Cherry Blossoms, Hidden Gems, & Dupont’s Best-Kept Secrets

Spring in D.C. has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute, you’re bundled in layers, and the next, the city is drenched in pink petals, patios are buzzing, and the air feels just a bit lighter. While the Tidal Basin gets all the attention, Dupont Circle offers a more relaxed way to experience cherry blossom season—tree-lined streets with pops of pink, hidden parks, and a neighborhood that knows how to do spring right.

And with Hotel Madera, you’re not just near it all—you’re part of it.   

Cherry Blossom Views, Dupont Circle Style 

You don’t have to venture far to enjoy peak bloom. If you want to skip the crowds but still soak in the beauty, Dupont Circle has its own under-the-radar blossom spots: 

• • Dupont Circle Fountain: The centerpiece of the neighborhood, this historic fountain becomes a social hub in the spring, with locals lounging, artists sketching, and live music filling the air.
  • Mitchell Park: This quiet pocket of green is hidden in a residential stretch of Dupont. The cherry blossoms here feel like a little secret, known mostly to locals and the occasional sunbathing pup. 
  • Spanish Steps: Not quite the Trevi Fountain, but this tucked-away European-style staircase is easily one of the most romantic springtime spots. Perfect for a quick photo or a peaceful pause. Pro tip: In the early morning, you’ll have it to yourself. 
  • Embassy Row: Massachusetts Avenue is already a stunning walk, lined with grand embassies and stately homes, but when the blossoms pop? Next level. It’s an only-in-D.C. kind of saunter, best enjoyed with no particular destination in mind. 

Make a Day of It

Cherry blossom season isn’t just about admiring the blooms—it’s a citywide celebration, and Dupont Circle makes the ultimate launch point for festival fun.

Morning: A Lively Start or a Slow Stroll 

For an energizing start to the day, head downtown for one of D.C.’s biggest events: the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, hosted on April 12. The parade along Constitution Avenue brings the city to life with giant balloons, marching bands, and cultural performances. 

Prefer a quieter morning? On Sundays, The Dupont Circle Farmers Market is a neighborhood staple, packed with fresh flowers, artisanal cheeses, small-batch pastries, and some of the best seasonal produce around. Pick up a few treats and soak in the soft pink blooms framing the historic brownstones nearby. 

Midday: Culture and Open Skies 

Spend the late morning exploring The Phillips Collection, an intimate modern art museum situated in Dupont. With works from Renoir to Rothko, it’s an ideal place to take a break from the buzz of the city. 

If you’re in town on March 29,  you might catch one of D.C.’s most visually stunning spring events—hundreds of kites soaring above the Washington Monument, turning the sky into a moving canvas of color. Whether you’re flying one yourself or just watching, the Blossom Kite Festival is a can’t-miss moment of the season.

Afternoon: Books, Boutiques, and Neighborhood Wandering

This is the perfect time to browse Dupont’s independent shops, vintage stores, and galleries. Stop into Kramers, a beloved D.C. institution. Come for the books, stay for the cocktail at the bar, and maybe grab a novel for your next picnic under the cherry blossoms. 

Evening: Fireworks, Music, or a Cozy Nightcap 

As the sun sets, there’s no shortage of ways to wrap up the day. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during Pedalpalooza on April 5,  you’ll want to venture to the Southwest Waterfront for live music, art installations, and a stunning fireworks show over the water.  

If a slower-paced evening sounds better, Dupont’s restaurants and cocktail bars offer intimate spots to sip, savor, and wind down. Slip into The Mirror, a hidden speakeasy with an old-school vibe, or keep things laid-back but flavor-packed at Anju, where modern Korean dishes and inventive small plates make every meal feel like a discovery. And to end the night on a high note, Firefly—a Dupont Circle staple—awaits downstairs at Hotel Madera, balancing neighborhood charm with inventive, seasonal flavors. 

Live Like a Local, Stay Like a Guest 

After a day spent under pink blooms and blue skies, there’s nothing better than retreating to a space that feels like it was made for unwinding. Hotel Madera isn’t just a place to rest your head—it’s part of the neighborhood. Our boutique hotel is located just off the main circle, offering a peaceful hideaway that’s steps from Dupont’s best. Spacious rooms, a warm and welcoming team, and just the right amount of personality. 

And when you wake up, Firefly is right downstairs, ready with freshly brewed coffee and the best smoked salmon avocado toast in town. 

So go ahead—wander, sip, savor, and take in the magic of spring. This is cherry blossom season, Dupont Circle style.