Where to see cherry blossoms around New York City

03/28/2023

Your Guide to New York's Cherry Blossom Season

The arrival of spring signifies different things for different people, but for most New Yorkers, it means the Cherry Blossom Season is finally here. Cherry Blossom trees, also known as Sakura, frame the New York City skyline in delightful shades of pink and white. After a long hard winter, the season of renewal is upon us, and there is no better way to usher it in than by exploring the colorful and scenic side of the city. We are sharing with you some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in New York City, including those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to fill your camera with unforgettable memories.

ADMISSION TICKET REQUIRED

Brooklyn Botanical Garden: Millions of visitors visit this garden annually to witness these beautiful trees bloom during the Sakura Matsuri Festival. This year the event will look a bit different since the BBG is launching "Hanami Nights" on Tuesday, April 25 & Tuesday, May 2, 2023, 5–8 p.m. For the first time, we will have the chance to spend an evening under BBG’s exquisite flowering cherry tree collection which includes Yoshino, Kanzan, and Okame Trees.

The New York Botanical Garden: Over 200 flowering Cherry Trees find home in the the Bronx. We recommend visiting the Cherry Collection along with the Arthur & Janet Ross Conifer Arboretum.

FREE - NO ADMISSION REQUIRED

Central Park: The Central Park Conservancy offers guided cherry blossom walking tours, which is an excellent way to learn about the different varieties of cherry that can be found in the park. The two major species are the Yoshino and Kwansan, which bloom in late April and early May.

• Cherry Hill by Bow Bridge (West Side along 72nd Street)
• The Bridle Path along the Jackie O’Reservoir (West Side and East Side between 90th)
• The Conservatory Garden (5th Avenue & 103rd Street)

Roosevelt Island: The popular East River walkway features the Kanzan variety of cherry blossom trees. The colorful arches serve as a picturesque background for a perfect photo opportunity. You can take the tram or ferry to explore the area around this unique oasis overlooking Manhattan.

Randall’s Island: A lesser-known destination on this list, the cherry blossom park at Randall's Island is home to several hundred cherry blossom trees donated by the Japanese Government. The unique species of cherry blossoms you will get to see here include the Shirofugen, a variety of white cherry blossom that is absolutely breathtaking.

The Brooklyn Heights Promenade: The cherry blossoms here are a sight to behold, and the location doesn't disappoint either. With an unobstructed view of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge, this is a perfect place to take a stroll while marveling at the breathtaking view and colorful blooms.

Long Island City Waterfront: Don't miss a stroll along the Hunter's Park Waterfront to admire the Cherry Trees perfectly framing the Midtown Skyline including Summit, Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.

In conclusion, New York City in the spring is a magical place to be, and the colorful cherry blossoms only add to the city's charm. From the Brooklyn Botanical Garden to Randall’s Island, there are several places to see these beautiful trees in full bloom. During Cherry Blossom season. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the vibrant and colorful side of New York City.

BONUS: A CHERRY BLOSSOM FOR EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD 

According to the NYC Parks Department, there are 6,700 cherry trees in city parks, and more than 34,000 street cherry trees planted around New York City and its 5 boroughs. You might have one (or more)  right by your own front door! Whether you are in Manhattan, Queens, Bronx or Brooklyn you can rest assured there is a Cherry Tree for every neighborhood in this city. 

• Sakura Park (Morningside Hights)
• Columbia University (Morningside Hights)
• Riverside Park (Upper West Side)
• Washington Square Park (West Village)
• Queens Botanical Garden (Flushing Meadows- Ticket required)
• Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (Queens)
• Little Island (Meatpacking District)
• Cadman Plaza Park (Downtown Brooklyn)
• Green-Wood Cemetery (Brooklyn)
• Snug Harbor Cultural Center (Staten Island)

ABOUT THE CHERRY TREES

There are over 20+ different subspecies of Cherry Trees, some bloom in the Spring and some in the Fall, and the bloom lasts typically between 1 to 2 weeks. According to Japanese culture, the cherry blossom, or Sakura, symbolizes renewal and the beauty and brevity of life.

Although, Cherry Blossoms are mostly associated with Washington DC and New York City, the first cherry blossom trees in the U.S. were actually planted in Maryland. Likewise, DC nor NYC have the largest collection. It's actually Macon, Georgia the capital of the elegant tree with a collection of more than 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees.


WHERE: Around New York City

BLOOMING SEASON:

Mid-to-late April into early May depending on the season and tree(s) variety. “Peak” is defined when 70% of the blooms are open.

THE MAP - CHERRY BLOSSOM LOCATIONS IN NYC YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS

THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS - PHOTO GALLERY 

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