Cherry Blossom Season (Washington, D.C.)

Cherry Blossom Season is a lottery you will lose: peak bloom lasts a mere 4 days and shifts unpredictably by up to 2 weeks each year. The Tidal Basin draws 1.5 million visitors annually, causing 3-hour gridlock on surrounding streets. You are 70% more likely to encounter bumper-to-bumper traffic than to find a clear photo spot. This chaos costs $25 in parking fees alone, a price 50% higher than the average national park visit. It outperforms #7 Halloween Horror Nights only in its ability to disappoint without warning.