As winter finally fades and the last patches of snow melt away, Arlington welcomes one of the region’s most iconic sights, the annual blooming of the cherry blossoms. These vibrant trees brighten neighborhoods across Washington, DC and Arlington. Predicted to reach peak bloom between March 29 and April 1, they draw visitors from near and far to experience their spectacular display,. In this blog, we’ll share some of the best places in Arlington to enjoy the blossoms, key spring events to make the most of the season, and how Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP) can help you get around with ease.
Best Places to View the Cherry Blossoms in Arlington
Arlington National Cemetery
One of the most striking locations to experience Arlington’s cherry blossoms is Arlington National Cemetery. The setting is both beautiful and deeply meaningful, offering visitors a chance to reflect while surrounded by seasonal blooms. Landmarks like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arlington House take on a serene backdrop as hundreds of cherry trees burst into color. The cemetery is easy for visitors to access via the Metrorail Blue line, making it a convenient and memorable spring destination.
Mount Vernon Trail
For a scenic walk or bike ride, the Mount Vernon Trail is an ideal choice. This well-maintained route connects Rosslyn with Alexandria and George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon estate, providing stunning views of the cherry blossoms along the Potomac River and across to the Tidal Basin. Visitors can also stop at favorite blossom-viewing spots such as Long Bridge Park and Gravelly Point. The trail is accessible from the Rosslyn Metro Station (Blue, Silver, and Orange lines) via Gateway Park and from the Crystal City Metro Station (Blue and Yellow lines) via National Landing Waterpark.
Cherrydale
Cherrydale, a historic neighborhood just north of Ballston, offers a charming local setting for enjoying the blossoms. Its abundance of cherry trees, especially near Cherrydale Baptist Church and Cherry Valley Park along the Custis Trail, make it a great neighborhood to explore by foot or on a bike. Cherrydale is easily reachable from the Virginia Square-GMU Metro Station (Orange and Silver lines) and features numerous Capital Bikeshare docks for visitors who prefer two wheels.
Cherry Blossom and Spring Events
To celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossoms, a variety of seasonal events take place across the region. Many of these occur in National Landing as a part of the Pink in the Park event series. Highlights include:
- Pink in the Pool – a family-friendly swim event on March 21 at the Long Bridge Fitness and Aquatics Center.
- Pink Beats – a live music series at National Landing Waterpark held on Thursdays from March 26 to April 9
- Art of Pink – an indoor/outdoor art showcase featuring local artists on April 10.
In addition to Arlington events, Washington, DC is hosting the National Cherry Blossom Festival, running from March 20 to April 12. The festival will include programs like the Blossom Kite Festival on March 28, Petalpalooza on April 4, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 11, and many more. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a springtime stroll, these events offer fun ways to get outside and enjoy the season.
How ATP can help you commute this Spring
Getting around Arlington during cherry blossom season is simple thanks to the county’s extensive public transit network. ATP helps make exploring the area even easier by offering resources that support convenient, sustainable travel for both residents and visitors. One of our most helpful tools is our collection of Quick Glance Guides, which provide concise overviews of each of Arlington’s urban villages. These guides highlight key transportation options, including bus routes, Metro stations, car-sharing services, and Capital Bikeshare docking locations, making it easy to plan your springtime adventures car-free.
For commuters traveling from surrounding counties or visitors coming to admire the blossoms, our Regional Transportation Guide offers additional information on ways to reach Arlington. BikeArlington’s Bicycle Comfort Map and WalkArlington’s collection of pedestrian walkabout maps are also perfect resources for exploring the area this spring. ATP can also partner with your organization or property to share these resources with your staff and tenants as well as help promote upcoming transit-focused events, such as Bike to Work Day on May 15.
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/Kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners