Soon the pink blooms of the Yoshino cherry blossoms will fill the streets of Washington, DC. The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off on Monday, March 20 with a full month of events to celebrate the blooms throughout the city. This year’s celebration marks 111 years since Japan gifted the cherry trees to the United States.
The majority of the cherry blossoms can be found around the Tidal Basin and the National Mall. Additionally, there are giant cherry blossom sculptures from local artists scattered throughout the city until the festival ends on Sunday, April 16. Check out the festival’s website for a map of the sculptures, cherry blossom trees, and other festivities. Other events include: the Blossom Kite Festival, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, and the Petalpalooza fireworks show.
See Also: Enjoy DC's Most Luxe Staycation at This Wharf Retreat
The city comes alive during the cherry blossom season! We’ve taken the liberty of suggesting a few of DC’s must-try experiences, restaurants and hotels located near the cherry blossom festival so you can enjoy a day with the blooms with ease.
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1238 Maryland Avenue SW / Website
Explore the immersive and vibrantly floral ‘PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies’ exhibition, inspired by cherry blossoms. The colorful, family-friendly experience will be open to the public at ARTECHOUSE from Saturday, March 11 to Sunday, June 11. This year’s display marks the 6th year that the innovative studio has debuted a cherry blossom-inspired audio and visual experience in honor of the season.
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580 Water Street SW / Website
See the cherry blossoms from a new point of view this season– aboard an extravagant yacht! City Cruises will offer a slew of unique cruises dedicated to viewing the cherry blossoms in luxe style. Opt for the premier cruise, either brunch, lunch or dinner, and relax while you’re ferried around the city’s iconic monuments and blossoms. The Potomac Water Taxi will also run daily routes, starting Monday, March 20, making it easy for those across the Potomac to seamlessly enjoy the season.
1906 14th Street NW / Website
Michelin-starred Bresca will feature its cherry blossom-inspired cocktail ‘la Parisienne Mexique’, made with Mijenta blanco, shochu, blood orange, sakura and lemon. The unique cocktail is named after Alfred Stevens’ painting ‘La Parisienne Japonaise’.
Multiple Locations / Website
With a new location in Union Market District and two in Virginia, this popular brewery will be debuting a cherry blossom-inspired beer. Try the ‘cherish’ beer, a sweet, tart wheat ale made with white chocolate, cherries and Mexican vanilla.
950 New York Avenue NW / Website
In celebration of the Cherry Blossom Festival, Estuary will offer ‘The Japanese 75’ cocktail, made with cherry blossom syrup, Nikka Coffey gin, fresh lemon juice, Heering cherry liqueur and topped with Naveran Brut Nature cava.
Multiple Locations / Website
Head to any of Immigrant Food’s ever-delicious locations to partake in its special Cherry Blossom Festival-themed menu item, available from Monday, March 20 to Sunday, April 30. Indulge in its new ‘cherry blossom trifle,’ made with a cherry and pomegranate trifle with Genoise sponge cake, fresh raspberries, sour cherries, pomegranate ganache, cookie crumbles, white chocolate and topped with house-made chantilly cream.
Visit Immigrant Food’s Planet Word location for limited-time, themed cocktails. The colorful ‘ube Manhattan’ is made with Iwai Japanese whisky, sweet Japanese Bermutto, amaretto liqueur, yuzu bitters and purple sweet potato extract, while ‘the cloud’ is made with unfiltered Nigori sake and pear liqueur. Or, try the tart and sweet ‘crimson lotus,’ made with Wildflower Junmai sake, shochu and Cloudline pinot noir.
Immigrant Food’s White House and Planet Word locations will also offer cherry blossom-inspired non-alcoholic cocktails, like the refreshing botanical-heavy ‘sakura tonic’, made with Ceder’s non-alcoholic rose and wild gins, the pina colada-inspired ‘Okinawa colada’ made with Ceder’s non-alcoholic wild gin and purple sweet potato extract, and the tangy ‘kyuri kanzan’ made with Ceder’s non-alcoholic rose and crip gins.
