2008 National Cherry Blossom Festival Dates:
March 29 - April 13, 2008
Washington, DC welcomes the arrival of spring every year with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival has grown from a 3-day event to a two-week celebration of culture and tradition that showcases the unusual gift of 3,000 cherry trees the city of Tokyo gave to our nation’s capital in 1912. The Famed Washington DC Cherry trees can be found in three park locations: around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park (Hains Point) and on the grounds of the Washington Monument.
The dates of the National Cherry Blossom Festival dates vary from year to year based upon the weather. Unseasonably warm or cool temperatures have resulted in the Yoshino cherry trees reaching peak bloom as early as March 15 or as late as April 18. The blooming period will usually last up to 14 days. They are considered to be at their peak when 70 percent of the blossoms are open.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week event featuring more than 200 international cultural performances and other events from arts and exhibits to cuisine and sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Go Paddle Boating! View the Jefferson Memorial and Japanese Cherry Trees from the water. Rent a paddleboat for $8.00 per hour for a 2 passenger boat; $16.00 per hour for 4 passenger boat. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Take a free tour with a National Park Service and learn the history of the cherry blossom trees. Tours available are Cherry Talks/Walks, Junior Ranger Programs, Lantern Tours and Bike Tours.
Go Biking: Take a two-hour ride specifically designed for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Ride past Potomac Park, the Jefferson Memorial, Hains Point, Japanese lantern, and more.
Rent a Washington DC residence. Stay in a brownstone rather than a hotel. Washington DC vacation rentals offer more space and comforts than a hotel.
The most picturesque time of year to see the Jefferson Memorial is cherry Blossom Season. Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds.
Dine at many of Washington D.C.’s best restaurants
http://dc.about.com/od/cherryblossomfestival/a/CherryPicks.htm
See the monuments and memorials along the National Mall and Tidal Basin on this unique 3 hour City Scooter tour for $75.