- I've been traveling to see cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, for years alongside tons of tourists.
- Elevate your trip by booking a Potomac River blossom cruise or special themed afternoon tea.
Washington, DC, is one of the best places in the US to see cherry blossoms in the spring.
Every year, more than 1.5 million tourists travel to DC for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. And, although fun, popular free events like the Blossom Kite Festival and Petalpalooza tend to be swarming with crowds.
As a DC-area native who's gone to see the blooms for years (and just went this past weekend), I've learned how to dodge the chaos.
Here are my recommendations for the best ways to skip the crowds and tips to maximize your spring trip.
Ditch the Tidal Basin and head to lesser-known bloom sites
The Tidal Basin is one of the most popular cherry-blossom-viewing spots in DC. The pretty waterfront space is filled with blooms, but there are lesser-known sites to visit if you don't feel like fighting for selfie space.
Some of my top picks include Georgetown's Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, Stanton Park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
I took my mother to the Basilica over the weekend and was pleasantly surprised to find we had the grounds all to ourselves.
With roughly 150 cherry trees adorning the property of North America's largest Roman Catholic church, it's truly a sight for sore eyes.
Embark on a boat cruise down the Potomac River
Switch up your perspective by embarking on a cruise to see the vibrant pink blooms from the water.
City Cruises offers a variety of options for different budgets and preferences, including brunch, lunch, or dinner cruises and sightseeing tours. Every voyage guarantees breathtaking views of the blossoms sans the crowds.
My mother and I went on the lunch cruise during our recent cherry-blossom outing and loved it. It was nice to see tons of trees in beautiful locations while sipping blossom-themed cocktails.
Explore the Artechouse spring exhibit
Embark on a cherry-blossom adventure like no other at Artechouse DC's latest exhibit — "Isekai: Blooming Parallel Worlds."
This spring, the studio infuses Anime magic into the blossoms, creating a mesmerizing universe of digital art. Although it's popular this time of year, the exhibition requires advanced reservations that means you'll be guaranteed a spot and it doesn't get overly crowded.
Artechouse is also a great option for a rainy day in DC because it's an indoor experience.
Walk the Hains Point loop trail — or golf amongst the blooms
Escape the bustling crowds and immerse yourself in cherry-blossom bliss at Hains Point loop trail.
This hidden gem offers a serene 4.1-mile stroll amidst a diverse array of cherry-tree species, along with breathtaking vistas of the Potomac River, Anacostia River, and the Washington Channel.
While you're on Hains Point Island, check out East Potomac Golf Links. With several golf courses to choose from, you can swing away while surrounded by incredible blooms and waterfront views.
Book a seating at a cherry-blossom afternoon tea
The Willard InterContinental DC's iconic cherry-blossom afternoon tea has been transforming the hotel's Beaux-Arts lobby and Willard's Peacock Alley into an enchanting world of pink and white Yoshino blooms every spring for about a century.
This year was my first time trying the upscale experience, and I highly recommend it if you enjoy feeling like royalty.
The service was impeccable, the decor was exquisite, and every sip and bite was an indulgence.
Each person at our table got to choose from a lengthy tea list and we enjoyed delicious sweet and savory treats, like lobster-salad sandwiches and cherry-cinnamon scones.
Check out cherry-blossom pop-up restaurants and bars
This time of year, DC's culinary scene is dominated by all things cherry blossom. Restaurants and bars all over town swap out their menus and go all out with over-the-top floral decor in honor of the season.
Fortunately, diving into the local dining scene is a great way to experience bloom-related goodness without the chaos of crowded festival events.
Enjoy blossom-inspired cocktails and panoramic views at Ciel Social Club's scenic rooftop lounge. Seek sanctuary on Residents Cafe's patio, a dazzling oasis of blossoms away from the hustle.
Or, immerse yourself in Silver Lyan's unique pop-up at the Riggs Hotel, where Japanese-inspired cuisine and floating floral decor can transport you to a cherry-blossom dreamland.