1280 4th Street NE / Website
Celebrate the season with Las Gemelas’ ‘early bloom frozen daiquiri’, made with rum, maraschino cherries, rose blossom cordial, lime and grapefruit, and available throughout cherry blossom season.
2915 Wilson Blvd., Arlington VA / Website
Check out Wilson Hardware’s garden terrace in Clarendon to escape the crowds and sip on a variety of floral cocktails. The ‘garden spritz’ is made with Bombay Sapphire gin, pear puree and prosecco, while the ‘rosé margarita’ features rosé, Aperol and Patron.
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867 New Jersey SE / Website
Enjoy a special cherry blossom-themed cocktail, the ‘hanakumori’, at the AC Hotel’s on-site rooftop bar, Smoke & Mirrors, and in its AC Lounge. Guests who stay overnight can book the cherry blossom experience package, which includes two welcome drinks at the AC Lounge, a locally-made cherry blossom-themed welcome gift, two days of bike share passes, and a $15 food credit for Smoke & Mirrors Rooftop Restaurant & Bar.
950 New York Avenue NW / Website
While exploring the sprawling festival, pop into the Conrad DC to see DC-based artist Heather Cooper’s impressive art installation, crafted with over 4,000 white and gray silk flowers and descending from the hotel’s third floor. Cooper worked as the designer for The Executive Residence of The White House for 18 years so she is no stranger to over-the-top, extravagant installations. The installation will be on display from Wednesday, March 1 to Friday, April 30.
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900 10th Street NW / Website
Check out the Embassy Suites to snag a special cherry blossom-themed package, complete with a premium suite, two themed cocktails, free parking for one car, and free made-to-order breakfast and evening events, available from Monday, March 20 to Sunday, April 16.
On Friday, March 31, bring your furry friend for ‘Paws & Petals Yappy Hour’, complete with doggy swim time in the hotel’s lavish pool, and complimentary dog treats and drinks crafted by the hotel.
Stop into the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Brickstones Kitchen & Bar for two signature Japanese-inspired cocktails, available from Tuesday, March 21 to Tuesday, April 11. The ‘Tokyo night’ is made with Shinju whiskey, Grand Marnier, and yuzu juice, while the ‘sakura roku martini’ is made with Suntory Roku gin, amarena syrup and sakura.
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1001 14th Street NW / Website
Celebrate the cherry blossoms with Hamilton Hotel’s ‘Hanami at Hamilton’ package, in honor of the Japanese tradition of picnicking under the blossoms as they bloom. The package includes a curated picnic basket for three to four people, filled with charcuterie, cheese, wine, grapes and spreads. The hotel is near the National Mall which makes it easy to explore museums and picnic under the cherry blossoms. Use code CHERRYBLOSSOM when booking your room to snag this package.
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515 15th Street SW / Website
This historic hotel is located just off the National Mall and will feature a lineup of cherry blossom-themed events as well as a seasonal menu complete with food and drinks inspired by the iconic blossoms. Kick off the season on Sunday, March 5 with a pressed flowers workshop hosted in partnership with District Harvest. Then, on Wednesday, March 22, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant VUE will host a three-course dinner with Japanese whisky pairings and in partnership with High Roads Spirits.
Finally, on Friday, March 31, get glammed up for Cherry Night– a one-night-only music, fashion and food event part of the official National Cherry Blossom Festival roster of events.
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801 Wharf Street SW / Website
Located conveniently in The Wharf, stay near the action with InterContinental’s ‘cherry blossom package’ and take in fabulous views of the Potomac River. The package, available from Friday, March 17 to Saturday, April 8, includes accommodations and breakfast for two, welcome cocktails and amenities for two, overnight valet parking, and a cherry blossom map to the city’s various festival events. Packages can be purchased here.
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655 Water Street SW / Website
Stay right in the action at the Pendry’s convenient Wharf location. Special for the cherry blossom festival, take advantage of the ‘picnics and petals hotel package’, which includes e-bike rental reservations, a packed picnic for two and a digitally-guided tour of the city and its best picnicking spots (use code PKGSPR to reserve).
