Crossing the National Mall, thousands of tourists buzz around the area near the Tidal Basin and Washington Monument. Groups stop to take pictures in front of each monument hoping to capture a speck of pink in the shots. This year's National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 25 to April 8. The cherry trees, a 1912 gift from Japan, attract many visitors to the U.S. capital this time of year. The National Park Service estimates that between 400,000 and 600,000 people will visit Washington, D.C., for the National Cherry Blossom Festival during its two-week run.
Visitors come from places like Germany and Altoona, Pennsylvania, to view the spectacular trees.
Events scheduled during the festival include a parade, concerts, sporting events, a street festival, and tree planting. Of course, nature makes the ultimate decision as to when the buds will open. The National Park Service kept track of the peak blooming time since 1921. According to the National Park Service, April 5 is the peak bloom time this year. Today more than 3,700 cherry trees can be seen around the Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park, and on the grounds around the Washington Monument.