Photo by Igda Warner for Visit Alexandria
Trees blossom near the Athenaeum in Old Town Alexandria
Nothing is more symbolic of springtime in the D.C. region than cherry blossoms. This year, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the gorgeous white Yoshino blossoms and fluffy pink Kwanzans in Alexandria.
Take a stroll along Old Town Alexandria’s picturesque streets lined with cherry blossoms and flowering trees. See the D.C. cherry blossoms from a Potomac River perch with high-speed water taxi tours or take a bike ride to the Tidal Basin. Find events that honor both American and Japanese cultures, such as The Athenaeum’s “Japanese Inspiration” exhibition and a special tour of Frank’s Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House. Roll up your sleeves with cherry blossom-themed workshops at Shop Made in VA and much more. Don’t forget to check out The National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 20 to April 14 and stay tuned for the peak bloom announcement on Feb. 29.
To explore cherry blossom-themed food and drink specials, hotel packages and more, head to VisitAlexandria.com/CherryBlossoms.
Water Taxi and Boat Tours
Photo courtesy of Visit Alexandria
Take a "water taxi" to view the cherry blossoms this spring.
Water Taxi to The Wharf to See Cherry Blossoms
Daily, beginning March 20, 2024; Departures beginning at 1:30 p.m.; check website for details Admission: Starting at $21 one-way; $37 round-trip for adults. Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314 703-684-0580; citycruises.com
Cruise from Old Town Alexandria to Washington, D.C., to enjoy the famous cherry blossoms. City Cruises Potomac Water Taxi offers a 25-minute direct water taxi from Old Town to The Wharf in D.C. From the dock at The Wharf, it is a 10-minute walk to the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. The water taxi docks at the Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St. SW, near the Tidal Basin, the National Mall, Hains Point and a Capital Bikeshare station.
Cherry Blossom Cruises with City Cruises
Weekends beginning March 16 through April 21, 2024 Departures beginning at 11:30 a.m.; check website for details. Admission: Starting at $27 one-way; $37 round-trip for adults Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314 703-684-0580; cityexperiences.com
Traverse the Potomac River from Old Town Alexandria and cruise past the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. on the Monuments Sightseeing Cruise from City Cruises. View and listen to the history of the iconic monuments, memorials and bridges as the D.C. region awakens to spring. See beautiful cherry blossom trees as you glide past the Tidal Basin and head onward to Georgetown. The cruise is 45 minutes one-way and approximately 90 minutes roundtrip. Riders also have the option to explore Georgetown and return on a later boat. City Cruises is a proud sponsor of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Bike Rentals and Tours
Pedego Electric Bike photo courtesy of Visit Alexandria
Cyclists tour Alexandria on electric bicycles.
Explore the Cherry Blossoms with Unlimited Biking
Rentals available all season long; D.C. tours from March 15 to April 12, 2024Admission: Rentals start at $15; tours start at $44
Unlimited Biking: Old Town Alexandria, 421 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314 202-842-2453 unlimitedbiking.com
Pedal from Unlimited Biking: Old Town Alexandria along the Potomac River to the famous cherry blossoms of Washington DC with Unlimited Biking's bike rental package that provides you with all that you need for your journey—maps, helmets, bike bags and locks. Hybrid bikes, road bikes, eBikes, kids bikes and kids attachments are available. Alternatively, join the famous “Washington DC.: Blossoms by Guided Bike Tour,” which integrates celebrating the natural beauty of our nation's capital during the Cherry Blossom Festival, while visiting some of the best monuments and memorials around Washington D.C. Cherry blossom tours are two hours long, run multiple times daily during the season and begin from Unlimited Biking: Washington DC at 998 Maine Avenue SW.
