The DC Traveler

Springtime is probably the most beautiful time to visit Washington, DC. The most famous and popular Springtime activity is the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The festival runs for two weeks, from March 31st until April 15th, but Mother Nature always has a way of deciding when nature’s canvas will be painted with the most beautiful pink and white colors of this type of cherry tree.

I’ll be writing a few posts over the next week or two regarding different activities during the festival.

The first festival was held in 1935, 23 years after the Japanese government sent to the United States, as a message of friendship, 3,000 Yoshino cherry trees, which were planted around the Tidal Basin and the Mall area.

The Yoshino cherry tree (Prunus x yedoensis), is known for its explosive and mildly fragrant white to pale pink flowering. The trees are native to Japan, Korea, and China, but have adapted well to the southern U.S.

The blossoms are susceptible to heavy wind and rain, which can be common in the DC area in springtime. It’s best to try to view the trees early in the blossoming process, as a strong Spring thunderstorm can cause the blossoms to be damaged or to be blown off.

This is truly one of the most notable sites to see in Washington, DC and one that is not to be missed. Some of the best locations for photos and viewing are anywhere around the Tidal Basin or the Jefferson Memorial, along Independence and Maine Avenues next to the Tidal Basin, and at the southern end of the Washington Monument grounds.

To avoid the crowds, visit the Mall before 9:00 a.m. on weekends or after 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. At these times, parking is also much easier. Taking Metro is ideal, as traffic on Constitution Ave. on any of the weekends can be complete gridlock.

Nearest DC – Metro Subway Map link">Metro subway station – Federal Triangle or Smithsonian - Blue and Orange lines.

Images - personal collection
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