I’ve been, but a long time ago. My ex-husband took our kids about four years ago, and they all had a blast! Street vendors, parades, good eats… and lots of crowds. My best bit of advice is take the metro, take the metro, take the metro. Do not attempt to drive and park down there!

PS: If you do come, look me up! I live pretty nearby.

The cherry blossom festival is really great. Totally worth it, if it’s an easy trip for you to get here. The first day of the festival (this weekend), is also the Kite Festival and the National Mall is absolutely filled with thousands of people flying all different kinds of kites. Pretty cool, actually.

Of course, in addition to the cherry blossoms, you can take in a museum or two. The bulk of the trees are well within walking distance of the main Smithsonian museums on the mall (and they are all free).

I’d also like to second augstlan’s advice: metro is really the only sane way to get there.

Here is their official site which has a schedule for all of the events. I’ve heard the parade is fun, although I’ve never seen it. Check that website though, there are loads of events going on.

I usually try to attend the Kite Festival which is this Saturday 3/28 but the weather’s looking pretty iffy.

Looks like peak bloom time for those flowers is going to be April 1–4, which is good news. Weekday peak bloom means smaller crowds on the best days!