It’s almost time for cherry blossom peak bloom, and there are many ways to enjoy the views. Cherry blossom fans can get their fill of DC’s iconic trees while touring local landmarks by foot, bicycle, pedicab, water taxi, and more.
Walking Tours
Tidal Basin: Beyond the Blossoms
This mile-long walking tour starts at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bookstore and ends at the Thomas Jefferson memorial. Stops along the way include the MLK Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the Japanese Pagoda.
Dates: Select dates from March 21 to April 5.
Price: $38 for adults, $25 for children five to 12, free for kids under five.
DC by Foot Tidal Basin and Cherry Blossom Tour
A two-hour, guided walking tour will show you around the Tidal Basin, from the DC War Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial.
Dates: March 22 to April 11.
Price: $39 for adults and $25 for children four to 16.
Bus Tours
Cherry Blossoms Galore Tour
Cruise around to see the city’s cherry blossoms and iconic monuments. This four-hour bus tour includes stops for a guided stroll around the Tidal Basin, the Korean War and Vietnam Veterans Memorials, and other sites. The bus departs from the US Navy Memorial Plaza.
Dates: March 20 to April 30.
Price: $59 for adults and $49 for children three to 12.
Big Bus Tour
The hop-on, hop-off bus doesn’t offer a special tour for cherry blossom season, but the top deck is ideal for spotting blooms. The Big Bus Tour operates from 9 AM to 4:30 PM with pre-recorded commentary and two different loop routes.
Dates: Daily.
Price: Starting at $54 for adults and $44 for children.
Boat Tours
Cherry Blossom Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise
Take in the cherry blossoms along the Potomac along with views of various memorials and the Georgetown waterfront. The tours offer brunch, lunch, or dinner excursions on a boat that departs from the Wharf. In addition to the meal, there’s also onboard entertainment. Cruises last from two to two and a half hours.
Dates: Select dates from March 25 to April 10.
Price: Starting at $48, free for children under two.
Cherry Blossom Water Taxi
The water taxi provides one-way or round-trip rides on the Potomac, with plenty of opportunities to see blooms on a 30- or 45-minute cruise. Choose from departure points and destinations such as the Wharf, Georgetown, Alexandria City Marina, and National Harbor. Tickets are available online and in-person.
Dates: March 20 to April 12.
Price: Starting at $25.
Cherry Blossom Kayak Tour
Paddlers ages 12 and up can rent a kayak at the Wharf Boathouse, gliding along the Washington Channel for a unique vantage point. This 90-minute, guided kayak tour does not go into the Tidal Basin, but it offers beautiful views of DC’s waterfront, the Washington Monument, East Potomac Park, and other sites with pink petals.
Dates: Weekends from March 28 to April 5.
Price: $75 per person.
Other Tours
Cherry Blossoms by Bike Tour
Take a leisurely bike ride around the National Mall and Tidal Basin to get an look at the cherry trees. The two-hour tour begins at Unlimited Biking in Penn Quarter and goes past the Floral Library, Jefferson Memorial, MLK Memorial, and other monuments.
Dates: March 20 to April 12.
Price: $65 for adults and $55 for children 12 and under.
Cherry Blossom Tour by E-Cart
Climb into the open-air cart for views of Tidal Basin cherry blossoms, landmarks, and Capitol Hill. The guided tour includes plenty of opportunities to stop and take pictures.
Dates: Daily.
Price: Starting at $44 per person.
Nonpartisan Pedicab Tour
Tour operator Nonpartisan Pedicab will pick you up from anywhere in downtown DC and pedal you around the Tidal Basin. Tours range from about two to four hours, depending on the route.
Dates: Daily
Price: $270 per pedicab.
Dara T. Mathis is a journalist and nonfiction writer who joined Washingtonian in Fall 2025 as an Editorial Fellow. A 2024 recipient of the American Mosaic Journalism Prize, she resides in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
