The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC in 2025
Spring in New York City is a magical time, and one of the highlights is the blooming of cherry blossoms across the city. If you're looking for the best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC, you’re in for a treat. From iconic parks to hidden gardens, these blossoms transform the city into a pink and white wonderland.
Whether you’re strolling through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden or enjoying the blooms in Central Park, cherry blossom season offers plenty of opportunities to soak in the beauty of spring. These delicate flowers are perfect for a peaceful escape or a vibrant photo session.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the top spots for cherry blossoms in NYC. No matter where you are in the city, there’s a place nearby where you can experience these breathtaking blooms.
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Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC: A Brief Intro About Cherry Blossom Season
Before diving into all of the best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC, let's learn a bit about the blooming of this unique tree.
Does NYC Have Cherry Blossoms Every Year?
Yes, NYC has cherry blossoms every year, typically blooming in the spring from late March to early May, depending on the weather.
The exact timing can vary, but parks and gardens across the city, such as Central Park, Roosevelt Island, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, are known for their annual display of these beautiful blooms.
How Did Cherry Blossoms Get to NYC?
Cherry blossoms were introduced to NYC as part of cultural exchanges and beautification efforts in the early 20th century.
Many of the trees were gifted by Japan to the United States to celebrate friendship, with several plantings occurring around the same time as the famous gift of cherry blossoms to Washington, D.C., in 1912.
Why Did Japan Give the US Cherry Blossoms?
Japan gifted cherry blossoms to the United States as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between the two nations. The most famous gift was in 1912, when Japan sent 3,020 cherry trees to Washington, D.C.
This gesture commemorated the growing diplomatic relationship and has since become an enduring cultural connection celebrated annually during cherry blossom festivals.
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Why Does NYC Have So Many Cherry Blossoms?
NYC has so many cherry blossoms because of historical plantings tied to cultural celebrations and ongoing efforts to beautify the city.
Parks like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden have curated cherry blossom collections over the decades, with trees added to enhance the city’s green spaces and provide residents and visitors a connection to nature and international traditions.
When to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC
Now that you know a bit about cherry blossoms in NYC, it's time to learn about the timing.
Cherry blossom season is a delicate topic, as every year and each place can be different around the world.
However, we're here to try and help you be as prepared as possible, so that you can plan accordingly!
What Season is Best for Cherry Blossoms?
Cherry blossoms only bloom once a year, and stick around for just a few weeks. They bloom in the springtime, transforming parks and gardens into vibrant displays of pink and white.
When Can You See Cherry Blossoms in NYC?
You can usually see cherry blossoms in NYC from late March to early May. The timing varies depending on the weather, but April is generally the best month to catch the blooms at their peak.
The further south you go, the earlier cherry blossoms bloom, which is why Washington DC will have its bloom before NYC. If you want to extend your cherry blossom adventures, you can also head upstate New York, where they'll bloom a little later.
What Week is Best to See Cherry Blossoms?
The best week to see cherry blossoms in NYC depends on the weather each year. Typically, the peak bloom period occurs in mid to late April, when the flowers are at their fullest and most colorful.
It's wise to keep an eye out for the blooms in Washington DC, because the best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC will start to bloom a bit after.
There are also weather reports that will have up-to-date predictions about the bloom!
All of these photos were taken across a few week span.
How Long Do Cherry Blossoms Last?
Cherry blossoms generally last about 1-2 weeks once they start blooming. However, this depends on weather conditions; wind and rain can shorten the bloom period significantly.
It's also important to note that there are different species of cherry blossoms, and some bloom earlier, while others bloom later, so you can actually enjoy cherry blossoms all over NYC for quite a few weeks!
Some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC had up to 3 weeks to enjoy the cherry blossoms, because of the diversity of the different trees in the same area.
There are a variety of different cherry blossoms to enjoy, which bloom at different times.
What Month Do Cherry Blossoms Stop Blooming?
Cherry blossoms in NYC typically stop blooming by early May. By mid-May, most of the petals have fallen, marking the end of the season.
How Long Does Cherry Blossom Full Bloom Last?
