The National Park Service predicts cherry blossoms will hit peak bloom between March 29 and April 1, but you don’t need to wait until then for cherry blossom afternoon tea. The city’s charming springtime ritual is a worthy indulgence, and options range from historic hotel tearooms to a mobile te a service. Whether you’re looking for a grand Champagne affair or a whimsical outing with children, these cherry blossom teas are a festive way to celebrate the season.   Four Seasons location_onGeorgetown languageWebsite If you love the hotel’s holiday “Teddy Bear Tea,” book a table for their cherry blossom tea. Enjoy a glass of bubbly upon arrival before indulging in savory treats such as duck foie gras terrine, slow-poached lobster, wagyu beef on toasted milk bread and sweet confections including matcha citrus opera cake and sakura pavé served with cherry blossom caviar. Dates: Saturdays and Sundays from March 21 to April 20. Price: $125 per adult and $65 for children 12 and younger.   The St. Regis location_onDowntown languageWebsite Photo courtesy of St. Regis. This spring, the St. Regis is leveling up its afternoon tea in honor of the hotel’s 100th anniversary. In addition to Dammann Frères tea and plenty of classic scones, guests can look forward to indulgences such as caviar, lobster, opera cake, and champagne tarts. And of course, it will all be served on the hotel’s signature cherry blossom tree stand in the regal lobby.  Dates: March 5 to May 31. Price: $99 per person.   Willard InterContinental location_onPenn Quarter languageWebsite Photo courtesy of Willard InterContinental Washington, DC. Tea in Peacock Alley is one of the hottest seats to snag during cherry blossom season. The lovely setting, complete with peacock feather-inspired wallpaper and the hotel’s original 1901 terracotta floors, features a harpist who plays for guests munching on smoked salmon sushi rolls, lemon verbena scones, lobster tartlets, and orange-scented cucumber sandwiches. You can also treat yourself with caviar and champagne add-ons. Due to this tea’s popularity, the ritual is also served in a dedicated tearoom, so take note of your preferred location when booking. Dates: Wednesday through Sunday from March 13 to April 26. Price: $105 for adults and $65 for children 3-12.    Hillwood Estate, Museum Gardens location_onForest Hills languageWebsite Photo by Dola Photography. One of the most charming places to enjoy cherry blossom afternoon tea is at Hillwood, the former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Served in the Merriweather Café, the menu is full of nostalgic delicacies such as spring asparagus tarts, coronation chicken, egg salad sandwiches, and cherry blossom petit fours. Open to parties of four or more, this tea is perfect for a group outing: You’ll want to spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the house and grounds, admiring the magnificent orchid display in the greenhouses. Reservations are required at least 72 hours in advance.  Dates: Thursdays through Sundays from March 20 to April 26  Price: $50-$70 per person   The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City location_onPentagon City languageWebsite Photograph courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton. Strawberries dipped in pink-hued white chocolate, cherry blossom-inspired tea sandwiches, warm scones, and sparkling wine are what make this tea special. Little ones can choose between tea or hot chocolate and receive a teddy bear to take home.  Dates: Fridays through Sundays from March 13 to April 12 Price: $88 for adults, $55 for children 4-12, and complimentary for children 3 and under.    Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf location_onThe Wharf languageWebsite It’s a boozy affair at the Pendry’s cherry blossom afternoon tea. Served in the hotel’s sleek Bar Pendry, this tea is centered around three tea-based cocktails including the gin and chartreuse “Bergamot Haiku.” Yuzu curd tarts, grilled pear and chicken sandwiches, and other treats are also on the menu. Make time for a trip to the hotel’s rooftop for a stunning view of the blooming cherry blossoms along Hains Point, just across the river. Dates: March 1 to April 30.  Price: $80 per person.    Fairmont Hotel location_onWest End languageWebsite Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotel. The Fairmont’s cherry blossom afternoon tea is served overlooking the cherry trees in the courtyard. Enjoy a welcome glass of Rosé Chandon or a cherry blossom-themed cocktail served alongsidesweet treats such as sakura jelly cheesecake and cherry craquelin choux and savory bites such as duck prosciutto and smoked trout roe tea sandwiches. Dates: Friday, Saturday and Sundays from March 20 to April 12.  Price: $115 for adults and $65 for children 5-12.    Waldorf Astoria location_onDowntown DC languageWebsite Photo courtesy of Waldorf Astoria. This tea, served in the Clock Tower’s atrium, is perhaps one of the grandest in the area. The soaring space is decked out in pink petal decor and elaborate floral installations to celebrate the season. Afternoon tea centers around Japanese tea varieties including jasmine, lychee, rose, and candied cherry blends, with accompanying bites such as matcha tarts, sakura rice shortbreads, and black sesame caramel and lychee rose scones. Those who want to go all out can upgrade their experience to include a bottle of Champagne and the hotel’s fanciest china. Dates: Thursdays through Sundays through May 10.  Price: $120 per person.    Tea Around Town location_onAround DC languageWebsite Riding around the city in a sightseeing bus might not be your usual cup of tea, but this experience may tempt you. Tea Around Town transforms a double-decker sightseeing bus into a mobile tea party complete with floral displays, live entertainment, and a route that takes you past many of the city’s iconic landmarks. Tea is served in tumblers to account for any bumps in the road, along with scones, pastries, and savory sandwiches. Dates: Daily.  Price: Starting at $75 per person.   Salamander DC location_onSouth of the National Mall languageWebsite Photo courtesy of Salamander DC. Served in the light-filled lobby lounge, the hotel’s tea includes a Japan-inspired menu that includes smoked duck tartlets, matcha financiers, yuzu cheesecake petite fours, and strawberry sakura scones. Dates: Wednesday through Sunday from March 7 to April 19. Price: $115 per person.   The Hay-Adams location_onDowntown DC languageWebsite Photo courtesy of the Hay-Adams. Spend a Sunday afternoon in the Lafayette Dining Room. The hotel’s cherry blossom tea is centered around Viennese-style pastries, classic tea sandwiches, and scones (don’t skip the dark chocolate cherry scone). This year, the hotel is offering a cherry blossom hot chocolate option served tableside with homemade marshmallows, a sakura purée, whipped cream, and cookies for an additional $16. Dates: March 15, 22, and 29. Price: $100 for adults and $45 for children 4-12.   Omni Shoreham location_onWoodley Park languageWebsite While the Omni’s Alice in Wonderland-themed tea is a regular occurrence, the whimsical experience gets a fresh look for cherry blossom season. Stop by on Saturday afternoons when the hotel transforms its lobby with live performances of traditional Japanese music. In the adjoining tearoom, the “Mad Hatter Menu” features Japanese sencha tea as well as kid-friendly savory and sweet snacks and glasses of bubbly for accompanying adults. Dates: Saturdays from March 21 to April 4. Price: Starting at $86 for adults and $40 for children.The post 12 Spots for Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea Around DC first appeared on Washingtonian. ...read more read less