Parking is limited in the District, especially during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s highly recommended that visitors use DC’s alternative transportation modes like Capital Bikeshare, DC Streetcar, Scooters, DC Circulator, Metrobus, Metrorail, Cherry Blossom Water Taxi by City Cruises, and Big Bus Tours to make the most of their experience. Skip the traffic and parking by planning your trip with goDCgo’s Getting to the Blossoms Guide.
Are you planning to travel to Washington, DC, for the Tidal Basin Welcome Area (Dates TBA based on peak bloom prediction) or another Festival event? If so, the Festival strongly recommends Metro rail transit as the best way to experience the Festival.
STREET CLOSURE NOTICES:
3/18: Due to citywide events taking place, several roads in the DC area will be closed until 2 PM on March 18. Please plan accordingly and take the Metro when possible.
3/18 – 4/2/23: In order to best accommodate the increased traffic around the Tidal Basin during Peak Bloom, the National Park Service will be changing traffic patterns in the area. Ohio Drive SW through West Potomac Park will be one way only (eastbound) between 23rd Street SW and Buckeye Drive SW. Please be ready for one-way signage and road closures, including West Basin Drive for the Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage.
4/2/23: The Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run produced by Cherry Blossom, Inc. will close several streets surrounding the National Mall and Tidal Basin through the early afternoon on Sunday, April 2. Learn more here.
4/8/23: Please note that roads south of M street SE between First and 5th Streets will be restricted or closed for Petalpalooza in the Capitol Riverfront area. Please note that other large events are taking place in this area on the same date and public transit is strongly recommended.
4/15 – 4/16/23: Streets surrounding the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade route (7th – 17th Streets Northwest off Constitution Avenue) will be closed the morning of Saturday, April 15. Please note that the Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival will be taking place nearby on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW, and roads will be closed both Saturday and Sunday, 4/15 – 16.
Read on for more information about all the local transportation options available to get you to the blooms!
Wondering which neighborhood is the best fit for your Festival experience? Zoom in and peruse the labeled neighborhoods below to view their locations throughout a city in bloom.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.
