Cherry blossoms 2025 | Your ultimate guide to DC's most iconic spring attraction!

WASHINGTON (7News) — The countdown is on! Spring is approaching and it’s the perfect time to take in the stunning pink and white flowers that will soon surround the Tidal Basin.

The 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 to April 13, filling the city with weeks of cultural events, parades, and celebrations. 7News is once again a proud media partner of the event.

The National Park Service (NPS) announced that D.C.’s famous cherry blossoms are expected to hit peak bloom from March 28-31.

So, what do you need to know before heading to D.C.? Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of the cherry blossom season!

Where to stay:

D.C. hotels fill up fast during cherry blossom season, so booking early is key. Consider staying near the National Mall or in nearby neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, or Arlington, Virginia.

Hilton Hotels is listed as the Premier Hotel Provider of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

This year, the Waldorf Astoria Washington, DC, announced a new 1,500-square-foot cherry blossom-themed suite. People who are looking to stay have the option of the 'Full Bloom Suite Retreat' package, which will cost around $12,750.

Some of the 2025 spotlight hotels include Conrad Washington, D.C. and The Morrow Washington DC, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Other participating hotels include

• Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – National Mall
• Phoenix Park Hotel
• Hotel Nell
• ARC Hotel Washington DC, Georgetown
• Hotel AKA Washington Circle
• Hotel Hive
• Courtyard Washington DC
• Hotel Madera
• Lyle Washington DC

For more stay options, go here. You can also try booking through AirBnB or VRBO.

How to get there:

Parking is limited near the Tidal Basin, so Metro is your best bet. The closest stations are Smithsonian (Orange, Blue, Silver lines) and L’Enfant Plaza (Green, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Silver lines).

SEE ALSO | DC Metro relaunching Cherry Blossom-themed buses and trains

Rideshare and biking are also great options -- Nine Capital Bikeshare stations are available within the National Mall. Scooters and e-bikes must be parked in one of 19 designated areas around the mall.

If you decide to drive, you'll need to be smart about where you park. While The Wharf is close, the parking garage gets filled quickly.

Visitor parking is available along Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive NW along the Mall, or along Constitution Avenue NW. Extremely limited bus parking on Independence Avenue SW between 15th and 17th streets. Limited handicapped parking is available near the memorials, but these fill quickly.

Most of the street parking is parallel parking. Handicapped parking is designated on West Basin Drive at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

Also, the walk around the Tidal Basin is just over two miles. You'll want to wear comfortable shoes if you plan on walking around.

When to go:

Peak bloom is when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom. It’s the busiest time, so visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid large crowds.

The festival runs from March 20 to April 13, so you can still enjoy the atmosphere before or after peak bloom.

Taking the perfect photos:

Here are some tips:

• Go early or late in the day for the best light and fewer crowds
• Use the Jefferson Memorial or Washington Monument as a backdrop
• Try different angles, including reflections in the water or framing the blossoms

MORE | 7News On Your Side: 7 tips for taking great cherry blossom photos using your phone

Grab a bite:

From cherry blossom-themed cocktails to Japanese-inspired cuisine, D.C. restaurants go all out for the season.

Some must-try spots:

D.C.:

• Smoke & Mirrors Rooftop – 867 New Jersey Avenue Southeast, Washington, D.C.
• Gerrard Street Kitchen – 1515 Rhode Island Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C.
• Clyde’s of Georgetown – 3236 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
• Le Sel – 1315 16th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Virginia:

• Barrel & Bushel – 7901 Tysons One Pl, Tysons, Va. 22102
• 801 Chophouse Tysons Corner – 8484 Westpark Dr, Tysons, Va. 22102
• Immigrant Food: Ballston – 4245 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, Va. 22203
• The Grove Bar and Grill – 1010 N Fairfax St, Alexandria, Va. 22314

Maryland:

• The Daily Dish – 8301 Grubb Rd, Silver Spring, Md. 20910
• Diablo’s Cantina – 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, Md. 20745
• J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse – 8606 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, Md. 20910
• Lobby Bar – 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, Md. 20745

Click here for a full list of restaurants to check out.

Where are the restrooms?

Portable restrooms are available near the Tidal Basin, and nearby attractions like the Smithsonian museums and Jefferson Memorial also have public facilities.

What else can you do?

The cherry blossoms are just the beginning! The festival includes:

• The National Cherry Blossom Parade will be on April 12 - get your tickets here
• Petalpalooza, on April 5, is a daylong celebration with live music, family-friendly activities and fireworks!
• In the mood for tea and a delicious lunch? The festival will host a Blossom Tea Party on March 21
• Paddle boats at the Tidal Basin offer a unique view of the blossoms - this year, the festival is hosting a Stumpy’s Petals & Paddles Race on March 20
• The Blossom Kite Festival is on March 30

LIST | Events and activities in DC to check out during Cherry Blossom season

Other tips:

• Please don’t pick the blooms! It harms the trees and ruins the beauty for others. National Park Service (NPS) said year-round maintenance, including pruning, feeding and watering is important to keep the trees and buds healthy and the roots protected so they can thrive for generations to come. The NPS said you can be ticketed and fined for harming the trees on purpose.

• Wear comfortable shoes -- the paths can be muddy, dusty, and, yes, full of duck poop.

RELATED | Preserving the beauty: Etiquette tips for cherry blossom viewing in DC

• Can’t make it in person? Check out the BloomCam for a live stream of the cherry blossoms.

Don't forget to send us your Chime In photos/videos and we may share them online/on air! 7News is once again proud to be a media partner of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.