It’s that time of year again when Washington, DC comes alive in cheerful shades of pink and white, marking the onset of spring and a time of renewal and celebration in the nation’s capital. The city’s annual cherry blossom season is just about in full bloom, with experts predicting the peak to occur between March 20 and April 13, culminating with the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 13. But the festive trees bloom throughout the spring around the city, making the entire season a wonderful time to visit.

The District of Columbia features one of the largest collections of cherry blossom trees in the country. In 1912, 3,000 Yoshino cherry blossom trees were given to the city by Japan as a gesture of lasting friendship and peace. Many of these original trees were planted around the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial, adjacent to the National Mall.

Taking the train to Washington, D.C. through the month of April is made even more special because Amtrak’s Union Station acts as the annual headquarters for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, offering special events and official merchandise to visitors all month long. The station is centrally located in downtown D.C., within walking distance of hotels and many of the most popular of the city’s landmarks. In addition to the Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington D.C. plays host to a wide range of events and festivals throughout the spring, offering something for every traveler!

Here are just a few of the Amtrak Vacations journeys that include our nation's capital:

• Washington, D.C. Ultimate Getaway
• New York City and Washington, D.C.
• Grand Rail Experience
• Washington, New York, and Niagara Falls
• American Heritage