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      Best Spots for Cherry Blossoms

      Here in the District, spring signifies more than just the arrival of warm weather — the season marks the blooming of our world-famous cherry blossom trees, symbolizing the natural beauty of our nation's capital city.  

      While the Tidal Basin is the most popular location to view the cherry blossoms, it is not the only location in the city to marvel at the pink and white petals but shhh... it's a secret! We've put together a list of the top spots to take in all of the cherry blossom beauty. You can even avoid the crowds at some of these "secret" sites! 


      Tidal Basin

      The absolute classic, must-do at least once in your lifetime spot. The Tidal Basin is home to the official Welcome Center and over 3,000 cherry trees. These trees arrived in 1912 as a gift of international friendship from the Mayor of Tokyo. The Tidal Basin is also home to the ANA Performance Stage, where free musical and cultural performances are held from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm every weekend starting March 23 through April 14. When traveling to the Tidal Basin, be prepared for large crowds.

      Hains Point/East Potomac Park

      If you’re already at the Tidal Basin, take a short walk down to East Potomac Park, across the Washington Channel from The Wharf and Maine Ave Fish Market. Here you can enjoy a game of tennis or golf, or simply walk around the island with river views to one side and cherry blossoms to the other.

      The best way to reach East Potomac Park is by bike. There are two Capital Bikeshare Stations at East Potomac Park — one at the Jefferson Memorial and another at Hains Point/Buckeye & Ohio Dr SW by the tennis courts.

      U.S. National Arboretum

      The U.S. National Arboretum is home to myriad plants and horticulture, including cherry blossom trees. You can access the Arboretum via the B2 and X8 Metrobus routes. There is also a Capital Bikeshare station at 24th & R St/National Arboretum near the park entrance.

      National Cathedral

      You can take Metrobus 30N, 30S, 31, 33, or 37 to get to the National Cathedral and take in the beauty of the blossoms set against the gothic architecture of the Cathedral.

      Pro tip: Take binoculars and try to spot the Darth Vader grotesque on the northwest tower!

      Foxhill Village

      Take a walk among picturesque Tudor-style homes in the Foxhill Village neighborhood to see the cherry trees at Hardy Recreation Center. To get there, board the D5 Metrobus from Georgetown and disembark at MacArthur Rd NW and Q St NW to begin your stroll.

      Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

      An historic DC museum, the Hillwood Estate is famous for being the former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post -- who had strong ties to 18th century French design, as well as an iconic collection of Fabergé eggs. More importantly, the gardens are home to many stunning cherry trees! Take Metrorail's Red line to Van Ness-UDC station or the L1 Metrobus to the corner of Connecticut Ave NW and Tilden St NW to walk to the estate.

      godcgo-national-cherry-blossom-festival-guide

      We've also partnered with the National Cherry Blossom Festival to bring you a FREE guide to get to the blossoms.

      Share your adventure with us on social media! Just tag @goDCgo.

      goDCgo

      WRITTEN BY: goDCgo

      goDCgo is an initiative of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) that encourages the use of sustainable transportation. We provide complimentary transit resources and consulting services to DC organizations and commuters. Our goal serves to decrease traffic congestion, improve air quality and create a better quality of life in the DC area.

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