20 Places to See Spring Blooms in and around Washington D.C.

Spring is here! Get outdoors, enjoy the sunshine, and feel the breeze before the swampy summer season. Catch beautiful spring blooms in and around D.C. at these locations that will make you feel inspired and rejuvenated after a chilly winter. Find magnolias, cherry blossoms, tulips, daffodils, wisteria, bluebells, and more. Happy bloom hunting! by Yelena Nicolle Salvador Places are listed chronologically by which flowers bloom first DC-PROPER AREA 1) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/enid-a-haupt-garden-public-garden-on-the-national-mall-washington-1014899">Enid A. Haupt Garden</a> Where: National Mall Info: The Enid A. Haupt Garden provides a stunning respite for all. Listen to the sounds of the fountains, stroll along the brick paths, and enjoy the bursting sights of flowers with the Smithsonian Castle as your backdrop. This spot is perfect to see saucer magnolias right before cherry blossom peak. But you can visit year round and find tulips, hyacinths, and more during the spring.&nbsp; 2) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/biqo96knTHwmYrwk6">The Gardens of Dumbarton Oaks</a> Where: Georgetown Info: These grounds have various blooming seasons of spring buds. Catch the purple plum trees and saucer magnolias in mid March, the cherry blossoms at the end of March into early April, the yellow forsythia hills in early April, the colorful tulips in mid April, and the unforgettable purple wisteria in late April. 3) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/P62KS7rDBABdqDpE7">Washington National Cathedral</a> Where: Cathedral Heights Info: The National Cathedral is always blooming with something new. Catch the saucer magnolias first in mid-March. You can see cherry blossoms around the end of March into early April. And don’t miss the purple wisteria vines that climb along the sides of the building in late April to early May. Make sure to explore the gardens and grounds for other blooms and peaceful spaces. 4) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/gbtvWav1HCzER69n9">Congressional Cemetery</a> Where: Capitol Hill Info: The Congressional Cemetery is adorned with cherry blossoms in the spring time. Take a mindful walk in this historic and active burial ground. Along the main walkway, you’ll find yourself in a cherry blossom tunnel once the trees are in peak bloom.&nbsp; 5) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/RHHYKdwdYpCGyRY39">Tidal Basin</a> Where: National Mall Info: Catch peak cherry blossom blooms at the end of March and early April along the Tidal Basin. Take a stroll around the water or <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/pedal-boats-in-the-tidal-basin-washington-1014585">grab a pedal boat</a> to avoid the crowds to enjoy the views of pink petals spotting the monuments. Keep an eye out for the Japanese Lantern, a stone structure that symbolizes the cultural respect and international relations between Japan and the United States, as well. 6) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/VkdGxgionARvfcCv5">Hains Point Loop Trail</a> Where: Southwest Washington Info: Go on a hike and explore the many different blooms on trail. Spot some cherry blossoms like the Japanese weeping cherry trees and the Kwanzan cherry trees. And make sure to keep an eye out for the Candy Cane Tree, the magnolias, other cherry blooms, and monuments along the way. 7) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pv3NbFV343bX4MVt8">U.S. Capitol Building</a> Where: Capitol Hill Info: The U.S. Capitol Building has its own collection of surrounding flora. Capture stunning views of more than 100 cherry blossom trees. Most are found in the Upper and Lower Senate Parks, but you can spot the oldest by the West Front. Here, you can also catch colorful rows of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. 8) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/4RT6GcNMTRJjf4Q56">The Floral Library</a> Where: National Mall Info: Located right next to the Tidal Basin is a small patch of flowers in bloom called the Floral Library. This little garden is planted by the National Park Service. See colorful varieties of tulips, daffodils, and other flowers right after cherry blossom season. 9) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cz53Jaw4LrXseGrt9">Franciscan Monastery</a> Where: Brookland Info: This hidden gem has stunning gardens that blossom with 10,000 tulips, over 1000 roses, and other blooms. This place isn’t just a religious site – it’s a public garden where everyone, regardless of their beliefs, can feel at peace. 10) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/vnDZnm2VbqiyWijaA">Lafayette Square</a> Where: President’s Neighborhood Info: In the patches of green right in front of the White House, you’ll find vibrant tulips of every color neatly planted in rows. Catch these blooms in early to mid April right after cherry blossom peak.