Sunday morning I woke up before the sun so I could beat the crowds downtown. The cherry blossoms normally bloom earlier in the year but it’s been cold and they waited until the last minute to pop. As soon as they did, the crowds descended on DC and cherry blossom festivities commenced.
There’s something for everyone. Walking around the tidal basin, flying kites, picnicking in the shade, running the 5k or 10 miler, watching the parade or cruising the Potomac. You can find a schedule of events here each year. In my opinion, the best way to enjoy the blooms is to wake up as early as possible and catch the metro to the Smithsonian stop. Walk over to the tidal basin for a view of the trees just after sunrise. If I lived a little closer I would bike instead.
After a good stroll, we walked north towards Metro Center, stopping along the way for coffee and pastries. Even at 7 am, the paths around the tidal basin were getting crowded with everyone playing photographer. But looking at the blossoms it’s easy to tell why. We’ve all been waiting for spring.
Have you had a chance to enjoy spring yet?
Want to get away this spring? Here are 7 destinations that are perfect for spring.<
In the DC area and looking for other fun activities? Check this out.
![Have you ever been to Carmel? Where did you stay and how did you get there? 🌿 It was on my bucket list the whole time I lived in SF and it wasn’t until after I moved that I made it there. 🙈 Sharing about the adorable @thehotelcarmel that I stayed at with @gathergetaway and why you should put a road trip from SF to Carmel on the top of your bucket list on the blog. [link in bio] #gathergetawaycarmel](http://scontent-lax3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/69084f0bc28029e0dc803a74c1a1d3e0/5D81E316/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/c0.134.1080.1080a/s640x640/54447246_310324739614402_5126452991535972488_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.cdninstagram.com "Have you ever been to Carmel? Where did you stay and how did you get there? 🌿 It was on my bucket list the whole time I lived in SF and it wasn’t until after I moved that I made it there. 🙈 Sharing about the adorable @thehotelcarmel that I stayed at with @gathergetaway and why you should put a road trip from SF to Carmel on the top of your bucket list on the blog. [link in bio] #gathergetawaycarmel")
I’ve always wanted to find my way myself at the festival but I’ve yet to make it. Maybe one year! The photos you captured are beautiful!
Despite growing up in DC I can’t ever remember going as a child. So in a way this felt like my first visit. Thanks, I had a lot of fun getting there early to take photos without the huge crowds.
What a beautiful scene to behold!