It’s cherry blossom season in the DMV region and posting a photo with the pretty pink trees is basically a requirement. But if trekking into DC and fighting the crowds seems like too much work for a good view and a nice picture, we don’t blame you. Instead, 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.
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, which will have one of its wines in the 2024 Governor’s Cup Case, 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 free party on March 23 to kick off cherry blossom season, complete with live music and rosé flights. Enter the cherry blossom photo contest from March 23 to April 4 for a chance to win prizes. 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, 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
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
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. Want to learn how to capture the image? Take one of the early morning photography workshops, which focus on taking breathtaking shots of the blossoms. Keep in mind that the cherry trees here bloom about one week after the ones in Washington, DC. 99750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, $8 for adults, $4 for kids 6–17 and seniors over 55; $25 for photography workshop
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 24. 165 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Maryland
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
Feature image of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens courtesy NOVA Parks
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