About 1.5 million individuals journey to Washington, D.C. to see the cherry blossoms that blanket the town every spring. The town is house to about 3,000 cherry bushes, most of that are across the Tidal Basin and the Nationwide Mall. They had been initially a present from Tokyo’s mayor Yukio Ozaki. He donated the bushes in 1912 to represent friendship and goodwill between Japan and the U.S.
An RV street journey is a good way to expertise the annual cherry tree bloom. Take pleasure in spring climate, cease alongside the best way to see the sights between your hometown and D.C., and discover the town every day whereas retreating to your personal house and your personal mattress every night.
This text will share one of the best time to go to to see the height bloom, tricks to keep away from crowds, recommendation on the place to camp, the best way to get across the metropolis, and extra.
Finest Time to Go to Washington, D.C. for Cherry Blossoms
One of the best time to go to Washington, D.C. to see the cherry blossoms is from late March to early April. That is peak bloom season within the metropolis and surrounding areas. The Nationwide Cherry Blossom Pageant runs from March 20 – April 13, 2025 in D.C., and also you’ll discover a wide range of occasions celebrating the season. There’s a run with various distances as much as 10 miles that begins at Freedom Plaza, plus well being and wellness occasions all through the pageant. You’ll be able to see fireworks and reveals on Japanese tradition and flowers. The pageant additionally encompasses a parade, dwell music, and different occasions.
The Nationwide Park Service additionally has a bloom watch web page, the place they provide suggestions and predictions for monitoring the cherry blossom season. They clarify that the height bloom date is when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open. The date varies, relying on the climate annually however is sort of at all times in late March or early April. The height bloom lasts for a number of days, however the size of the blooming interval additionally is determined by the climate.
Nevertheless, as a result of the bloom is so depending on the climate, it’s troublesome to foretell greater than ten days prematurely, and a last-minute climate occasion like a powerful windstorm can destroy predictions for a season.
The NPS bloom watch web page has detailed monitoring of the cherry blooms, going again greater than twenty years. It exhibits the date when the primary buds appeared, when the primary florets had been seen, when the stalks start to elongate (referred to as “peduncle elongation”), after they grow to be puffy and white, and when the height bloom begins. The positioning additionally has footage of every part that can assist you perceive the life cycle of the cherry blossoms.
High Spots to See Cherry Blossoms
You’ve gotten a number of choices for viewing cherry blossoms. Attempt any of those locations – a few of that are iconic spots for viewing the blooms and a few of that are lesser-known and less-crowded spots to see the blooms.
Tidal Basin
If you happen to’ve seen skilled pictures of the D.C. cherry blossoms, you’ve seemingly seen some taken on the Tidal Basin. It is a well-known spot for viewing and photographing the blossoms. You’ll be able to take footage the place the blossoms body completely different monuments within the background for some hanging pictures. You’ll see the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the Japanese Lantern which all make attention-grabbing parts to incorporate in your cherry blossom pictures. Additionally take into account taking pictures from a paddle boat, which supplies you completely different angles and distinctive views on the blossoms.
There’s building on the Tidal Basin, which is able to proceed till 2026. The Nationwide Park Service tried to plan building in order that probably the most well-known views of blossoms and monuments can be unaffected and all walkways across the basin stay open. Nevertheless, you might have to border some photographs fastidiously to keep away from getting building gear in your photographs.
Nationwide Mall and Memorial Parks
You may as well view the blossoms from the Nationwide Mall and Memorial Parks in D.C. There are bushes scattered alongside the Nationwide Mall, and also you’ll discover them close to monuments just like the Washington Monument. You’ll in all probability discover that you’ve got extra space and barely fewer crowds should you search for blossoms right here slightly than on the extra common Tidal Basin spots. That is additionally a terrific space for strolling and, after all, together with seeing the cherry blossoms you possibly can see common Washington websites just like the Lincoln Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the World Conflict II Memorial.
East Potomac Park
Simple Potomac Park is a much less crowded different for viewing blossoms than both the Nationwide Mall or the Tidal Basin. The park is also called Hains Level, and the realm has a wide range of cherry bushes which are proper alongside the water. You’ll be able to stroll or bike the 4.1-mile Hains Level Loop Path, which supplies you lovely views of the river and the bushes. If you wish to escape the massive crowds throughout cherry blossom time, that is your spot.
The U.S. Nationwide Arboretum
The U.S. Nationwide Arboretum is one other wonderful spot to view cherry bushes in bloom with out the crowds of the Tidal Basin. The Arboretum truly options a wide range of cherry tree species throughout 450 acres, and a few of these bloom at completely different occasions. If you happen to missed the height bloom within the metropolis, you should still catch bushes blossoming right here. The Arboretum additionally gives a quieter, extra peaceable surroundings than the busy Tidal Basin or monument areas. You’ll be able to take a self-guided three-mile tour by means of the cherry bushes by following the arboretum’s free app or their brochure. Stroll, bike, or drive the tour to expertise the blossoms.
