Neighborhood Expert: Cherry blossom viewing tips

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].

Peak cherry blossom viewing is underway in D.C., which means lots of visitors and no parking.

If you’re thinking of visiting the blossoms, here are some tips to help make the visit enjoyable and easy.

Go early. Crowds start to form throughout the day, especially on weekends, so early birds get to see the sunrise along with the blossoms.

You can book parking in advance using the SpotHero site. It will tell you the price and distance in advance. Be prepared for traffic though.

You can take the metro, a fun bonus if you have kids who haven’t taken the metro in years or ever due to COVID. You can get off at the Smithsonian or L’Enfant Plaza stops and walk.

Another easy way is to valet park at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. I believe it’s $39 and cash only, but they have an easy access that’s 1 block to the Tidal Basin.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowd, don’t forget that Meadowlark Botanical Garden also has cherry blossoms that bloom a few days after the D.C. ones.

Other events if you’re really into the Cherry Blossom Festival:

Do you have another insider tip? Please share it below!

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