Oprah Winfrey has conquered the worlds of television, publishing and streaming — but cherry blossoms? Utterly disastrous. In 2023, she postponed a trip to Japan, waiting for the perfect bloom. A year later, she left LA and travelled 5,000 miles to catch the blossoms — only to miss them by a week, thanks to a cold and rainy snap that delayed their debut. If only I had her email — I’d have sent a one-liner, “Oprah, forget Japan. The cherry blossoms in Washington DC are the real showstopper — and practically on your doorstep.”
And I should know — I visited at cherry blossom season in Washington DC, when city blushed in shades of pink.
As the trees burst into bloom, Washington, D.C. transforms for one of its most anticipated annual moments. There’s even a National Cherry Blossom — a citywide celebration that last year drew 1.6 million visitors in just three weeks.
Washington DC Cherry Blossoms Dates
Running from around March 20 to mid-April, the festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo’s mayor. The celebrations include Japanese and American cultural events, parades, kite-flying, art installations — with restaurants and hotels joining in.
Where to Stay for Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
We booked the Rosewood Washington, DC, nestled in historic Georgetown — ideally located for blossom-spotting and boutique shopping alike.
The five-star hotel offers 57 rooms, including 12 suites and eight townhouses. Our Premier Corner King Room, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the canal, came with the most comfortable hotel bed we’ve ever slept in. Tech-wise, it ticked all boxes: touch-panel controls, high-speed Wi-Fi, a high-definition stereo LCD TV plus a Nespresso machine and kettle for a decent cup of tea. Its marble bathroom, with rainfall showers, a standalone bathtub, accompanied by Diptyque amenities, was also spacious and had lots of natural light.
The hotel also boasts a 24-hour fitness centre, a rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views, and in-room spa treatments.
CUT by Wolfgang Puck, the hotel’s signature restaurant, serves à la carte breakfast (delicious each day), lunch and dinner is a modern take on the classic steakhouse — plus a 2,500-bottle wine list. It’s a buzzy spot, popular with locals as well as guests. For something more casual, the CUT Bar and Lounge offers light bites and cocktails, while CUT Above on the roof is perfect for skyline views and sundowners.
Service is excellent and staff are super friendly and great for local recommendations.
What to Do in Washington DC
With just 72 hours to soak in the blossoms, we planned ahead. First up: a guided walking tour with DC Design Tours around the Tidal Basin, which includes stops at the Martin Luther King Jr., Thomas Jefferson and Franklin D. Roosevelt memorials. We also visited the Japanese Pagoda and Lantern — a gift from Japan symbolising friendship. The lantern marks the original planting site of the 1912 cherry trees.
The trees that line the Tidal Basin and circle the Washington Monument are internationally renowned — and attract crowds. To enjoy them at their best, head out at dawn or dusk. For those who are more adventurous, explore the blooms on water and hire a kayak.
For a quieter Washington DC cherry blossoms moment, head to Hillwood Museum. Formerly the estate of heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, it houses one of the world’s finest collections of Russian imperial treasures. But outside is just as impressive — a Japanese-style garden, complete with koi pond, teahouse and cherry trees, designed by Shogo Myaida. Inside, do a tour and see Fabergé eggs, 18th century French furnishings and decorative arts.
Where to Eat and Drink in Washington DC
Across DC, bars and restaurants celebrate cherry blossom season in Washington DC with floral displays, blossom-inspired afternoon teas and Japanese-inspired menus.
Top of our list was Moonraker — a rooftop bar with views across the Tidal Basin and Potomac River. We were greeted in the lift (yes, the lift) with complimentary saké shots, followed by our custom cocktails: a Peak Bloom for me and a Hanami Highball for my husband. Highlights from the Japanese-inspired menu included Tokyo Fried Chicken with Shichimi Lemon, Hamachi Crudo with Meyer Lemon, and Ora King Salmon with Kombu Vinaigrette and Kosho Crema. Each dish was delicious.
Lunch the next day was at Old Ebbitt Grill, DC’s oldest saloon near the White House, famed for its oysters and rotating selection. We paired ours with a cherry blossom cocktail named Head in the Clouds — a perfect match.
That evening, we detoured from the Washington DC cherry blossom map and discovered La Casina in Eastern Market — a cosy pinseria run by Angela and Fabrizio Costantini, a Roman couple passionate about authentic food. Their pinsa — a traditional Roman flatbread pizza — had the lightest crust and is a dish that lingers in memory long after the last bite.
For our final evening, we returned to the Rosewood for CUT’s Washington DC cherry blossom tasting menu. It began with a Cherry Blossom cocktail, followed by a champagne and caviar flight. Executive Chef Andrew Ho’s three-course menu opened with a Linzer Cookie with Foie Gras and Sour Cherry Marmalade, then Skull Island Prawn with Cherry Gremolata – both packing a punch with incredible flavours. Next was the Cherry Wood Smoked Short Rib, served with Luxardo Cherry Mostarda, Umeboshi Plum, and Black Garlic BBQ, a decadent dish. Dessert was a caramelised Strawberry and Cherry Blossom Shortcake with Basil Stracciatella Gelato — the most indulgent finale to an unforgettable trip.
As we packed our suitcases the next morning, the TV flickered on — and who should appear? Oprah. I smiled — this year, we beat you to the blooms.
But there’s always next spring. And Oprah, if you’re reading — save the air miles: the real cherry blossom showstoppers are in Washington, DC.
Top Tip: Dates of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
To catch Washington DC cherry blossoms peak bloom, book flights and hotels by late autumn for the following spring. Rooms near the Tidal Basin and National Mall go quickly. Watch the National Park Service’s Bloom Watch for updates, and stay flexible — cherry blossoms are famously fickle, and a week’s weather can change everything.
Flights to Washington DC
British Airways flies from London Heathrow to Washington DC from £562 return, including taxes and carrier fees.
Where to Stay in Washington DC
Rosewood Georgetown – rooms from $750 per night. For offers click here.