Experience Washington DC’s Cherry Blossoms without the Crowds

Kenwood Cherry Blossoms 2018

Everyone knows Cherry Blossom season is a magical time in Washington DC around the Tidal Basin, BUT EVERYONE and their mother wants to experience that magic. As a DC Metro native, I’ve gone every year for the past few years and many times as a child. And it’s so crowded you can barely walk around the basin! My only advice is to be there by 7am because even around 8am when we arrived last year it was already getting packed.

Kenwood Cherry Blossoms

BUT THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE. Dun dun dun…I present Kenwood Cherry Blossoms in Bethesda, MD. I learned of this idyllic neighborhood practically down the street from my house from a neighbor. I’d wanted to check it out but never had a chance. Well this year when I finally made it down to DC at sunrise just a week after peak bloom, it turned out to be the day of the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. All the streets were clogged with runners or blocked for the event. With no parking, we sadly headed back. Luckily on the way back home, I remembered we would pass Kenwood. So a little detour we took! I do have an Insider’s Guide to DC Cherry Blossoms if you are dead set on seeing the trees at the Tidal Basin.

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And am I glad we did! This neighborhood is charming to say the least. The streets are lined with cherry trees and there’s a little stream to boot! I literally thought a hobbit was going to jump out somewhere it was that adorable. And the streets aren’t marred with cars because you are not allowed to park there! I’ll definitely be back to this quaint little nook next year for the Cherry Blossoms!

Parking for Kenwood Cherry Blossoms

You can park at the Landy St. Parking lot and access the neighborhood through the Capital Cresent Trail. It’s a very easy short walk (I did it carrying a 19 month old). Take the first left off the path and you’ll be right there. There is no parking in the Kenwood neighborhood itself.

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Dress here, Giant paper flower here

25 Comments

Jillian Bennett on April 17, 2017 at 12:20 am

Such a gorgeous street! I love cherry blossoms. Great video!

xo,
Jillian

http://www.trendinginthesun.com/
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- Sea of Blush on April 18, 2017 at 2:47 pm
  
  Isn’t it! I would never have thought to come here if it wasn’t for my neighbor!
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Irresistibly Petite on April 17, 2017 at 6:07 pm

This is awesome! It’s such a great alternative to where you originally wanted to go and without the hassle of the crowds! Great idea! I hope I can visit this location one day!
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- Sea of Blush on April 18, 2017 at 2:46 pm
  
  Thank you! It really turned out great! I didn’t have high hopes either.
  Reply
Sally (Flying Food Ninja) on April 17, 2017 at 6:32 pm

This is brilliant. I am always looking for beautiful spots to take pictures without people in them. Haha. I hope I can go to D.C. one day at the right time to get the same pics. Yours are gorgeous!
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- Sea of Blush on April 18, 2017 at 2:46 pm
  
  I’m the same! Always looking for tourist free spots…which usually means getting up super early!
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Jen on April 17, 2017 at 8:07 pm

So gorgeous and crowd free! We used to live in DC and I miss it!
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- Sea of Blush on April 18, 2017 at 2:45 pm
  
  OH wow you lived in DC? Cherry blossoms are the highlight of my spring, then quickly followed by tulips and sunflowers LOL…I’m a sucker for flower fields.
  Reply
Katie on April 17, 2017 at 8:11 pm

I love the cherry blossoms this time of year! It’s so nice of you to share your secret… I love finding those tourist-free places!

– Katie
http://www.brewingupstyle.com
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- Sea of Blush on April 18, 2017 at 2:44 pm
  
  I know right I hate crowds!
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Jennifer on April 17, 2017 at 9:18 pm

So pretty! I remember seeing the cherry blossom trees when I went to DC on a field trip. That was years ago too! I’d love to go back sometime in the spring!

xx Jennifer
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- Sea of Blush on April 18, 2017 at 2:44 pm
  
  I remember my parents taking me when I was little! Now I get to take my little one =)
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Petite Maison of Fashion on April 17, 2017 at 9:22 pm

I will definetly keep in mind this secret address for next year1

xoxo,
Emma
http://petitemaisonoffashion.blogspot.com/ ♥
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- Sea of Blush on April 18, 2017 at 2:43 pm
  
  Come visit me and we can go together!! I can only imagine how beautiful Paris is during spring!
  Reply
ana on April 18, 2017 at 4:29 am

wow such a great video, congrats.

great day
http://lessismoreblog.es/color-rosa/
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- Sea of Blush on April 18, 2017 at 2:43 pm
  
  Ana I’m so glad you liked the video! Have a great day!
  Reply
Cielo on April 18, 2017 at 2:33 pm

Beautiful! I love your stunning photos! =)

– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
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- Sea of Blush on April 18, 2017 at 2:43 pm
  
  Thank you so much Cielo!!!
  Reply
tiffany lea on April 18, 2017 at 3:55 pm

These trees are so pretty!
Love, Tiffany Lea
https://zimmylifestyle.com
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Marta Carvalho on April 22, 2017 at 5:48 pm

Aww that is such a lovely video! Well done!
LA VEINE
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Britt Correia x Gypsy Sunday on April 25, 2017 at 3:55 pm

I’m so happy it’s blooming season! I love cherry blossoms and was so sad that I couldn’t make it to DC to see them. I might just have to check out this spot in MD. Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

Check out my blog if you get a chance girl!
http://gypsysundayblog.com/
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- Sea of Blush on April 25, 2017 at 4:06 pm
  
  Thanks for stopping by Britt, just checked out your blog! I love your outfits!!
  Reply
Katarina Zivkovic on May 1, 2017 at 4:44 am

Great video and this colours so beautiful.
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Julie on September 3, 2017 at 10:55 pm

We lived in Rockville, MD and always went into DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival walk around the Tidal Basin. I had no idea there was an alternative closer to home!
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Michelle on September 27, 2017 at 2:27 pm

I went to DC this last spring to check out the cherry blossom festival and it was absolutely mesmerizing!
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