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 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOP-3 ACTIVITIES TO DO RIGHT NOW

 NEED HELP? LET US HELP YOU EXPERIENCE NYC YOUR WAY WITH OUR EXCLUSIVES™ 

 

 
 

CHERRY BLOSSOMS - THE INSTAGRAM REEL


 
Tour Company meets luxury dmc in New York City
Tailored Journeys
Trusted Bookings
Top-Rated Escapes
Your vacation, your way!
Flexible Travel
COMPLIMENTARY CANCELLATION OPTIONS

Embrace the freedom of stress-free planning. With our flexible cancellation policy, you can adapt as your plans evolve. Enjoy the liberty to change with most of our services and tours.

*Exclusions apply, see individual tours for details.*
be free!
Testimonials & Reviews
"Excellent firms don’t believe in excellence – only in constant improvement and constant change." – TOM PETERS
4.9
Based on 250 reviews
What They
Say
Giuseppe M. | Google
5-Star Review on Google
Excellent guide, excellent organisation, Irene always ready to respond, available in every topic with competence, you can feel the passion for her work. Her voice accompanied our tour, we will miss you!

From Google - January 2024
Antonella G. | Google
5-Star Review on Google
I am the owner of a Travel Agency. We are Italian in Erba, Eolo travel, I brought a small group and I entrusted myself to Tony. We received great service from start to finish. Punctuality and excellent guides.Thank you for the wonderful experience!!!

From Google - May 2024
Breanna A. | TripAdvisor
5-Star Review on TripAdvisor
Irene was a FANTASTIC tour guide! She was so knowledgeable about the area and was so patient with all our questions. We stopped to use the bathroom and we got coffee halfway through, she was so kind! It was a pleasure learning about Brooklyn from you!

From TripAdvisor - April 2022
DCA1014 | TripAdvisor
5-Star Review on TripAdvisor
I’m the biggest fan of Fall activities, but haven’t had a chance to do anything beyond Apple Picking in NJ. I decided to take a last minute 2 day trip with a friend in Hudson Valley, but didn’t know where to start [...] Thankfully I was able to use New York Welcome to do the hard work for us [...]

From TripAdvisor - October 2021
Carmine S. | Google
5-Star Review on Google
An extraordinary experience: I had the pleasure of having Irene as my guide for two days and thanks to the passion she puts into guiding you through the streets of NYC, the anecdotes, the trivia she lets you discover, and the facets she shows during the tour you can't help but fall even more in love with this wonderful city.

From Google - February 2024
Erica F. | Google
5-Star Review on Google
[...] unique, very professional, courteous, friendly we can only write positive adjectives, you made us feel at home and have the desire to return. Super recommended. Erica, Marco, Annalisa and Giuseppe.

From Google - December 2023
Keena B. | TripAdvisor
5-Star Review on TripAdvisor
The SATC walking tour is fabulous! Our tour guide was amazing. Friendly, helpful, accommodating and so knowledgeable about the city. It was essentially 2 tours in 1. SATC and visits to historical places in the city. I give this tour 5 stars and definitely recommend. Grab your walking shoes and schedule one today!

From TripAdvisor - August 2021
Amber M. | Google
5-Star Review on Google
Our family had a wonderful experience seeing Ellis Island and Liberty Island! Irene was very knowledgeable and engaging for our three children ages 5, 9, and 12. We will definitely book again with her [...]

From Google - November 2022
Giorgia M. | Google
5-Star Review on Google
We did 2 tours together with our guide Irene in one day, Hoboken and the East side. What can I say, in addition to the wonderful places, she has made everything more magical [...]

From Google - January 2023
Pierangelo G. | TripAdvisor
5-Star Review on TripAdvisor
Irene? as I have already said elsewhere, she truly deserves all the compliments that are paid to her. Available, friendly, prepared, in short, if you need an Italian speaking guide in New York, she is the right person. You deserve 5 stars and more!

From TripAdvisor - April 2024
We are social Join our community of over 350K Followers!
Office
Manhattan - NYC
New York, NY 10029
Ph: +1 (646) 596-9011
info@newyorkwelcome.net
MY CART
Loading...
CHECK-OUT
Loading...
PAYMENT
Secure Checkout in a few steps
Item cart added