UPDATE:
Photo by M Enriquez for Visit Alexandria
Get ready for cherry blossom time in Alexandria!
Peak bloom is when 70 percent of the blossoms open on the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.
This highly anticipated date is predicted by the National Park Service. Peak bloom is officially predicted to be between March 22 – 25, 2023.
The 2023 Festival is March 18 – April 16. Save the date and add it to your calendar!
Nothing is more symbolic of springtime in the D.C. region than cherry blossoms.
Alexandria Events
Stores, restaurants and even boats are already planning for the season. New this year, Lost Boy Cider is planning a cherry blossom-themed party, including a seasonal cherry blossom-inspired cider and a new take on sake.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival starts March 20 and continues through April 16. Find events that honor both American and Japanese cultures, such as the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Cherry Blossom Jubilee.
Here are a few ideas to make the most of Cherry Blossom season here in Alexandria.
Water Taxi
Water Taxi to the Wharf to See Cherry Blossoms
Daily, beginning March 18, 2023
Departures beginning at 1:30 p.m.; check website for details
Admission: Starting at $23 one-way; $37 round-trip for adults
Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-0580
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 development 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.
Monuments Sightseeing Cruise by the Cherry Blossoms
Fridays through Sundays, beginning March 17, 2023
Departures beginning at 11:30 a.m.; check website for details
Admission: Starting at $22 one-way; $35 round-trip for adults
Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-0580
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 Hains Point and head onward to Georgetown. The cruise is 45 minutes one-way and approximately 90 minutes roundtrip. It is offered Fridays through Sundays beginning March 17, 2023, and throughout peak cherry blossom season. Riders also have the option to explore Georgetown and return on a later boat.
Bike Rentals and Tours
Explore the Cherry Blossoms with Unlimited Biking
March 17 to April 16, 2023
Admission: Rentals start at $15; tours start at $44 Unlimited
Biking: Old Town Alexandria, 421 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
202-842-2453
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 season and begin from Unlimited Biking: Washington DC at 998 Maine Avenue SW.
Cherry Blossom Guided Tours with Pedego Electric Bikes Alexandria
March 20 to April 16, 2023 (or when the cherry blossoms are in bloom)
Departures at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekends; by appointment on weekdays
Admission: $69 per bike ($10 for passenger riders on cargo or tandem bikes)
Pedego Alexandria, 210 North Lee St., Alexandria, VA 22314
571-312-5168
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. Tours will run as long as there are blooms on the cherry blossom trees. Group tour sizes will be limited. Must be at least 14 years old to ride alone. Weekend tours fill up quickly, so contact Pedego early to make your reservations. Call 571-312-5168 or email info@pedegoalexandria.com.
Special Events
Cherry Blossom Party at Lost Boy Cider
March 10, 2023, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Dr., Alexandria, VA, 22314
Head to Alexandria’s signature cidery for a celebration showcasing the Cherry Blossom cider, made with Japanese cherries, Shenandoah apples and jasmine flowers, plus anticipate the debut of a special sake. Enjoy cherry blossom-themed décor, a performance from traditional Japanese dancers from the Regional Onoe Schools of Dance in D.C. and hands-on activities.
Cherry Blossom First Thursday in Del Ray April 6, 2023, beginning at 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Various locations in Del Ray, Alexandria, VA 22301
First Thursdays, Del Ray's monthly street festival, kicks off on Thursday, April 6, with a cherry blossom celebration. Visit Mount Vernon Avenue for live music, a scavenger hunt featuring themed hand-painted windows, children's activities, and more.
The Late Shift Art Night: Cherry Blossom Jubilee at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
April 14, 2023, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Admission: FreeTorpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4590
In partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Torpedo Factory Art Center invites visitors to explore the celebrated cherry blossoms through art demonstrations, music and interactive activities among three floors of open studios and galleries.
Cherry Blossom Brunch at King & Rye
April 15, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
King & Rye, 480 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-842-2761
Celebrate spring and the cherry blossoms with a special menu at the southern-infused Old Town brunch destination.
