My Guide to Experiencing Washington, D.C.’s Cherry Blossoms

April 11, 2013

There’s no better way to ring in spring than with Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossoms.

Now that the weather is warmer outside and you wake up every mornings with the birds singing, it’s time to head out to your favorite ballpark or better yet find a gorgeous setting to enjoy all the sun and flowers in bloom.

Today I’m dreaming about Washington, D.C. in the springtime. While this may seem a bit ordinary, there is nothing ordinary about DC when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Like puffy pink pillows, they are simply luscious and lovely. They make DC seem like a magical, extraordinary place. So if you are anywhere near DC, I recommend a road trip to enjoy DC in all its cherry blossom glory. As an alternative, if you can’t make it to DC in person, enjoy them in all their gorgeousness via webcam.

Walking around DC can be hard on your feet. My advice is to head out on one of the many tours first, grab a sack lunch and then head back to the Tidal Basin to enjoy a relaxed afternoon. Make sure your camera is charged and at the ready!

Bike and Roll Guided Tour

My top choice is DC by bike. If you like cruising around on two wheels, this two hour (7 mile) ride is one of the best ways to see DC. Your guide leads you on a narrated bike excursion around the city that also includes a “Blossoms by Bike” leg of the tour. Starting at the National Mall, you’ll bike the sea of pink and white blossoms that surround the Potomac Tidal Basin to East Potomac Park and beyond. Pedaling around the Nation’s capital is an unforgettable way to take in all the monuments and cherry blossom activities.

Stunning Scenery via Segway

One great alternative to biking is to cruise through the blossoms while riding a Segway. There are several great tour options available to you, so if this sounds more entertaining (and less strenuous) than two hours on a bike, you should give it a try. All riders must be 16 or older and a little training is required. It’s a lot of fun and you’ll see famous landmarks, including the White House, Botanical Gardens, National Archives, Smithsonian, the Washington Monument, FBI Building, Newseum, Capitol Building and the Canadian Embassy. There are many photo opportunities as you ride by the cherry blossoms, historic monuments and memorials on the National Mall.

Boat Tours Along the Blossoms

If its a nice day, you may find yourself wanting to get out on the river to see the perfect pink splendor. You can book a river tour that provides panoramic views of the cherry blossoms reflecting off the water. You’ll get close-up view of the Jefferson and Washington memorials with the Kennedy Center in the background. Some of the cruises offer happy hours and other goodies on their outdoor decks. Seeing the DC skyline with the blossoms in full bloom from the water provides a unique vantage point if you’re looking for something different.

Don’t miss the parade! Check dates to see when this year’s National Cherry Blossom Parade hits the streets. It’s one of DC’s most attended events and runs down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets, NW. Gigantic helium balloons, marching bands and floats from around the country make this a special treat for the final weekend of the festival. This year it’s on Saturday, April 13th. If you’re going as a family, this is a must-see!!

Have you visited DC during the cherry blossom peak? Share your favorite place or way to enjoy the pink…

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