The Cherry Blossoms peak bloom period begins April 1st! And as magical as it is to see the nearly 1,700 trees at the Tidle Bason sometimes you just don’t want to deal with the crowds and cars. Fortunately, we’ve got some options.

Love bike riding? Try Pedego’s new tour.  Love a boat ride? Try the Potomac Riverboat Company’s Monuments Cruise. Here’s a list compiled by Visit Alexandria detailing some unique ways to experience this year’s blossoms.

Water Taxi to The Wharf in Washington, D.C.: Cherry Blossom Festival Service
Monday through Sunday beginning March 1, 2019
Departures beginning at 9:40 a.m. weekdays and 11:45 a.m. weekends; check website for details
Admission: starting at $18 round-trip for adults
Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-0580
www.potomacriverboatco.com/water-taxi/wharf  

Cruise from Old Town Alexandria to Washington, D.C. to stroll among the famous cherry blossoms and take part in events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, including the Blossom Kite Festival. Potomac Riverboat Company offers a 25-minute direct water taxi from Old Town to The Wharf development in D.C. From the dock at The Wharf, it’s a 10-minute walk to the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. The water taxi docks at the Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St. SW, near the Tidal Basin, the National Mall, Hains Point and a Capital Bikeshare station. 

Cherry Blossom Rides with Pedego
March 20-April 12, 2019 (or as long as the cherry blossoms are in bloom)
Departures at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time.)
Admission: $59 per person
Pedego Alexandria, 210 North Lee St., Alexandria, VA
571-312-5168
www.pedegoalexandria.com  

Pedego Electric Bikes will offer 2-3 hour guided tours from Old Town to the cherry blossoms, including riding through Hains Point Park. Pedego bikes offer an up-close-and-personal view of the blossoms, without the exertion of regular bikes or the stress of traffic and parking. All tours are subject to weather, safe riding conditions and bike availability. Individual riders must be at least 16 years old. Child seats, passenger bikes and a tandem are available to accommodate younger participants. Helmets and bike locks are included. Credit card and ID are required for rentals. Contact Pedego Alexandria to reserve a private group tour. 

Washington’s Monuments Cruise to the Cherry Blossoms
Saturdays and Sundays beginning March 23, 2019
Departing at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Admission: starting at $34 round-trip for adults
Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-0580
www.potomacriverboatco.com

Traverse the Potomac River from Old Town Alexandria and cruise past the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. on the Washington’s Monuments Cruise by Potomac Riverboat Company. View and listen to the history of the iconic monuments, memorials and bridges as the D.C. region awakens to spring. See beautiful cherry blossom trees as you glide past Hains Point and head onward to Georgetown. The cruise is 45 minutes one-way and approximately 90 minutes round-trip and is offered Saturdays and Sundays beginning March 23, 2019, and throughout peak cherry blossom season.  

Cherry Blossom Pop-Up History Tour with Discover Alexandria
To be announced one week in advance; two pop-up tours to occur during peak bloom weekend
Admission: $12 per adults; $5 per child
Tour departs from the Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
www.discoveralexva.com

Discover Alexandria will be offering a Cherry Blossom Pop-Up History Tour in April. The tour will occur twice over peak bloom weekend. The tour offers the best of both worlds, combining local history with great cherry blossom sightseeing. The tour dates and times will be announced approximately one week in advance via Discover Alexandria’s website and social media platforms. Reservations are required and can be made by emailing discoveralexandria@gmail.com.  

Alexandria Tastes of Spring Cherry Blossom Food Crawl
April 7, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $80 for six tasting tickets; $96 for eight tasting tickets
Starting location provided at time of ticket purchase
888-697-2693
www.carpedcfoodtours.com 

Enjoy the warming air and the season’s first blooms as you walk with friends and build your own culinary adventure on the first annual Alexandria Tastes of Spring Cherry Blossom Food Crawl. Eat your way through Old Town on a self-guided food tour sampling diverse cuisine at some of Alexandria’s most popular restaurants. Buy your tasting tickets online and enjoy one tasting at any of Carpe DC Food Tours’ 10 participating Alexandria restaurants. Guests can buy tickets in packages of 6 or 8, and vegetarian options are available. At check-in, grab your tickets along with a wristband and passport and head out on a culinary crawl of Old Town. At each participating location, show your wristband, and give them your ticket to enjoy delicious tastings. Passport includes map and descriptions for all participating 10 restaurants.