UPDATE: As the District continues working to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the city is taking additional measures to restrict access to the Tidal Basin. Following guidance from the CDC recommendations, the Tidal Basin is closed to all vehicular traffic, pedestrians and cyclists as of March 23 2020. Still hoping to see the flowers? The National Cherry Blossom Festival has launched its new virtual Festival experience accessible from the Festival homepage. This new online experience brings the Festival to you and provides a way to enjoy springtime together, while being apart.
Read on for our previous Cherry Blossom experience, as we take a in depth look at our nation’s greatest Springtime celebration.
Stay safe everyone!
The Cherry Blossom Festival is the nation’s greatest Springtime celebration! Every year Washington, D.C. welcomes the arrival of spring with the famous National Cherry Blossom Festival, a tradition that showcases their 3,000 cherry trees that the city of Tokyo gave to our nation’s capital in 1912. The annual three-week, city-wide celebration features more more than 90 special events; from arts and exhibits, galas to musical performances, stunning parades to festive eats, this famous springtime fete has something for all ages.
Behind the Blooms
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual festival, commemorating the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from (the then) Mayor of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift was to honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries.
It took the coordination of many to make the gorgeous cherry blossom trees a reality. After the first batch of 2,000 trees arrived diseased in 1910, both governments, members of the US Department of Agriculture, and renowned chemists came together to aid in the successful arrival of a second batch of 3,000 trees. In 1912, First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess China, wife of the Japanese ambassador, held a ceremony for the official planting of the first two trees on the north bank of the Tidal Basin near the John Paul Jones statue at the south end of 17th Street. It is said that these two trees are the only two original trees still standing today.
Tidal Wave of Flowers
While there are cherry blossom trees scattered throughout the city, most reside on the banks of Tidal Basin. Today there are approximately 3,750 cherry trees surrounding the 2 mile perimeter. Most of the trees are of the Yoshino Cherry variety, that produce a delicate light pink flower. Washington DC is also home to a number of Magnolia trees, whose leaves turn brilliant shade of pink. The magnolias typically peak right before the cherry blossoms. Look for a large concentration of these in Lafayette Square, near to the White House.
Monumental Setting
What makes the National Cherry Blossom so unique is the setting itself. The blossoms are situated along the water, creating exquisite pink blossoming reflections on the water’s surface, all without visual interruption. In addition, most of the major monuments in DC cant be seen form the Tidal Basin – allowing for gorgeous, picturesque scenery that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The Big Bloom
The million dollar questions: When will they peak? How long will they last? Cherry trees bloom from late March through May in the United States. When the Bloom hits 20 percent of the trees it is considered the beginning of its bloom period. A Bloom by 70 percent of the trees marks “peak bloom.” Weather (rain, wind, snow) can shorten the period of bloom significantly, bringing a blizzard of white, pink and pale yellow petals to the ground. Excessive heat can rush the bloom cycle and bad weather cuts it short. Given perfect conditions with average temperatures and gentle rainfall, a cherry blossom tree’s flowers, once at peak, could last from 3-7 days.
Peak bloom for 2020 was designated as March 20th by the National Weather Service.
Image courtesy of The National Cherry Blossom Festival
Festival Fun
Family-friendly activities, exciting events and fundraisers occur throughout the festival; including favorites such as the Kite Festival, and the National Cherry Blossom Parade (that mimics the grandeur of NYC’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade). In addition to the grand events, the festival organizers set up tents around the Tidal Basin where visitors will find information on the cherry trees, first aid booths, and gift stores. The festival also brings in additional food tents for the many visiting guests. The tents/festival activities are located near the paddle boat parking lot.
Paddle around the Petals
Make “monumental” memories on the water by renting a paddle boat! One of our favorite activities during our visit was paddling around the Cherry Blossom Festival via the Tidal Basin. Paddle Boats are available in 2 or 4 person boat rentals starting at $18.00 an hour, which includes the use of their life jackets. The company also rents swan shaped paddle boats; however, there are only a few of them and they cannot run in wind (as the tall shape of the boat catches wind and easily tips over) so we never saw these actually in motion during our visit. Reservations, while not essential, are highly recommended if you would like to avoid a long line during peak bloom season. More information and to make a reservation HERE.
Cherry Blossom” doughnut” from Astro Doughnuts, Washington DC. Image courtesy of Astro Doughnuts.
Festival Treats
From sweets to treats and everything in between – many local DC companies pull out all the stops for the festival. You can find cherry blossom ice cream, doughnuts, bagels, cookies, and more. You name it – it’s been probably made for the festival. The Cherry Blossom Festival has a running list of restaurants called “Cherry Picks” that participate in offering specialized menu items specific for the festival. Find the list HERE.
Cherry Blossom Bar
More for mom and dad (but children are allowed before 9pm!) is the fun Cherry Blossom Bar in the Washington DC District called Shaw. It is a pop-up bar devoted to the festival that will only be open through April 29th. We love gimmicky stuff like this and had to visit. The flowering drinking wonderland is elaborate and gorgeous – using about 90,000 individual blossoms to canopy the bar. A secondary room in the back is dubbed the garden room is covered in 1,300 butterflies, some with flapping wings. Possibly even more impressive is the adjacent space that mimics a Japanese street with an animatonic Godzilla that breathes “fire.” Yeah, you need to visit. More information HERE.
Expect Crowds
As one would expect, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the more heavily attended events in Washington, DC and as such – it gets quite crowded. Visit the Tidal Basin (very!) early in the morning or in the early evening to avoid the largest crowds, and avoid weekend afternoons if at all possible. Not just the Tidal Basin – many of Washington DC’s popular attractions will be very busy as well, including the museums and restaurants. Where possible, be sure to make reservations well in advance.
Kid Tips:
- As mentioned above, the festival gets BUSY. Try to avoid peak weekend times at all costs. Early morning weekdays are best.
- Some of the ledges surrounding the Tidal Basin do not have fencing, and it would be actually quite easy to accidentally fall in to the water – especially with the pushing crowds. Practice caution round the edges and be sure to hold little hands tight.
- With crowds this size you need to expect bathroom lines. Temporary “porta-potty” toilets are installed along the Tidal Basin, but they are *ahem* used often and may not be the cleanest. You have been warned. Tip: Bring your own tissue.
- The food stands are very busy around the Tidal Basin, expect long lines for a hotdog and fries. Better yet – pack a picnic! Bring you own blanket and place it under a cherry tree for a snack experience you won’t forget.
- The Paddle Boats mentioned above are for all ages and the company has life preservers for children 18 months of age and older (or 25 lbs). Have a fur friend? They can come too! The DC Boating company has life preservers for dogs available as well.
- The Cherry Blossom Pub gets quite busy (suprise!) and allows children to enter before 9pm. Be sure to plan ahead to arrive right at opening.
- While the pink flowers are beautiful to look at – it is important to be remind little hands to never pick them (it is actually against the law!).
National Cherry Blossom Festival – More Information
Find more information on the Cherry Blossom Festival on the official website HERE
Happy Spring friends!
