Cherry blossom season is one of the best times to experience the beauty and charm of spring — the season of flowers. Cherry trees blossom in parks across the five boroughs — explore some of the best spots to see one of the most anticipated spring momentsin New York City.
When is Cherry Blossom Season?
It varies everyyear! Okame cherry trees (which have tiny pink flowers with red calyxes) are the first to bloom, usually around mid-to-late March, followed by the more famous Yoshino (white/ light pink flowers)and Kwanzan cherry trees (fluffy pink flowers), which usually blossom in April. As the wave of cherry blossoms arrives, the flowers for each species usually are in bloom for about two weeks.Follow us at @nycparks to findthe best time to go see them!
Sakura Park, Manhattan
Photo by Adrian Sas/NYC Parks
Sakura means cherry blossom in Japanese, so what better place to experience cherry blossom season in New York City than at the park named just for it!The cherry trees in this park were giftedfrom Japan in 1912.Dozens of Yoshino cherry trees blossom here, usually in early April.
Visit Sakura Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks
Experience the arrival of cherry blossom season at the "world's park"! Thisnot-to-be-missed grove of Okame cherry trees is usually the first to blossom in New York City. See them near the Unisphere!
VisitFlushing Meadows Corona Park
Silver Lake Park, Staten Island
Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks
The poetry of spring delights at the lakeside in this beautiful Staten Island park. And it's not just the Kwanzan cherry blossoms that add to its spring beauty, there are also crabapples and red maple trees, too!The lake isalso probably where famed poet Audre Lorde found some inspiration, as she lived just blocks away from this park. The lake's eastern promenade was recently renamed in her honor.
Visit Silver Lake Park
Randall's Island Park
Photo by Adrian Sas/NYC Parks
Every year, cherry blossomseason is celebrated on this island in the East River with our friends at Randall's Island Park Alliance. This year'sfestival takes place on May 1 and includes paper flower making, kite flying, face painting, and, of course, cherry blossoms!
Learn more about Randall's Island Park's cherry blossom festival
Rainey Park, Queens
Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks
May we suggest cherry blossom season with a cityscape? This cute little neighborhood park springs to lifewith Okame cherry blossomsalong the promenade. As the season progresses,Kwanzan cherry trees will be in bloomon the lawns.
Visit Rainey Park
Central Park, Manhattan
Photo by Adrian Sas/NYC Parks
Immerse in the waves of cherry blossom season in the heart of Manhattan at three key spots in Central Park. In early spring, head to the bridle path on the west side to see the Okame cherry trees. See the Yoshino cherry trees in bloom at their namesake, Cherry Hill, and near the reservoir. Come back later in cherry blossom season to stroll under thiscanopy of Kwanzan cherry trees at the reservoir.
Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
Photo by Malcolm Pinckney/NYC Parks
Make spring feel like a getaway with a trip to City Island for fresh air, seafood, and cherry blossom spotting! Our city's largest park features a charming display of Yoshino cherry blossomsnear the City Island Bridge.
Visit Pelham Bay Park
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn
Photo by Adrian Sas/NYC Parks
Add this one to your bucket list! The grove of cherry blossoms at this famous garden in Prospect Park is worth the trip! Come walk under a sky of pink cherry blossoms when the trees are in full bloom.
Track peak cherry blossom season at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Hunter's Point South Park, Queens
Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks
If Yoshino cherry trees are your favorite, be sure to check out the cherry trees at this beautiful waterfront park in Long Island City. The trees wrap around the oval and look out to a stunning view of the Midtown Manhattan skyline.
Visit Hunter's Point South Park
Riverside Park, Manhattan
Photo by Adrian Sas/NYC Parks
Head to Cherry Walk for a runway offluffy flowers, from the pink tufts of the Kwanzan cherry bloomsto the even fluffier bunches of crabapple blossoms. See it between 100th Street and 125th Street.
Visit Riverside Park
Honorable Mention
- Sunset Park, Brooklyn
- Conference House Park, Staten Island
- Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan
- Cunningham Park, Queens
- Maria Hernandez Park, Brooklyn
- Snug Harbor, Staten Island
- Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Spring Fun Guide
Visit our Spring Fun Guide to explore more ways to celebrate spring in New York City! Check out our spring tracker, spring playlist, tree planting opportunities, Urban Park Ranger tours, and much more!
