15 Stunning Places to See Cherry Blossoms Across the U.S.
Cherry blossoms are one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles, symbolizing renewal, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. From coast to coast, cities and parks celebrate the arrival of spring with vibrant displays of cherry blossoms that attract thousands of visitors.
Look for the New Jersey location that may suprise you!
Here’s a guide to 15 stunning places across the U.S. where you can witness these breathtaking blooms.
The Washington Monument viewed through Washington D.C.’s famous cherry blossoms. Photo by Haoshuang Lou
1. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is home to the most famous cherry blossom display in the U.S. Thanks to a gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Japan in 1912, Washington, D.C., celebrates the blooms with the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. Visitors flock to the Tidal Basin to view the blossoms against the backdrop of iconic monuments like the Jefferson Memorial. Peak bloom typically occurs in late March or early April, drawing in crowds eager to experience this stunning natural display.
2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York
The Cherry Esplanade at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of New York's best places to witness cherry blossoms in full bloom. The garden features more than 200 cherry trees and celebrates the beauty of the blooms during the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival), where visitors enjoy cultural performances and a serene stroll among the vibrant blossoms. Late April is generally the best time to visit.
3. Macon, Georgia
Macon is known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. With more than 350,000 cherry trees, the annual International Cherry Blossom Festival turns the city into a sea of pink in mid-March. The Yoshino cherry trees that populate the city streets, parks, and homes make for an unforgettable sight during this time.
4. San Francisco, California
The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco’s Japantown is one of the largest cherry blossom festivals outside Japan. Held over two weekends in April, the festival features not only the beautiful cherry blossoms but also cultural events and parades that celebrate Japanese culture.
5. Seattle, Washington
In the spring, Seattle’s University of Washington campus becomes a must-visit location thanks to its cherry blossom trees, especially in the Quad. Visitors can walk beneath a canopy of blossoms, typically in full bloom by late March or early April. The campus’s cherry trees have become iconic, drawing both locals and tourists alike.
6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Fairmount Park is home to over 1,000 cherry trees, many of which were gifts from Japan to celebrate the friendship between the two nations. The annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival in April combines cultural performances with the natural beauty of the trees, offering a unique experience for visitors.
7. Boston, Massachusetts
In Boston, the Charles River Esplanade offers a stunning view of cherry blossoms along the water with the city's skyline in the background. These trees typically bloom in April and attract nature lovers who enjoy a stroll through the park while soaking in the pink and white blossoms.
8. St. Louis, Missouri
Missouri Botanical Garden offers a serene location to view cherry blossoms, typically blooming in early April. The park’s Japanese Garden is one of the largest in North America and offers visitors a peaceful environment to enjoy the season’s blooms.
9. Nashville, Tennessee
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville hosts a beautiful display of cherry blossoms in its gardens each spring. The blooms are typically at their peak in March, offering visitors a tranquil escape surrounded by the pastel hues of the blossoms.
10. Newark, New Jersey
Spring Cherry Blossoms
Photo by Brett Sayles
Newark's Branch Brook Park is home to the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the U.S., with more than 5,200 trees. The park's Cherry Blossom Festival is held in April and draws thousands of visitors each year to view the stunning trees that line the park’s paths and fields.
11. Denver, Colorado
The Denver Botanic Gardens boasts cherry blossom trees that bloom in early April. Visitors to the gardens can enjoy the pink blossoms while also exploring the serene surroundings, making it a perfect place for a springtime outing.
12. Salem, Oregon
Capitol Mall Park in Salem is a beautiful location to see cherry blossoms in late March. The cherry trees lining the mall create a striking visual against the backdrop of the state capitol building, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors.
13. Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City is well-known for its cherry blossoms, especially since it’s a region famous for cherry production. While the focus is typically on cherry fruit, the spring blossoms that arrive in late April are equally enchanting. The surrounding orchards and landscape offer a unique viewing experience.
14. Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Botanic Garden and Jackson Park are two fantastic locations to see cherry blossoms in Chicago. In early April, the trees in these parks create a sea of color, drawing locals and tourists who come to enjoy the fleeting blooms.
15. Portland, Oregon
Portland Cherry Blossoms
Photo by Brett Sayles
The Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland features cherry blossom trees that bloom in early April, offering a stunning view along the city’s waterfront. The trees were a gift from the Japanese Grain Importers Association in 1990, symbolizing the strong ties between Portland and its sister city of Sapporo, Japan.
When to Plan Your Visit
The exact timing of cherry blossom blooms varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions. Typically, peak bloom occurs in late March through mid-April. If you’re planning a trip to see cherry blossoms, it’s best to check local bloom forecasts in advance to ensure you don’t miss the display.
A Spring Tradition Not to Miss
Cherry blossoms have become a beloved symbol of spring in many parts of the U.S., and these 15 locations offer some of the most stunning displays of nature’s beauty. Whether you visit Washington, D.C.’s iconic Tidal Basin or explore one of the lesser-known cherry blossom destinations, witnessing these trees in full bloom is an experience that stays with you. Be sure to mark your calendars for late March to early April and explore the beauty that cherry trees bring to the landscape.
Sources:
https://www.afar.com/magazine/12-places-to-see-cherry-blossoms-in-the-united-states
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/cherry-blossom-bloom-predictions-spring
Photo by Haoshuang Lou: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pink-cherry-blossom-998958/
Photo by Brett Sayles: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pink-petaled-flowers-closeup-photo-992734/
Photo by Brett Sayles: https://www.pexels.com/photo/beautiful-cherry-blossom-20414909/