We’ve bundled up in our winter coats long enough! Spring is officially here in NYC and we are ready to see the colors change across the cityscape from browns to greens, pinks, and yellows. Spring Bloom is one of the most special times in the city and cherry blossom trees are amongst the earliest (and certainly the most coveted) of flowers to bloom. Here are the top 20 places you can see cherry blossom trees in bloom in NYC this spring.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a must-visit destination in the springtime. The garden’s cherry blossom collection includes over 200 trees of different varieties, including the popular Yoshino cherry blossom. You can stroll through the garden’s Cherry Esplanade and the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Ticket prices to the gardens are $18 for Adults, $12 for Seniors, and children under 12 are free.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has a map on their website highlighting which trees are in pre, peak, and post bloom.
Of course Central Park makes the list – it is the mecca for all things floral in NYC. The park has a variety of cherry blossom trees, including the Yoshino and Kwanzan varieties. You can find cherry blossom trees at the following locations: Around the CP Reservoir, the Great Lawn, Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, and Sheep Meadow.
The Conservancy has a map highlighting which trees are in pre, peak, and post bloom.
Adventure off to Roosevelt Island and get a sky-view of the Cherry Blossom trees when you tram onto the tiny island. The trees are perfectly located along the island’s waterfront promenade where you can get views of flowers, the East River, and the Manhattan skyline. You’ll also find cherry blossom trees around the island’s Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park.
Randall’s Island is another fun adventure to get to from Manhattan. The island is situated in the East River as an intersection between Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. You can take a stroll along the island’s waterfront pathways to see the cherry blossom trees in bloom. You’ll also find cherry blossom trees near the island’s soccer fields and track and field facilities.
The Queens Botanical Garden is a peaceful oasis in the middle of bustling Queens. You can stroll through the garden’s curved walkway at Cherry Circle to see the cherry blossom trees in bloom. Several trees have been adopted in honor of loved ones marking the walkthrough even more special.
Riverside Park actually has it’s own designated Cherry Walk which runs for a continuous 4 miles from 72nd street to 158th street along the Hudson River. The Cherry Blossom trees are predominantly between 100th and 125th streets. Residents often flock to the pathway to enjoy a run or bike ride come Spring.
A little spooky – but also gorgeous is Green-Wood Cemetery: a historic landmark in Brooklyn near Sunset Park. The cemetery is world famous, and the final resting home to some of Brooklyn’s most famous residents. Throughout the cemetery are several Cherry Blossom trees amongst the many headstones.
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is home to the Queens Botanical Garden and also has its own collection of cherry trees. The park’s Cherry Walk, located near Meadow Lake, features a long row of cherry trees in full bloom during the spring.
The Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is located on Staten Island and features a variety of gardens, including a beautiful cherry blossom grove. The grove is located near the Chinese Scholar’s Garden and features a mix of Yoshino and Kwanzan cherry trees.
Wave Hill is one of the best secret gardens in NYC located in the Bronx nearby to Yonkers. While we admit the park is best in summer when the gardens are lit up with all sorts of colorful flowers, Spring is also a fun time when some Cherry Blossom trees start to pop-up. The best place to see the cherry blossoms is near the Pergola.
Located in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden is a magical place and also a stunning spot to witness cherry blossoms in full bloom. With over 200 cherry trees of different varieties, visitors can stroll through the garden’s Cherry Walk and Sakura Matsuri festival, which celebrates Japanese culture and tradition.
The NYBG has a page highlighting which plants are at peak blooms.
Overlooking the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade offers a picturesque location to view cherry blossoms in bloom with background views of the Brooklyn Bridge & East River. Visitors can walk along the scenic promenade, which runs for 1.3 miles and is lined with cherry trees that burst with color in the spring.
Located in Long Island City, Queens, Hunter’s Point South Park is a waterfront park that offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. In the spring, the park’s cherry trees come into bloom, making it a popular destination for picnics and strolls. The park is known for their Yoshino cherry trees lining the walkway.
Located on the North Shore of Staten Island, Silver Lake Park is home to beautiful cherry blossom trees that line the lakeside and are the perfect spot for a peaceful walk or picnic. The walking trail runs around the whole lake and you’ll also find a lot of greenery in addition to the pink cherry trees.
Located in Manhattan’s East Village, Stuyvesant Square is a charming park that offers a tranquil oasis in the midst of the city. In the spring, the park’s cherry trees burst with color, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Get a little slice of history with your cherry blossom tour. The Lewis Latimer House is a historic house museum located in Flushing, Queens. The home was constructed between 1887 and 1889 in the Queen Anne architecture style. The house has been preserved back-in-time and there is a beautiful Cherry Blossom tree out front.
Another place for prime cherry blossom viewing is at the United Nations Headquarters, in Midtown East along the East River. The UN’s gardens are home to a diverse array of cherry blossom trees that bloom each spring. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and marvel at the beauty of the delicate pink and white blossoms, which are a symbol of renewal and hope.
Sakura Park, located just a stone’s throw away from Columbia University, boasts a stunning collection of cherry blossom trees on their vast field. The park was originally created as a gift from Japan to the United States in 1912. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the park and admire the delicate pink and white blossoms, with beautiful views of Riverside Church in the background.
Make your reservations to Ladurée in Soho restaurant. While this place is worth a visit every day of the year – it really shines the most during the Cherry Blossom bloom. The entire outdoor courtyard is filled with cherry trees. Pro-tip: the best time to go is slightly after the peak season when the ground becomes totally pink with fallen flowers.
Take a short adventure outside the city to Branch Brook Park in Newark, NJ. If you’re taking public transit, you can take the train to Newark Penn Station and then switch to the Light Rail train which drops you off at the park. The park features more than 5,200 cherry blossom trees. Check out their festival calendar to see activities held in the park between April 1 – April 15.