&nbsp; 11) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/4rMPUa6gwtRxcq2H8">U.S. National Arboretum</a> Where: Northeast Washington Info: Around late April, the National Arboretum bursts with thousands of shades of purple, red, orange, and pink. It’s azalea season, so make your way to Mount Hamilton, one of the highest points in the District. Wear some good walking shoes and catch beautiful views of the Capitol and fiery flowers around the park. 12) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/S1joTEVyrGYbkeeh6">U.S. Botanic Garden</a> Where: National Mall Info: The U.S. Botanic Garden is always brewin’ with something bloomin’. This spring, catch the <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/orchids-masters-of-deception-exhibit-at-the-us-botanic-gardens-washington-1013981">‘Orchids: Masters of Deception’ exhibit</a> where you can see thousands of orchids. This showcase will feature rare, unique, bizarre, and intriguing orchid adaptations. Enjoy special orchid-themed programming, giant orchid sculptures, and more.&nbsp; WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA 13) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/7dbaWCwXqELQmHJz9">Old Town Alexandria</a> Where: Alexandria, VA Info: Explore Old Town Alexandria by foot and you’ll find endless cherry blossoms sprinkled throughout town. You’ll love the charming neighborhoods as they glow with pink and white fluffy blooms. 14) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/M4udf6Nh8xMaV6Yg6">George Washington Parkway</a> Where: VA Info: The George Washington Parkway is 4,580 acres, so no matter where you go, you’ll find unique flora. Spot cherry blossoms lining the paved pathways. Stop by Turkey Run Park for beautiful displays of bluebells and wildflowers of every color. And find sunny daffodils by the Memorial Bridge. 15) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZTqBKsf2am8zjSQQ8">Brookside Gardens</a> Where: Wheaton, MD Info: This 30-minute drive to Maryland will be worth it. Visit this beautiful garden full of life. Find cherry blossoms in late March and early April. Spot azaleas, tulips, hyacinth, and daffodils throughout April and May. And come back for blooming wisteria in May too. 16) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/zPPRMeHjjx3AQ4Lr9">Burnside Farms</a> Where: Nokesville, VA Info: Burnside Farms is known as a slice of Holland. Don’t miss their <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-festival-of-spring-at-burnside-farms-nokesville-1014934">Festival of Spring</a>, which usually starts in late March and continues through the middle of April. Here, you’ll find more than two million tulips and daffodils.&nbsp; 17) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/netherlands-carillon-bell-tower-and-garden-in-arlington-arlington-1014192">Netherlands Carillon</a> Where: Arlington, VA Info: Right across the Potomac is the Netherlands Carillon, a tower that houses 53 bells and symbolizes the friendship between the Netherlands and the United States. You’ll find rows of colorful tulips on the surrounding grounds with breathtaking views of the monuments and the Capitol too. 18) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/JKyCCc5NneNvtR91A">River Farm</a> Where: Arlington, VA Info: River Farm used to be part of George Washington’s estate. Now, it’s home to the American Horticultural Society. Here, you’ll find rows of tulips, a four-acre meadow of wildflowers, and thousands of other perennials and annuals. Catch beautiful views of the Potomac, as well as a set of historic White House Gates from 1819. Don't miss their <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/spring-garden-market-at-river-farm-alexandria-1014935">Spring Garden Market</a> festival where you can shop for your own plants and floral-themed art, enjoy a picnic with food from local vendors, and more. 19) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/bluemont-vineyard-bluemont-1007461">Bluemont Vineyard</a> Where: Bluemont, VA Info: If you’re looking for a fun spring day trip, head to Bluemont Vineyard where you can roam around their blossoming peach trees in mid April. As you enjoy the views, try out their new activation, The Bloom Bar, where you can sip on rosé, sangria, and spring ciders. 20) <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/YV98FMswWAQHKDru5">Bull Run Park</a> Where: Bull Run, VA Info: Hike the Bluebell Trail, a 1.5 mile forest loop where you can spot over 25 varieties of wildflowers. You can’t miss the bluebells that come in shades of pink, purple, and blue. These flowers are usually the first signs of spring at Bull Run Regional Park.&nbsp; Photo Credit: Jessica Nguyen

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20 Places to See Spring Blooms in and around Washington D.C.

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