The Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms In NYC!
Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Erin Donahue
Even though it’s officially spring as of March 20, it’s not really spring until the cherry blossoms start blooming in NYC. New York City in spring is absolutely magical! With the warmer weather comes an extra pep in your step. Seeing cherry blossoms in NYC in particular is a major draw for both locals and tourists. Over the years, I’ve found these to be the best places to see cherry blossoms around New York City!
Map of Cherry Blossoms in NYC
A Little Bit Of NYC Cherry Blossom History
In my article about the Washington DC cherry blossoms, I mentioned that the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin were a gift from the people of Japan to the US in the early 1900s. This same history applies to New York as well. Japan presented 3,020 cherry trees to commemorate the friendship between the two nations. The cherry trees that came to New York were planted in what is now known as Sakura Park, located in the Riverside area of Morningside Heights.
Surprisingly, it’s not that popular of a spot, but let’s explore several other locations that you must check out if you want to see cherry blossoms in NYC.
When is the best time to see the blooms in NYC?
In NYC specifically, peak bloom typically occurs mid to end of April. It’s heavily dependent on the weather, but I always gauge it to be about two to three weeks after the peak blooms in Washington DC happen. That being said, there are a variety of blooms happening and overlapping with each other. There are phases to the blooms, like the magnolias which bloom first earlier in the spring like March, followed by the Yoshino cherry blossoms which are the white with pink flowers which are considered the main show. The National Park Service benchmarks these cherry trees at Tidal Basin to determine when peak bloom is and the same sentiment carries over to NYC, even though we don’t really have anyone determine peak season here. Lastly, there’s the fluffy pink Kwanzan’s, also known as Kanzan, to end the season late April.
The flowers from buds to the final stage extend for about one week, but peak bloom can literally happen overnight. If you want to catch them at their most fluffy, you need to be prepared! Make sure to have a game plan if you want to hit up all of these locations when you’re in New York City!
Schedule of the Cherry Blossoms In NYC
For most people, it might seem like the blooms all look the same, but for cherry blossom nerds (and scientifically speaking), there’s a distinct difference.
- Mid to late March: Magnolias blossoming.
- Late March to late April: pink and white Okame and Yoshino cherry blossoms.
- Mid-April to late May: Japanese flowering cherry “Kwanzan” or “Kanzan” blossoms.
Of course, there are other species too, but these are the big 3 everyone takes pictures of.
Where To Find Cherry Blossoms In NYC
Washington Square Park
The first signs of spring in New York City herald their arrival at Washington Square Park. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by the delicate pink and white star-shaped star magnolias, nestled near the iconic arch and along the park’s perimeter. Amidst the colorful trees, both Yoshino and Kwanzan/Kanzan cherry blossoms burst into bloom later in the season. These blossoms, adorning the park’s landscape, mark the beginning of a new season and attract visitors and locals alike to revel in the beauty of nature’s awakening.
Grace Church
In the East Village, Grace Church stands adorned with vibrant magnolia trees, their blossoms contrasting the front of the French Gothic Revival-style building. This historic Episcopalian church, steeped in tradition, has been a cornerstone of New York City since its establishment in 1808. The colorful magnolia trees juxtaposed against the timeless architecture create a picturesque scene, inviting passersby to pause and admire the beauty that transcends time.
Address: 802 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island is an absolute must to check out! It’s so popular here during the day though, so if you want to come here when it’s empty, you’re going to have to come early at sunrise, which is usually at 6:30 am. There are three ways to get there, either by the F train, the tram, or walking across the Roosevelt Island Bridge. The tram is one of the cutest novelty experiences that everyone should do at least once in New York!
The ‘Instagrammable spot’ is on the south side of the Queensboro Bridge, right along the riverside. The tree tunnel here makes for really good compression shots. If you walk a little further north along the river though, (the right side of the bridge) there are significantly fewer people and you can get a beautiful frame of the bridge and sunset without your view being blocked!
