Washington, DC, becomes a breathtaking place each spring when thousands of cherry trees burst into bloom around the city's landmarks. These trees, a gift of friendship from Japan in 1912, have become a beloved treasure that attracts over 1.5 million visitors every year. While the display is certainly worth seeing for yourself, planning a cherry blossom viewing trip requires some strategy. Whether you're a first-time or a returning visitor, these expert tips for your bus trip to Washington, DC, will help you make the most of your cherry blossom experience this spring.
What to Know About Cherry Blossom Season in Washington, DC
Planning a cherry blossom trip to Washington, DC, can be challenging because of the unpredictable timing of the peak bloom which varies from year to year. While April 4 is the average peak bloom date, Mother Nature follows her own schedule. Blooms have appeared as early as March 15 and as late as April 18. The National Park Service provides bloom predictions approximately 10 days in advance on their website, which can help with last-minute planning. Additionally, purchasing bus transportation from a reliable bus company with rescheduling advantages allows you to rebook your tickets as needed.
Timing Your Visit for Smaller Crowds
The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from mid-March through mid-April, with many events including the Opening Ceremony and the popular Blossom Kite Festival. If possible, schedule your cherry blossom visit on weekdays rather than weekends. During weekends at peak bloom, day-trippers from across the mid-Atlantic gather on Washington's Tidal Basin and National Mall, which can create substantial crowds. A Tuesday or Wednesday visit means sharing the views with far fewer people, resulting in a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
For an even more serene viewing experience, plan to arrive early in the morning or later in the day near sunset. You'll find relatively empty pathways even during peak season, allowing for that tranquil cherry blossom experience most visitors hope for. As an added benefit, the soft morning or evening light creates perfect conditions for photography.
Preparing for Extensive Walking
Cherry blossom viewing in Washington requires comfortable footwear and preparation for significant walking distances. The National Mall involves nearly two miles of walking from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building, with additional walking required from hotels and transportation stops. Even the closest Metro stations require a 10-15-minute walk to reach the main cherry blossom areas.
If walking long distances is a challenge, consider exploring by bicycle through Capital Bikeshare, which offers pickup and drop-off locations throughout the city. For those with mobility concerns, the DC Circulator Bus provides all-day access service along the National Mall route with a SmarTrip card.
Navigating to the Tidal Basin and National Mall
The Tidal Basin and National Mall are the most popular and photographed cherry blossom locations in Washington. Understanding these transportation options in advance will save you valuable time during your visit:
Metro Options: The Silver, Blue, and Orange lines stop at Smithsonian Station, which is about a 15-minute walk from the Tidal Basin Welcome Area. Other nearby Metro stations include:
- Archives Station (served by the Yellow and Green lines), which provides easy access to the National Mall.
- Federal Triangle Station (served by the Blue, Silver, and Orange lines), located within walking distance of major landmarks.
Bus Options: If you prefer bus transportation, routes 32, 34, and 36 stop near the Washington Monument, leaving you with approximately a 10-minute walk to the Tidal Basin.
Exploring Alternative Viewing Locations
While the Tidal Basin is the classic cherry blossom experience, savvy visitors know that beautiful cherry trees bloom throughout Washington and the surrounding area and usually have much smaller crowds.
The National Arboretum, located about 10 minutes northeast of the Capitol Building, has guided tours that highlight its cherry tree collection. Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown is a more intimate setting with historic gardens featuring cherry trees against the backdrop of a beautiful estate. The Washington National Cathedral grounds become even more picturesque when framed by blossoming cherry trees.
For those willing to venture slightly farther, the streets of Old Town Alexandria in Virginia are another great setting to enjoy the spring blooms without the National Mall crowds.
Selecting Accommodations for Cherry Blossom Season
Finding conveniently located accommodations enhances your cherry blossom experience and can save hours of travel time. For proximity to the Tidal Basin and National Mall, consider downtown options like the historic Willard InterContinental, The Hay-Adams, or The W Hotel. The Dupont Circle neighborhood offers options including The Dupont Circle Hotel and the Fairmont Washington DC, options that have a slightly more residential feel while remaining accessible to major attractions. The Penn Quarter area has hotels like the Embassy Suites Washington DC-Convention Center and Moxy Washington DC Downtown. For budget-conscious travelers, accommodations in nearby Arlington or Alexandria often give you better value while offering easy Metro access to cherry blossom locations.
Trust BestBus for Bus Transportation to Washington, DC, This Spring!
Visiting Washington, DC, for cherry blossom season doesn't have to require dealing with city driving or expensive parking. BestBus provides convenient and comfortable bus transportation to Washington from multiple East Coast locations, making your cherry blossom trip stress-free from start to finish.
With multiple daily departures and competitive pricing, BestBus is an economical and environmentally friendly way to experience Washington's cherry blossom season. Make your reservation early, as spring routes fill quickly.
Book your bus tickets to Washington, DC, with BestBus, and let us handle the transportation while you focus on creating memories among Washington's cherry trees this spring. Sign up for our VIP membership today and get access to exclusive perks!