Spring in New York is definitely my favorite season. The weather gets significantly better, sun is shining and the nature is quickly waking up. Along with those changes cherry blossoms appear around New York City creating such a fairytale atmosphere. To admire them you can explore parks, visit Botanical Gardens or enjoy annual cherry blossom festivals. Although, many of the festivals in New York City are still on hold in 2022 you have other options available. Here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in New York City this Spring.
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When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in New York?
Usually late March is when they start to appear. Although you should monitor the situation since every year it might be a bit different depending on weather conditions.
You might also want to check out Central Park New York, Four Seasons Guide – What To Expect
Best places to see blooms:
Central Park
Central Park is packed with many beautiful cherry blossoms. Just walk around and explore stunning colorful trees that are spread pretty much along the entire park. If you are looking for the highest concentration here is a list of top Central Park spots:
- Pilgrim Hill -located near the Conservatory Water by 72nd Street off of Fifth Avenue
- The Reservoir – located Mid-Park between 86th and 96th
- Great Lawn – it’s a 55-acre area located mid-park from 79th to 85th Streets
- Cedar Hill – located right inside the 79th and Fifth Avenue entrance of Central Park and stretches up to the East Side drive
- South of Cedar Hill – between 74th and 77th Streets
You might also find some around:
- Behind the Met Museum – between 80th Street and 84th Street
- Bethesda Fountain – between 70th Street and 74th Street
- Belvedere Castle – located at the top of the huge rock outcrop known as Vista Rock around 79th Street
Peak viewing opportunities are from April to May but for more accurate information check out CentalPark.com
Grand Central (Park Ave)
Here is a combo of iconic Park Avenue with a view on Grand Central with cherry blossoms lining up the avenue. It is a great place to stop by while wandering around Manhattan.
Madison Square Park
There are big beautiful cherry blossoms all over the park with stunning views on the Flatiron Building as the backdrop. This is very popular location for photographers. Keep in mind that peaks are pretty late here.
Washington Square Park
Washington Square is surrounded by cherry trees and offers a great opportunity to capture amazing shots with the famous Arch in the background. This is another location loved by photographers and many others who come here to relax. This is pretty crowded area. The trees bloom irregularly so you might find some to be ready earlier while other tend to peak weeks later.
Laduree
One of the top instagrammable locations for Spring time in New York. Laduree cafe located in Soho has stunning outside patio filled with cherry blossoms. It’s a perfect place for a romantic date or brunch with friends. Don’t forget to make a reservation – it gets packed quickly.
Riverside Park
This park has its own Cherry Walk that is four-mile long along the Hudson River. Beautiful Cherry Trees were gifted from the Committee of Japanese Residents of New York decades ago. You can spot them between 100th and 125th streets.
Roosevelt Island
Gorgeous cherry blossoms there are mostly spread along the west side of the island. As a bonus you get amazing views of NYC skyline. You can take a tram to get there which costs the same as subway. Roosevelt Island is definitely the prime location in Spring time.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Brooklyn. Every year Botanical Garden hosts the Sakura Matsui, annual cherry blossom festival that quickly gathers the crowds. Plan your visit in advance: check the live updates when the trees are at their peak on Cherry Blossom Map and get your ticket early ($18 for adults).
Queens Botanical Garden
Queens Botanical Garden is located at 43-50 Main Street in Flushing, Queens. The garden will give you a feeling of a nice city park and is not so overwhelming like magnificent Central Park. You will find some diversity of plantings along with stunning cherry blossoms. Great place to spend some time here if you are in the area.
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is not only famous for US Open Tennis Tournament but also it’s a great place to admire stunning cherry trees located around interesting Globe Statue. Also, they host the annual Sakura Matsui Cherry Blossom Festival.
Randall’s Island Park
Randall’s Island located on the East River between East Harlem, the South Bronx and Astoria, Queens features a park with waterfront views of the East River. You can simply admire cherry blossoms while walking or cycling along the pedestrian trails.
Little Island
Little Island, located in Meatpacking District, offers views of stunning Akebono Yoshino cherry trees alongside 66,000 blooming spring bulbs including tulips, daffodils, and lilies. 2022 is the island’s first Spring season!
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