The blooming of Washington, DC’s famous cherry blossoms are the region’s first sign that winter is over and spring is here to stay.
If you’re looking to venture beyond the Tidal Basin, then this ultimate cherry blossom road trip is a perfect opportunity to explore Montgomery County, Maryland. So, load your kids in the car, turn on your favorite tunes, roll down your windows, and most of all… have fun!
Kenwood Neighborhood
Kennedy Drive and Dorset Avenue | Bethesda, MD
Visiting the cherry trees in the Kenwood neighborhood near Bethesda and Chevy Chase is considered a less crowded alternative to viewing the Tidal Basin’s trees. In the early 1930s and ’40s, a local developer planted cherry trees as a way to promote the neighborhood to potential home buyers. Now, more than 1,200 trees grace the neighborhood, bearing hundreds of thousands of beautiful, tiny pink and white flowers that bloom during the spring season. The best cherry blossom viewing can be found along Kennedy Drive, Dorset Avenue, and Kenwood Avenue.
Pro Tip: Test your skills with a cherry blossom-inspired digital puzzle.
Glenview Mansion at the Civic Center Park
603 Edmonston Drive | Rockville, MD
Enjoy a picnic under a Yoshino cherry tree with a view of Glenview Mansion at the Civic Center Park in Rockville. There is also a gorgeous cluster of Kwanzan cherry trees that line the driveway when you arrive at the park. According to the City of Rockville’s horticulturalist, Kwanzan trees bloom a week or two after their Yoshino cousins.
Pro Tip: Plan a staycation with our Guide to Cherry Blossom Season.
Brookside Gardens
1800 Glenallan Avenue | Wheaton, MD
You can view more than 300 cherry blossom trees in Montgomery County’s parks and get a jump start on spring festivities. Brookside Gardens has 26 cherry trees that are located in the Gude Garden along the HeartSmart Trail and near the pond. There are also trees near the Conservatory. Like clockwork, the cherry trees reach peak blooms on or around April 1.
Takoma Park Neighborhood
Takoma Park, MD
Cherry trees are sprinkled throughout historic Takoma Park. For the biggest flower impact, turn down Flower Avenue, between Jackson and Garland Avenues, and then turn down Boyd Avenue, between Jackson and Lincoln Avenues. Afterward, be sure to explore some of the local shops along Main Street Takoma.
Silo Falls Restaurant
19501 Georgia Avenue | Brookeville, MD
Conclude your road trip by dining al fresco at The Manor at Silo Falls. Brookeville’s favorite countryside bar and restaurant features an extensive collection of cherry blossom trees that line their driveway.
