DC cherry blossom visitors will be limited at Tidal Basin, Park Service says

Road closures for cherry blossoms peak bloom

The National Park Service says access to the Tidal Basin during peak bloom will be limited. The announcement comes in accordance with guidelines from the CDC and is applied to all vehicles and pedestrians.

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - Visitors who want to see D.C.’s iconic cherry blossoms when they’re at or near full-bloom will be limited this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the National Park Service said on Tuesday.

The agency says vehicles and pedestrians will have limited access to the Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park and West Potomac Park between March 26 and April 12.

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DC officials and the Park Service have both consistently encouraged people to take advantage of cherry blossoms in other parts of the city, or to take advantage of virtual viewing opportunities.

Cherry blossoms halfway to peak bloom, NPS says

D.C.’s famous cherry blossoms have reached the halfway mark on their way to peak bloom, the National Park Service says.

Some of the virtual opportunities include the National Mall’s 24-hour BloomCam and the National Park Service’s cherry blossom website provides more virtual peak bloom experiences, including activities for young people.

Road closures in the area will include:

- Ohio Drive SW, from Buckeye Drive SW (Washington Channel side) to Independence Avenue SW

- East Basin Drive SW east of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial to Ohio Drive SW

- West Basin Drive SW from Ohio Drive SW to Independence Avenue SW

- Tidal Basin walking trail

- Northbound I-395 ramp to Potomac Park (Exit 2)

- Southbound I-395 ramp to Potomac Park (Exit 2)

- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

- Thomas Jefferson Memorial

- Tidal Basin paddle boats

- All curbside parking and parking lots within the closure

For updates on restrictions at the Tidal Basin, along with the aforementioned parks, click here, or check out the Park Service’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.