This post is all about the best DC cherry blossom locations we have and how to choose the right one for your portraits. Each location is stunning in its own right and has advantages based off best time of day for portraits, architecture, photo permits, hours, etc.

Although I adore all of these locations, I recommend specific ones based off the needs of your family. I go into detail below on the best DC cherry blossom locations and how to pick the one that is right for your family.

Best DC Cherry Blossom Locations

Tidal Basin

The DC Tidal Basin is iconic and the quintessential cherry blossom location of the city. Everyone thinks of the Tidal Basin when it comes to the cherry blossoms. It is absolutely stunning at sunrise; there are puffy pastel blossoms all over, and you get a view of the monuments!

What a lot of people don’t know about the Tidal Basin is that it is the most difficult cherry blossom location and takes the most prep. I only recommend the Tidal Basin to families who 1) want the monuments in their photos and 2) are ready to “put their game faces on” and prepare accordingly.

The Tidal Basin takes immense preparation. First and foremost, we need to monitor the National Park Service’s bloom forecast, which is usually released at the end of February or early March. They will let us know when they anticipate peak bloom to occur. Peak bloom can last anywhere between 4-7 days on average, so we do need to schedule the session within their peak forecast or else we risk missing the blossoms entirely.

Additionally, the peak bloom forecast might change based off March weather, so we need to be flexible. Should the peak begin sooner or later than expected, we will need to adjust our session date.

I photograph all Tidal Basin sessions at sunrise for that dreamy golden light. I find that the light gets either too bright or flat later in the day, and I want all my clients to have that golden glow for their sessions. Believe it or not, the Tidal Basin will be PACKED at sunrise – which is why I tell my clients to find parking by 6:15 am. I would much rather you arrive early and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the car than have to park over a mile away and miss the golden light!

Lastly, I find the Tidal Basin tends to be chilly – it’s right on the water, so we might have more wind than other locations. Because the cherry blossoms bloom in March and sunrise is the preferred time for photo sessions, we might have temperatures in the 30’s or 40’s.

When you want monuments in your photos and are fine with all the above prep, the Tidal Basin makes a great photoshoot location!

Brookside Gardens

Brookside Gardens is probably one of my favorite cherry blossom locations because it is peaceful, easy, and has lots of other blooms and greenery. Brookside Gardens is usually my top suggestion for cherry blossom locations for families for a few reasons.

First, Brookside has a few cherry trees that bloom at slightly different times – so we can usually catch a tree that is blooming from the end of March through early April. Secondly, we typically find some other blossoms, such as magnolias, daffodils, hyacinths, and blue bells. This helps add some other color and variation to your photo gallery.

Parking is easy at Brookside Gardens – there is a large visitor parking lot. Additionally, there are never crowds when I photograph there, making it a great location for families! I do recommend an early start time for Brookside to get the golden light, but no need to arrive super early like the Tidal Basin.

Brookside Gardens does require a photo permit, and it is so worth it!

Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral

Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral has a couple of cherry blossom and magnolia trees, making it another great option for a cherry blossom location. What I love about Bishop’s Garden is that you also have some neat architectural components, like stone gazebos and archways. There is also a lot of greenery at Bishop’s Garden.

Like Brookside, Bishop’s Garden is quite peaceful and never crowded. I photograph there in early morning, and there is a parking garage at the Cathedral for easy parking. The blooms at Bishop’s Garden bloom around the same time frame as the Tidal Basin, so it might be chilly in the morning.

Bishop’s Garden also requires a photo permit.

Hains Point

Hains Point is a lesser known cherry blossom location in the city. About 10-14 days after the Tidal Basin’s Yoshino cherry trees bloom, Hains Point’s Kwanzan cherry trees bloom. The Kwanzan blooms are a bit pinker and larger, making them puffier – and ultra photogenic!

I love a few things about the Hains Point cherry blossoms. First, since they bloom later than the other cherry blossoms, the temperature tends to be warmer – making it a great location for little ones! Secondly, there are never crowds at these blossoms. Parking is close by and easy and is a short walk from the trees. If you love pink and green, it’s a great spot for cherry blossoms!

Summary | Best DC Cherry Blossom Locations

Choosing the best DC cherry blossom locations is dependent on your family and what will meet the aesthetic you’re aiming for, while factoring in convenience. If you are fine with a super early start and colder temps, the Tidal Basin might be a good fit. If you would rather photograph later in the season with warmer weather, Hains Point might be the best choice for your family. Ultimately, these locations are all lovely and one will be perfect for your photo session!

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