Best places to view cherry blossoms that are NOT on the National Mall

As in true pandemic fashion we try to continue to provide you with content that is responsible and thus avoiding crowds. We thought a post on where to view cherry blossoms without the crowds the Tidal Basin draws, may be useful. Yesterday, while driving through DC, the crowds were in full force on the Mall as the blossoms were in full bloom! The National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from March 20 – April 11 and again has pivoted from their typical celebrations and gotten creative so check out their programs.

• The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception has over 150 trees.
• Dumbarton Oaks has a mixture of cherry species as well as other gorgeous spring blooms.
• US Arboretum has the trees but are spread out, but that’s the best part about heading here; room to roam!
• Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Cherry trees surround the parking area and Visitor Center at Kenilworth Park where you can also enjoy birding along the boardwalk.
• Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland has about 30 cherry trees and other spring blooms at their garden.
• The neighborhood of Kenwood, Maryland has impressive tree-lined streets. However, this does get very crowded, so if dodging crowds ifs the goal, read on or go very early in the day.
• Van Gogh Bridge at Lake Anne in Reston has been on our list to visit. There are not many trees however the location on the bridge provides that most scenic and charming photos we see year after year.
• Rockville Civic Center Park and Glenview Mansion both have trees lining the drive to Glenview Mansion and around the Civic Center Park. You will also find a nature center, playground, and wooded nature walk if you want to extend the trip and stay longer.
• Did you know the 2nd largest collection of cherry blossom trees in DC are at Oxon Run Park?
• Stanton Park in Capitol Hill allows you to sit back, have a picnic and lay underneath a small collection of cherry trees.
• Of course you can walk along the Tidal Basin with the crowds or sit on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial and admire the blossoms from there. Grab sanitizing wipes and rent a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin.