Kenwood Cherry Blossoms 2020
Everyone knows Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC is a magical experience, BUT EVERYONE 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 Tidal 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. 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, the one year 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. The event clogged all the streets with runners and blocked all the streets. With no parking, we sadly headed back. Luckily on the way back home, I remembered we would pass by Kenwood in Maryland. 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.
And am I glad we took that detour! The Kenwood neighborhood is charming, to say the least. Cherry blossom trees line the streets and there’s a little stream to boot! I literally thought a hobbit was going to jump out somewhere it is that adorable. And the streets aren’t marred with cars because you are not allowed to park there!
When Do Kenwood Cherry Blossoms Bloom?
Kenwood cherry blossoms bloom about 1 week after the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms hit peak bloom. But again peak bloom times are also weather dependent. Last year they bloomed beautifully just 3 days after the day of peak bloom in Washington DC.
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As obsessed with stunning cherry blossoms as I am? Check out these other articles on gorgeous gardens and blooms in the DC Area:
Crowds in Kenwood During Cherry Blossom Season
Is Kenwood crowded during cherry blossom season? I would say it’s not crowded because there’s plenty of room to walk around and plenty of parking. We’ve gone to Kenwood during cherry blossom peak bloom twice on a Sunday and on a Saturday. Saturday afternoon was more crowded but definitely, nothing compared to the Tidal Basin. On Sunday morning it wasn’t crowded at all. There were no other people there. We arrived on Sunday morning around 9 or 10am, while on Saturday we had gone in the afternoon. If you want to have all the Kenwood cherry blossoms to yourself go on a Sunday morning. The video I posted above was from Sunday morning.
Kenwood MD Cherry Blossoms vs. DC Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms
So which should you go see, the Kenwood cherry blossoms or the Tidal Basin Cherry blossoms? Go see both! Kenwood and the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms bloom at different times, so you have the opportunity to visit both. Kenwood is also a great alternative if you happen to miss peak bloom in DC. The cherry blossoms in Kenwood bloom about 1 week later than the Tidal Basin.
The Tidal Basin cherry blossoms offer a unique and iconic experience in DC, even though it’s so crowded. The cherry blossoms along the water make such a pretty sight. Kenwood also offers a unique and more intimate experience because the cherry blossoms line the streets of the cutest neighborhood. Kenwood is also a lot easier to get to if you happen to live in Maryland.
Parking & Driving in the Kenwood Neighborhood During Cherry Blossom Season
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, but there is street parking on the outskirts of the neighborhood. I still recommend Landy St parking because it is the easiest.
Also, don’t drive through this area during cherry blossom season on a weekend. There are many people walking around the streets and you will be sitting in your car for a while waiting for people to pass. Access my custom map above to see how to get to the cherry blossoms without driving.
Kenwood Cherry Blossom in Maryland Peak Bloom April 7, 2019
The cherry blossoms in Kenwood Maryland have reached peak bloom and are starting to fall from all the beautifully warm weather we have had lately. I don’t expect them to last much longer so go see them before they are all gone! Below are some pictures from today!
Such a gorgeous street! I love cherry blossoms. Great video!
xo,
Jillian
http://www.trendinginthesun.com/
Isn’t it! I would never have thought to come here if it wasn’t for my neighbor!
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!
Thank you! It really turned out great! I didn’t have high hopes either.
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!
I’m the same! Always looking for tourist free spots…which usually means getting up super early!
So gorgeous and crowd free! We used to live in DC and I miss it!
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.
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
I know right I hate crowds!
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
I remember my parents taking me when I was little! Now I get to take my little one =)
I will definetly keep in mind this secret address for next year1
xoxo,
Emma
http://petitemaisonoffashion.blogspot.com/ ♥
Come visit me and we can go together!! I can only imagine how beautiful Paris is during spring!
wow such a great video, congrats.
great day
http://lessismoreblog.es/color-rosa/
Ana I’m so glad you liked the video! Have a great day!
Beautiful! I love your stunning photos! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Thank you so much Cielo!!!
These trees are so pretty!
Love, Tiffany Lea
https://zimmylifestyle.com
Aww that is such a lovely video! Well done!
LA VEINE
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/
Thanks for stopping by Britt, just checked out your blog! I love your outfits!!
Great video and this colours so beautiful.
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!
I went to DC this last spring to check out the cherry blossom festival and it was absolutely mesmerizing!
Wait, what? There are cherry blossoms in DC? I gotta see it this year!