It’s cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C. again! The blooming of the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. has come to symbolize the natural beauty of the United States’ capital city. The famous trees, a gift of Japan in 1912, signal Washington’s beginning of spring with an explosion of life and color that surrounds the Tidal Basin in a sea of pale pink and white blossoms.The most likely time to reach peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April.
During the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the most popular place to visit the cherry blossom trees is at the Tidal Basin, near Jefferson Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr, Memorial. The majority of blossoms are located near the Tidal Basin and along the shoreline of East Potomac Park, extending all the way to Hains Point. Small clusters of trees can be found along the National Mall.
Many area hotels offer special cherry blossom – themed packages, which, in addition to discounts, may include a free bloom-insiperd coctail, chocolates, meals, or more.
The first and last stop for many festival attendees, both Reagan National and Dulles International airports are doing their part with pink lighting and cherry blossom-themed activities and promotions.
Marianna Szoke
