Since their introduction to the country in 1900, blooming cherry trees have signified the beginning of springtime and highlighted the natural beauty of the changing seasons. Visitors come from all over the country to view the beautiful cherry blossoms in full effect.
This is where you can see cherry blossoms in their most lavish glory this spring.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn, New York
The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is home to some of the most beautiful cherry blossom trees in the U.S. Stroll through rows and rows of over 200 blossoming trees from late March through early May. The popular Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival draws tens of thousands of tourists to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to celebrate Japanese heritage and cherry blossoms.
National Mall
Washington, D.C.
Cherry blossom trees are a familiar landmark in Washington, D.C. The U.S. capital is the best place to see cherry blossoms in the country, attracting millions of tourists and photographers from around the world each spring. For some spectacular views of the cherry blossoms, walk, bike or ride the DC Circulator through the National Mall. D.C. also hosts the nation’s largest one-day celebration of Japanese culture and cherry blossoms, the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival.
Japanese Garden in Delaware Park
Buffalo, New York
The annual Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in Buffalo’s famous Olmsted Park System. For a gorgeous scenic walk in Buffalo, follow Delaware Park’s pathway surrounded by picturesque cherry blossom trees and a quaint lake. The hillside Japanese Garden hosts the largest concentration of cherry blossom trees in Delaware Park, and incorporates features replicating the well-known Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa, Japan.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Portland, Oregon
The Tom McCall Waterfront Park, situated on the edge of the Japanese American Historical Plaza, is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in the U.S. The Plaza was built in 1990 to honor the hardships Japanese immigrants suffered coming to America and the injustice imposed by the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Stunning cherry blossoms line the downtown plaza parkway during the spring months.
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
Since 1962, the University of Washington has been synonymous with cherry blossoms. About two miles of over 100 flowering cherry trees line the university’s campus, leading to the central quad from March to May each year. The display of Yoshino cherry trees is a spectacular sight for the university’s students and professors, as well as visitors who come from all over the country.
Dallas Arboretum
Dallas, Texas
If you’re wondering where to see cherry blossoms in Dallas, look no further than the Dallas Arboretum. The expansive gardens are home to over 150 flowering cherry trees during the springtime. The arboretum hosts one of the largest annual floral festivals in the Southwest called Dallas Blooms. Enthusiasts celebrate spring, enjoying drinks, talks and concerts at the six-week event with the beautiful backdrop of cherry blossom trees and thousands of other spring flowers.
