If you don’t want to fight the crowds that descend on the Tidal Basin in Washington DC each year to see the peak cherry blossoms during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, consider nearby venues.

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Disclaimer
I am a cherry blossom addict. Starting in early March, I usually begin walking the Tidal Basin paths where Japanese cherry trees are planted in Washington DC. I snuggled deep into my ski jacket and walked blissfully alone at 6 am. But this year I had my Golden Retriever puppy (Parker) to consider. A 7-mile walk from my Washington DC is a lot so I had to stop taking my daily strolls. Instead, I found peak cherry blossoms closer to our home. (Eight on located on the National Mall!)
U.S. Supreme Court
Location: 1 First Street NE

U.S. Capitol Grounds
Location: First Street NE

Library of Congress
Location: 10 First Street SE

National Gallery of Art (East Wing)
Location: 4th Street NW

U.S. Botanic Garden
Location: 100 Maryland Street SW

Bartholdi Park
Location: 245 First Street SW

Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden
Location: Corner of 7th Street SW & Independence Avenue

Enid Haupt Garden
Location: 1037 Independence Avenue SW

National Building Museum
Location: 401 F Street NW

LeDroit Park
Location: DC Neighborhood (6th Street NW & Florida Avenue NW entrance)

Parker’s Favorite
Parker’s favorite place to see the cherry blossoms is the U.S. Capitol grounds. In the morning, there are no crowds, just a few runners. Sometimes he even meets another dog and they get to sniff noses. Check out his DC Dog Guide to Cherry Blossoms.

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