Our favorite sign of spring? When the cherry blossoms start to bloom.

While the exact timing of the blooms varies each year, organizations like the National Park Service predict when we can expect peak blooms — in other words, when 70% of the cherry blossoms are open.

Peak bloom predictions

Local and national organizations have predicted that peak bloom in the DC area will fall between the following dates:

NPS | Friday, March 28-Monday, March 31
Storm Team4 | Friday, March 28-Thursday, April 3
The Washington Post | Saturday, March 23-Thursday, March 27

Curious about previous blooms? Check out the EPA's annual peak bloom date tracker.

Blossom-spotting in NOVA

If you don't feel like heading to the District, check out these spots where you can see the blooms a bit closer to home.

Old Town Alexandria | The historic streets of Old Town are lined with cherry trees, so be sure to take a camera next time you're grabbing drinks at Alice Cocktail Bar.
Mount Vernon Trail | Take a bike ride on the paved, 18-mile trail this spring to spot the blooms along the route.
Arlington National Cemetery | Find hundreds of cherry trees throughout the National Cemetery.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens | Stay updated on Facebook to learn when the trees have bloomed at Meadowlark.
George Mason University | Head to Memorial Cherry Grove near Mason pond once the cherry trees are in bloom.