Retail Offers & Workshops
Picnic & Peonies’ Cherry Blossom Picnic Theme
February 24 through spring 2023
Admission: Packages starting at $249 for two
Picnic locations available throughout Alexandria, VA
Picnic & Peonies is Alexandria's premier luxury picnic company, allowing people to celebrate special moments in a beautiful and safe way. These experiences can be indoors or outdoors for a gorgeous pop-up tablescape. This spring, Picnic & Peonies is offering cherry blossom-themed picnics and tablescapes. These setups come with fun cherry blossom blooms and colorful spring décor. They're the perfect way to get outdoors and celebrate the start of the spring season.
Vintage Mirage Cherry Blossom Sale
March 14 to April 1, 2023Vintage Mirage
117 S. Columbus St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-535-8200
This cherry blossom season, pick up deals across Vintage Mirage’s selection of contemporary consignment, vintage garments and jewelry. Enjoy 20% off clothing, jewelry and accessories ($25 minimum). Shop online at vintagemirage.com and receive 10% off all purchases over $25 when you use the code “vintage10” at checkout.
Workshop: DIY Cherry Blossom Sugar Scrub with Lux Butter at Shop Made in VA
March 26, 2023, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Admission: $45 per person
Shop Made in VA, 1121 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-861-9498
Rest, relax and recharge with Dominique from Lux Butter and you learn how to make a cherry blossom-scented sugar scrub. Dominque will lead the class and show participants how to make an exfoliating sugar scrub. She will talk about the importance of natural ingredients and their purpose, self-care and taking time for yourself. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Workshop: Cherry Blossom Candle Making with The Burning Wic at Shop Made in VA
April 1, 2023, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Admission: $45 per person
Shop Made in VA, 1121 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-861-9498
Learn about The Burning Wic, soy wax and its benefits, and make your own candle and wax melts. The afternoon will be filled with fun, trivia and giveaways. Participants will leave the class with their own cherry blossom-scented candle. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Workshop: Cherry Blossom Alcohol Ink Wreath with The Gorilla and The Pig at Shop Made in VA
April 2, 2023, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Admission: $70 per person
Shop Made in VA, 1121 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-861-9498
Come learn how to make your own cherry blossom wreath to bring some of that spring cheer into your home with no allergies attached. During this course, you will learn some basics of using alcohol ink on synthetic paper, cutting out your own flowers from your artwork and using real branches to build your wreath. Each wreath is 10” big and the branches will vary which can make your wreath slightly larger if desired. There will also be a synthetic branch option as well as additional embellishments to add to your wreath. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Shades of Sakura Workshop: Floral Crown with Fern & Folly at Shop Made in VA
April 13, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. and April 15, 2023, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Admission: $65 per person
Shop Made in VA, 1121 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-861-9498
The soft pinks, greens and whites of the cherry blossom season announce their annual entry into spring. Come work with this beautiful palette to make a fun floral crown and welcome the Sakura season. All tools, materials and in-season florals will be provided. Go home with a beautiful crown for your hair and the skills to make it again. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Food & Drink Offerings
Winter in Tokyo Menu at Captain Gregory’s
Available now through April 30, 2023
Captain Gregory’s, 804 N. Henry St., Alexandria, VA 22314703-577-9023 captaingregorys.com
Celebrate the Japanese origin of the cherry blossoms with Captain Gregory’s Winter in Tokyo menu, featuring all sorts of Japanese spirits, flavor profiles and citrus. Reservations at the speakeasy are encouraged.
Cherry Blossom Cider from Lost Boy Cider
Available beginning March 1, 2023, while supplies last
Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Dr., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-566-5737
Lost Boy Cider’s annual release, "Cherry Blossom,” features Japanese cherries, Shenandoah apples and jasmine flowers.