Cherry Blossom Guided Tours with Pedego Electric Bikes Alexandria
March 16 to April 14, 2024 (subject to change when cherry blossoms are in bloom). Departures at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; special group times by appointmentAdmission: $69 per bike ($10 for passenger riders on cargo or tandem bikes)
Pedego Alexandria, 210 North Lee St., Alexandria, VA 22314 571-312-5168; pedegoalexandria.com
Join a three-hour guided tour from Old Town Alexandria to the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., including a ride through the blossoms around East Potomac Park. The views of the blossoms from a Pedego are fantastic, and you don’t have to fight traffic or find a place to park downtown. We anticipate tours running between March 16 and April 14, 2024, or whenever the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom. Weekend tours fill up quickly, so make your reservations early through our online portal at pedegoalexandria.com or you can contact us at 571-312-5168 or info@pedegoalexandria.com. Special group times are also available with advance reservations. Group tour sizes will be limited. Must be at least 14 years old to ride alone.
Arts and Architecture Events
Pink Torpedoes: Cherry Blossom Art in An Old Munitions FactoryMarch 23 to April 14, 2024
Admission: FreeTorpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314 703-746-4590; torpedofactory.org
Explore all three floors of Torpedo Factory Art Center, home to the nation’s largest collection of working artists’ open studios under one roof, to view a building-wide exhibition of art inspired by the iconic cherry blossoms. Participating artists will exhibit one or more unique artworks in their studio or gallery. Each artist will explore their interpretations of the cherry blossoms—culturally, colorfully and viscerally—and visitors will discover new ways of thinking about the region’s seasonal pink event. Visitors will receive a “Pink Torpedoes” building map with locations of the artwork to discover. Each studio artist in the Art Center is selected by art experts and rank among the best in the region. Artists work in front of the visitor and discuss their work on view. Visitors may shop for one-of-a-kind art inspired by the cherry blossoms, plus more. Can’t visit the exhibition? A select exhibition of artwork will be on view at torpedofactory.org along with artist commentary.
Special Gallery: “Japanese Inspiration” at The Athenaeum
April 4 to May 12, 2024Admission: Free
The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314 703-548-0035 nvfaa.org
To complement Washington’s festivities celebrating the Japanese cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin, the Athenaeum Gallery is featuring the work of three local contemporary artists whose work is influenced and guided by traditional Japanese art. Sean Doonan is an illustrator whose fanciful posters are inspired by Japanese mythology, anime, video games and pop culture. David Gootnick creates lacy and delicate designs out of wood using an ancient Japanese artform called Kumiko. And Yoshiko Ratliff’s paintings are bold, but intricately detailed, representations of Japanese characters and kimonos.
Exclusive Tour: All Lit Up Like a Japanese Lantern: The Japanese Aesthetic in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House
April 6, 2024; tours at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.Admission: $20 per adult; $10 per student (K-12)
Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309 703-780-4000
By 1941, the year Pope-Leighey House was completed, Frank Lloyd Wright had studied Japan for almost a half-century. He had become a serious collector of woodblock prints–even writing a book on the subject–and had won acclaim for his design of the Tokyo Imperial Hotel, one of the few buildings to survive the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. On this special tour, visitors will discover how the famous American architect incorporated his love of Japanese art, architecture, and philosophy into Usonian homes, and how this East Asian influence shines in Wright’s Pope-Leighey House.
More Special Events
Six-Course Cherry Blossom Dinner Experience & Cocktail Tasting at King & Rye
March 21, 2024Admission: $95 per person
King & Rye, 480 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314703-842-2761kingandrye.com
During this special chef’s supper club, Executive Chef Tomas Chavarria will collaborate with The House of Suntory for a cherry blossom-inspired menu. During the 6-course dinner experience, savor Southern and Japanese-infused plates creating one-of-a-kind flavors Each course will be accompanied by custom cocktails created with The House of Suntory spirits.
Purry Blossom Weekend
April 13 to 14, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 12 to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Admission: $20 per adult and $15 per child (ages 5-12) for one hour; $40 for a day pass
Mount Purrnon Cat Café + Wine Bar, 109 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314703-567-1138mtpurrnoncatcafe.com
Join Mount Purrnon for their annual Purry Blossom Weekend. Enjoy limited edition cherry blossom-themed merchandise and drink specials including rosé and sake cocktails. All proceeds go to saving cats. Reservations are recommended, and please note that admission is 18 and older only beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
