Washington, DC has quite a lot happening, but one of the best and possibly most famous yearly events is the Cherry Blossom Festival, an excellent example of Urban Hiking. We’d been wanting to go for years, but kept missing the opportunity until recently.
Because we didn’t want to deal with the stress of driving down or worry about where to park, we decided to take the MARC Penn Line commuter rail, which in our area comes all the way up to the Perryville Train Station, which is about a half hour from our house. From Perryville to DC, the cost is $12 per ticket each way, but for the two of us that was easily way less than gas ($24), tolls ($12), and parking ($19+). Parking at each of the 3 lots is free, with free street parking also available.
The train ends at DC’s Union Station, and depending on where you’re going, you can either walk, or take the DC METRO subway, operated by WMATA – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. There are interactive maps available and plenty of apps for those who have smart phones. The METRO requires a SmarTrip® Card, for each person, but they’re easy to get and it’s easy to use.
From Union Station, we took the red line to the Metro Center Station, then transferred from there to the orange line and exited at the Smithsonian Station.
Enough with the background, on to the great event!
With its longstanding historic tradition (since 1912), the festival highlights the beauty of nature and the relationship the US has had with Japan. People from all over the world come during the blooming season, which moves gently forward or backward based on each year’s winter weather pattern.
Maps are available online from the Nation Park Service who maintains the area to show where to find the cherry trees and all the other incredible monuments, exhibits, and museums the within walking distance of the National Mall.
The blooms were every bit of what is reported.
During the day, we also decided to also see just a few of the other numerous places that are in DC.