Late-blooming cherry trees in Northern Virginia and Washington DC inject a burst of pink into the spring landscape. Kwanzan Cherry trees bloom 2 to 3 weeks after the peak Tidal Basin bloom, which is dominated by the more delicate Yoshino Cherry.
In 2023, local Kwanzan cherry trees are blooming about 2 weeks after the Tidal Basin peak. Two days of very warm weather sped up the bloom. The 2023 Kwanzan bloom coincides with Easter weekend which could make for some very pretty Easter egg hunt photos.
Late-blooming Kwanzan trees give us another chance to capture beautiful cherry blossom photos before spring slides into summer. Their large, puffy flowers are perfect as a romantic backdrop or a beautiful close-up.
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Explore more: Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Virginia, DC, and Maryland.
Late-Blooming Cherry Trees in Northern Virginia and DC
Kwanzan cherry trees produce dense clusters of pink double flowers that look like little pom-poms. The trees have wide, spreading branches that are darker than the Yoshinos. Blossoms stay on the tree even when leaves emerge, adding extra color to spring photos.
Below are five places to see and photograph these beautiful late-blooming cherry trees in the Washington DC area. Some of these trees are in residential neighborhoods so be respectful and stay out of private yards. And of course, never climb on cherry trees and don't pick the blooms. Those branches are more fragile than they look.
Looking for more great places to see cherry trees in bloom in the DC area? See over 1200 cherry trees in Kenwood Maryland, a walkable neighborhood just north of Washington DC.
East Potomac Park, Washington DC
East Potomac Park is the best place to see a large collection of late-blooming cherry trees in Washington DC. There are more than 480 Kwanzan cherry trees in the park with many clustered together, creating a tunnel of blossoms.
The National Mall Twitter account shared these photos of the Kwanzan cherry trees in bloom on April 14, 2022.
The cherry blossoms are easy to see from the road that circles the park, but it's also a great place to explore on foot or bike. There are plenty of parking spots around the edge of the park and this is a lovely spot for a picnic.
Stop on the west side and you have great views across the Potomac River. It's a fun spot to watch planes taking off and landing at Reagan National Airport.
Visit East Potomac Park using our Cherry Blossom Scenic Drive route, or put Hains Point in your GPS.
Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Another beautiful place to see trees and gardens in bloom is Old Town Alexandria. Brick sidewalks and historic homes are a wonderful complement to blooming cherry trees. Late-blooming Kwanzan trees are sprinkled around the neighborhood, inviting you to walk and explore.
We spied this pretty cherry tree in bloom on North Pitt St (near Queen St). Another tree on North Fairfax Street (near Princess) has low branches perfect for a close-up.
Explore more: 25 Fun Unique Things to Do in Alexandria VA
Shouse Village, Vienna Virginia
You'll find one of the prettiest collections of late-blooming cherry trees in Northern Virginia lining the roads in Shouse Village. The village is named for Catherine Filene Shouse, the benefactor who donated the land and funds to create Wolf Trap National Park.
Spectacular Kwanzan cherry trees line the sidewalks on Shouse Road in Vienna Virginia. This 1-mile loop road forms a hub, with short, musically-named sidestreets as its spokes.
You can see the roadside cherry trees from your car, so this is a good destination for people with limited mobility. However, we recommend walking the loop if you can. Sidewalks on either side of the road give you a chance to walk beside and under the pretty cherry blossoms.
You'll find another great walkable neighborhood packed with Yoshino cherry blossoms in Kenwood Maryland. The Kenwood cherry blossoms peak a few days after the Tidal Basin trees.
There is a particularly nice cluster of trees between Gamma and Dulcimet Court. And you'll see many more nice blossoms on sidestreets including Tuba, Spinet, and Mandolin Court.
Extend your fun with a hike on the Wolf Trap Trail Loop at nearby Wolf Trap Park.
Meadowlark Gardens Connector Trail, Vienna Virginia
There is a pretty cluster of late-blooming cherry trees on the outer grounds of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. These trees line a corner of the Meadowlark Connector Trail, at the southeast edge of the park. You'll find this group of trees at the corner of Beulah Road and Meadowlark Road in Vienna Virginia.
Like East Potomac Park, these late-blooming cherry trees are ideal to visit by bicycle or on foot. You can ride or walk to the trees from the W&OD Bike Trail, following the Meadowlark Connector Trail. Just be prepared for some steep hills on your way.
For an easier approach, park at Meadowlark Gardens and turn right on the paved path just outside the fence. Or follow the paved path behind the picnic area between two rows of flowering trees.
Watch for a white gate on your left as you round the corner; the trees are on the other side of the gate.
There are many more blooming trees and flowers to see inside Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. We highly recommend you visit this and other gorgeous Virginia and DC gardens to see some more spring blooms.
Ad Hoc Road, Great Falls VA
There are two rows of late-blooming cherry trees at the entrance to Ad Hoc Road in Great Falls, Virginia. This is a small dead-end road in a quiet neighborhood so it's not a great spot to take photos. Fortunately, you can see the trees from your car as you drive on Georgetown Pike.
You can see many more beautiful flowering trees, gardens, and stately homes on a scenic loop drive through Great Falls. If time allows, stop for a hike at Riverbend Park to see beautiful Virginia bluebells and more spring wildflowers in bloom. Nearby Seneca Park is another great place for a wildflower hike, and Great Falls Park is just down the road.
Late-blooming cherry trees are one of the most beautiful signs of spring in Virginia and Washington DC. Fortunately, they are easy to enjoy by car, bike, or on foot at these beautiful parks, neighborhoods, and trails.
Enjoy more spring outings with these related articles:
- 15 Best Nature Trails in Northern Virginia for Wildflowers and Wildlife
- 10 Fun Ways to Celebrate Spring in Northern Virginia
- 30 Fun Spring Bucket List Adventures in Virginia DC Maryland
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