One of the most beautiful, and delicious, traditions during cherry blossoms season is enjoying several of the best afternoon teas in DC.
From historic estates, hotel tea rooms and even a National Cherry Blossom Festival afternoon tea, there is a DC tea experience to fit your needs and group gathering during Hanami.
Dig into our favorite spots across the district, where small edible delights infused with cherry blossoms and cherry flavors will tantalize your palette.
Ready or not… here we go!
Why you should book a cherry blossom afternoon tea in D.C.
- To experience a beautiful and elegant tradition. Afternoon tea is a traditional British meal that is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is a great way to relax and socialize with friends and family.
- Enjoy delicious food and drinks. Afternoon tea typically includes a variety of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. It is also served with a variety of teas, such as black tea, green tea, and herbal tea.
- Take in the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Washington, DC is home to over 3,700 cherry blossom trees. During the cherry blossom season, the city is transformed into a sea of pink and white blossoms. Having afternoon tea in DC during cherry blossom season is a great way to experience the beauty of the blossoms and the city at its best.
- Create lasting memories. Having afternoon tea in DC during cherry blossom season is a unique and memorable experience. It is a great way to celebrate the spring season and the beauty of nature.
The Best Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea in Washington DC
Fairmont Washington DC
- Address: 2401 M Street, NW Washington DC, 20037
- Hours: 1pm-4pm Friday-Sunday (late March through early April)
- Website
- Specials: sweet and savory cherry delights, including sandwiches like the Savory Pink Lady Apple Cherry Tart and a Curried Chicken, Cherry Marmalade on Brioche, as well as sweet treats like the pink sakura roll, Cherry and Champagne Sakura Pave, cherry scones, and their Lott 35 loose leaf green tea featuring Kyoto Cherry Rose.
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens (groups only)
- Address: Merriweather Cafe, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
- Hours: late March through April (closed on Mondays)
- Website
- Specials: The usual sweet and savory delights, as well as a seasonal Cherry Lattice and Cherry Blossom Milk Pudding
- Reservations: Yes! Please note that for this tea you must have a group of 10 or more people to participate. There is no individual cherry blossom afternoon tea available.
Opaline Bar and Brasserie
- Address: 806 15 St NW, Washington DC 20005
- Hours: mid-March through the end of April
- Website
- Specials: Special cherry blossom-themed desserts
Kingbird at Watergate Hotel
- Address: 2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington DC 20037
- Hours: 1pm-2:30 pm Saturdays and Sundays from mid- March through the end of April
- Website
- Specials: Cherry blossom tea, champagne with cotton candy, and seasonal treats. A contemporary twist on traditional afternoon tea. Start off with a glass of bubbly topped with cotton candy and enjoy afternoon tea in the Kingbird backroom area with views overlooking the Potomac River. Imported Sakura Kyoto Cherry Blossom tea will be added to the selection.
Salamander DC
- Address: 1330 Maryland Ave, SW, Washington DC
- Hours: 1pm and 3:30pm seatings daily throughout the Cherry Blossom festival
- Website
- Specials: Cherry Blossom macarons
- Reservations required
LE GOÛTER at the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
- Address:
- Hours: 2pm-4pm Saturdays from mid-March through the end of April
- Website
- Specials: Experience this cherry-themed tea featuring sweets like a Blueberry Scone Cherry Pie, White Forest Cherry Cupcake, and Cherry Frangipane Tart. Savory options include tea sandwiches, quiche, deviled eggs, and a salad. If you like a boozy afternoon tea (for an additional fee), you can add on a cocktail, including the tea-infused Japan Sencha Cocktail.
Not in town for the DC Cherry Blossoms, but still love a good afternoon tea? Check out our full guide to the best afternoon tea near me in DC.
The St. Regis
- Address: 923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW, Washington DC 20006
- Hours: 1pm- 4:45pm Thursday – Sunday through the month of April
- Website
- Specials: Each tea features a gold cherry blossom tea centerpiece
- Reservations required
The Tavern at Henley Park Hotel
- Address: 926 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 2001
- Hours: 12pm-4 pm daily from early March to mid-April
- Website
- Specials: Seasonal menu with finger sandwiches, scones, and more.
Waldorf Astoria
- Address: 1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20004
- Hours: 12pm-2pm Friday-Sunday from mid-March through the end of May
- Website
- Specials: Cherry Blossom Clocktower Tea Service
- Reservations required
Willard InterContinental Peacock Alley Tea
- Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20004
- Hours: 1pm and 3:30pm seatings on Friday- Sunday from mid- March through the end of April.
- Website
- Specials: Wide tea variety and blossom-season food menu
- Reservations required
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Cherry Blossom Princess Afternoon Tea
As part of the cherry blossom festival in Washington, DC, you can grab a ticket to the Cherry Blossom Princess Afternoon Tea event, where you will not only be served afternoon tea, but get to watch a fashion show of Kimonos modeled by the official Cherry Blossom Princesses.
This event is organized by the National Conference of State Societies as part of the festival. Check the website for annual updates on the event.
Cherry Blossom Tea in Virginia
Santé at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
- Address: 1250 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202
- Hours: 11:30am-3pm Saturdays and Sundays (during the annual cherry blossom festival)
- Website
Specials: Cherry Blossom-inspired tea sandwiches, pastries, warm scones, and selection of luxury loose-leaf teas. There is also a Teddy Bear Tea option for children under 12 years old, featuring child-friendly treats, and tea or hot cocoa to sip. The kids can also pick out a teddy bear to bring home!
