It's cherry blossom season, but Washington DC isn't ready to open up Top Searches It's cherry blossom season, but Washington DC isn't ready to open up AP / Updated: Apr 1, 2021, 17:45 IST FacebookTwitterLinkedinEMail Washington remains largely locked down because of the coronavirus pandemic. AP Photo WASHINGTON: Officials in the nation's capital are watching the crowds as cherry blossom season begins in earnest. The distinctive white and pink petals reached full bloom last Sunday, about a week earlier than expected. It's an event that normally brings in thousands of visitors and signals the unofficial start of DC's peak tourist and convention season. But Washington remains largely locked down because of the coronavirus pandemic, with limitations on outdoor gatherings and Smithsonian museums and galleries and its National Zoo shuttered.