I grew up within a couple of hours of Washington, D.C., and spent many years traveling to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Admittedly, I might be a bit partial, but I think it’s a great trip to make.
The festival celebrates the donation of more than 3,800 trees to the United States by Japan in 1912 as thanks for a continuously beneficial relationship. The initiative was led by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson.
Today, the festival attracts thousands of guests from around the world to view the vibrant pink and green flowers in full bloom. They city plays host to numerous free events like the Festival Parade that spans 10 blocks along Constitution Avenue. Performers from around the country and world showcase different cultural talents alongside balloons and marching bands as they parade down the street. It’s a giant explosion of colors that makes you feel like a little kid every time you see it.
D.C. is always a fun place to visit thanks to the numerous monuments and museums, but it’s all the more special when the cherry blossoms are in bloom surrounding all of the great sites.
The Southwest Waterfront is a must-see with street vendors, musical acts and water-related fun happening all day, culminating in a huge fireworks show in the harbor.
The Blossom Kite Festival is also a great place to take the kids and show off your handmade kites or just watch others take flight in funky designs and patterns. Professionals also put on shows here and have kite battles that are often hilarious to watch.
Make sure to get there on the first day as the opening ceremonies are generally filled with famous acts from all over, including traditional and modern acts from Japan. They celebrate the friendship between the two countries and provide a great display of dazzling lights.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is certainly a trip you should make at least once in your life.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
1200 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004
tel 877 442 5666
Read This Next
Terrain Garden Café
Restaurant
Dec 13, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / Europe
Sep 5, 2024Why Trekking Trails Are This Year’s Hidden Gem for European Fall Travel
According to this year’s Global Wellness Summit Trend Report, people are rediscovering the beauty of exploring nature. Walking enthusiasts are ready to get out and explore trails around the world, connect with nature, and learn more about an area’s cultural heritage while on multiday hikes. With European countries battling overtourism, remote locations and trekking trails gain more and more traction.
Sponsored Content
Taiwan Tourism Introduces New Waves of Wonder Identity
Waves of Wonder, the new brand slogan for Taiwan Tourism, captures the essence of seasonal travel across Taiwan. Travelers interested in visiting Taiwan can learn more through an animated short film and promotional song. As travel to Taiwan surges post-pandemic and Taipei Taoyuan International Airport expands operations, tourism in the country delivers a richer array of travel experiences as it innovates toward sustainability and digitization.
Hotel
Sep 5, 2024The Heartwood at Vassar Opens
A new boutique hotel in New York’s Hudson Valley opened: The Heartwood at Vassar, on the edge of Vassar’s campus. Poughkeepsie sits about 90 minutes from New York City. The 50-room hotel is a celebration of and gathering place for different communities in the area, with local art, memorabilia from Vassar, a custom art installation with native flora and fauna, and more.
Destinations / North America
Sep 4, 2024Early Fall North Dakota Outdoor Adventures
While North Dakota may be covered in snow soon, that doesn’t mean you don’t still have time to enjoy a few outdoor adventures in the state before the weather turns.
Sponsored Content
Feel at Home in Madrid
Feel at Home Five-star hotels that are havens of luxury and sophistication, urban hotels with swimming pools (The Madrid EDITION), hotels in palaces (Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá), boutique hotels, hotels that have rooftop bars with 360-degree views of the city (Hotel Montera Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton), hotels with music (UMusic Hotel Madrid), hotels with private gardens (Rosewood Villa Magna) … these are just a few examples of the unique services hotels in Madrid offer. Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll feel at home right from the start and you’ll receive the warmest possible welcome.
Destinations / North America
Sep 4, 2024Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan, This Fall
Traverse City, Michigan, offers travelers quintessentially fall experiences throughout the upcoming autumn season.
ShareThis