Cherry Blossoms
DC has four distinct seasons, but the city arguably owns the magical season of spring. More than 3,000 cherry trees bloom a delicate pink around the tidal basin, attracting thousands to picnic, stroll and bike under the beautiful canopy. 

Opening Day Family Festival of the Cherry Blossom Festival
This day marks the beginning of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. This two weeklong festival celebrates the friendship between the US and Japan with a variety of events including mini-tea house building, anime design workshops, and traditional performances.

Fireworks on the Southwest Waterfront
During the Cherry Blossom Festival visitors will be delighted by the awe-inspiring fireworks show. Festivities begin at 5:00 pm with a three hour family friendly festival.  The fireworks display will begin, rain or shine, at 8:30.

Cultural Performances at the Target Tidal Basin Daily
During the National Cherry Blossom Festival visitors can enjoy a variety of performances at the Target Tidal Basin Stage. Local, national, and international artists will feature song, dance, and music performances for the duration of the festival.

Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
Come see, smell, hear, touch, and taste Japan at this 6 square block street festival.  The Japan-America Society of Washington DC hosts this free event featuring, 5 stages, sake tasting, beer gardens, Japanese cultural exhibits, products and restaurants.  

Southwest Airlines presents the Festival Parade
One of the most exciting events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival is the Festival Parade.  Live performers, giant floats and colorful balloons, and marching bands, will parade down Constitution Avenue in an exciting show of music, performance, and fun.

Cherry Blossom Cherry Picks: Unique dishes
Dine in the city to enjoy unique cherry inspired dishes at Top DC restaurants. Try a 3-wine flight of pink rose wines from various regions, mini chocolate-coated cones with warm cherry kirsch compote, cherry sorbet & minus 8 vinegar, Duck prosciutto with salad of dried cherries &pistachio nuts, and Cherry clafouti with lemon verbena ice cream.

Picnics under the cherry blossoms
Nothing is more romantic than a picnic while the Cherry Blossoms are blooming. Their soft pink petals set the landscape to a perfect afternoon near the Tidal Basin.

Kenilworth Gardens’ water lilies in bloom
Come watch the beauty and elegance of blooming water lilies at this magnificent park and aquatic garden . Located in Anacostia, this oasis of natural splendor is perfect on a summer day.

Eastern market farm-fresh finds
This bustling market where locals fill up on fresh produce, flowers, herbs and rely on butchers, fish and cheese mongers for lively service. Built in 1873 and designed by architect Adolf Cluss, the historic Market suffered from fire damage, but is just as vibrant due to the dedication of the merchants and their clientele. On Saturdays, the artists and craftsman line the street with locally designed jewelry, clothing, purses, candles, artwork and photography.

Tie-dyes and free speech on the National Mall
The National Mall, located in the heart if the city, features lush parks, famous memorials, and historic landmarks, beautiful year-round.

Full moon hikes at the National Arboretum
The United States National Arboretum offers this vigorous hike through woods, meadows, and gardens by the light of the moon. These popular hikes fill up fast so be sure to register early.

Face-to-Face with world leaders
The city is a bustling political hub filled with foreign Diplomats, Dignitaries and leaders. Dining at restaurants, pulling up a bar stool, or attending a game or local event you could possibly bump into Mayor Fenty, Gwen Ifill, an international Ambassador or even the First Family.

Priceless experiences free admission
Smithsonian museums, including the zoo, offer free admission to all visitors.  Stroll through the zoo to see the Giant Pandas, stop by the National Museum of American History to see the Star-Spangled Banner and Ruby Slippers, or take flight to the National Air & Space Museum to see the Wright Flyer.

Power-packed agendas
Use our interactive itinerary to create your own DC experience.  

Celebrate with master chefs and master pieces
DC is home to some of the world’s finest restaurants and significant works of art. Plan an evening of culture visiting the city’s many art museums followed by a delicious meal at one of DC’s spectacular restaurants.