Cherry Blossoms and Magnolias on the National Mall
Details
The National Park Service predicts the cherry blossoms will reach peak bloom on March 29, and the magnolias will hopefully still be hanging in there. Let's go for a walk around the National Mall in DC!
❶ What we'll do:
- From the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, in front of the gift shop, we'll walk west and north through the Enid Haupt Garden to the National Mall. From there we will continue west through the National Mall to make a counter-clockwise loop around the Tidal Basin, with a detour to see the magnolias in the George Mason Memorial, returning along Jefferson Ave through the Haupt Garden back to our starting point.
- The total distance is just over 4.5 miles and should take about 2 hours, with maybe a little extra time to sight-see and take selfies.
- The surface is paved and fairly level throughout. This is an easy walk.
- Google map: https://tinyurl.com/w3a426bf
❷ How to get there:
- The Metro: The Eisenhower Memorial is located at 540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20202, just northeast of the Maryland Ave SW exit from L'Enfant Metro Station. From the Maryland Ave SW exit, walk one block ENE along Maryland Avenue SW to enter the memorial. The gift shop is a small building on the east side of the memorial. Use the Metro Trip Planner to plan your trip and check for alerts: https://www.wmata.com/
- Driving: The street address is 540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20202. There is paid parallel parking in the area.
❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). The layered look is recommended.
❹ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 63F (47-50F during our visit). Winds SSW at 10-14 mph. No rain in the forecast. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/3u4k48pt
❺ Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.
❻ Administrative Stuff:
- There are public restrooms at the Eisenhower Memorial and at several locations along our route. See the Google map.
❼ Notes:
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, 540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20202. https://www.nps.gov/ddem/index.htm
- McDonald's, 400 C St SW, Washington, DC 20024
- 2026 Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Forecasts: https://cherryblossomwatch.com/peak-bloom-forecast/
- National Park Service Bloom Watch: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm