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First-Timers in Downtown DC: Cherry Blossom Edition

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Are you first-timers in Downtown DC visiting during the cherry blossom season? Yes, the Tidal Basin may be the classic stop, but the spring experience doesn’t end there. Wander a few blocks into Downtown DC to discover calm green spaces, free museums, and vibrant streets—all blooming at their own pace. Here’s how to explore the season, Downtown-style.

Soak Up Spring at Franklin Park

Downtown’s largest green space transforms into a lively spring oasis during cherry blossom season. Take a seat on a wooden bench, grab a table near the fountain, or stretch out on the open lawn as you soak in the spring air and watch the city bloom around you.

First-timer tip: Just across the street is The Washington Post—an iconic DC building and an easy photo-op to check off your list.

Wander Under the Pink Lantern Glow

  • Location: 10th St NW & Palmer Alley NW
  • Distance from Franklin Park: 0.4 miles | 🚲 3 min |🚶8 min

A short stroll brings you to CityCenterDC, Downtown’s vibrant open-air hub for chic shopping and dining experiences. During cherry blossom season, Palmer Alley is dressed in pink with hanging lanterns that turn the block into a can’t-miss spring moment. Wander through, snap photos, and enjoy the buzz of Downtown in bloom.

Celebrate the Season at the Smithsonian American Art Museum

No first trip to DC is complete without a museum visit. Step inside the Smithsonian American Art Museum and join Cherry Blossom Family Celebration, where seasonal programming brings spring to life through art, activities, and creativity. First-timers – this is a must-check stop on your list!

Big Fun for Peak Bloom: The Cherry Blossom Parade

Of course—you didn’t come all this way to miss this!  The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade fills Downtown streets with colorful floats, live performances, and full-on spring energy. Watch marching units, dance teams, and performers move through Downtown as the city celebrates peak bloom. This is the iconic moment to see the city bloom in all its vibrancy.

Slow Down with Blossom-Themed Afternoon Tea

  • Location: 1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  • Distance from Cherry Blossom Parade: 0.7 miles | 🚲 5 min | 🚘 5 min

After wandering through our blocks, reserve a table and enjoy the classic DC cherry blossom tradition – Afternoon Tea in the stunning building of Waldorf Astoria Washington DC. Sip fragrant teas, enjoy delicate sweets, and take in the elegant cherry blossom décor—because cherry blossom season is your cue to feel a little regal.

Look Up at the Cherry Blossom Daruma on Anthem Row

  • Location: 800 K Street NW
  • Distance from Waldorf Astoria Hotel: 0.7 miles | 🚲 5 min | 🚘 6 min

There’s never an end to photo moments in Downtown DC, where streets and corners come alive with public art. Just minutes from CityCenter, look up to spot the Cherry Blossom Daruma aerial installation on Anthem Row. Inspired by the traditional Japanese Daruma doll, the round sculpture symbolizes renewal and fresh starts. Soak in the pink hues, snap the moment, and make it part of your first spring story in Downtown.

Quick fun fact: Anthem Row made history when 1,000+ couples gathered here to break a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS.

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End the Day at a Cherry Picks Restaurant

  • Location: 1155 14th Street NW
  • Distance from Anthem Row: 0.6 miles | 🚲 8 min | 🚘 7 min

Wrap up your Downtown adventure with a meal at Fig Leaf and Bar. Indulge in a crafted two-course Cherry Picks menu, featuring  fresh and seasonal flavors inspired by the Far East that ends your cherry blossom day on a high note.

From museum halls to pink-lit streets and spring menus, this is your classic guide to Downtown DC in Bloom. 🌸

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