Full bloom, or “mankai” as it’s called in Japan, lasts for about 4-7 days. During this time, the trees are at their most vibrant, with nearly all the flowers open and on display. The trees can last up to 2 weeks though before losing all of their petals.
What Happens to Cherry Blossoms After Full Bloom?
After full bloom, the cherry blossoms begin to fall, creating a beautiful “sakura snow” effect. The petals gradually drop, carpeting the ground in pink and white, and signaling the end of the bloom period.
Then the trees are simply green, and won't start to form flowers again until the following year.
Are There Still Cherry Blossoms in May?
Yes, there are often still cherry blossoms in early May, especially in cooler areas or with late-blooming varieties like the Kanzan cherry trees. However, most trees will have finished blooming by mid-May.
Now with Global Warming it's a bit more difficult to predict when the cherry blossoms will last until. In 2024, by the end of April most of the trees had lost their petals.
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The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC: Where to See Cherry Blossoms in New York City
So now that you know when to see the cherry blossoms, it's time for the fun stuff! Here is everything you need to know for the best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC.
Where is the Best Place to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC?
There are plenty of incredible places to see cherry blossoms in NYC! You can experience them in the parks of Manhattan, scattered through random streets, and even in the surrounding boroughs.
Here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in NY:
- Central Park
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Roosevelt Island
- Randall's Island
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Madison Square Park
- Washington Square Park
- Greenwood Cemetery
- Sakura Park
- Riverside Park
There are a ton of places to see cherry blossoms in NYC.
Are Cherry Blossoms in Central Park?
Yes, Central Park is home to several cherry blossom trees, particularly in areas like the Cherry Hill section, the Ramble, and near the Bethesda Terrace. It’s one of the best spots to witness the stunning blooms during spring.
As it's totally free and has such a variety, it's certainly one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC, especially for photographers and those that want to take part in special photoshoots.
How Many Cherry Blossoms are in Central Park?
Central Park has over 200 cherry blossom trees scattered throughout the park. The majority of these trees are located in the areas around Cherry Hill, the Ramble, and near Bethesda Terrace.
Where Can I Watch Cherry Blossoms in Central Park?
You can watch cherry blossoms in Central Park in several spots! Here are a few of of the best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC's biggest park:
- Cherry Hill
- Bridle Path
- Great Lawn
- Bridge Path
- Pilgrim Hill
- Sheep Meadow
Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill is special to us because of its famous fountain used in the intro of F-R-I-E-N-D-S (the best show in the world obviously). But all around the area of the fountain there are beautiful views, and plenty of blooming cherry blossoms.
Bridle Path
This stunning spot is a small pathway lined with cherry blossom trees with iconic views of San Remo in the back.
Great Lawn
The most magical collection of Higan cherry trees in Central Park can be found at the southwest corner of the Great Lawn, and something that makes them special is that they can bloom earlier, and even twice in a season!
Pilgrim Hill
This hill is popular for sledding in the winter, picnicking in the summer, and for admiring the incredible cherry blossoms surrounding its statue in the summer.
Sheep Meadow
Walk along the west side of Sheep Meadow and you can catch a group of bright and beautiful Higan cherries in full bloom.
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Central Park Bonus
Apart from all of the best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC's Central Park, we have a few more fun spots!
While this article is about the best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC, we'd also like to give an honorable mention to the magnolias that are in bloom. They also have a short blooming period, are pink, and bloom at around the same time, which makes some people mistake them for cherry blossoms.
Here are some incredible places in Central Park to enjoy the magnolias in bloom:
- Shakespeare Garden
- Conservatory Garden
- The Obelisk
- Alice in Wonderland statue
- Engineer's Gate
Which Park Has the Most Cherry Blossom Trees?
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is known for having the most cherry blossoms in NYC. The garden is home to over 200 cherry trees, particularly concentrated in the Cherry Esplanade, a dedicated area featuring many different varieties of cherry trees.
It is one of the most popular spots in the city for cherry blossom viewing during the spring season.
In addition to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Central Park also has a significant number of cherry trees, but the Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers the densest and most diverse cherry blossom display in NYC.
When Can You See Cherry Blossoms at Brooklyn Botanical Garden?
Cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden typically bloom in mid to late April, although the timing can vary slightly based on the weather. The peak bloom period is usually in the second to third week of April.
