royal Explorers on the Hill
• Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle: History in Motion
• Watergate Hotel: Watergate 250
• View more here.

July 4 Hotel Experiences:

• Conrad Washington, DC: 1776 to 2026: A Capital Celebration
• JW Marriott Washington, DC: Stars & Suites
• Rosewood Washington, DC: America's 250th Celebration Experience
• Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle: A Capital Experience
• Westin Washington, DC Downtown: Stars, Stripes & Stories
• Watergate Hotel: $250,000 America 250 Package

Spring Calendar:

• 1776 at Ford's Theatre | March 13-May 16
  An insightful, vibrant and humorous take on our founding fathers' determination to do the right thing for their fledgling nation.
• Awesome Con at the Washington Convention Center | March 13-15
  Fans can see their favorite stars at this three-day festival that is DC's own Comic Con.
• Pi Day at the National Children's Museum | March 14, 2026
  Hands-on activations exploring math, science and art.
• Beauty and the Beast at the National Theatre | March 18-April 5
  Disney's first North American production of the beloved musical in over 25 years.
• Miró and the United States at the Phillips Collection | March 21-July 5
  Featuring 75 works by more than 30 artists.
• Revolution in Their Words at the DAR Museum | March 27-Dec. 31
  The thoughts of people affected by the turmoil between the colonies and British leaders.
• Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Event | March 29, 2026
  An afternoon of honor, gratitude and celebration remembering the courage, sacrifice and service of our nation's Vietnam Veterans.
• America's State Flowers at the U.S. Botanic Garden | April 10-Oct. 1
  See the official flowers of each U.S. state and territory.
• Dear America at the National Gallery of Art | April 11-Sept. 20
  How artists have explored the American experience over the last 250 years.
• Emancipation Day Celebration | April 19
  Eight and a half months before he signed the Emancipation Proclamation, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill abolishing slavery in DC into law - now an annual celebration in the city. A free parade, concert and family-friendly activities will elevate the historic milestone and its role in shaping the nation's story.
• Georgetown French Market | April 24-26, 2026
  Sidewalk sales from more than 35 locally owned boutiques, cafés and galleries.
• Filmfest DC | April 24-May 4
  DC's largest international film festival celebrates four decades of global cinema.
• Passport DC | May 1-31
  A month of programming, including the Around the World Embassy Tour and European Union Open House, highlights DC's international culture.

Media assets for use, courtesy of washington.org:

• Cherry blossom images
• Festival event images
• Cherry blossom broll