Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms Outside DC

Cherry blossom season in the DMV always brings excitement, but it also brings heavy crowds, especially around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. For anyone who wants to enjoy the blooms without dealing with packed walkways, there are several other places in Northern Virginia and Maryland where cherry trees make just as lovely a spring appearance.

From gardens and parks to neighborhoods and waterfront trails, these spots offer a chance to take in the season a little closer to home.

Cherry Blossoms in Northern Virginia

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most significant historic sites in the region, and during cherry blossom season, it also becomes a beautiful place to walk. The 639-acre grounds are home to more than 400 cherry trees in bloom, including many Yoshino trees, the same variety found at the Tidal Basin. Beyond that, the cemetery has more than 9,000 trees representing about 400 varieties, including over 140 memorial trees planted in honor of veterans.

Address: 1 Memorial Ave., Arlington

Breaux Vineyards (Purcellville)

Breaux Vineyards in Purcellville is another place to catch cherry blossoms in bloom. The property has cherry trees that visitors can enjoy while spending time at the winery. The vineyard will also mark the season with a Cherry Blossom Festival and hike on March 28.

Address: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Purcellville

Dulles International Airport

Cherry blossoms are not limited to parks and gardens. Travelers flying through Dulles International Airport may also notice blooms this season. In November 2024, All Nippon Airways and the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Tree Planting Program donated 20 mature cherry trees, which were planted in the West Mobile Lounge area.

Address: 1 Saarinen Cir., Dulles

Long Bridge Park (Arlington)

Long Bridge Park offers another option for cherry blossom viewing in Arlington. The 36-acre park has walkways lined with rows of cherry trees, and the setting also includes views of the National Mall monuments in the background.

Address: 475 Long Bridge Dr., Arlington

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna)

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens covers 95 acres and features a wide range of plant life. During cherry blossom season, visitors can spot pink blooms at the entrance and around Lake Caroline. The pavilion provides a place to sit and enjoy views of the trees, the water, and the koi fish below. One thing to keep in mind is that the cherry trees here usually bloom about one week later than the ones in Washington, DC.

Address: 99750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna

Van Gogh Bridge (Reston – Lake Anne)

At Lake Anne in Reston, the Van Gogh Bridge is surrounded by cherry blossoms and offers a scenic view over the water. According to Public Art Reston, the bridge was built by William Roehl, who worked with the original planners of Lake Anne Village Center, and it connects Washington Plaza with a nearby cluster of homes.

Address: Lake Anne Plaza, 1609-A Washington Plz., Reston

Rappahannock River Heritage Trail (Fredericksburg)

For those farther south, the Rappahannock River Heritage Trail in Fredericksburg is another place to see spring blooms. Along parts of the canal path, pink blossoms line the trail and add to the seasonal scenery.

Address: 3008 Normandy Ave., Fredericksburg

Maryland Cherry Blossom Spots

Kenwood, Maryland

Kenwood is one of the best-known places in Maryland for cherry blossoms. According to Visit Montgomery, more than 1,200 cherry trees are concentrated along Kennedy Drive and Dorset and Kenwood avenues. For those who want to explore more blossom locations in the area, the Montgomery County Department of Parks also provides a map of cherry trees in county parks.

Location: Kenwood, Maryland

National Harbor

National Harbor is another place to see cherry blossoms outside DC. Located just across the water from Alexandria, it has more than 200 Okame cherry trees along a 1.2-mile waterfront trail. These trees bloom earlier than those in DC. Visitors can also take part in the Sakura Sunday festival on March 29 as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Address: 165 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Maryland

Cherry blossom season does not have to mean heading straight into DC. Northern Virginia and Maryland have several places where the blooms can be enjoyed in a different setting, whether that means a botanical garden, a park, a neighborhood street, or a waterfront trail.