Flowers mean spring has finally arrived, and after a long winter, they’re always a welcome sight. Here are some of the most beautiful places to experience spring blooms in all their glory.
Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.
Cherry blossoms are usually associated with the far reaches of Japan, but the spectacle they present in the nation’s capital is breathtaking nonetheless. For about two weeks as the weather warms every spring, tiny pink and white blooms peek out alongside some of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. Each year around peak bloom time (March – April), the city hosts the National Cherry Blossom Festival, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors. People can enjoy the pink-splashed landscape of D.C. by foot, bike, or even a boat on the Potomac.
Tulips in the Netherlands
Perfect rows of colorful tulip displays are almost surreal, and there’s nowhere better to enjoy them than in the Netherlands. The flowers usually peak around mid-April. There are plenty of fields home to an endless sea of tulips, but nothing beats the Keukenhof, a garden where green thumbs plant 7 million bulbs every year. However, all it takes is a short bike or train ride through the rural countryside to discover patches of colorful blooms. If you’re looking to stick to the beaten path, check out the Amsterdam Tulip Festival, an annual event aimed at bringing flowers back into the city center.
Wildflowers in the Arizona-Sonora Desert
Looking for an unusual place to enjoy spring in full swing? Head to the desert to see one of the most incredible wildflower displays in the world. The Arizona-Sonora Desert is home to colorful varieties perennials and cacti, each blooming at different times. Since rain is so sparse in the area, peak blooming time can be unpredictable. However, according to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum website, visiting the area in the middle of April is always a safe bet if you want to see the desert blanketed in vibrant hues.
Monet’s Garden, France
Monet’s Garden is open to the public for seven months each year, but a visit during springtime is a real treat. There are two parts to the garden, a flower garden called Clos Normand near Monet’s house and a Japanese-inspired water garden across the road. The lively, historic gardens are like none other, as Monet planted flowers not by species, but by color. Maintaining the gardens was a labor of love, first from Monet, and after his death, from professional gardeners and curators who restored it to its former glory.
Bluebonnets in Texas
Much like Dutch tulips, you can find incredible displays of Bluebonnets all across Texas. Their heartiness explains why they thrive nearly everywhere, including on the side of roads and uncultivated pastures. Although you can snap a photo of (or with) the blue blooms pretty much anywhere in the state, a trip to Burnet will put you right in the heart of Bluebonnet tradition. Each year on the second weekend of April, the Bluebonnet Festival draws about 30,000 people to join in festivities welcoming springtime.
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Wherever you decide to enjoy spring this year, we’ll be here to care for your vehicle when you fly out of ParkDIA. Make your parking reservations today!
