Cherry blossoms are certainly the most famous flowers in the DC area, but they aren’t the only beautiful blooms to see. Here’s where to find spring and summer flowers, from bluebells to tulips.
Bluebells at Bull Run Regional Park
7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville
Goodbye pink petals, hello blue blossoms. Take a walk along this park’s 1.5 mile trail and enjoy splendid carpets of Virginia bluebells— native flowers that usually reach peak bloom shortly after the cherry blossoms depart. The park provides regular bloom updates on its Facebook. Celebrate the flowers during family-friendly events on April 4 through April 6, including a wildflower identification and bluebell crafts.
Bluebells at the Bend
8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls
At this quiet spot close to Great Falls Park, you can wander through vast fields and sycamore forests spotted with bluebells. On April 5, the park will come to life for its Bluebells at the Bend festival, with live music, animals, and strolls through the wildflowers. Advance tickets are available until April 4th for $10 per person (same-day tickets are $12).
Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm
15014 Deepwood Ln., Nokesville
This nature reserve is also home to a sea of bluebells. On Sunday, March 30, the Prince William Conservation Alliance is hosting a festival for the flowers. The free event includes a lineup of educational tours, including one devoted to native wildflowers and another about butterflies, dragonflies, and other flying creatures.
Floral Library on the National Mall
Independence Ave., SW
April is tulip season, and you can find this picnic-perfect spot tucked away near the Northeast corner of the Tidal Basin. The collection of 93 flowerbeds includes tulips of all shades.
Dumbarton Oaks
1703 32nd St., NW
This lush Georgetown hideaway has an abundance of spring blooms, including bluebells, tulips, and magnolias. Keep your eyes out later this season for its famous wisteria blooms, which drip off their stone walls in a stunning purple display.
Netherlands Carillon
Between Arlington National Cemetery and the US Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington
The fields around this immense bell tower, which was gifted to the U.S. by the Dutch Government after WWII, are fittingly decorated with a display of tulips. Take in the scenery–and a great view of the monuments–and listen to over 50 bells chime every hour.
Brookside Gardens
1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton
This 50-acre garden in Wheaton is home to a wide variety of flora, and early April is an excellent time to walk along its tulip-lined pathways. Stop by in late April to see the vivid azalea garden in full bloom.
McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area
18600 River Rd, Poolesville
The Poolesville nature preserve has already planted this year’s sunflowers, which typically bloom in mid-July. Towering yellow flowers line more than 30 acres, making for a scenic snapshot.
