10 Tips for Enjoying Washington, D.C.'s Cherry Blossoms

I've visited the Cherry Blossom Festival (March 28-April 12; tel. 877/44BLOOM; www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org) as a college student, wife, mother -- and as a grandmother. I can tell you unequivocally, it's still a thrill. While I missed the event nearly 100 years ago when First Lady Helen Taft and the wife of the Japanese ambassador planted the first two of the original cherry trees -- today there are about 3,700 trees.

The trees are concentrated in three areas: West Potomac Park (Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial, also the FDR, Vietnam, Korean, and World War II memorials); East Potomac Park (Hains Point); and the Washington Monument grounds. April 4 is the average date of peak bloom, but as in life, there ain't no guarantees. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your visit.

1. Kodak moments don't get much better than this. Save time, money and aggrovation by packing extra batteries and/or a charger for your digital; extra film for your SLR camera. I always toss a throw-away camera into the old backpack along with the high-price spread. If, during your visit, you need photography supplies, head to Penn Camera (www.penncamera.com), a D.C. oldie and a goodie, about a 10-minute walk from the National Mall, at 840 E St. NW (between 9th and 10th streets).

2. Dress for the elements. I've seen visitors traipsing around in shorts and tube tops when the weather called for topcoats. Conditions range from chilly, wet and windy to warm, dry and still. Why suffer? Take a second to check the forecast before venturing out. Tune in to The Weather Channel (www.weather.com) or visit www.wunderground.com/US/DC.

3. Choose your preferred mode of locomotion: On foot (actually, feet); Metro (www.wmata.com), the Circulator, Smithsonian-National Gallery of Art loop (www.dccirculator.com); Tourmobile (hop on, hop off shuttles make multiple stops throughout the day, www.tourmobile.com) or a cab (www.dctaxi.dc.gov). If you're able-bodied, by all means take Metro and/or walk: D.C. gridlock is second only to LA.

4. Avoiding the heaviest crowds means going early morning or late afternoon. Guess what all those government bureaucrats do on their lunch hours during the festival. That's right, they put down their pencils and head for the trees. While they're swarming, visit a Smithsonian museum (www.si.edu) or two and grab lunch.

5. Rent a pedal boat on the Tidal Basin (www.tidalbasinpaddleboats.com) near Mr. Jefferson's monument between 10am and 5pm. A stunning panorama and keepsake photos are guaranteed, along with buff thighs. A two-passenger boat will set you back $8, for a family of four, $16. For safety's sake, no infants or toddlers. Reservations are accepted for the 10 am, 11am or noon departures. Just do it. Otherwise you risk long lines, disappointment -- or both.

6. Restaurant pickings are slim near the Tidal Basin. If you're tired of hot dogs, soft pretzels and pizza, slip into the convenient Holocaust Museum Cafe (www.ushmm.org) -- 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place (aka 15th Street SW), just south of Independence Ave. -- between 8:30am and 5pm. Or preorder "Lunch to Go" and picnic on the grass.

7. Free entertainment takes place daily, beginning at noon, on the Target Stage adjacent to the Jefferson Memorial. Expect band and instrumental music, dance presentations, martial arts demonstrations, and the like.

8. Join a National Park Service ranger for a 3-hour bike tour of the blossoms (www.nps.gov/cherry) March 28, 29, April 4, 5, 11 from 1 to 4pm. The only hitch, it's strictly BYO -- bring your own bike, helmet and water. Rent by the hour or the day from Big Wheel Bikes (tel. 202/337-0254; www.bigwheelbikes.com) with locations in Georgetown, Arlington, and Old Town Alexandria.

9. Family Day kicks off the festival with free festivities March 28 from 10am to 5pm. Try on a kimono, watch martial arts demos, and try your hand at Japanese design in the spectacular National Building Museum (401 F St. NW; www.nbm.org)

10. Cap a day of sightseeing -- or just show up with a flashlight because it is a very cool thing to do. On March 28-29, and April 1, 4, 5, 8,11 and 12, the National Park Service leads 8 pm Lantern Walks around the Tidal Basin (1.8 miles), when the blossoms are at their most ethereal. Show up at the Tidal Basin welcome area (near paddle boats, 1500 Maine Ave. SW).

Beth Rubin is the author of Frommer's Washington, D.C. With Kids (all 9 editions). She'll be viewing the blossoms again this year, grandkids in tow.

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Related Information:

• Destinations: Washington, D.C.
• Trip Ideas: Cultural Immersion, Outdoor & Adventure

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