The Best Places to See the Cherry Blossoms in NYC Outside Central Park & Brooklyn Botanic Garden
While the most honorable mentions for the best places to see cherry blossoms are Central Park and Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, let's not forget about the other great areas to visit!
Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island offers a more tranquil, hidden experience for cherry blossom viewing. A stroll along the Roosevelt Island Waterfront provides picturesque views of the cherry blossoms along the paths, with the backdrop of the East River. It’s a peaceful, less crowded spot to enjoy the flowers.
Randall's Island
Randall’s Island is a hidden gem, and a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.
In spring the island features a beautiful collection of cherry blossoms scattered across the park. You can enjoy these blooms as you explore the island’s various trails and gardens.
The cherry trees add a touch of color to the green spaces, making it a lovely spot for a springtime picnic or stroll.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
This is probably our favorite place to see cherry blossoms in NYC!
The Flushing Meadows Corona Park has an incredibly massive globe called the Unisphere, that is located in a (round) plaza surrounded by nature. In spring the cherry blossoms bloom giving the perfect frame to this already incredible monument.
Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park, located in the heart of Manhattan, boasts a small but lovely collection of cherry blossoms.
The trees here create a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city, offering a serene spot to relax and enjoy the spring air.
The park’s setting, surrounded by historic buildings, makes it a unique place to witness the beauty of cherry blossoms in an urban environment.
Washington Square Park
With its iconic arch, Washington Square Park becomes even more picturesque when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
The trees around the park’s pathways provide a beautiful display of pink and white flowers, creating a vibrant, lively atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to relax, enjoy the blossoms, and people (or pigeon)-watch.
Greenwood Cemetery
Located in Brooklyn, Greenwood Cemetery is not only a historic landmark, but also a beautiful place to view cherry blossoms in spring.
The cemetery is home to numerous cherry trees, particularly around its Gothic arches and winding paths. The peaceful environment and stunning blooms make it a unique and reflective place to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Sakura Park
Located in Morningside Heights, Sakura Park it's no surprise that this is a great choice for cherry blossom lovers, as this park was specifically designed with cherry trees in mind!
Each spring it transforms into a beautiful display of pink flowers, offering a calm, scenic atmosphere with views of the Grant's Tomb.
Riverside Park
Stretching along the Hudson River in Manhattan, Riverside Park features several cherry blossom trees, especially in the area near 116th Street.
The park provides breathtaking views of the river, and the cherry blossoms add an extra layer of beauty to this scenic location. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing walk or picnic while enjoying the gorgeous spring blooms.
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The Best Places to See the Cherry Blossoms in NYC: BONUS
If you're planning on visiting NYC, but want to explore a nice hidden gem not too far from the city, then consider heading to New Jersey!
Branch Brook Park has over 5,200 cherry blossom trees, and even holds a festival each year with music and food trucks!
Stay tuned for next week's article, where we share the entire experience of celebrating the cherry blossom festival at Branch Brook Park in New Jersey.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC: How We Capture the Beauty
As photographers, we absolutely love cherry blossom season, and it's truly one of the best ways to welcome the spring after a super cold winter in New York.
Here are some of our photography gadgets used to capture the cherry blossoms:
- Mirrorless Camera: Sony Alpha 7riii
- Standard Lens (for a variety of focal points): Sony GM 24-70)
- Wide Lens (to capture more trees in one frame): Sony GM 14 mm
- Telephoto Lens (to bring buildings in the back closer to the trees in the frame): Sony GM 70-200
- Action Camera: We use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small and with the extra long selfie stick can be used like a drone
- Tripod (to take photos on our own): Rangepod Tripod
- Presets: We use our own Scratch Your Mapa Presets (these ones with the Into the Wild Preset Collection)
Cherry Blossom Photoshoots in NYC
Are you looking to capture stunning photos at some of the best cherry blossom photo spots? Well, we do professional flying dress photoshoots in the springtime, so that you can make the most of this magical season.
Want to learn more? Head over to our other site, Flying Dresses New York.
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We hope you enjoyed our list of the best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC! As a local, I love sharing unique places and things to do around the city.
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