Back from my trip and just wanted to say "thanks" to all the kind folks who posted suggestions here. I ended taking the Metro to Arlington Cemetery and walking over to and around the tidal basin from there, and then out to my meeting near DuPont Circle. The cherries were definitely way past peak and Sunday was grey and windy but I still enjoyed the exercise and there's some nice tulip beds on the walk over as well.

Over on the District side it is of course a tourist zoo, but it's fun seeing many folks coming for the cherries and there were scads of kites flying on the Mall!

thanks again for all the great advice ^