Washington DC
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DISCOVER DC WITH CHERRY BLOSSOMS
Cherry Blossom Season
Ride past the blossoms with live narration from our friendly and knowledgeable guides.
Cherry blossom season has returned to Washington, D.C., and you can already see the change around the Tidal Basin. Trees near the Jefferson Memorial are starting to fill in, and the city feels different for a few short weeks each spring.
Hop on the Old Town Trolley and see it all unfold. You’ll pass the blossoms near the Washington Monument and along the National Mall while our friendly and knowledgeable guides share the story behind the 1912 gift of trees. The fully narrated tour gives you time to take in the views and the historic landmarks that help define the capital while everything’s in bloom. It’s a memorable way to experience one of DC’s most anticipated spring traditions.
Washington DC Tour Tickets
Old Town Trolley Tour
- Hop On Hop Off at 15 Stops near the National Mall
- Fully Narrated 90 Minute Tour
- Best Views with Stadium Seating
- Cushioned Seating
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Smart-Sync Historic Visuals
- Tallest Vehicles Allowed by Law
- Free WiFi
- 100+ Points of Interest
- American Owned and Operated
- All Weather Vehicles
- Start at Any Designated Stop
- “One of the 10 best hop-on hop-off tours in the world” - Forbes
- Top Rated Tour by Washington Post
- Free Additional DC Guides
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SEE THE BEST OF DC & ARLINGTON
- Includes Tickets for the Hop On Hop Off DC Tour & the Arlington National Cemetery Tour
- Save 50%* on the Arlington Tour
- The Best Package for American History Enthusiasts
- Easy Transfer to Arlington
- Tours Can Be Taken on Different Days
- Old Town Trolley Hop On Hop Off Tour Details
- Hop On Hop Off at 15 Stops near the National Mall
- Fully Narrated 90 Minute Tour
- Best Views with Stadium Seating
- Cushioned Seating
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Smart-Sync Historic Visuals
- Tallest Vehicles Allowed by Law
- Free WiFi
- 100+ Points of Interest
- American Owned and Operated
- All Weather Vehicles
- Start at Any Designated Stop
- “One of the 10 best hop-on hop-off tours in the world” - Forbes
- Top Rated Tour by Washington Post
- Free Additional DC Guides
- Arlington National Cemetery Tour Details
- The Only Official Tour of the Arlington National Cemetery
- Hop On Hop Off at 7 Stops Across 3+ Miles
- Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Tours Every 30 Minutes
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Visit Notable Graves and Memorials
- Comfortable Vehicles
ENJOY A NIGHT OF MOONLIGHT MERRIMENT
Experience the beauty and awe of our country’s most stirring monuments in a whole new way… by moonlight.
- See the National Mall Monuments at Night
- Stops at 6 of DC’s Iconic Memorials
- Includes the Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, & More
- Scenic Photo Opportunities
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Fully Narrated 2.5 Hour Tour
- Best Views with Stadium Seating
- Flexible Start and End Points
A VISIT HERE WILL LEAVE AN INDELIBLE IMPRESSION
Arlington National Cemetery is an enduring tribute to those who’ve dedicated their lives to defending the ideals of our nation. Explore the rich history of this national landmark from the comfort of our tour vehicles.
- The Only Official Tour of the Arlington National Cemetery
- Hop On Hop Off at 7 Stops Across 3+ Miles
- Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Tours Every 30 Minutes
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Visit Notable Graves and Memorials
- Comfortable Vehicles
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Fun for Everyone
- History Lovers
- Families on Vacation
- Fans of Ghostly Tales
- Weekend Getaway Seekers
- Holiday Gift Seekers and More
Explore Coast to Coast
Redeemable for any Historic Tours of America® attractions and experiences nationwide:
- Climb aboard iconic tours.
- Step inside fascinating museums and landmarks.
- Uncover popular haunted sites and local hidden gems.
Simple, Flexible, Fun
The perfect gift for anyone ready to explore the rich history of America.
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BEST PLACES TO SEE & SNAP CHERRY BLOSSOMS
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Jefferson Memorial
16 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242 GET DIRECTIONSMartin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20003 GET DIRECTIONSJapanese Lantern
9810 Kutz Bridge, Washington, DC 20024 GET DIRECTIONSTidal Basin Paddle-boats
1501 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 GET DIRECTIONSJefferson Memorial
16 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242 GET DIRECTIONSMartin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20003 GET DIRECTIONSJapanese Lantern
9810 Kutz Bridge, Washington, DC 20024 GET DIRECTIONSTidal Basin Paddle-boats
1501 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 GET DIRECTIONS-
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Guide to the National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC
Spring is a favorite time of year for many, and nowhere is this more apparent than in Washington DC. For our nation’s capital, spring signifies the arrival of more than just milder weather. This season marks the blooming of the magnificent cherry blossom trees, creating a vibrant spectacle of gorgeous pink flowers. If you’re planning a visit to DC in the springtime, you’ll be vacationing at just the right time to witness the beauty of the cherry blossoms and participate in the many events surrounding their arrival.
Continue reading for a brief history and details about what’s in store for the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival.
