The Cherry Blossom Dilemma: Why You Should (and Shouldn’t) Visit DC in Spring

You have seen the striking images of the iconic pink and white flowers circling the Tidal Basin and framing our national monuments. The surreal scenery makes you want to pack your bags and head to the capital.

Is a spring visit to Washington, DC, a dream trip or a nightmare? Julie and I attended the National Cherry Blossom Festival twice in the past three years. Here is what you need to know.

Reasons to See the DC Cherry Blossoms

The National Cherry Blossom Festival can be a wonderful experience. Here is why you should go.

Beauty

The white and pink blooms are beautiful, and seeing so many of them near historic landmarks brings a feeling of serenity.

Celebrate Spring’s Arrival

Being part of America’s largest springtime celebration is special. Simply put, being there made Julie and me happy.

Appreciation

Recognizing the short life of the cherry blossoms reminds us to appreciate the beauty in our own fleeting lives.

Positive Vibe

In a city typically dominated by heated politics, you will notice a welcome positive vibe in the air. People seem to forget their stresses and grievances as they admire the fragrant flowers.

Nature

If you love nature, the cherry blossoms will warm your heart. The trees are beautiful, birds are singing, and other flowers are starting to bloom. It is wonderful!

Free Attractions

Many festival events and the museums on the National Mall are free.

Reasons to Skip the DC Cherry Blossoms

The National Cherry Blossom Festival can be chaos. Here is why you should skip it.

Planning is Complex

Trying to be in Washington, DC, for peak bloom presents serious challenges. The National Park Service (NPS) can’t accurately predict the dates until about 10 days from peak bloom. You need flexibility in your schedule to guarantee you are there at the right time. Otherwise, you risk missing the cherry blossoms.

Crowds

The National Cherry Blossom Festival draws over 1.5 million visitors. Traffic is terrible, and pedestrians swarm the streets. It is nuts!

Higher Travel Costs

Hotel and flight prices are likely to be higher. The travel industry is aware that you want to go to Washington, DC, this time of year, so they warmly welcome you with higher rates for transportation and lodging.

Annoying Photo Shoots

If you are annoyed by people flaunting for the camera, you may want to skip the cherry blossoms. Every other cherry tree is the setting for a personal glamour shoot. Some appear to admire themselves more than the cherry blossoms.

Difficulty Getting Great Photos

It is not easy to get that perfect picture. People are all jockeying for the same space to get an Instagram-worthy shot. Even when you have the sweet spot, people keep walking in front of your perfect scene.

Unpredictable Weather

Conditions this time of year can be unpredictable. It can get cold, and rain or snow is certainly possible. You will need to pack for a variety of weather conditions.

Tips for Your DC Cherry Blossoms Trip

If you decide to trek to our nation’s capital to see the beautiful flowers, here are some essential tips for making the most of your trip.

Plan Ahead (as much as possible)

Closely monitor the for peak bloom predictions, and be prepared to travel on short notice.

Visit During the Week

Try visiting on weekdays rather than weekends to experience lighter crowd levels.

Go Early or Late in the Day

The Tidal Basin is busiest in the middle of the day. Try to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon.

Decide Which Festival Events to Attend

Look at the timing and location of the events to determine what matters most to you.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You will do a lot of walking! Julie and I topped 30,000 steps each day.

Bring Water

Since you will be walking so much, bring water to stay hydrated.

Know Where to Find Coffee

After putting on all those miles, you may need a caffeine boost. We suggest mapping out the in advance so you know where to fuel up.

Bring Your Camera

You will want to capture the breathtaking scenery.

Pack Your Patience Pants

You will experience large crowds. Everyone wants to take pictures, just like you. Put on your patience pants and be respectful. You will get your turn.

Prepare for All Weather Conditions

Pack plenty of light layers to adjust as needed for the weather.

Verify Museum Hours

Between seeing the cherry blossoms, you may explore a couple of museums on the National Mall. Decide which museums you want to visit before your trip and verify the days and hours of operation. Each museum has its own schedule. Trust me on this one. Julie and I did not do our homework and were disappointed to find our museum of choice closed for the day.

Try Less Crowded Areas

Most visitors flock to the Tidal Basin and the National Mall. The US National Arboretum and Arlington National Cemetery provide opportunities to appreciate cherry blossoms away from the masses.