See cherry blossoms this side of the Potomac, escape to secret gardens and pose in front of colorful murals for the ultimate spring Instagram adventure in Alexandria, VA. When the weather warms and the city welcomes sunny spring days, photograph signature spring scenes, from charming pastel doors to enchanting river views to picture-perfect statement walls. We’ve scouted our top spots below:

Alexandria’s Own Cherry Blossoms

From delicate white Yoshinos to fluffy pink Kwanzans, cherry blossom trees abound in Alexandria, making for photogenic fixtures alongside historic red brick sidewalks and colorful rowhomes. The bright side of the blossoms drifting down to make way for greenery? A delicate petal shower on the sidewalk makes for an unexpected photo op—try the 100 block of Wolfe Street.

Spring-Themed Old Town Doorways

Stroll through Old Town long enough, and you’re sure to stop in your tracks in front a picturesque pastel home or charming door. Come spring, you’ll find adorable adornments ranging from lemon wreaths to Easter egg décor and more. Start scouting at the 500 block of S. Lee Street, 200 block of N. St. Asaph St. or 400 block of S. Fairfax St.

Blossom-Bedecked Yagút St.

Opening just in time for spring, Yagút St. in Old Town North welcomes patrons with floral-clad walls, artistic eats and a neon sign encouraging a treat. Pose in front of the shamelessly showy décor with a scoop of Vietnamese-inspired gelato flavors, vibrant bubble tea, homemade pastries and more.

*UPDATE: Yagút St.‘s in-store dining will be temporarily closed as of March 17, 2020. Curbside pickup, Doordash delivery and phone orders will be available beginning March 18, 2020. Please check their website and social media channels for further updates.*

Carlyle House Garden

Find yourself spirited away to a secret garden as you explore the quiet oasis behind Carlyle House, a popular spot for engagement and wedding photos. From sprays of purple blooms to stone walls to a secluded gazebo, backdrops abound so you can hide out and snap away.

Lush Wisteria Blooms

Wander beneath the white, purple and pink-hued wisteria that emerges in the late spring and early summer around Alexandria. Find fragrant, sophisticated pink blooms simply begging for a photoshoot as they hang from the Tricorn Topiary Hat at King Street Gardens Park at the 1700 block of King Street and lavender blossoms<div overflowing atop a weathered brick wall on N. Royal St.

River Views Along the Waterfront

Catch a cool breeze off the river along with glimpses of wildlife as you stroll the Old Town waterfront or the sprawling Mount Vernon Trail. Feel yourself exhale as you photograph fleeting cloud formations, bobbing sailboats, shoreside sunsets and more.

Christ Church Courtyard

Set outside centuries-old Christ Church, the courtyard and cemetery opens up into a sacred escape filled with magnolia trees, azaleas and more.

Old Town Mural on Lee St.

For a color-block pop, step in front of the rainbow-hued mural on the side of the South Block and ALX Community building on S. Lee St.

River Farm

*UPDATE: River Farm is temporarily closed to the public. Please check their website for more information and updates.*

Known as a wedding destination for a reason, River Farm offers a magical springtime escape just four miles south of Old Town. Lose yourself—lens in hand—in the American Horticultural Society’s headquarters as you roam 25 acres of landscaped gardens. Take a picnic to enjoy as you capture the tiniest, mesmerizing details or zoom out for panoramic Potomac River views.

Yellow Statement Wall by the Water

Looking for a sunny statement wall? Stroll down The Strand by Big Wheel Bikes and scope out the vibrant yellow wall facing the waterfront for a lighthearted spring shoot.

Check out more Alexandria Insta inspiration here and don’t forget to tag #visitALX for the chance to be featured.

Header Image Credits, left to right: : Instagram users @millgrimage, @explorealexandria and @lorienhotelandspa