An undiscovered cherry blossom haven in D.C. that's off the beaten path

You might think that wandering through a cherry tree grove would be a lovely way to enjoy the outdoors this spring while safely maintaining social distance and connecting with nature. Yet, in the whirlwind of 2021, visitors flocking to Washington, D.C.'s Tidal Basin to admire the delicate flowers might find themselves disappointed this year.

The National Park Service has restricted access to the Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park, and West Potomac Park because of the ongoing pandemic.

However, all hope isn't lost if you want to witness the city's stunning cherry blossoms between now and April 4, the anticipated peak bloom. In fact, there are several reasons to consider bypassing the Tidal Basin—even in a typical year. Navigating through hordes of tourists snapping pictures can be overwhelming unless you plan to go at dawn.

TPG is pleased to reveal that there are quieter cherry blossom locations in Washington, D.C. where tourists seldom visit—or only do so lightly.

Here's our insider tip.

As a local of D.C., one of my top spots for cherry blossom viewing is well off the usual tourist path: the U.S. National Arboretum.

The National Arboretum remains largely under the radar, even for many residents. Located on the eastern edge of D.C., it’s not easily accessible via Metro and is isolated from other attractions. Reaching it requires some effort (a 20 to 30-minute drive from downtown), but the breathtaking blooms and lack of crowds make it worthwhile.

Blossoms without the crowds

The arboretum welcomes visitors daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Christmas, and entry is free. Last year, I explored the National Arboretum at 10 a.m. on a peak-bloom Sunday at the Tidal Basin and found vast areas of the arboretum completely to myself. Here, you’ll discover 9.5 miles of winding paths across more than 400 acres, with over 1,000 cherry trees more dispersed than those at the Tidal Basin. Visitors with mobility challenges can drive between the groves, but I found the three-mile paved walk quite easy and suitable for strollers.

The National Arboretum boasts over 30 varieties of cherry trees that bloom for a significantly longer duration compared to those at the Tidal Basin. These trees start blooming at least two weeks earlier, and you can still enjoy flowers well into May. This extended blooming period allows you to visit across two different months and catch peak bloom. It also makes the National Arboretum an excellent backup option if you've planned a trip to Washington, D.C. to see the cherry blossoms but the Tidal Basin blooms decide to delay.

Tips for viewing

The Arboretum is bursting with blossoms, with different areas blooming at various times. I've visited from March to May over the last couple of years, and there have always been flowers to enjoy.

Begin at one of the groves that are currently in bloom. The grove at the intersection of Valley Road and Meadow Road, featuring a mix of magnolias, azaleas, and cherry blossoms, is particularly picturesque and easy to find near the entrance to the overflow parking lot on New York Avenue. Park there and head left. If the cherry blossoms are in bloom, you’ll see what I mean. A gentle breeze might even give you a lovely bloom shower.

Arrive early for the best experience. The park opens at 8 a.m., but crowds typically don’t start arriving until around 10 a.m. on weekends. If you can't make it early, aim for a later visit. The park closes at 5 p.m., but crowds begin to thin out after 3 p.m. Weekdays are preferable to weekends, and Sundays are better than Saturdays. Even during peak times, you can often find a quiet spot. Check the Arboretum's website close to your visit date for bloom updates; D.C. Gardener also offers a helpful resource.

Capitol Columns

A slice of history resides in the heart of the arboretum: The original Corinthian columns that adorned the Capitol in 1828 now stand majestically on a hill, overlooking the Ellipse Meadow below. The National Capitol Columns were relocated from the U.S. Capitol dome to the arboretum in the 1980s. At less than 200 years old, these columns evoke images of Greek ruins more than anything else in Washington, D.C. They appear straight out of a film set and are perfect for Instagram.

Beyond the cherry trees

The National Arboretum offers much more than just its famous cherry trees. One of my favorites is the National Bonsai Museum, which showcases Japanese and Chinese pavilions along with beautifully sculpted miniature trees. Bring a picnic! There are various tables and benches throughout the grounds. If you decide to linger, there's a small gift shop where you can grab cold drinks and snacks.

How to reach the National Arboretum

The only downside for tourists is that the National Arboretum is not easily accessible by public transit. If you’re taking the Metro, ride to the Stadium-Armory Station (blue and orange lines) and then catch the B-2 bus heading toward Mount Rainier. Get off at R Street and walk two blocks to the entrance.

I suggest using a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft if you don’t have a car. When taking Uber or Lyft, it's best to exit through the same R Street entrance where public transit drops you off, as this will be the easiest spot for your driver to pick you up.

Capital Bikeshare is an option, with a drop-off spot conveniently located right outside the R Street entrance. However, I wouldn't recommend it for most people, as the neighborhoods you pass through can be hit-or-miss in terms of safety.

If you choose to drive, parking is free. The New York Avenue entrance is the easiest to reach by car. During peak season, there's overflow parking available right at the New York Avenue entrance. At other times, you can find parking at the Visitor Center (2400 R Street NE) and scattered throughout the park.

Feature photo by Yoshiyuki Kaneko/EyeEm/Getty Images