Cherry Blossom Cocktail from Alexandria Restaurant Partners
March 13 to April 16, 2023
Ada’s on the River, 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA, 22314
BARCA Pier & Wine Bar, 2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA, 22314
The Majestic, 911 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Mia’s Italian Kitchen, 100 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Vola’s Hi-Tide Lounge, 101 N Union St., Alexandria, VA, 22314 alexandriarestaurantpartners.com
Alexandria Restaurant Partners’ popular locations across Old Town will serve a seasonal Shizen cocktail made with Sakenoto Jumai Sake, Marashino liquer, grapefruit juice, simple syrup and grapefruit soda.
Common Plate Hospitality’s Cherry Blossom Menus and Art Installations
March 20 to April 17, 2023
Augie’s Beer Garden, 1106 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Mason Social, 728 N Henry St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
Urbano 116, 116 King St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
Common Plate Hospitality plans to bloom with the cherry blossoms this year, launching exclusive menus and art installations in all three of its Old Town Alexandria locations. Be sure to stop by Augie's Mussel House for a photo with their cherry blossom mural and grab a sake-inspired cocktail. Head to Old Town North for a casual lunch at Mason Social and enjoy artwork surrounding the walls. Just one block from the waterfront, don’t miss Urbano 116's selfie station themed for the season with blossoms and enjoy delectable treats.
Special Entrée at Hank’s Oyster Bar
March 20 to April 16, 2023
Hank’s Oyster Bar, 818 N St. Asaph St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-739-4265
To celebrate cherry blossom season, Hank’s Oyster Bar will offer a special entrée: Pan-seared New Zealand lamb loin, Israeli couscous, baby carrots, Mediterranean spices and a topping of cherry-mint sauce.
Special Seasonal Package from Turkish Coffee Lady
March 20 to April 16, 2023
Turkish Coffee Lady, 1001 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
202-670-4360
In honor of the cherry blossom season, Turkish Coffee Lady will offer a creamy pink drink, a rich and milky beverage derived from the powdered tubers of orchids. Guests can purchase a special seasonal package that includes the cherry blossom drink, a pistachio or walnut baklava and Turkish delights with fruit flavors.
Cherry Blossom Cocktail at RailBird Kitchen
March 1 to April 30, 2023
RailBird Kitchen, 804 N Henry St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-577-9023
RailBird will be offering a cherry blossom cocktail as part of its spring menu, featuring Japanese barley shochu, junmai nigori sake and cherry blossom syrup with rose hips and lime. The cocktail will be on the menu alongside the rest of RailBird’s Japanese-influenced small plates and cocktails.
Cherry Blossom Gelato at Dolci Gelati
March 20 to April 16, 2023, in limited supply
Dolci Gelati Old Town, 107 N Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
571-290-0684
Dolci Gelati will bring back its popular Cherry Blossom gelato for the National Cherry Blossom Festival this year, offering a light, floral flavor that’s perfect for springtime. Dolci founder Gianluigi Dellaccio knows a thing or two about concocting delectable gelato flavors. Dellaccio was appointed a Global Gelato Ambassador by the Italian Gelatoers Association in January 2018 and won "Best Gelato Flavor" at the Inaugural Gelato Festival America in November 2017. The gelato is available in-person, for pickup and delivery.
Hotel Packages
“Cherry Blossoms in Bloom” Package at The Alexandrian
March 1 to April 30, 2023
The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, 480 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-6080
This spring, stay at The Alexandrian in the heart of Old Town and take advantage of the “Cherry Blossoms in Bloom” package, which includes two round-trip Water Taxi tickets and two in-room signature cherry blossom-themed cocktails.
“Cherry Blossoms in Bloom” Package at Morrison House
March 1 to April 30, 2023
Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, 116 S Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-838-8000
This spring, stay at Morrison House, just off Old Town’s bustling King Street, and take advantage of the “Cherry Blossoms in Bloom” package, which includes two round-trip Water Taxi tickets and two in-room signature cherry blossom-themed cocktails.
