The city’s cherry trees saw their peak bloom on March 20, according to the National Park Service (NPS), but the District’s authorities are discouraging the public from traveling to the Tidal Basin to avoid the risk of possible coronavirus exposure.
For those who opt for staying home for their safety and are still willing to enjoy this beauty, there is a tool available: The Bloom Cam, which provides you with a real-time view of the popular areas in D.C.
The cherry trees are officially at peak bloom! For a spectacular live look at the Tidal Basin ringed in white and pink, check out the new #BloomCam, courtesy of our friends @TheNationalMall and @CherryBlossFest. Look in any time at https://t.co/vBYY3Qgj4d. #BloomWatch pic.twitter.com/PRsyOJ2Xdv
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) March 20, 2020
“Washington D.C.’s cherry blossoms signal the arrival of spring and symbolize hope, renewal, and friendship. With fewer visitors expected to see the blooming cherry trees in person this year, the Trust for the National Mall along with its partners, the National Park Service and The National Cherry Blossom Festival, are bringing the beloved and blooming Cherry Trees to YOU during their ‘peak bloom’ time, so that you can enjoy them this season from the comfort of your home or wherever you are around the world!” a statement from the Trust for the National Mall said.
Live camera feed changes views every five minutes, so you may need to refresh the page if you can’t see the live-stream.
Earlier this week, Metro announced that it decided to close the Smithsonian and Arlington Cemetery stations, beginning March 19 to reduce non-essential visits to view the cherry blossoms in the Tidal Basin area.
NEW – Again, Metro is for essential trips only. We'll do cherry blossoms another time. #wmata https://t.co/YmdHvw2tVs
— Metro (@wmata) March 19, 2020
Peak bloom date is known as the day when 70 percent of the cherry blossoms are open. It changes every year depending on weather conditions. The most likely time is between the last week of March and the first week of April.
Metro Discourages Cherry Blossom Visits by Closing Two Stations