Cherry Blossoms at National Harbor

Located along the Potomac riverfront, National Harbor is home to 200 Okame cherry trees that boast some of the earliest, most spectacular blooms in the Eastern United States. This early bloom cycle makes the harbor an ideal destination for flower fans who want to see the blossoms but avoid the traffic and big crowds. Here are our top five reasons why National Harbor should be your go-to cherry blossom destination this spring:

1. Easy to access: One of the most enjoyable and relaxing ways to experience National Harbor’s cherry blossoms is through water taxi tours, which are available daily throughout the spring. By boat, visitors can easily view the spectacular pink groves blooming all along the shores of the Potomac, from National Harbor up to DC proper. Did we mention that viewing blossoms from the water provides some of the most stunning photo opportunities? The harbor can be conveniently accessed by boat, car, or bus and is just a short drive from DC’s major airports and train stations.

2. Arts activities: At the harbor’s interactive art workshops, visitors can make and bring home memorable artworks inspired by all things Sakura. National Harbor will offer traditional origami classes on March 1st and 8th, where visitors can craft classic origami figures and learn the historical foundations of this timeless Japanese paper folding art. Those interested in the art of botany can take a walk up to The Conservatory at MGM National Harbor, which will boast ornate floral displays inspired by Sakura season on March 8th. Muse Paintbar will also offer floral-inspired classes throughout the spring, allowing art lovers to paint views of the bridge and nearby mountains in full bloom – a perfect activity for friend outings and all age groups.

3. Japanese cultural celebrations: The highlight of cherry blossom season at National Harbor is Sakura Sunday, taking place in the Waterfront District on April 5th as part of the 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival. This vibrant cultural festival celebrates the enduring friendship between Japanese and American communities, and will feature a range of events including sushi demonstrations, a traditional Japanese picnic and Zen Garden, a pop-up by DC KawaiiStyle, and a sake, beer and rosé garden.

4. Music lover’s paradise: Melody will fill the air at National Harbor this spring. At Sakura Sunday, Nen Daiko will perform traditional Japanese festival music, and Ai Sakura Band and Ai Yamashita will perform J-Pop and anime tunes. On April 29th, fans of anime and J-Pop can see these genres brought together through cutting-edge technology at the Hatsune Miku concert. The unique digital singer – whose voice has been generated by proprietary Japanese Vocaloid software – will perform at The Theater at MGM as part of their North American “Hatsune Miku Expo 2020.”

5. A lit time: On a stroll through the Waterfront District, visitors can enjoy vibrant lights displays and seasonally decorated shop windows, all pretty in pink. Perfect for a springtime photo-op, the Harbor’s main landmarks including the Capital Wheel, Fleet Street, and American Way will be aglow in pink as part of the destination-wide Pink Out campaign.