Where to See Cherry Blossoms in the U.S.

Cherry blossom season is one of the most magical times of the year, with streets and parks transforming into pink and white floral paradises. While Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms, you don’t have to travel that far to experience these breathtaking blooms! The U.S. is home to many stunning cherry blossom destinations, from iconic spots like Washington, D.C. to hidden gems in cities across the country.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to see cherry blossoms in the U.S., must-visit cherry blossom festivals, and top tips for planning your spring travel destinations. Let’s dive in!

History of Cherry Blossoms in the U.S.

 

The Washington, D.C. Connection

Cherry blossoms first arrived in the U.S. as a gift from Japan in 1912, when Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki donated over 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, D.C. as a symbol of friendship. Today, these trees continue to bloom annually around the Tidal Basin, creating one of the most famous cherry blossom in Washington DC experiences.

Japanese Cultural Influence

Cherry blossoms, also known as sakura (桜), symbolize renewal and the fleeting nature of life. Japanese-Americans and cultural organizations have played a vital role in maintaining and expanding cherry blossom plantings throughout the U.S., leading to numerous cherry blossom festivals and dedicated gardens across the country.

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in the U.S.

1. Washington, D.C.

📍 Where to Go: The National Mall, Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park
📅 Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April
🌸 Highlights: Home to the world-famous National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, D.C. is the best place in the U.S. to see cherry blossoms. With over 3,700 cherry trees, the city is a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike.

2. Athens, Ohio

📍 Where to Go: Hocking River, Ohio University
📅 Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-April
🌸 Highlights: Ohio University is home to 200 Somei Yoshino trees, a 1972 gift from Japan’s Chubu University. These trees create a stunning springtime display along the Hocking River.

3. Bethesda, Maryland

📍 Where to Go: Kenwood Neighborhood
📅 Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April
🌸 Highlights: A lesser-known alternative to D.C., Bethesda’s Kenwood neighborhood features 1,200 cherry trees lining the streets, creating a breathtaking floral canopy.

4. Boston, Massachusetts

📍 Where to Go: Charles River Esplanade, Public Garden
📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid to late April
🌸 Highlights: Boston’s largest cherry blossom concentration is found along the Charles River Esplanade, with other blooms scattered in the Public Garden, South End, and North End.

5. Brooklyn, New York

📍 Where to Go: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-April
🌸 Highlights: The Brooklyn Botanic Garden boasts over 200 cherry trees of 26 different species, making it one of the best places in New York City to see sakura. Visit during the Sakura Matsuri Festival for a full experience.

6. Chicago, Illinois

📍 Where to Go: Jackson Park, Japanese Garden
📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid to late April
🌸 Highlights: Located on Wooded Island, Jackson Park’s Japanese Garden features 160 cherry trees, originally planted to commemorate the 1983 World’s Fair.

7. Cincinnati, Ohio

📍 Where to Go: Ault Park, Sawyer Point, Bellevue Beach Park
📅 Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-April
🌸 Highlights: Cincinnati is home to over 1,000 cherry trees, with Ault Park offering two picturesque groves perfect for springtime viewing.

8.  Dallas, Texas

📍 Where to Go: Dallas Arboretum
📅 Best Time to Visit: Late February to early March
🌸 Highlights: Over 150 cherry trees bloom along the central walkway at the Dallas Arboretum, best viewed during the Dallas Blooms Festival.

9. Fort Worth, Texas

📍 Where to Go: Fort Worth Botanic Garden
📅 Best Time to Visit: Late February to early March
🌸 Highlights: The 7.5-acre Japanese Garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a serene setting for cherry blossom viewing in Texas.

10. Los Angeles, California

📍 Where to Go: Lake Balboa Park, Huntington Library, Descanso Gardens
📅 Best Time to Visit: February to March
🌸 Highlights: Lake Balboa Park in Van Nuys boasts over 2,000 cherry trees, making it one of the best places to view sakura in California.

11. Macon, Georgia

📍 Where to Go: Downtown Macon, Cherry Blossom Trail
📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-March
🌸 Highlights: Known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World, Macon is home to 350,000 cherry trees. The annual International Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-visit.

12. Nashville, Tennessee

📍 Where to Go: Nashville Public Square, Various City Parks
📅 Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April
🌸 Highlights: Over 1,000 cherry trees have been planted throughout the city since 2009, making Nashville a beautiful destination for cherry blossom lovers.

13. Newark, New Jersey

📍 Where to Go: Branch Brook Park
📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-April
🌸 Highlights: Home to 5,000 cherry trees, Newark’s Branch Brook Park has more blossoms than Washington, D.C.! Visit during the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival.

14. New Haven, Connecticut

📍 Where to Go: Wooster Square
📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-April
🌸 Highlights: Featuring over 70 Yoshino cherry trees, Wooster Square creates a picturesque tree tunnel perfect for springtime strolls.

15. New York, New York

📍 Where to Go: Central Park, Roosevelt Island, Flushing Meadows
📅 Best Time to Visit: Late March to mid-April
🌸 Highlights: While Brooklyn Botanic Garden is popular, Central Park and Roosevelt Island also offer stunning cherry blossom displays.

16. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

📍 Where to Go: Fairmount Park, Shofuso Japanese House & Garden
📅 Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-April
🌸 Highlights: Philadelphia is home to 2,000 cherry trees, many gifted by Japan in 1926.

17. Portland, Oregon

📍 Where to Go: Japanese American Historical Plaza, Washington Park
📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-April
🌸 Highlights: Portland’s Japanese American Historical Plaza boasts 100 Akebono cherry trees, offering a stunning spring landscape.

18. Salem, Oregon

📍 Where to Go: Oregon State Capitol Mall
📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-April
🌸 Highlights: Salem’s 151 Akebono cherry trees bloom each spring, earning the city its Cherry City nickname.

19. San Diego, California

📍 Where to Go: Balboa Park, Japanese Friendship Garden
📅 Best Time to Visit: February to March
🌸 Highlights: Balboa Park’s 200 Pink Cloud trees bloom beautifully each spring.

20. San Francisco, California

📍 Where to Go: Japantown, Golden Gate Park
📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-April
🌸 Highlights: San Francisco’s Japantown hosts a vibrant Cherry Blossom Festival every year.