NYC cherry blossoms are quite a sight to see! These beautiful plants are a popular springtime attraction and can be found across multiple different parks in the city. As the seasons change, folks will want to catch these eye-popping flora when out and about. Luckily, cherry blossoms are pretty abundant in each borough, so don’t worry about having to endlessly scour park after park in search of them. This handy guide will give you crucial insight into all the best places to see the cherry blossoms in New York.
When are they in bloom?
The exact peak bloom (when the cherry blossoms are at their best) depends on the weather and the specific park. Typically, they reach their peak between late March and early May, but recent years have seen them blooming much earlier than usual.
Where can I see them?
Brooklyn
Prospect Park
A low-key spot to catch the blossoms at their height! Cherry trees can be found near the park’s entrance at Grand Army Plaza and along the stone path in the Long Meadow. Bring a picnic blanket and set up camp right underneath these gorgeous trees.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
In the past, the Botanic Garden celebrated the changing seasons with its annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival. These days, the Weekends in Bloom celebrations are held on select Saturdays and Sundays between late April and mid-May.
While exact dates have not been announced yet, expect pop-up music and dance performances, cultural programs, tours, and other fun activities for folks to enjoy. All programs are free with Garden admission and tickets are $18 for adults, while kids under 12 can enter for free with a guardian.
McCarren Park
This popular park is the perfect halfway point between Williamsburg and Greenpoint and offers a relaxing green space for all manner of sports, sunbathers, and sight-seers. For an extra treat, consider visiting McCarren at night when the cherry trees are all set to light up!
Manhattan
Central Park
A variety of different cherry trees can be found across the vast acres of Central Park. Some popular locations inside the park include The Conservatory Garden, Cherry Hill, and The Reservoir. Check out the official Cherry Blossom Tracker on their website for more information on where else to go, when to go, and what to see. Bring a pair of walking shoes and be prepared for crowds as the springtime gets to be very busy.
Randall’s Island Park
A premier East River recreation destination uniquely situated between Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens. Keep an eye out for more information on the Earth Day Festival, a seasonal event that will include a cherry blossom tour with a Horticulturist, Japanese folk dancers, and cherry blossom-themed face painting and glitter tattoos.
Roosevelt Island
Another hidden oasis in the East River provides stellar waterfront views of Manhattan. Take a stroll underneath the shade of the massive cherry trees or just sit down on a bench to appreciate the scenery. The Roosevelt Island Tram leaves from 59th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan every 7-15 minutes and is the ideal way to get there.
Queens
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Hundreds of cherry trees can be found throughout the park, and are particularly captivating as visitors head west on the promenade toward the Unisphere and Astro View Towers. A variety of different trees were donated to Corona Park by the Japanese American Association and the Cherry Association of Japan.
Hunter’s Point South Park
Phenomenal views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline from Long Island City with a ring of Yoshino Cherry trees adorning the waterfront park to tie it all together. The Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the United Nations Headquarters can all be seen from Hunter’s Point.
Staten Island
Silver Lake Park
Cherry Blossoms were planted here in the 1970s and have beautifully dotted this idyllic park for generations to see. Take a trip down to the northern lakeside for the best view of the trees Silver Lake has to offer.
The Bronx
Pelham Bay Park
New York City’s largest public park boasts a wide assortment of cherry blossoms near the City Island Bridge. Head to the southeast side of the park to get the best view possible.
