The enchanting cherry blossoms are making their appearance in Washington, D.C., painting the city with pink and white hues as the peak bloom season is right around the corner. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is in full swing, offering a vibrant array of activities, including art exhibitions, musical performances, culinary delights, and more. Originally presented as a gift from Japan to the United States, the cherry blossoms can be admired along the Tidal Basin and in proximity to several iconic monuments and memorials in the capital.
Captivating photographs capture the delicate buds unfurling on cherry trees near the Tidal Basin, creating a picturesque backdrop against landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Washington Monument. These images, taken on March 21, provide a glimpse of the blossoms as they begin to bloom, with peak bloom anticipated between March 28 and March 31 this year.
The National Park Service keeps a close eye on the Yoshino cherry trees lining the Tidal Basin to predict the peak bloom date, estimating it once 70% of the blossoms have bloomed. Typically falling between late March and early April, the peak bloom date is subject to change due to varying weather conditions. This year, peak bloom is expected to occur earlier than average, providing an opportunity for visitors to witness the blossoms in their full glory between now and the end of March.
Before the blossoms fade away, locals and tourists can partake in the numerous events offered during the Cherry Blossom Festival, celebrating the city’s rich culture and history. Engaging programs, such as the kite festival and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, draw in over 1.5 million attendees each year, commemorating the enduring friendship symbolized by the gift of cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington, D.C.
With peak bloom on the horizon, there’s no better time to revel in the beauty of the cherry blossoms and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of this annual celebration.
“The National Park Service is dedicated to fostering community-wide appreciation for the cherry trees as a central aspect of the festival’s purpose,” stated Reinbold. “We are immensely proud of the 3,700 cherry trees, which are cherished as both natural and cultural treasures of our city and nation. We urge all festival attendees to act as stewards of the trees and join us as ‘cherry blossom protectors’ to safeguard them for the benefit of future generations and festivals.”
Visitors strolled around the Tidal Basin to witness the cherry trees beginning to bloom on Friday, March 21, 2025, in Washington. / Photo credit: Jose Luis Magana/AP
