The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of D.C.’s biggest events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every spring. While the cherry blossoms are breathtaking, the crowds, traffic, and packed metro stations can make getting around challenging—especially on weekends.
But don’t worry! With a little planning, you can navigate the city smoothly, avoid long lines, and enjoy the cherry blossoms stress-free. Here’s the ultimate guide on the best ways to get around Washington, D.C. during the festival. 🚆🌸
- Walk When Possible (Best for Nearby Travelers)
- Take the Metro (Best for Avoiding Traffic)
- Take the D.C. Circulator (Best Budget Option)
- Rideshare & Taxis (Best for Late Nights or Accessibility)
- Driving & Parking (Not Recommended)
- Cherry Blossom Water Taxi (A Unique Option!)
- Best Way to Avoid Crowds at the Cherry Blossom Festival
🚶♂️ Walk When Possible (Best for Nearby Travelers)
If you’re staying near the National Mall, walking is the easiest and most scenic way to get around. You’ll avoid traffic, crowded metros, and parking hassles while soaking in beautiful views of D.C.’s landmarks.
🚶 Best Walking Routes for the Cherry Blossoms:
✔ National Mall → Tidal Basin – 15-minute walk past the Washington Monument
✔ Georgetown → Tidal Basin – 30-minute walk along scenic trails
✔ Tidal Basin Loop – 2-mile walk for the best cherry blossom views
Walking from the Washington Monument to the Tidal Basin at sunrise was magical—no crowds, stunning views, and total peace before the festival rush!
💡 Pro Tip:
✔ Arrive early (before 9 AM) for the best experience & fewer crowds.
🚇 Take the Metro (Best for Avoiding Traffic)
D.C.’s Metro system is the fastest way to get around without dealing with traffic.
🚆 Best Metro Stations for the Cherry Blossom Festival:
- Smithsonian (Orange, Blue, Silver Lines) – Closest to the National Mall & Tidal Basin
- L’Enfant Plaza (Yellow, Green, Orange, Blue, Silver Lines) – Great alternative to avoid Smithsonian station crowds
- Arlington Cemetery (Blue Line) – A scenic walk across the Arlington Memorial Bridge
💡 Pro Tips for Using the Metro:
✔ Avoid rush hour (7-9 AM & 4-6 PM)—trains will be packed!
✔ Use a SmarTrip Card or mobile app to avoid ticket machine lines.
✔ Expect delays on peak weekends—plan extra travel time.
🚌 Take the D.C. Circulator (Best Budget Option)
The D.C. Circulator is a $1 bus that runs convenient routes around the city, including stops near the National Mall, Tidal Basin, and cherry blossom viewing areas.
🚌 Best Route to Take:
- National Mall Route – Stops near Smithsonian museums, Tidal Basin, & the Washington Monument
💡 Pro Tip:
✔ Download the Circulator app to track real-time bus locations!
🚲 Rent a Bike or Scooter (Best for Quick, Scenic Rides)
Bikes and scooters let you zip through the city while avoiding traffic. This is a fun & efficient way to explore without getting stuck in crowds.
🚲 Where to Rent Bikes:
- Capital Bikeshare – D.C.’s official bike rental system
- Unlimited Biking – Offers bike rentals & guided cherry blossom tours
🛴 Best Scooter Rental Apps:
- Lime, Bird, Spin, & Lyft Scooters – Available throughout D.C.
💡 Pro Tips:
✔ Ride along the National Mall & Rock Creek Park trails for the best views.
✔ Avoid riding on sidewalks near the Tidal Basin—park rangers may issue fines.
🚗 Rideshare & Taxis (Best for Late Nights or Accessibility)
Uber & Lyft are convenient options, but prices surge during peak festival days.
💰 Cost: Fares vary, but expect higher rates during weekend afternoons.
💡 Pro Tip:
✔ Set your drop-off location a few blocks away from the Tidal Basin to avoid traffic.
🚙 Driving & Parking (Not Recommended)
🚘 Should You Drive?
❌ Not recommended—traffic is heavily congested during the festival, and parking is extremely limited.
Where to Park If You Must Drive:
✔ Ronald Reagan Building Parking Garage – ($20/day, 15 min walk)
✔ L’Enfant Plaza Garage – ($18/day, metro access)
💡 Pro Tip:
✔ If you must drive, arrive before 7 AM to find parking before the crowds.
🛳️ Cherry Blossom Water Taxi (A Unique Option!)
For a unique, crowd-free experience, take a water taxi to see the cherry blossoms from the Potomac River!
🚢 Best Water Taxi Route:
- The Wharf → Georgetown → Alexandria – Enjoy stunning waterfront views!
💡 Pro Tip:
✔ Book in advance, as tickets sell out quickly!
🌸 Best Way to Avoid Crowds at the Cherry Blossom Festival
✅ Top 5 Crowd-Free Travel Hacks:
1️⃣ Arrive before 9 AM – Fewer crowds & better photos 📸
2️⃣ Visit on weekdays – Avoid weekend tourist rush
3️⃣ Take lesser-known metro stops (L’Enfant Plaza > Smithsonian) 🚇
4️⃣ Explore hidden spots (Hains Point & National Arboretum) 🌿
5️⃣ Use bikes, scooters, or the Circulator for easy movement 🚲
🌸 Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Get Around During the Festival
🚶 Best for convenience: Walking & Metro
🚲 Best for sightseeing: Biking or Scooters
🚌 Best for budget travelers: D.C. Circulator
🛳️ Best unique experience: Water Taxi
By planning ahead, you can explore the cherry blossoms stress-free and focus on enjoying the festival!
👉 Want more cherry blossom travel tips? Check out our Ultimate Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Guide for the best viewing spots, events, and insider tips!
📌 How are you planning to get around D.C. for the Cherry Blossom Festival?