Best Places To See Cherry Blossom in NYC 🌸

The Ultimate Guide to Viewing Cherry Blossoms in New York City

Cherry blossom season in New York is one of the most beautiful times of the year. With the city transforming into a picturesque canvas painted with hues of pink and white, now is the perfect time to experience the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms. Whether you're a lifelong New Yorker or just visiting, this guide will provide all the information you need to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in New York City.

1. When is Peak Cherry Blossom Season?

Peak cherry blossom season tends to happen closer to the end of March and early April and can continue through May. You can now visit the Great Lawn in Central Park to see cherry blossoms. According to Central Park's tracker website, Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, and Sheep Meadow trees are still pre-peak. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden’s map shows that most of its cherry blossoms are in the pre-bloom stage at the moment.

2. Where Can You See Cherry Blossoms in NYC?

Some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC include the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Central Park, and the Queens Botanical Garden. These locations often hold cherry blossom festivals or events to celebrate the blooming season, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and cultural activities.

Cherry Blossom NYC Central Park: Central Park is currently one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in New York City. Some Instagram-worthy spots to capture the beauty of spring and Central Park New York cherry blossom include:

• Cherry Hill: With its enchanting path lined with cherry trees, Cherry Hill offers a perfect backdrop for dreamy photoshoots. The pink and white blossoms create a magical atmosphere, ideal for capturing the essence of spring.

• Pilgrim Hill: This area boasts some of the fullest and most vibrant cherry blossoms in the park, making it an excellent spot for striking photos. The colorful blooms against the greenery of the hill create a captivating scene for your Instagram feed.

• Bridle Path at 90th Street: The Bridle Path offers a classic view framed by cherry blossoms, providing a serene setting for elegant photoshoots. The gentle curve of the path and the blossoms overhead make for a picturesque scene.

• East Drive at 66th Street: Here, you can capture the beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom against Central Park's iconic landscape backdrop. The vibrant colors of the blossoms against the lush greenery of the park make for stunning photos.

• East Side of the Reservoir: This area offers a tranquil setting for capturing the beauty of cherry blossoms reflected in the calm waters of the reservoir. The picturesque path lined with blossoms creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for capturing peaceful moments.

Save this Google Map for the cherry blossom NYC central park.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden Cherry Blossom: The Brooklyn Botanical Garden boasts one of the city's most well-known collections of cherry blossoms. While their famous Japanese Sakura Matsuri festival is on hold, you can still enjoy the cherry blossoms during the Cherry Blossom Esplanade event. The garden offers extended hours and outdoor programs during the cherry blossom season. Two events happening this spring that you can’t miss in Brooklyn Botanical Garden are:

• Hanami Nights: Enjoy cherry blossoms lit up on Cherry Esplanade, stroll through Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and Cherry Walk, do origami, and see bonsai in Lillian and Amy Goldman Atrium. Includes live entertainment, Japanese beer, sake, and food from Sunrise Mart. Tickets vary from $12-$18.

• Spring Gala 2024: Join an enchanting evening celebrating plant collections and pollinators' roles. The Gala supports the Garden's maintenance, programs, and community. Tickets: $750-$5,000, tables for ten from $15,000. Menu by Union Square Events with fresh, sustainable ingredients.

Some iconic spots to take pictures with Brooklyn Botanical Cherry Blossom include:

• Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden: This peaceful place has cherry trees near a pond. They bloom early, and you can see them looking lovely. There's also a tree with pale-green blossoms near a waterfall.

• Cherry Cultivars Area: You'll find many kinds of cherry trees here. Some bloom early, while others bloom later.

• Cherry Walk: This path has beautiful pink cherry trees. They make a lovely tunnel of flowers when they bloom. Some of these cherry trees are really old!

• Cherry Esplanade: This is where the cherry blossom season ends with a big show! There are lots of cherry trees here, and they all bloom together. It looks amazing!

• Osborne Garden: When you enter this area, you'll see two big cherry trees welcoming you. There are more cherry trees here, too, with different kinds of blossoms.

These spots in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden are perfect for enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms. Save the curated Google map for the cherry blossom spot in the garden. Don't forget to bring your camera to take lots of pictures!

Hunter's Point South Park: Hunter's Point South Park is a beautiful waterfront park in Long Island City, Queens, offering breathtaking vistas of the iconic Manhattan skyline and the tranquil East River. The delightful canopy of cherry blossoms adorning its walkways makes this park even more enchanting. Getting to Hunter's Point South Park is convenient and affordable, as you can hop on the ferry or the train for just $2.75. This makes it easily accessible for visitors from different parts of the city. Once you arrive, you'll be in a spacious and welcoming environment, perfect for a relaxing picnic with your loved ones. The park is also dog-friendly, making it an ideal destination for furry friends to enjoy a day out with the family.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens: Less crowded than Central Park, it's a hidden gem with attractions like a zoo and museum. It's a short journey away after visiting Hunter's Point South Park. It's known for its iconic globe photo spot and nearby cheap food options at Flushing Main Station.

Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom: Traverse the island's scenic paths or a tram ride offering unparalleled views of New York's skyline. With panoramic views of Manhattan and the East River, it's a serene spot for enjoying the blooms.

3. How Long Do Cherry Blossoms Last in New York?

The blooming period of cherry blossoms in New York typically lasts for about one to two weeks once they reach full bloom. However, factors such as weather conditions and the specific variety of cherry trees can affect the duration of the blooming period.

4. When Should You Go for Cherry Blossoms?

The best time to see cherry blossoms is during the peak bloom period when the flowers are at their fullest and most vibrant. However, since the blooming period can vary yearly, you must check the latest updates from resources like the Central Park Conservancy's Cherry Blossom Tracker and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden's Cherry Blossom Tracker to plan your visit accordingly.

Cherry blossom season in New York City is a magical and ephemeral moment you won't miss. With iconic locations like Central Park and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden offering breathtaking displays of cherry blossoms, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of these delicate flowers. Whether taking a stroll through Central Park or attending special events at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, be sure to plan your visit during the peak bloom period for the most enchanting experience. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery and create lasting memories of cherry blossom season in NYC!

Save my Cherry Blossom Google Map to find all the cherry blossom places near you.

Check out my other blogs here.