If you’re looking for a truly enchanting travel experience, look no further than Washington D.C. in the spring. Every year, the city comes alive with stunning cherry blossom trees that are a sight to behold. The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in March and April, and is the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of these trees in full bloom. Since we used to enjoy the Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in our Japan days, I often wondered what it would be like in DC.

Just over a week ago we were looking for a quick getaway out of NYC. We happened to come across going to DC as an idea and suddenly the cherry blossoms came to mind. After searching for the estimated peak bloom dates (70% open), turns out it was this coming weekend – earlier than on a normal year (warm winter and lots of rain were the perfect marriage to an early peak bloom).

The Cherry Blossom festival itself is a month-long celebration that includes a range of events and activities. We happened to catch the Blossom Kite Festival on Sunday, March 26, 2023, where many people were flying all sorts of kites in the National Mall.

But the real star of the show is, of course, the cherry blossom trees themselves. The most famous of these trees can be found around the Tidal Basin, which is a man-made reservoir in the heart of the city. The Tidal Basin is a particularly beautiful spot, with cherry blossoms framing the water and iconic landmarks like the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Memorial in the distance. As you stroll around the water’s edge, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the trees, which are a delicate shade of pink and white. The atmosphere is truly magical, with petals gently falling from the trees and creating a dreamlike atmosphere. When we arrived Saturday morning, it was raining. After checking into our hotel, we were treated to the stunning views without the mobs.

We stayed at the Salamander D.C. – a 5 minute walk to Tidal Basin, which was perfect.

Where we ate:

First up was Founding Farmers for a late lunch, a farm-to-table restaurant where everything on the menu is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The skillet cornbread, crab cakes, and Yankee Pot roast hit the spot.

For dinner, we went to L’Ardente for the 40 layer short rib lasagna – this is a must!

Our last meal on the getaway was brunch at Nina May’s. We opted for the Chef’s choice, which changes seasonally. Fresh veggies and meat cooked well. Great espresso martinis too.

Overall, Washington D.C. is a must-visit destination during the cherry blossom season. Whether you’re a nature lover, culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, the cherry blossoms are sure to captivate and inspire you. Looking forward to next time!