Take a Last Look at Washington, D.C.’s Cherry Blossoms (Photos)
See them while you can
Each spring, over one million people journey to Washington D.C. to catch a glimpse of the ephemeral cherry blossoms lining the Tidal Basin.
This year, the flowers reached peak bloom on April 5, and they're approaching their final days. According to the National Park Service, blossoms usually last for four to seven days after peak bloom, but the cooler weather delayed their natural leaf progression, allowing the blooms to linger a bit longer. With the weather turning warm and windy, this weekend will likely be the last chance to see the flowers and the perfect time to see the "snowing pedals" effect.
Seeing the cherry blossoms is a time-honored D.C. tradition that dates back to 1912, when the Tokyo gifted 3,020 cherry trees to the U.S. in an act of friendship. The first Cherry Blossom Festival launched in 1935 to commemorate the springtime occasion. While many of the original trees have been replaced, the Tidal Basin’s beauty has persisted for more than a century.