Where to See Cherry Blossoms and Avoid the Crowds
Where can you go to see the Cherry Blossoms and avoid the crazy crowds? The National Park Service predicts the best time to see the blossoms at peak bloom around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., is at the end of March. March 28 to March 31, to be specific. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 to April 13, 2025.
Avoid the Crowds
Take the Metro and go early to avoid the crowds around the Tidal Basin. Then, have breakfast after your Cherry Blossoms tour. The Metro starts running at 5 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekends. The Smithsonian/National Mall Metro station is about one mile from the Tidal Basin Welcome Area (near the MLK Jr. Memorial). The Tidal Basin walkway itself is 1.8 miles in circumference. The Hains Point loop is approximately 4 miles. The distance from the Lincoln Memorial to the US Capitol is 2 miles.
Other Places Around Washington D.C. to See the Cherry Blossoms
Try Haines Point. Full of blossoms (yes, the real donated trees), and no one ever goes to the point! There’s a four-mile loop you can walk from the Smithsonian Metro. It’s easier than finding parking in DC.
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Maryland
There are plenty of locations in Maryland with stunning views of Cherry Blossoms without the crowds.
Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception,
400 Michigan Avenue, Northeast Washington, D.C.
Tour their beautiful gardens.
Brookside Gardens
1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD
Walk past the pond and to the gazebo to see the most blossoms.
Learn about the 500 acres that encompass the park.
Capital Crescent Trail
Park in Bethesda and walk a mile down the Capital Crescent Trail to the Kenwood neighborhood.
Glenview Mansion
603 Edmonston Dr, Rockville
The 65-acre estate is sometimes closed to visitors during special events. Check the website before heading out.
National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue, NE. Washington DC
Discover the U.S. National Arboretum – a breathtaking oasis for visitors of all ages! Wander through stunning gardens, marvel at vibrant blooms, and explore enchanting wooded trails.
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in the Baltimore Area
Cylburn Arboretum
4915 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore
200 acres of trees, gardens, trails, peace, and serenity in a bustling urban setting.
Druid Hill Park
900 Druid Park Lake Dr, Baltimore
A Zen garden, Druid Lake, and 1.5 miles of walking trails are a perfect backdrop for the flowering Cherry trees.
Fort McHenry
2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore
Fort McHenry is a great place to explore, and the trees are on park grounds, so you don’t have to pay entry fees. Plus, there is free parking. Learn more about Fort McHenry.
Mt Vernon Neighborhood
699 N. Charles Street, Baltimore
The Mt Vernon neighborhood in Baltimore is exquisite, The Walters Art Gallery is free, and there are many excellent restaurants on the water and nearby.
Sherwood Gardens
4310 Underwood Rd, Baltimore
Sherwood Gardens is planted with over 50,000 tulips blooming between mid-late April. A variety of crab apples, cherry trees and magnolias provide additional spring color.
Cherry Blossoms in Annapolis
Maryland State House, 100 State Cir, Annapolis
Walk around the Historic District in Annapolis to see blooming Cherry trees. The area around the Maryland State House has many trees on the grounds and around Lawyers’ Mall. The State House is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will need to show your I.D. to enter the building. Parking is free on weekends in the nearby lot at 19 St. John’s Street.
