Top 5: Where to Stay During D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival

Each spring, Washington, D.C. celebrates the start of the season with an annual Cherry Blossom Festival, a few days during the year when the light-pink flowers bloom on trees that surround the Tidal Basin. For the best chance to see the blossoms, visitors are instructed to check the festival’s website for peak bloom time, at which point travelers also can start browsing for lodging options that will put them a short walk (or Metro ride) from the action. Here are the best neighborhoods in which to search for accommodations for the annual event.

Downtown

The highest number of hotels can be found in this neighborhood, a short walk from the National Mall and the closest option for visitors. The green expanse extends from east to west, but just south of the Lincoln Memorial lies the Tidal Basin.

Capitol Hill

On the other side of the towering Capitol building is Capitol Hill, a more residential neighborhood where you’re more likely to find home-sharing options like Airbnb properties. Stroll down the hill and keep straight on Independence Avenue SW to end up at the Tidal Basin.

Foggy Bottom

Directly due west of downtown is Foggy Bottom, home to George Washington University and a handful of swanky hotels. Slightly downhill roads lead right to the Lincoln Memorial, and just beyond lie the cherry blossoms.

Georgetown

This waterfront neighborhood runs parallel to the Potomac River, and, from certain vantage points, it may be possible to catch some of the trees located along the adjacent banks. A bike/walking path connects Georgetown with Hains Point, taking walkers and cyclists through and past the Jefferson Memorial.

Rosslyn

Located across the river in Arlington, Va., Rosslyn is where visitors can find less-expensive lodging with the same lively activity as in the District. Hop on the orange or blue line from Rosslyn straight to the Smithsonian station, where the cherry blossoms are a short walk away.