In the lobby, enjoy complimentary seasonal tea, served from Monday, March 20 to Sunday, April 16. The hotel will welcome guests with its signature ‘Pendry green tea spritz’ as well as a cherry-infused version, special for the season. Head down to Spa Pendry to indulge in cherry blossom-inspired and infused treatments for the face and body.
The hotel’s on-site restaurants and bars will also be getting in on the fun. At Bar Pendry, try the limited-time ‘pink sakura’ cocktail, made with Blossom of Peace Sake, Lockhouse Sakura Gin, rose water and lemons. In the Latin-inspired dining room of Flora Flora, enjoy seasonal specials and the ‘flor de cerezo tequila’ cocktail, made with tequila, cherry, lemon, honey, egg whites, and a chili pepper garnish. Both limited-time cocktails will be available from March 20 to April 16.
Express your creativity at Moonraker’s Cherry Blossom Paint & Sip night with local artist Samantha Testa of Right Place Studio. On Saturday, March 25 and Saturday, April 1, Testa will lead one-hour sessions guiding guests through creating a cherry blossom painting from Moonraker’s picturesque rooftop patio. There will be cherry blossom-inspired ‘sakura profiteroles’ available for dessert, made with sakura cremeux and vanilla anglaise. Paint and sip tickets are priced at $50 per person and can be purchased here.
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1200 16th Street NW / Website
Plan to stay at The Jefferson this cherry blossom season to explore the season by boat. Guests will embark on an hour-and-a-half private boat tour of the Potomac River passing the Jefferson Memorial and Hains Point. Then, indulge in a picnic for two, curated by executive chef Fabio Salvatore, and complete with a Jefferson bag and blanket. Additionally, guests who choose this package receive two cherry blossom-inspired cocktails and overnight accommodations.
On-site restaurant Quill will serve a full menu of cherry blossom-inspired cocktails, like, ‘in full bloom’, made with Wheatley vodka, Sayuri Nigori sake, Lichi-Li and grapefruit, and ‘cherry blossoms’, made with Filibuster dual cask gin, elderflower, cherry saffron bitters and lemon. There will also be a botanical-focused curation of sake and wines.
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3100 South Street SW / Website
Stay in the charming Georgetown neighborhood while you explore the cherry blossoms. The hotel’s on-site restaurant The Living Room will offer a cherry blossom-themed menu featuring a Yujo cocktail made with Toki Suntory whiskey and cherry blossom-infused syrup, and a tasty cherry blossom cheesecake.
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1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean VA / Website
Enjoy a limited-time cherry blossom cocktail at The Ritz-Carlton Tyson Corner’s on-site restaurant, ENTYSE. The luxe cocktail is made with Empress gin, Luxardo maraschino liqueur and notes of Campari, white sweet vermouth and lemon.
Then, treat yourself to a cherry blossom-inspired spa treatment at The Ritz’s lavish spa. Try the ‘cherry blossom body polish’ to relax and exfoliate your skin with the help of cherry bonsai seeds, and then receive a full body massage with Japanese cherry blossom oil for a full sensory experience. To finish it all off, rejuvenate your skin with cherry blossom manicures and pedicures.
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923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW / Website
Get into the cherry blossom spirit with the help of The St. Regis Washington DC. The luxe hotel will offer its signature cherry blossom afternoon tea, complete with premium teas from Dammann Freres, including custom-blended cherry blossom tea, and blossom-inspired treats. The afternoon tea will be available Wednesday to Sunday, from Wednesday, March 15 to Saturday, May 13.
In the cocktail lounge, The St. Regis Bar, there will be two cocktails inspired by the blossoms. ‘A gift from Japan’ is made with Japanese yuzu-forward gin with yuzu juice, Peychard’s bitters and the rare Manchino cherry blossom vermouth, and the pink ‘First Lady’s Project’ is made with rye whiskey, egg whites, Sakura bitters, and the DC-exclusive Cerasum Aperitivo.
