Best Places to See the Cherry Blossoms and Avoid the Crowds

Updated: March 10, 2023

Avoid the Crowds and See the Cherry Blossoms

After many years of COVID, it's nice to have a beautiful season upcoming with the wonderful Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C.  the area.  Yes, congestion of cars and people will be the norm in just a couple of weeks.  If you decide to travel down to the Tidal Basin to see these beautiful blossoms, pack your patience.  However, if you would like to visit and see the Cherry Blossoms, avoid the Tidal Basin because of the crowds of people.  Here are a few alternative locations to visit in and around the Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia area.
​
​

1.  Founder’s Park
This park is located near Old Town Alexandria.  There is ample parking and there’s a parking garage nearby.  The park overlooks the Potomac River with park benches to take in the beautiful view of the Cherry Blossoms. 
​

2. The National Arboretum
The Arboretum in located in Washington D.C.  It’s approximately 10 minutes from the United States Capitol Building.  There is ample parking available at no additional cost.  Admission to the Arboretum and museum is free of charge and this park is beautiful all year-round.  There are even columns on the property which make for a beautiful picture.  The Arboretum has Azelea blossoms and they have a different peak date than those near the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C.  List of upcoming events may be view here.  
​

3. Kenwood
This is a neighbor in Montgomery County; in Chevy Chase, Maryland.  There are over 1,200 trees covering the neighborhood.  The cherry blossoms can be seen along Kennedy Drive, Dorset Avenue, and Kenwood Avenue.  The trees in this neighborhood usually peak three to four days after the trees along the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C.  It takes approximately 30 – 45 minutes to drive from D.C. to Kenwood and there is limited street parking available.  Click here to get directions sent to your mobile device.
​

​4.  Foxhall Village
Another local neighborhood to view the Cherry Blossoms is Foxhall Village.  Foxhall Village is located west of Georgetown and the street are lined with these beautiful trees.  
​

​5.  Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
The gardens are located in Vienna, Virginia with over 95 acres of beautiful gardens and unique plant collections.  You can leisurely walk around the gardens to view the Cherry Blossoms with less crowds than the Tidal Basin.  Please note there is an entrance fee $5 for all except 6 years and under (Free).  
​

​6.  Dumbarton Oaks
Dumbarton Oaks is located in Georgetown.  The Cherry Blossom trees at the Oaks usually bloom a few days after the Tidal Basin trees.  There are also Japanese plum trees and Tulip Magnolias.  
​

There is no parking available for visitors, but two-hour street parking is available.  There is no time limit for street parking on Sundays.  The museum is closed on Mondays.

---

7.  George Washington Masonic National Memorial
The memorial is located on King Street directly across the street from the train station.

8.  Old Town Alexandria
Did you know there are many Cherry trees in Old Town Alexandria in Virginia?  As a matter of fact, there is a Cherry Blossom Photo Tour.  This tour offers local history highlights and an opportunity to take beautiful photos of this wonderful blossoms.  These tours are called the Walk and Snap tour.  It’s held on Thursdays and Fridays from 5-6pm for $20 fee.  For more details or to book a tour, text (410) 507-7746.

9.  Cruise on a Water Taxi
The Potomac Riverboat Company offers a Cherry Blossoms Monument Cruise between Old Town Alexandria and the National Mall.  This is a great way to see the trees lining the Tidal Basin without the crowds.  There are several different options available with the pricing ranging from $17 to $30.  Click here to see the different tours and to schedule.  The tour is narrated so you’ll receive history about the iconic monuments and look at the cherry trees along the cruise.  
​

Image Credit: Potomac Riverboat Company

​10.  American University
Did you know the Cherry Trees on the American University are Korean Cherry Trees?  On April 8, 1943, two men planted the trees on the university.  Now the university is graced with the offspring from these original trees.  
​
​

​If you want to view the Cherry Blossoms, either of the options would be a great choice.  If you would like to have your family photographed with the Cherry Blossom trees, you may schedule your desired date and time here.
​

​The National Park Service initially expected the peak bloom between March 22 - March 25, 2023.  The change is due to mild weather and higher temperatures in the coming days.
​

Share

---

Related Information