By Aaron Anderson

There's no better time to visit Washington, D.C., than in the spring when the cherry trees are blooming. During cherry blossom season — usually in April — the whole city turns pink from more than 3,700 beautiful trees ringing the Tidal Basin on the National Mall. To celebrate the blooming of the trees, D.C. throws a major party — the Cherry Blossom Festival. Although the festival rarely falls at the same time the trees are actually blossoming — that's dependent on frost and rainfall — visitors did get lucky during the 95th celebration in 2007, during which the trees were in full pink splendor!

Cherry blossoms, Washington Monument
© Lou Jones. Lonely Planet Images.

Where the Cherry Blossoms Came From

The cherry blossom tradition began when the Japanese government donated cherry trees to the American people as a gesture of friendship in the early 1900s. The first two trees were planted on Mar. 27, 1912, at the south end of 17th Street, where you can still see them today, by First Lady Taft and the Japanese Ambassador's wife, Viscountess Chinda. The first Cherry Blossom Festival ceremony was simple, with just a few attendees, but over the years it grew in popularity and more and more trees were planted until they formed a ring around the Tidal Basin. Today the festival is one of D.C.'s most popular events, drawing giant crowds of locals and tourists alike.

When to Visit to See the Blossoms

Regardless of whether the trees bloom during, before or after the festival, visiting the nation's capital during festival time allows you the opportunity to experience Japanese culture through performance, speeches and tea ceremonies. The highlight of the weekend event is the crowning of a festival queen and a huge commemoration parade down Constitution Avenue.

If you want to plan your trip around the blooming of the famous cherry trees, however, The Washington Post keeps a cherry blossom diary that marks when the trees are expected to peak; blossoms can last up to two weeks. Or you can check out the National Cherry Blossom Festival site for the latest bloom watch info.

Walking Tour of the Blossoms

Although you'll find cherry trees in much of the nation's capital city and surrounding metro area, it's the spot around the Tidal Basin where they are most concentrated and glorious. Walk the loop around the Basin and stop at the monuments along the way to get a better feel for the rich national significance the trees and surrounding monuments represent to the U.S. as a country.

Start your walk at the educational and interesting National World War II Memorial, which pays tribute to the huge sacrifices Americans made during the 20th century's "Great War." In typical Washington grandiose fashion, the memorial incorporates lots of marble, big quotes and simple sculptures, and it depicts all aspects of life during the war. From this memorial, the murky Tidal Basin and the gnarled old trees encircling it stretch out in front to the north.

Other focal points along the walk include the white-domed Jefferson Monument with its dignified white marble curvature. For a slightly different view, visit the Lincoln Memorial, which offers sweeping views of D.C.'s landmarks — the Washington Monument and reflecting pool are both visible from Lincoln's massive marble seat.

Cherry Blossom Race

If you'd rather see the blossoms and monuments from a faster pace, sign up for the annual Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run or 5K Run Walk, held each year during the festival. While some participants take it very seriously, most Washingtonians run to enjoy their city at its most beautiful, before the hot, muggy summer begins.

Cherry Blossom Festival Details

The Cherry Blossom Festivals runs from March 29 to April 13, 2008. The Ten Mile Run and 5K Run Walk is scheduled for April 6. The parade is on Saturday, April 12.

Don't drive to the festival itself, as parking downtown is nearly impossible. Instead, take the Metro to the Smithsonian stop and follow the posted signs to the Tidal Basin area. It's about a 10-minute walk. There are numerous parking and ride lots at Metro stations around the Washington area.

Bio: Aaron Anderson is a freelance travel journalist and guidebook author. He co-wrote Lonely Planet's "Washington, DC" city guide and "Madagascar & the Comoros." He has also contributed to the "Western Europe," "Thailand" and "Europe on a Shoestring" guides.

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