As a result of the Arboretum is a relaxed and peaceable house within the metropolis, you may additionally need to convey a picnic to take pleasure in underneath the bushes.
Entrance to the Nationwide Arboretum is free. Together with having fun with the cherry blossoms, you possibly can go to the Nationwide Bonsai & Penjing Museum and benefit from the different flowers that bloom every spring on the grounds.
The place to Keep: RV Campgrounds Close to Washington, D.C.
There are many campgrounds close to Washington, D.C. the place you possibly can keep whilst you benefit from the cherry blossoms. Listed below are a number of choices to your spring street journey.
Cherry Hill Park
Cherry Hill Park in Maryland has been round for greater than 100 years. It’s the closest full-service RV park to Washington, D.C. It additionally has wonderful facilities together with two swimming pools, a seasonal specific bus to the Nationwide Mall, a restaurant, golf cart leases, mini golf, sightseeing seminars, and extra. RV websites embody full hookups, cable TV and WiFi, and an outside picnic desk. The park additionally has tent websites, cabins, glamping pods, yurts, and cottages.
Lake Fairfax Park Campground
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a extra pure setting, Lake Fairfax Park Campground is about half-hour from D.C. You’ll discover spacious campsites that may accommodate massive RVs or tents. There are additionally group tenting websites. The websites have electrical hookups. There’s a water fill station, restrooms and showers, and WiFi is offered on the registration workplace. Every web site additionally has a picnic desk and a hearth ring/grill combo.
Greenbelt Park
Greenbelt Park in Maryland has climbing and picnic areas and is simply ten miles from D.C. The campground doesn’t have water or electrical hookups, however every web site does have a picnic desk and fireplace ring/grill combo. Each tent and RV tenting can be found. As a result of there are few facilities, it is a very reasonably priced campground so it’s a terrific possibility for finances campers.
Different close by campgrounds
There are different campgrounds which are close to Washington, D.C. as properly. The Washington D.C./ KOA Vacation in Millersville, Maryland is a brief drive from the Nationwide Mall and has all of the facilities which are normal at a KOA. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina is close to Baltimore and has a pool, a fishing pier, a playground, waterfront websites, and extra. Bull Run Regional Park has campsites with full hookups, and there are showers, laundry providers, and a camp retailer.
Different Issues to Do within the D.C. Space
In fact, there’s tons to do in Washington, D.C. apart from admiring the cherry blossoms! Listed below are a number of different websites and points of interest it’s possible you’ll need to take a look at.
Discover Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian Establishment has 17 museums and galleries in Washington, D.C., together with iconic museums just like the Nationwide Air and House Museum, the Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past, and the Nationwide Museum of African American Historical past and Tradition. The entire D.C. galleries and museums have free admission. The Museum of Pure Historical past is house to the vast majority of the Smithsonian’s 138 million gadgets and has fossils, minerals, and different specimens from around the globe.
Be sure you test that the museum you’re desirous about visiting is open through the hours and on the day you need to go to. Hours fluctuate, and some of them are closed on Mondays or on holidays.
Go to the U.S. Capitol & White Home
Take a while to take a look at the place the massive choices governing the USA are made. You’ll be able to tour each the U.S. Capitol and the White Home free of charge.
U.S. Capitol
If you wish to go to the Capitol Constructing, you’ll must arrange a tour with the Capitol Customer Heart or by means of your member of Congress. Excursions final about 45 minutes to an hour, and also you’ll need to arrive early to get by means of safety. Excursions are supplied Monday by means of Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding main holidays.
On a Capitol tour, you’ll see the Rotunda with its historic frescoes together with the “Apotheosis of Washington.” You’ll stroll by means of the Nationwide Statuary Corridor the place you possibly can see statues representing notable individuals from each state. You’ll see the Crypt, which was meant as George Washington’s closing resting web site. It’s now a show space.
The White Home
To tour the White Home, you’ll must submit a request by means of your member of Congress a minimum of 21 days and as much as 90 days earlier than your go to. Excursions are supplied Tuesday by means of Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM (1:30 PM Fridays and Saturdays). You’ll want a government-issued photograph ID (or a passport for worldwide guests). Cameras and smartphones are allowed on excursions, however flash images is prohibited. You’ll need to submit your tour request as quickly as your plans as a result of spots are in excessive demand.
