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, grab your face mask and 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.

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.

Tide Lock Park

Head to Tide Lock Park at 1 Canal Center Plaza in Old Town North, home to the “Promenade Classique,” a neoclassical sculpture by French artists Anne and Patrick Poirier. Amidst waterfalls and pools, discover marble eyes, a jaw fountain and an obelisk doubling as a miniature Washington Monument. 

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. For murals, take a stroll among Del Ray’s murals or embark on an Old Town Art Photo Walk.

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.

Public Art Along Holmes Run Trail

Visit the Holmes Run Trail in Alexandria’s West End to stroll beneath artist Cristina Fletcher’s spring installation, “Flock.” Fletcher’s piece includes some 100 laser-cut polycarbonate birds fluttering from the trees, casting colorful shadows on the trail.

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