Every year in the early spring cherry blossoms bloom around Washington, D.C. with the majority of them around the tidal basin. I don’t think you can fully comprehend just how magical this experience is until you arrive. I put off going day to day because of various things but decided to go one night for sunset and it did not disappoint! I was so lucky that the sunset was hues of purple with the white and pink blossoms. It is truly one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.
Tips for visiting:
- The trickiest part about seeing the blossoms is knowing when they will peak. It tends to be some time in March or April which leaves a large amount of days to guess. The National Park Service makes updates on their site.
- What defines peak bloom? When 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees are in bloom.
- The tidal basin is extremely crowded during this time .. plan accordingly. Traffic is extremely heavy.
- Nearest Metro to the tidal basin is Smithsonian and abut a half mile away.
- Uber and Lyft are available – just note that traffic is heavy and wait times can be long.
- Weather: unpredictable. Some years it is hot and some years it is cold. Check the weather before visiting and bring layers just in case.
- Best viewing: anywhere along the tidal basin, Jefferson Memorial, from a boat, or walking around town.
A lot of you ask me what camera I shoot with and it is this Canon. You can read more about my equipment here.
Here are some of my photos from the Cherry Blossoms <3
Jefferson Memorial Sunset
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms
Duck in the sunset
Sun starting to set
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossom Sunset
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossom Sunset
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossom Sunset
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossom Sunset
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossom Sunset
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms
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Sooooooo dreamy, I can’t believe the sunset matched the flowers! AMAZING pics!
Wow! Gorgeous! 🙂
Gorgeous photos!!
Never been to D.C. but the blossom would be a must so thanks for sharing info on when to see them! I think walking through them would be the best experience. Your photos are gorgeous! Love your shot from the Jefferson Memorial at Sunset.
Simply gorgeous images. I never knew you could see cherry blossom so easily in Washington DC despite the fact that you mention it gets crowded. Why not, this is such a lovely sight, who would want to miss this.
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Oh yes it’s a very popular time for DC ? the crowds come from everywhere
I love your pictures, how beautiful! It’s good to know you can also see the Cherry blossoms in Washington DC!
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It’s a popular place in the US to see them. ?
What a lovely collection of photos on cherry blossoms! I have realized that any photography theme can hook you once you set your mind to it. Flowers are special..
I’ve only seen cherry blossoms in Japan but even then I loved it. I’ve been to washington but not during this season. Perhaps now I’ll consider catching cherry blossoms there as well.
I love looking at your photos. This is one thing I do miss out on, trying to check out the cherry blossoms when they come out in force. Don’t really have them here in London, UK but would sure love to travel to places like DC and Japan to check these out.
Your pictures are so pretty! It’s been probably 30 years since I was last in Washington DC and it wouldn’t have been the right time of year for cherry blossoms. Are there a lot of cherry trees?
Wow, I didn’t realise that DC was famous for its Cherry Blossoms. I’m used to hearing all about the Sakura in Japan, but these photos really highlight how amazing the blossoms are in Washington DC. A great tip to go at sunset to let the beautiful light compliment the beautiful blooms!
I love that the National Park Service makes updates on their site so you can really make sure you catch the wonderful blossoms! I actually didn’t know DC was a great place for blossoms, but its great you don’t need to go all the way to Japan to see them!
Incredibly gorgeous pictures! Viewing the cherry blossoms is famous in Japan (and it is lovely, no doubt) but I don’t know why I haven’t heard about viewing cherry blossoms in Washington DC as much because these look amazing too!
This is just lovely. And that lighting, too! <3