Chesapeake Sailors’ Guide to Visiting Washington, DC, by Land or Sea
From the mouth of the Potomac River to our nation’s capital, it’s a twisty 94-nautical-mile trip replete with shifting shoals and tidal swings. But for the intrepid cruiser, the bucolic farmland and ultimate destination, Washington, DC, is well worth the fuel and plotting skill needed, especially during spring and in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The festival is the capital’s largest event, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors intent on celebrating spring among the thousands of cherry trees in full bloom. This year’s festival runs from March 20 through April 13. And while peak bloom is dependent on the weather, the performances, music, and food will go on whether it’s a blustery March or a sunny weekend in April.
A Bit of History
The Tidal Basin’s first cherry trees, a friendship and goodwill gift from Japan back in 1910, unfortunately landed in DC riddled with insects and worms and were promptly burned. Two years later, another gift of more than 3000 saplings arrived healthy. With little fanfare, First Lady Helen Taft and the Japanese ambassador’s wife planted the first trees. They remain standing today.
Decades later, when construction began on the Jefferson Memorial, a group of women incited the “Cherry Blossom Rebellion,” to protest any removal of the trees by chaining themselves to the trunks. The Jefferson Memorial was eventually built, and any trees removed were transplanted. Except for a brief time during World War II when the cherry trees were referred to as “oriental trees,” the fragrant blooms have welcomed visitors to the nation’s capital as a sign of spring and renewal.
A Huge Schedule of Events
The month-long National Cherry Blossom Festival, a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and the festival’s nonprofit organization, offers events from educational tours to food festivals to music performances.
The festival’s opening ceremony and preview of offerings takes place Saturday, March 22 at the Capital’s Warner Theater. To obtain free tickets to this event, join the email list at nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. The opening ceremony, featuring Japanese tap dancers, traditional puppetry shows, and American performers will also be livestreamed.
For the following four weeks, the capital will be filled with food stands, music performances, and of course, cherry blossoms. Some ongoing events include:
More than 100 performances at the Tidal Basin’s ANA Stage throughout “peak bloom” will feature music including bluegrass, rock, and jazz and dance performances showcasing Flamenco, Zumba, and clogging. Stop by any time between noon and 6 p.m. to enjoy these free performances.
Families with younger kids will be inspired by the NPS Bloom’ Junior Ranger Program where youngsters can earn a junior ranger badge and participate in the “Mystery of the Broken Branch” virtual tour. From March 23-April 7, park rangers will lead kid-friendly tours of the Tidal Basin and periodic lantern-led walks in the evening. For those with pets, the Pups and Petals Dog Walk will please all members of the family.
There’s no better way to welcome spring than with more music and the Blossom Kite Festival on March 29. Both adults and kids are welcome to register online for the Kitemaker’s Competition. Or, become a kite expert by attending a kite flying workshop and viewing the numerous videos online. Finally, bring your own kite and watch them soar.
If you’re missing the water, attend “Petalpalooza” at the Capital Riverfront Navy Yard along the Anacostia River on April 5 from 1-9 p.m. Along with a plethora of art and music, this event caps off with Potomac River fireworks beginning at 8:30 p.m.
“Paws and Petals” is the festival’s focus on being a pet-friendly event. Canine visitors are welcome at many events, and pet comfort stations are located throughout the grounds. Pets must be leashed.
On April 12, the National Cherry Blossom Parade will run the length of Constitution Avenue. Enjoy a break from walking and delight in the displays. This is a ticketed event with costs between $25-40.
For anyone needing a break from the crowds, a cruise downriver from DC’s waterfront to George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon might be the cure. City Experiences offers a full-day, narrated boat tour of the river and admission to Mt. Vernon. Private boats can also obtain dock space at Mt. Vernon on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check out mountvernon.org for more information.
How To Get There
Arriving at the festival by car requires advance planning. Close-by hotels book up well in advance, parking is limited, and restaurants often require reservations. Organizers recommend using the DC metro to get downtown, so staying a few miles away may be best. Everything is in walkable distance… provided you’ve got comfortable shoes and rain gear if necessary.
For boaters eager to experience DC, yet longing to leave the crowds at the day’s end, cruising up the Potomac can be rewarding. (Check with the USCG about travel restrictions in the Potomac near Reagan Airport.) Between the Chesapeake Bay and DC, there are few places to stop, although Colonial Beach, VA, does feature the Boathouse Marina as a waypoint.
Once in DC, cruisers can consider several marinas:
National Harbor Marina is just downstream from the festival and sports full amenities including security, a casino, and water taxi. Slips must be reserved well in advance.
The Capital Yacht Club offers transient dockage with advance reservations. Located on the Washington Channel, it is very close to all DC has to offer. Mooring balls are also available at The Wharf.
However you visit DC—by boat, car, train, or plane—the National Cherry Blossom Festival is a colorful and exciting time to spend a few days. With kites in the air, music on the grounds, and food everywhere, there are activities for young and old alike.
About the Author: Karen Soule sails her Outbound 46 Soulemate with her husband David out of Fishing Bay YC. She cruises between the Caribbean and New England, but she likes the Chesapeake Bay best.
