National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC

DC Cherry Blossom’s peak bloom period push back. On Monday March 12th, the National Park Service predicted the peak bloom period of the cherry blossom will now occur between April 8 and 12.

Nothing signifies the arrival ofspring in the Districtquite like the blooming of the cherry blossom trees and the three-week National Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the occasion. More than 1.5 million visitors descend upon Washington, DC each year to admire the 3,000-plus trees. The festival, which runs from March 20 – April 15, is full of events that honor both American and Japanese cultures and represents a close bond forged between the two countries that began with Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki’s gift of the trees back in 1912.

How do I get to the cherry blossom trees surrounding the Tidal Basin?

There are many great ways to get to the stunning cherry blossom trees surrounding the Tidal Basin. If you're taking the Metro, use the Blue, Orange or Silver lines and exit at the Smithsonian Metro stop. From there, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the Tidal Basin Welcome Area, located at 1501 Maine Avenue SW. Via Metrobus, the 32, 34 or 36 routes will drop you at the National Mall, near the Washington Monument. A 10-minute walk south will bring you to the welcome area.

Free things to do. Spring in DC.

1.Stroll along the Tidal Basin

The Tidal Basin is cherry blossom centralduring peak bloom, but even if you come after they’ve peaked, the Tidal Basin remains one of the city’s most scenic spots. Pack a picnic here or get up at sunrise for a spectacular photo-op.

2.Attend the Anacostia River Festival

Part of theNational Cherry Blossom Festival, the Anacostia River Festival celebrates the river with chances to canoe upon it, a bicycle parade and other fun bike-related activities, as well as lawn games that the entire family can enjoy. The free event will be held on April 15 from 1-5 p.m.

3.Take in more free National Cherry Blossom Festival events

The National Cherry Blossom Festival featuresnumerous events that are free to attend. The annual Blossom Kite Festival, which sees hundreds of kites take to the sky on theNational Mall, takes place on April 1 and does not cost a cent to enjoy or participate in. You also don’t need your wallet to catch the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival (April 7) or the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade (April 14).

4.Explore flowers beyond the National Mall

Seeing the blossoms on the National Mall is essential during any spring vacation to DC, but your flower exploration does not have to stop there. Check out the Bishop’s Garden at theWashington National Cathedral, which was planned to suit the 14th-century-style Gothic cathedral, or tour theU.S. Botanic Garden, which features blooming wildlife all year long.

5.Visit dozens of embassies during Passport DC

Passport DCis an only-in-DC experience that lets you step inside a foreign embassy for free throughout two Saturdays in May. The Around the World Embassy Tour (May 5) includes countries such as Brazil, Chile, Japan, South Africa and Turkey, while the European Union Open House (May 12) features Denmark, France, Germany and Spain, among many others. Each day will offer cultural activities, food, dance performances and art.

6.Take a jitney to Hains Point in East Potomac Park

The Wharf,DC’s popular new development, allows you to take a free water jitney from its dock to the gorgeous Hains Point in East Potomac Park. While there, you can view cherry blossom trees along the water’s edge. Also in East Potomac Park: a golf course, a mini-golf course and plenty of space for picnicking.

7.See blossoms around town

The Tidal Basin, including the cherry blossoms that surround the incredible Stone of Hope at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and East Potomac Park are not the only places to feature cherry blossoms in DC. Stanton Park in historicCapitol Hillfeatures a dramatic display of the trees, as does theU.S. National Arboretum.

8.Check out Recreation Pier at The Wharf

The Wharf’sRecreation Pier is perfect for catching some rays in its lounge chairs, or you can take a seat at any of its outdoor desks. There are also modern swing sets, where you can swing back and forth while admiring breathtaking views of the Washington Channel.

9.Admire city views from the Netherlands Carillon

Located on the George Washington Memorial Parkway, adjacent to theArlington National Cemetery, the Netherlands Carillon was a gift from the Dutch to the U.S. in 1954 as thanks for assistance during World War II. The grounds on which the open steel tower sit are perfect for picnicking and provide a glorious vista of the DC skyline.

10.Enjoy the White House garden tour

Every spring, the White House welcomes visitors into its gardens to witness their beauty, free of charge. The tour includes the famous Rose Garden, the White House Kitchen Garden and the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, among other spaces. Checkthe White House's websitefor official dates and times for tours in April of 2018.

Spring Deal

1.Skip Around DC

Embassy Suites Washington, DC - Convention Center

Stay in the heart of DC's City Center and walk, hop, or SKIP to your favorite attractions.
Our Skip Around DC package includes:
· Finger puppet of one of history's favorite Presidents
· Children's DC activity book
· Complimentary upgraded Wi-Fi, value of $16 a day
· Spacious two-room Suite
· Complimentary made-to-order breakfast
· Complimentary evening drinks and snacks.

Valid From: Now - December 31, 2018

2.#1 Rated Pool in Washington DC at the Capitol Skyline (May 29 - September 5, 2018)

Capitol Skyline Hotel

Special Offers for Group Rooms

Host your next group at the Capitol Skyline Hotel and receive:

• Receive 10-25% off your next group booking when you reserve a group of 10 or more rooms (based on availability).
• One complimentary room upgrade
• Complimentary American Breakfast Buffet for up to (2) per room (included)
• Complimentary Shuttle Service TO/FROM your offices in Washington DC (based on availability of shuttle and dates)

Valid From: Now - January 1, 2019

3.Spring Special - $25 Spa or Dining Credit

The Watergate Hotel

Enjoy 15% off the Best Available Rate at one of the most storied luxury hotels in DC!
Plus, when you book on TheWatergateHotel.com receive a $25 Spa or Dining Credit.

Choose from one of The Watergate's sophisticated lounges or resturants: Top of the Gate rooftop, The Next Whisky Bar, Kingbird or The Bar at Kingbird. You can also use the credit for a treatment at Argentta Spa.

So go ahead: Take a little something for yourself, savor breakfast or perhaps a nightcap at a captivating DC bar, and book your getaway today.

Valid From: Now - May 28, 2018

4.Dessert Night at Benjamin Bar & Lounge

Benjamin Bar & Lounge

Benjamin Bar & Lounge is DC’s new dessert destination. Experience the new weekly dessert program featuring unlimited house-made sweet spectacles and live action station showcasing Executive Pastry Chef Fabrice Benezit and his talented team.

$28 per adult | Includes glass of cava or bellini
$14 for 14 years and younger.

Fridays - 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Contact:
bblevents@trumphotels.comfor more information

Valid From: Now - December 31, 2018

5.National Cherry Blossom Festival 2018

Holiday Inn Washington, DC - Central/White House

Our Hotel, The Holiday Inn Washington DC- Central/White House is a downtown and centrally located property. We are situated 6 blocks from the White House and 7 blocks from the National Mall and 6 blocks walking distance to the McPherson Square Metro train station and 7 blocks from the Dupont Metro station. We offer complimentary WIFI, coffee/tea 24/7 in our lobby and complimentary washers and dryers on the 9th floor. Please visit our gift shop on property for any additional essentials or souvenirs you may need.

Valid From: Now - May 31, 2018

6.$5 OFF General Admission

International Spy Museum

At the International Spy Museum, there's something for the spy in all of us! Use coupon code: TOPSECRETDC online and in-person and get $5 OFF general admission.

Gain access to the world's largest collection of international espionage artifacts. Explore interactive exhibits and experience the power of the James Bond film series in a special exhibit, Exquisitely Evil: 50 Years of James Bond Villains.

Valid From: Now - April 30, 2018v