The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. (March 20 – April 22, 2012) features two spectacular weeks of outdoor events and family friendly activities, most of them free to attend. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the annual blossoming of the cherry trees at the Tidal Basin and the Washington Monument, with a nod to the 1912 friendship gift of 3000 cherry trees from Japan to the United States.
WHAT: The 2012 National Cherry Blossom Festival events and activities are mostly free to attend.
WHEN: The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place March 20 – April 22, 2012.
WHERE: The Tidal Basin, West Potomac Park, Washington D.C., a short walk from the Jefferson Memorial. Other locations below.
DEALS: Tour cherry blossoms for less with these deals …
- 50% Off Cherry Blossom River Tours: Magnificent Views from the Water $11 (reg. $22) + fees. Requires free email sign up with the deal source.
- 50% Off Cherry Blossom Cruise on the Potomac River $20 (reg. $40) + fees. Requires free email sign up with the deal source.
- 50% Off Cherry Blossom Festival Wine Tasting and Happy Hour Cruises $15 – $37.50 (reg. $30 – $75) + fees. Requires free email sign up with the deal source.
- 50% Off Sunset Blossom Cruise: Magnificent Twilight Views From the Water $11 (reg. $22) + fees. Free email sign up required with the deal source.
- 50% Off Cherry Blossom Walking Tour: The Blossom Secrets Stroll $7.50 (reg. $15) + fees. Free email sign up required with the deal source.
- 50% Off 3-Hour Cherry Blossom Photography Tour Along the Tidal Basin $37 (reg. $74) + fees. Free email sign up required with the deal source.
- 40% Off Dinner/Dancing Cruise Past the National Monuments $52.80 – $58.80 (reg. $88 – $98) + fees. Free email sign up required with the deal source.
- 40% Off Nina’s Dandy Brunch & Lunch Cruises with Views of the Monuments $28.20 – $34.20 (reg. $47 – $57). Free email sign up required with the deal source.
Signature Events:
- National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade: (Free) April 14, 2012, 10am. Along Constitution Ave, 7th to 17th Streets, NW.
- Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival: ($5, 12 & under Free) April 14, 2012, 11am – 6pm. 12th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
- Jazz at the Jefferson: (Free) April 19, 2012 – Apr 22, 2012, Noon daily at the Jefferson Memorial.
Savvy Tips:
- Best cherry blossom viewing: Rent a Tidal Basin Paddle Boat. (Reservations recommended.)
- Peak blooming period: This year the best time for viewing is predicted for March 24 – 31, 2012.
- Best way to get to the Tidal Basin: Take the Metro Blue or Orange lines to the Smithsonian Station (less than half a mile to the Tidal Basin). Then walk west on Independence Avenue to 15th Street. Turn left and head south along 15th Street.
- Best place to park: Finding a parking spot during the festival can be challenging. Look for street parking near the Basin (very limited). The East Potomac Park parking lot at Haines Pt. has limited free parking (320 spaces) that fill up fast (900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington D.C., 20024).
- Best places to stay: If you’re coming from out of town, Budget Travel recommends the fashionable and eco-friendly Hotel George, a 15-minute walk from the festival. To find the best hotel deals and packages at anytime, see our Washington D.C. hotel deals page.
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