White Home excursions are self-guided, and you may see the East Wing hall which options pictures of previous presidents and first households. You’ll be able to go to the State Rooms – the Blue Room, the Purple Room, the Inexperienced Room, the State Eating Room, and the East Room and find out about their makes use of and historical past. You may as well cease on the White Home Customer Heart, which has reveals on presidential historical past and artifacts.
Georgetown Waterfront & Historic District
Georgetown’s Waterfront and Historic District is an enthralling space of D.C. with historic properties, out of doors actions, and exquisite vistas. Georgetown Waterfront Park is a 10-acre out of doors house with paved paths, a labyrinth, a fountain, and river steps. You get nice views of the Potomac and of landmarks just like the Key Bridge and Theodore Roosevelt Island. Lease canoes or paddleboards on the Key Bridge Boathouse. Stroll the Washington Harbour space and cease for a meal on the patio the place you get nice river views. You may as well take a historic strolling tour by means of Georgetown to admire the cobblestone streets and structure of the buildings.
Nice Falls Park
Nice Falls Park in Virginia is the place the Potomac River tumbles over steep rocks on its approach to Mather Gorge. The park is 15 miles from D.C., and has three completely different, established overlooks of the Nice Falls. Start on the Customer Heart, the place you possibly can study in regards to the space’s historical past and geology. You may as well see a brief movie in regards to the falls. Go fishing (with a license) above the falls or stroll on trails all through the park. Swimming and wading is prohibited on the park due to the energy of the rapids. However this park is an exquisite stretch of nature close to one of many largest cities in the USA.
RV Journey Ideas for Visiting Washington, D.C.
There are some things to know when taking a spring journey to Washington, D.C. Listed below are suggestions for visiting the town in an RV.
Packing necessities for spring climate
Together with the normal gadgets you pack in your RV for touring, cooking, and sleeping, you’ll need to convey clothes that’s prepared for D.C.’s spring climate. Spring in Washington, D.C. is pretty gentle, with temperatures usually between 55°F and 70°F. Mornings and evenings are sometimes cool, with hotter climate through the day. Spring rain showers are widespread, and also you’ll need a rain jacket and umbrella. Layering is the important thing to staying heat and comfy throughout unpredictable climate, and you might have considered trying a day pack to carry sweatshirts, umbrellas, and different weather-related gear as you discover.
Washington, D.C. packing listing:
| What to convey | Extra particulars |
| comfy strolling sneakers | sneakers with help, appropriate for strolling miles on metropolis streets |
| breathable, moisture-wicking socks | |
| light-weight jacket | rain- and windproof jacket for spring storms |
| heat layers | sweaters, polar fleece or different sweatshirts for cold mornings |
| comfy pants | climbing pants or different comfy pants for strolling the town |
| t-shirts | short-sleeved shirts to layer underneath sweatshirts for when it will get heat |
| lengthy sleeve shirts | shirts for cooler days or evenings |
| hat or cap | for solar safety as you sit or stroll the town |
| gloves | for cold mornings and evenings |
| umbrella | compact umbrella to hold for spring rainstorms |
| sun shades | |
| DSLR digital camera or smartphone | images gear for snapping photographs of cherry blossoms and different surroundings |
| further batteries and charger | |
| reminiscence playing cards | |
| tripod | for regular photographs – don’t neglect to get in a few of the pictures your self! |
| wide-angle or macro lenses | |
| lens cleansing package | |
| small backpack or day pack | for images gear, layers, water bottle, and sunscreen |
| picnic blanket | for sitting in a scenic spot – useful if it’s waterproof on one facet |
| reusable water bottle | |
| snacks | simple snacks like granola bars, path combine, or fruit you possibly can eat whereas on the go |
| binoculars | for a greater have a look at monuments or different factors of curiosity |
| pocket book or sketchbook | for journaling or capturing the blooms |
| pens or pencils |
Tips on how to navigate crowds and busy areas
If you wish to keep away from crowds at common D.C. points of interest, arrive as quickly as they open for the day. E book any excursions for the primary spot within the morning. Keep away from weekends, together with three-day weekends, if potential.
If you wish to view cherry blossoms and keep away from crowds, arrive at dawn. You’ll get lovely lighting on the flowers, and most vacationers aren’t out till later. Make the most of wet or overcast days – blossoms usually pop in opposition to a dreary background and many individuals keep away from being exterior in inclement climate. Go to earlier than or after peak bloom time – you’ll nonetheless discover some bushes in bloom however most individuals attempt to get there on the top. Additionally, take into account much less crowded places. The Tidal Basin is the most well-liked spot for viewing blossoms, so head to locations just like the Nationwide Arboretum, Hains Level, or Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown.
