For nearly 28 years, I’ve called the Washington, D.C. area home—and somehow, unbelievably, I had never gone downtown to see the cherry blossoms in bloom.

Not once.

Despite living within 20 miles of the Tidal Basin, I always had an excuse. And let’s be honest—cherry blossom season is notoriously chaotic. The traffic, the crowds, the parking… it can feel like more stress than it’s worth.

But this year? I put it on my 50 by 50 bucket list. No excuses.

With a bloom season that’s short and unpredictable, I knew this wasn’t something I could casually plan. I had to be ready to go at a moment’s notice—and if I was finally doing this, I was doing it right: early morning, before the crowds.

Of course, an adventure like this is better shared, so I recruited Valeska and Tammy—because nothing says friendship like convincing people to meet you before sunrise.

We hit the road around 6:30am and made our way downtown. Somehow, we scored an amazing parking spot right along the Potomac River, just a short walk to the basin. A small miracle in itself.

As we walked toward our first stop, the Jefferson Memorial, I shared another fun fact: I had never been there either.

In 28 years.

It was beautiful—quiet, peaceful, with stunning views of the Washington Monument rising in the distance. But if I’m being honest, the Lincoln Memorial at night still holds my top spot.

From there, we wandered along the Tidal Basin, surrounded by soft pink blooms that somehow felt even more magical in the early morning light. Even with a light drizzle coming and going, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. 

All around us, life was happening in full bloom—families capturing portraits, couples taking engagement photos, and even a bride posing beneath the blossoms.

We stopped by the George Mason Memorial, framed by vibrant forsythia and cherry trees, then continued past the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, where the blossoms created a stunning contrast against the stone.

We made our way through the FDR Memorial—a first for Valeska, and still one of my personal favorites (though I stand by the fact that it’s even better at night).

By the time we wrapped up, we had walked, laughed, and taken more photos than I can count—and somehow, we were back home by 9:30am.

A full adventure… before most people had even started their day.

There’s something really special about finally doing the thing you’ve put off for years. Not just checking a box, but realizing it was worth it all along. Even if Eric says “they’re just trees!”

And even better? Doing it with friends who are willing to get up way too early to make it happen with you.

Second time in a year I’ve gotten these two out for an early morning bucket list adventure!