History of the Festival
Humble Beginnings, 1912
As an annual celebration, the Cherry Blossom Festival began from humble beginnings. Small ceremonies took place to commemorate the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The first ceremony, which took place on March 27, 1912, was simply the planting of the first two trees from Japan by then First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, the wife of the Japanese ambassador. Each year since, the United States and Japan have exchanged gifts, including flowering dogwood trees from the US to the people of Japan in 1915.
The First Lady’s Involvement
Every year since First Lady Taft’s involvement, it has been a tradition for the First Lady to be involved in the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. All First Ladies have been proponents of the festival, serving as honorary chairs, taking part in planting ceremonies and greeting guests at opening ceremonies.
- 1927: DC school children re-enacted the initial planting and other activities, holding the first real festival.
- 1935: DC civic groups helped to expand the festivities.
- 1994: The Cherry Blossom Festival expanded to a two week event to accommodate the ever changing blooming schedule of the cherry trees.
- 2012: The 100th year anniversary of the original gift from Japan was celebrated with a 5 week celebration.
Today, the Cherry Blossom Festival encompasses four weekends and draws more than 1.5 million people.
Festival Events
A City in Celebration
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival takes place every year throughout the city of Washington DC. A celebration of the gift of the cherry trees and our country’s friendship with Japan, the festival features hundreds of events and activities that span four weeks and includes parades, concerts, art and much more.
The Opening Ceremony
This year’s kick-off to the Cherry Blossom Festival will be on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm at Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street, NW & via livestream where world-famous performers will entertain guests. Tickets are free, but require online registrations.
Blossom Kite Festival
One of the festival’s most popular events, the Kite Festival celebrates spring and 54 years of kite flying. It’s a great opportunity to partake in this long standing tradition and share your experience with your family and friends. Submit your beautiful homemade kite into the Kitemaker’s Competition that takes place on the grounds of the Washington Monument. Guests may also fly their own kites in the safety of their backyard or neighborhood park.
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026; 10 am – 4 pm.
NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PETALPALOOZA
Celebrate spring at the National Cherry Blossom Festival‘s Petalpalooza for a full day of live music and engaging activities!
When: Saturday, April 4, 2026; 1 pm – 9 pm.
THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE
The energy-filled Parade runs for 10 blocks along iconic Constitution Avenue Northwest. Grand colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the Parade route in a spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the Festival!
When: Saturday, April 11, 2026; 11 am – 1:30 pm.
Getting Around the City
There is so much to see, do and participate in during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s a good idea to take advantage of the convenience of the Old Town Trolley. While on the trolley tour, you’ll be transported all over the city, including some of the spots where the festivities will be taking place. The trolley tour also eliminates the need for driving around the city and trying to find parking. Book your tour in advance to secure a seat during this busy time of year.
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival brings joy and excitement to the city unlike any other event all year. For those visiting during this time period, there are many activities, parties and events to enjoy. For more information about the festival, including dates, times and ticket information, visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s website.
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FAQs
You can see the best of the festival in one day by purchasing an Old Town Trolley DC ticket, which grants you unlimited hop-on, hop-off access to 15 major stops. This allows you to bypass the time-consuming process of driving and parking, ensuring you can hit all the major landmarks and blossom sites within a single tour circuit. Stops 1, 8, 9, and 11 will be key points of interest for your itinerary.
The best way to see the blossoms without extensive walking is to ride our stadium-style trolleys, which offer elevated views of the trees directly from your seat. Our vehicles are the tallest allowed by law, providing a unique vantage point over the crowds and the water. To minimize walking, you should:
- Stay on the trolley: View the blossoms along the National Mall and Tidal Basin from the vehicle.
- Use Stop #8: This drop-off point is located immediately adjacent to the blossoms.
- Utilize All-Weather Vehicles: Stay comfortable in our climate-controlled or glass-enclosed trolleys if the spring weather is chilly.
Yes, Old Town Trolley operates daily during the entire National Cherry Blossom Festival. You hop on and hop off at various stops and events across the city without the hassle of driving or finding parking. We suggest booking your tickets in advance to secure a seat during this popular seasonal event.
The most convenient parking is at the Union Station Parking Garage, which offers over 2,000 spaces and serves as a major hub for our tours. While the city experiences heavy traffic and limited parking during peak bloom, using this central garage allows you to leave your car behind and access our entire 15-stop route.
The most efficient way to view the blossoms is to use our hop-on, hop-off service to reach the Tidal Basin area directly (Stop 8 or 9). Our trolleys provide seamless access to the most iconic blossom locations without the hassle of navigating closed roads or searching for rare parking spots.
Yes, the Jefferson Memorial is a dedicated stop (Stop #8) on the main Old Town Trolley tour route and remains active during the festival. This stop places you just steps from the memorial entrance and the famous walking path around the Tidal Basin.
The best photo spots for cherry blossoms include the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Japanese Stone Lantern. These locations offer direct access to the Tidal Basin shoreline for pictures of the flowers. Our tour stops are positioned to help you reach these areas easily.
Take Old Town Trolley Tours to Stop 9 at the FDR Memorial near the Japanese Stone Lantern. This allows you to walk to the exact area where First Lady Helen Herron Taft planted the first gift of trees in 1912. You will find several historical markers in this immediate vicinity.
The Monuments by Moonlight Tour allows you to see the illuminated monuments and cherry blossoms after sunset. This 2.5-hour nightly adventure stops at the FDR Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, providing views of the trees under the moonlight.