Opt to stay over at this lavish hotel and take advantage of its two cherry blossom packages. Available from Friday, March 17 to Monday, April 17, guests can select packages that include breakfast on-site, a cherry blossom welcome dessert, use of the hotel’s bikes, private Champagne sabering masterclass, and seatings at the cherry blossom afternoon tea.
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2650 Virginia Avenue NW / Website
In partnership with Masterchef alum chef ‘Scottish’ Francis Legge, indulge in delicious cherry shortbread from the Shortbread Society at The Watergate Hotel. On Saturday, March 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., swing by The Watergate Hotel to purchase Shortbread Society’s signature ‘cherry bakewell shortbread’, and try on-site bar The Next Whisky Bar’s cherry blossom-inspired cocktail.
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221 Tingey Street SE / Website
Located conveniently in Navy Yard, check out on-site restaurant Surveyor’s special month-long themed menu, dedicated to the cherry blossoms. Available from Monday, March 20 to Sunday, April 16, the menu will feature cherry and goat cheese toast, roasted half duck with grilled cherries, a cherry blossom cake, and a blossom-inspired cocktail made with gin, Attika cherries, lemon, Cointreau and Luxardo. Head to the top of the hotel to sip cocktails and enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the city.
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1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW / Website
Check out this iconic historic hotel to embrace the spirit of cherry blossom season. Indulge in a limited-time cherry blossom tea service in Peacock Alley, launching on Friday, March 17. The hotel also features the ‘cherry blossom suite package’, available Wednesday, March 1 to Sunday, April 30, which includes a personalized cherry blossom afternoon tea in Peacock Alley, one-night minimum stay in a signature suite, cherry blossom welcome amenities, and take-home custom embroidered pillowcases.
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99 District Square SW / Website
Detour from DC for a quick stop in Paris… or at least a Parisian bistro. Open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for breakfast through dinner, this French bakery and cafe serves freshly baked pastries, brioche doughnuts, croque madame, confit de canard, and an abundance of other French delicacies.
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11 District Square SW / Website
Pop into Chopsmith for a healthy lunch of salads, bowls, and sandwiches. The restaurant has an open grill station, a custom salad creation line, and rotating wines and beers on draft. Planning for a picnic on the mall? Browse through their daily market stocked with prepared entrees, salads, cheeses, and charcuterie all prepared fresh daily.
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85 District Square SW / Website
Choose from a selection of gourmet sandwiches, salads, and cheesesteaks at Grazie Grazie in The Wharf. With eight unique kinds of cheese and ten dressings on the menu and a build-your-own sandwich option, this neighborhood Italian deli is serious about lunch.
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Multiple Locations / Website
Serving up a fresh selection of east and west coast oysters daily, stop in Hank’s Oyster Bar for a good fill of beach fare and coastal-inspired dishes as you dine along the Potomac River waterfront at its Wharf location. Try the locally-grown Salty Wolfe oysters, unique to the region, and grown in the lower Chesapeake Bay.
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98 District Square SW / Website
Mexico City native, Chef Roberto Santibañez, brings authentic gourmet Mexican cuisine, inspired by traditional dishes and street food, to The Wharf. The location has waterfront seating, private dining rooms, and Mexican décor. Enjoy two tacos for $9 every Tuesday!
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1120 Maine Avenue SW / Website
With multiple locations in the city, visitors must check out Officina’s three-story flagship restaurant in The Wharf. Serving up Italian cuisine from Chef Nicholas Stefanelli, the menu features homemade pasta, vintage Amari, and only the freshest ingredients. End a tiring day of trekking through DC with refreshing cocktails on the rooftop of Officina, complete with a fire pit and outdoor lounge seating.
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Multiple Locations / Website
Oyster lovers must check out the Wharf location of this historic fish market. Housed in what used to be the oldest fish market in the US, Rappahannock was started on tradition. Guests can enjoy oysters grown in nearby Virginia and a large selection of cocktails, while seated alongside the Potomac River waterfront.
Looking for more luxe stops in the city? Check out our picks for The 11 Best Pubs In Washington, DC.
Photography by: Courtesy of Mark Tegethoff / Unsplash
