Known worldwide as one of the city’s most anticipated happenings, Cherry Blossom Season is upon us once again. Seemingly overnight, the lingering signs of winter melt away, and our Nation’s Capitol transforms into a blossoming, fragrant paradise that ushers in the start of spring with splendor and style.

The only question, of course, is how to experience the blossoms yourself without fighting back the crowds of tourists that descend in droves for the same reason.

Keeping reading for the best ways to see the Cherry Blossoms crowd-free in and around DC this season!

#1 From The Water: What could be better than seeing the Cherry Blossoms from a Tidal Basin pedal boat? Escape the crowds and take in the blossoms from the water with these pedal boats built for 2 or 4. An insider’s tip? You can either pedal under the trees along the busy shore, or head away from the water’s edge. Either way, you’ll have excellent views of the Washington Monument and other memorials surrounding the basin from the water.

#2 From US Capitol Grounds: There are some beautiful cherry trees sprinkled around the grounds of the US Capitol. The largest grouping is in the Lower Senate Park with over 100 trees surrounding the fountain and paths.

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#3 From Dumbarton Oaks: Cherry blossoms, magnolia trees, and spring flowers line the pathways of this beautiful garden in Georgetown. You can also enjoy the blossoms from the adjacent Montrose Park, which has a play area for children to enjoy.

#4 From East Potomac Park: If you can’t face the mob at the Tidal Basin (we get it), take a scenic drive through East Potomac Park instead. Cherry trees line the shore on both sides of this peninsula at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. The crowds are much smaller here, and you can usually find free parking, too.

#5 From Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens: Cherry blossom trees surround the parking area and Visitor Center at Kenilworth Park. The park is also a favorite place to enjoy birding along the boardwalk.

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#6 From The National Arboretum: The blossoms here are more spread out, but you’ll appreciate the peace and quiet at this less frequented garden in northeast DC.

#7 From Stanton Park: Stanton Park has a noteworthy collection of trees surrounding the statue of Revolutionary War hero, General Nathanael Greene. The park is one of the larger sites in the Capitol Hill Parks collection maintained by the National Park Service.

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#8 From Hains Point: Take the free Wharf Jitney over to Hains Point or grab some wheels from Unlimited Biking and get ready for ample photo-ops of the blossoms. The loop around Hains Point spans 4.4 miles and is full of views of the blossoms with waterfront backdrops of the Potomac River, Anacostia River and Washington Channel. The loop is usually less crowded than the Tidal Basin, and it includes as many as 10 unique cherry blossom species.

#9 From The Festival: Ready to embrace the crowds in order to experience DC’s most storied (and scenic) festival? Take a trip to the National Cherry Blossom Festival that runs from March 20 – April 14 for a festive celebration filled with food, fun, and culture!

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin now spans four weeks throughout Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. Residents and visitors are invited to celebrate all that spring in Washington, DC has to offer — from exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants to vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches.

Thinking about making real estate moves in DC? We’d be happy to help! Give us a call at 202.280.2060 or email us directly at jsmira@jennsmira.com.