Washington, D.C. is world famous for its springtime cherry blossoms – and the flock of tourists they bring to the Tidal Basin at the National Mall. This year, the blooms are expected to be at their peak during the week of April 1st. If you want to get a look at the beautiful trees blooming (and score some shots for your Instagram), but want to avoid the crowds, here are a few lesser-known areas to check out.

 

Washington, D.C.

 

The National Arboretum

446 acres dedicated to nature and research, it has over 70 varieties of cherry trees – the most diverse selection in the region.

3501 New York Ave. NE

Open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

 

Stanton Park

The perimeter of this small urban park are lined with Cherry trees. Because it’s away from the National Mall, it’s much easier to grab a bench or a spot in the grass to relax and admire the blooms.

Maryland & Mass Ave. Capitol Hill

Easy walk from Union Station (red line).

 

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 

Located in Brookland, see both the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America, and the 150 Cherry trees on its grounds.

400 Michigan Ave. NE

7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily

 

The Gardens of Dumbarton Oaks

A historic estate in Georgetown, you can find cherry trees and other beautiful flowers in its 10 acre garden.

1703 32nd St. NW

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Tues – Sun

 

Oxon Run Park 

Volunteers planted 200 Cherry trees here – now the 2nd largest collection of them in the District.

1200 Mississippi Ave. SE

9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, daily

 

Maryland

 

Kenwood Neighborhood (Bethesda, MD)

Has over 1,200 cherry trees in the neighborhood – originally planted by a developer as a way of attracting potential real estate buyers.

Kennedy Drive, Dorset Ave., and Kenwood Ave. in Chevy Chase / Bethesda MD.

Street parking is limited – bikers are welcome! Closest metro is Bethesda Station (red line).

 

Virginia

 

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna, VA)

95 acre park includes 200 cherry trees of assorted varieties, including Yoshino blossoms – the same ones you’ll see at the Tidal Basin.

9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct. Vienna, VA 22182

Open 10:00 AM – 7:00PM daily

 

River Farm (Alexandria, VA)

Once owned by George Washington, it’s now home to the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society.

7931 E Boulevard Dr. Alexandria, VA 22308

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Saturdays

 

What other “off the beaten path” spots are good for checking out the cherry blossoms?

 

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