One Day Trip Itinerary: Cherry Blossom Festival from Hershey to Washington DC

Day 1: Cherry Blossom Day

Washington, DC, USA on April 6, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at The Pancake House

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Pancake House, famous for its delicious pancakes and warm atmosphere. Try their signature stuffed pancakes for a true treat.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Washington, DC

Embark on your journey to Washington, DC. The drive will take around 2 hours, so ensure you set out early to avoid traffic.
USD0, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Park at Union Station

Arrive at Union Station, where you can park your car for the day. It’s centrally located and provides easy access to the Metro.
USD20, 30 minutes

10:30 AM

Take the Metro to Smithsonian Station

Board the Red Line Metro at Union Station and head towards the Smithsonian Station, which brings you close to the Tidal Basin for the cherry blossoms.
USD2.50, 15 minutes

10:45 AM

Explore the Tidal Basin

Spend the day walking around the Tidal Basin to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom. Don’t forget to take photos with the iconic Jefferson Memorial backdrop!
USD0, 3 hours

1:45 PM

Lunch at The Wharf

Head over to The Wharf for a delightful lunch. Try the seafood at The Fish Market or grab a bite at one of the food stalls for a quick and tasty meal.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:15 PM

Visit the National Mall

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll to the National Mall to visit famous monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.
USD0, 2 hours

5:15 PM

Return to Metro and Depart

Start heading back to the Smithsonian Metro Station and return to Union Station. Be mindful of the time to avoid rush hour.
USD2.50, 15 minutes

5:30 PM

Pick up car and head back to Hershey

Retrieve your car from Union Station and begin your drive back to Hershey. Consider stopping for snacks or dinner along the way if you feel hungry.
USD0, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at The Chocolate Avenue Grill

Before you conclude your trip, enjoy dinner at The Chocolate Avenue Grill, known for its burgers and hearty American dishes.
USD25, 1 hour

8:30 PM

Return Home

Finish your day and relax on your drive back home, reminiscing about the beautiful cherry blossoms and your DC adventure.
USD0, Full Return Journey