Cherry blossom season in the DMV region is fast approaching. As much as we love the sight of the pretty trees in bloom, the season also comes with massive crowds of blossom-watchers in DC, particularly around the Tidal Basin. Instead of fighting the crowds, check out these sites in Northern Virginia and Maryland — they have their own cherry trees that are just as beautiful, and you can enjoy the views right from your own neighborhood.
Northern Virginia
Arlington National Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery, the country’s largest military cemetery, is a profound historic landmark. As you walk the grounds, spanning 639 acres, you’ll see more than 400 cherry trees in bloom, many of the Yoshino variety, the variety at the Tidal Basin. Those aren’t the only trees you’ll see — the grounds have over 9,000 trees in about 400 varieties, including over 140 memorial trees planted in honor of veterans. 1 Memorial Ave., Arlington
Breaux Vineyards
This Purcellville winery has cherry trees on its grounds, so visitors can enjoy the views and snap some photos as they sip their wine. There will be a Cherry Blossom Festival and hike on March 28 to celebrate the season. 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Purcellville
Dulles International Airport
Flying into or out of Dulles this season? You may spot some blossoms right from the airport. In November 2024, Japanese airline All Nippon Airways and the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Tree Planting Program donated 20 mature cherry trees, which were planted at the West Mobile Lounge area. 1 Saarinen Cir., Dulles
Long Bridge Park
Stop just short of the Potomac River to take in the beautiful cherry blossom blooms. The walkways of the 36-acre park are lined with rows cherry trees. As you walk the park, you’ll feel the presence of DC as the National Mall monuments linger in the background. 475 Long Bridge Dr., Arlington
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Meadowlark has 95 acres of stunning gardens that showcase a diversity of plant life. You’ll spot the pink cherry blossoms at the entrance of the grounds, and even more surround Lake Caroline, where you can sit in the pavilion to take in views of the trees, the water, and the koi fish below. Keep in mind that the cherry trees here bloom about one week after the ones in Washington, DC. 99750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, $9
Rappahannock River Heritage Trail
Down farther south? Make a pit stop in Fredericksburg for a glimpse at these spring blooms. Along the trail you’ll find pink blossoms lining parts of the canal path. 3008 Normandy Ave., Fredericksburg
Van Gogh Bridge
While you spend a day at Reston’s Lake Anne, take a stroll over the Van Gogh Bridge. It was built by William Roehl, who worked with the original planners of Lake Anne Village Center, to link Washington Plaza with a nearby cluster of homes, according to Public Art Reston. It’s surrounded by a picturesque collection of blossoms, making for a lovely photo over the water. Lake Anne Plaza: 1609-A Washington Plz., Reston
Maryland
Kenwood, Maryland
There are over 1,200 cherry trees concentrated along Kennedy Drive and Dorset and Kenwood avenues in the Kenwood neighborhood, according to Visit Montgomery. Looking for more in Montgomery County? The Montgomery County Department of Parks runs a map of cherry trees in the county’s parks so you can explore the trees throughout the region. Kenwood, Maryland
National Harbor
Just across the water from Alexandria, National Harbor is a great place to take in views of beautiful blossoms. It has over 200 cherry trees of the Okame variety along a 1.2-mile waterfront trail. These trees bloom earlier than those in DC, so don’t wait to check them out. You can even enjoy part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival here with the Sakura Sunday festival on March 29. 165 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Maryland
Feature image of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens courtesy NOVA Parks
