Cherry Blossoms

The annual bloom of the cherry trees along the Potomac River is a sure sign that spring has arrived in the nation’s capital.

The cherry blossom trees, a gift from Japan to the United States in 1812, line the Tidal Basin and surround landmarks such as the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

For two weeks in late March and early April, millions of visitors come to metro DC to take in the blossoms as they decorate some of our most famous national landmarks.

The enduring attraction of the cherry trees and the National Cherry Blossom Festival make the bloom period a great time to get around by bike. Pick up a bike from a nearby station and ride among the blossoms at Hains Point. Then stop and take in the majesty of the monuments shrouded in blooms.

During the festival, keep a look out for our Cherry Blossom-themed bike – the #bikeinbloom. It's the only pink bike in a fleet of red, and is part of our celebration of the blossoms every year.