Central Park
There are SO MANY spots in Central Park to see cherry blossoms! I didn’t realize how many locations I had pictured in my archives, but these have been amassed over the years. If you’re trying to hit a bunch of spots in a short period, having a strategy is crucial! Cherry Hill is probably the most popular spot and for good reason. They get incredibly fluffy and the way they frame the San Remo building in the background, it looks like a floating castle in the sky!
Other notable spots in Central Park include:
- Cherry Hill
- The Lake
- Pilgrim Hill
- Bethesda Fountain
- Behind The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)
- The Obelisk (Cleopatra’s Needle)
- Bridle Path
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
- Conservatory Garden
- Nell Singer Lilac Walk
- Delacorte Theater
Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is a cherished public green space situated in the bustling center of Manhattan’s Flatiron and NoMad districts. Surrounded by iconic architecture, the park offers a unique blend of art and horticulture exhibitions that change every couple of months. It serves as a versatile space, functioning as a public garden, a playground, an open-air museum, a dog park, a performance venue, a gathering place, and a sanctuary for visitors and locals alike. Fun fact: I went to college in the area and would commute to the 23rd St. subway station.
When facing south, the Flatiron Building provides a beautiful background with cherry blossoms in the foreground. However, the building has been under construction for years and has hideous scaffolding all over it. The transformation from an office building to luxury housing is expected to take at least three years, as of October 2023.
Address: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
Additional places to see cherry blossoms in Manhattan
- West Village
- Streets of Soho
- Riverside Park Cherry Walk
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the reigning Kwanzan/Kanzan cherry blossom champ. They have an esplanade dedicated to rows of cherry trees that look so fluffy and beautiful! There’s a bloom tracker on their website that allows you to watch the progress of their flowers blooming. They also host the annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival during this time, which covers and educates how these beautiful flowers are intertwined with Japanese culture.
If you can go during the week in the morning, it’s so quaint and peaceful. There aren’t that many people there which is a big departure from the weekends where it’s a mad house. It does cost money to go in, but there are discounts for both students and seniors.
Be sure to give yourself extra time to walk around other parts of the campus and outside in front of the Brooklyn Museum. It’s a pretty big campus.
Address: 990 Washington Ave Brooklyn, NY 11225
Additional spots to see cherry blossoms in Brooklyn
- Prospect Park
- Green-Wood Cemetery
Gantry Plaza State Park
The ultimate spot to see Yoshino cherry blossoms in NYC is across the East River, at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. Yoshino cherry trees line the turf field of Hunters Point South, and when there’s a fiery sunset, the view of the skyline is absolutely incredible! I can’t get enough of it. I’m a bit biased, but Gantry Plaza is unbeatable if you’re seeking cherry blossoms with the most stunning New York City skyline view. It’s hands down my favorite spot because of the gorgeous sunsets that illuminate the skyscrapers all year round.
Address: Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
To discover Yoshino cherry blossoms further into Queens, head to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This is the filming location of the first Men in Black movie, and you’ll find iconic landmarks such as the Unisphere and NY Pavilion nearby, alongside the Queens Museum and Arthur Ashe Stadium, home of the US Open. It’s an expansive area perfect for a leisurely stroll.
If you’re a Mets fan, you’re probably familiar with the route. Simply take the 7 train to 111 St. or the Mets-Willets Point stop.
Address: Grand Central Parkway and, Van Wyck Expy, Queens, 11354
Astoria
For a true hidden gem in NYC, venture to Rainey Park in Astoria, Queens. It has some of the densest Kwanzan/Kanzan cherry blossoms in the city. This park remains undiscovered by many, frequented mainly by locals to the area. Most likely because it’s not easily accessible via public transportation. Its partial views of the NYC skyline, including One Vanderbilt, make it a worthwhile inclusion. Plus, it’s another excellent spot to catch a stunning sunset!
Address: 34-24 Vernon Blvd, Queens, NY 11106
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Walking through the cherry blossom-lined streets is a peaceful and relaxing experience. The soft pink petals and fragrant blossoms create a serene ambiance.
The cherry blossoms often hold cultural or historical significance, representing renewal, hope, and the fleeting nature of life.