Finest occasions of day to go to cherry blossom hotspots
If you happen to do need to view blossoms on the Tidal Basin or different common spots, get there at dawn or sundown for lovely lighting on the flowers. You might also discover fewer crowds then, as most vacationers come out in the course of the day.
Ideas for Getting Round D.C. in a Motorhome or Journey Trailer
It may be difficult to drive an RV by means of the center of Washington, D.C., particularly throughout rush hour or different busy occasions. Slender streets could make driving outsized automobiles anxious, and parking choices within the metropolis middle are restricted. Listed below are a number of suggestions for navigating D.C. on an RV street journey.
Parking and driving restrictions for RVs within the metropolis
You’ll have a neater time should you go away your RV on the campground and use public transportation or trip shares to get into the town. A number of of the campgrounds listed above have shuttles into D.C. so that you don’t have to rearrange your personal transportation.
There are additionally park-and-ride tons close to many public transportation hubs in Virginia and Maryland. You’ll be able to park a car and take the Metro into the town. Nevertheless, most of those tons prohibit outsized automobiles like RVs. You possibly can drive a tow car to those tons to park and take public transportation.
In case you have a smaller RV, you possibly can park at Union Station of their outsized car parking zone. This lot can accommodate RVs and vans and is a central location for getting across the metropolis. Verify dimension restrictions earlier than making an attempt to make use of this lot.
Capital Bikeshare can also be a terrific possibility for getting across the metropolis. Lease a motorcycle for $8 a day with the Capital Bikeshare or Lyft app to tour the town.
Finest choices for public transportation
If you happen to go away your car exterior the town, you’ll have a number of choices for transportation to get round D.C. The Metrorail has 98 stations throughout the metro space, and fares are based mostly on how far you’re touring and at what time of day. You’ll want a SmarTrip card to trip the Metrorail, and the cardboard works on Metrobuses as properly.
Metrobuses are operated by the identical transportation group and have routes throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Capital Bikeshare can also be a terrific possibility for getting across the metropolis. Lease a motorcycle for $8 a day with the Capital Bikeshare or Lyft app to tour the town.
Ideas for utilizing park-and-ride amenities close to campgrounds
One of many best methods to handle a day in D.C. is to decide on a campground close to a park-and-ride lot. Depart your RV on the campground and use this lot to get into the town for the day. Listed below are some suggestions for utilizing these amenities.
- Select a handy location: Whenever you’re reserving your campground, test to verify it’s close to a park-and-ride lot. Plan whether or not you’ll drive, stroll, or use a trip share to get to the park-and-ride lot.
- Verify car parking zone guidelines: If you happen to’ll be leaving a car on the park-and-ride lot, ensure you understand how lengthy you possibly can go away your car. Additionally, test any guidelines on outsized automobiles – many tons prohibit massive automobiles like RVs. If you happen to’re driving to the lot, it’s possible you’ll want to make use of a tow car.
- Verify for security: See if the park-and-ride facility has good lighting, safety cameras, or different security measures to maintain your car safe. Don’t go away valuables in your automobile.
- Verify charges: See whether or not there’s a payment for parking your car on the lot. Generally these charges fluctuate between weekdays and weekends. Some tons additionally require you to pay utilizing an app like ParkMobile, so ensure you have any mandatory apps downloaded.
- Obtain the WMATA Metro app: Be sure you have the app to journey the Metrorail and buses downloaded. It will aid you test schedules, know fares, and plan your day.
- Plan round commuters: Common park-and-ride tons can refill shortly through the week. Arrive early to ensure you get a spot, take into account touring on weekends, or take into consideration strolling or taking a trip share out of your campground to the general public transportation cease.
- Use campground shuttles: Some campgrounds have shuttles that can take you to both a public transportation cease or straight into the town. See in case your campground has this service. In the event that they don’t, you possibly can nonetheless seek the advice of campground house owners or hosts and get their recommendation on getting round.
RVing is a wonderful approach to see the cherry blossoms in D.C. You’ll be able to discover the town and return every night time to a cushty, heat mattress. You’ll additionally have the ability to expertise the hustle and bustle of one of many nation’s busiest cities, however retreat to a calmer spot every night to wind down. Take a look at RVshare’s Washington, D.C. leases to seek out one which fits your wants.
As a result of the nation’s capital is so busy and common, it’s vital to make reservations for campgrounds and points of interest as early as potential. With somewhat planning, you possibly can take pleasure in a street journey to see lovely spring flowers and a complete lot extra.
If you happen to’re desirous about different street journeys to take pleasure in spring flowers throughout the nation, take a look at our information to RVing to California to see the desert wildflower blooms.