From Rachel Cooper,
Your Guide to Washington, DC.
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2008 National Cherry Blossom Festival Dates: March 29 - April 13, 2008.

Washington, DC welcomes the arrival of spring with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a tradition that showcases the beautiful gift of 3,000 cherry trees that the city of Tokyo gave to our nation’s capital. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week, city-wide event featuring more than 200 international cultural performances and over 90 other special events. From arts and exhibits to cuisine and sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

The blossoming cherry trees symbolize the arrival of spring and brighten the area surrounding the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin with their vibrant pale pink and white flowers. See Frequently Asked Questions About the National Cherry Trees to learn more about these beautiful trees.

See photos of the cherry blossoms on the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.

See a Gallery of Photos of the National Cherry Blossom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off the busy tourist season in Washington, DC and includes many special events near the monuments and the museums on the National Mall.

Getting to the Tidal Basin:

The best way to get to the Tidal Basin is to take Metro to the Smithsonian Station on the Blue or Orange lines. From the station, walk west on Independence Avenue to 15th Street. Turn left and head south along 15th Street. See a map of the Tidal Basin.

If you are driving into the city, here is a guide to Parking near the National Mall.

Best Things to do on the Tidal Basin

• Walk and Picnic
  The best time to walk around and avoid the crowds is early morning. The view is just breathtaking and this is a great photo opportunity. You are free to bring your own picnic and enjoy the great weather.
  
  
• Paddle Boating View the Jefferson Memorial and Japanese Cherry Trees from the water. Rent a paddle boat for $8.00 per hour - 2 passenger boat; $16.00 per hour - 4 passenger boat. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  
  
• Free Cherry Blossom Tours Take a free tour with a National Park Service Ranger and learn about the history of the cherry blossom trees and more. Tours available are Cherry Talks/Walks, Junior Ranger Programs, Lantern Tours and Bike Tours.
  
  
• Bike the Sites Tour Take a two-hour ride specifically designed for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Ride past Potomac Park, the Jefferson Memorial, Hains Point, Japanese lantern, and more.
  
  
• Visit the Jefferson Memorial This is the most beautiful time of year to see the Jefferson Memorial and it's free. Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds.
  
  
• City Scooter Tours See the monuments and memorials along the National Mall and Tidal Basin on this unique 3 hour tour for $75.
  
  
• Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride What a romantic way to enjoy the cherry blossoms? Reservations are recommended.
  
  
• Enjoy a special meal at one of Washington's Cherry Picks Restaurants around Washington, DC add cherries to many of their recipes during the National Cherry Blossom festival.
  
  
• Attend the Special Events A wide variety of events are associated with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. See page 2 for a schedule of the best of the National Cherry Blossom events.