Where to See Cherry Blossoms: 24 Enchanting Cities in the US

Close Up of Cherry Blossoms

Spring represents a time of rebirth and optimism as the cold days of winter melt away, and one of the prettiest symbols of the new season are the delicate pink blooms of cherry blossom trees. Although Washington, DC, may be the most famous spot to view these beautiful blooms, it’s not your only option. Here’s where to see cherry blossoms in the US, besides the nation’s capital.

Perhaps it’s because I lived in the Washington, DC, area several times growing up, but when I think of cherry blossoms, I think of just two places — our nation’s capital and Japan. After all, it was this East Asia country that gifted the US the initial 2,000 cherry blossom trees that surround the Potomac River-fed Tidal Basin and adorn the nation’s capital with perfect pink flowers. But it’s possible to admire these delicate pink blooms, representing renewal and optimism, from coast to coast.

A cherry blossom background with an assortment of trees with delicate pink flowers.

    

Where is Your Favorite Spot to See Cherry Blossoms?

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First Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
1910 Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: Library of Congress

History of US Cherry Blossoms

Celebrating sakura, or flowering cherry trees, is a centuries-old tradition in Japan. But here in the US, the idea was first suggested in the late 19th century by Mrs. Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore. At a time before women could vote and many women were just gaining the right to keep their wages and own property in their names, Eliza was a writer, photographer, art expert, diplomat, plant enthusiast, and National Geographic board member who loved traveling the world.

In 1885, on her first visit to Japan, she fell in love with the Japanese blossoming cherry tree, calling the delicate pink blossoms “the most beautiful thing in the world.” And when she returned home, she spent more than 20 years trying to persuade the U.S. Army Superintendent of the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds to plant cherry trees along the Potomac.

In 1909, Eliza decided to take a different approach. She sent a note to the new First Lady, Helen Herron Taft, outlining her plan to raise the money to acquire the trees. Once Eliza purchased them, she’d donate them to Washington, DC. Because Mrs. Taft had lived in Japan and was equally captivated by the beautiful flowering trees, she promptly responded.

As luck would have it, Japanese chemist Dr. Jokichi Takamine was visiting Washington, DC, at the time. When he was told that the district wanted to plant cherry trees along the Speedway, he reached out to Yukio Ozaki, the mayor of Tokyo, to recommend that the city gift 2,000 cherry trees to the United States.

Over the years, the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, have become a beloved symbol, where they are celebrated each spring with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. And from coast to coast, these beautiful blooms grace many other cities. They are a testament to the power of nature to bring people together and create lasting friendships across cultures and borders.

Sage Advice: You can learn more about the history of the cherry trees in Washington, DC, at the National Park Service website, including why some of the trees had to be destroyed, what trees the US gifted Japan as a gesture of gratitude, what prompted the Cherry Tree Rebellion, and more!

Two Glasses of Sparkling Drink Under Cherry Blossom Trees During Hanami

Celebrating Hanami, the Japanese Tradition of Cherry Blossom Viewing

Hanami is the Japanese custom of enjoying the fleeting beauty of cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The word “hanami” literally means “flower viewing,” and the centuries-old tradition celebrates the arrival of spring. Every year, people across Japan and around the world gather under these beautiful trees to enjoy picnics, live music, and other festivities. 

However you choose to celebrate hanami, spring, and the blooming cherry trees – whether it’s a simple stroll under a canopy of delicate pink flowers or by attending a cherry blossom festival – here’s where to see cherry blossoms in the US.

Sage Advice: Celebrate spring with a taste of Japan by subscribing to Tokyo Treat. Their special cherry blossom box is available until March 14th and includes a delicious assortment of savory and sweet delights. My favorite treats are the:

  • Ichigo Cream Collon, crispy wafer tubes with strawberry cream on the inside, 
  • Sakura Castella Cake, a cloud-like sponge made with real sakura extract, and
  • matcha latte flavored KitKats.

How I Organize the Country into Regions

Organizing the US into Regions

With 48 contiguous states, the 49th separated by another large land-mass nation, and the 50th in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, there are many ways to separate the United States into regions. Although the US government can’t agree on an approach, and my friends at the National Geographic Society break the nation into five regions

I’ve decided to follow the US Census Bureau’s approach, which means I use four regions: Northeast, South, Midwest, and West. While you are likely to properly place New York in the Northeast, Florida in the South, Kansas in the Midwest, and California in the West, the dividing line between North and South along the Eastern Seaboard can get a little confusing. Per the US Census Bureau, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, DC, are all in the South.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in the Northeast

With some of the harshest winter weather in the nation, springtime in the Northeast is typically a welcome departure from ice storms, thick snow, and freezing temperatures. From New Jersey to New York, here’s where to see cherry blossoms in the Northeast.

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People walking on a path at Branch Brook Park when the cherry blossoms are blooming
Photo Credit: VisitNJ and Essex County

1. Newark, New Jersey

Washington, DC, might be the most famous cherry blossom city on the East Coast, but New Jersey has more cherry trees. One of the best spots to admire the delicate pink blooms of more than 5,300 Japanese cherry trees is Branch Brook Park, which connects the towns of Belleville and Newark. Watch for beautiful flowers to appear on the trees beginning in late March with peak bloom between the second and third week of April.

Pack a picnic and practice hanami while admiring the picturesque views overlooking the lake. Or enjoy a leisurely stroll under a canopy of delicate flowers. History and garden lovers can add a free, self-guided historic tour to their walk by calling 973-433-9047 or scanning the barcode at one of 72 tour stops.

Cherry Blossoms in West Fairmount Park in Philadelphia
Photo Credit: Visit Philadelphia

2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cherry blossoms can be found in various locations throughout Philadelphia, but one of the most popular spots is Fairmount Park. This expansive park is home to over 1,000 cherry blossom trees, and when they bloom in late March or early April, they create an impressive canopy of pink flowers. Visitors can stroll through the park’s many trails and take in the breathtaking scenery. The western section of the park near the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center is where the annual Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival is held and is an especially scenic spot.

But Philly has several other great cherry blossom viewing spots. To catch  the blooms along the Schuylkill River, start at Girard Avenue and Kelly Drive on the east side of the river and continue north on the Schuykill River Trail. Along the western bank of the river, you’ll also see cherry blossoms along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive – from Montgomery Drive to the Falls Bridge.

Columbus Statue in Wooster Square in New Haven CT
Photo Credit: Canva.

3. New Haven, Connecticut

One of the best places to see cherry blossoms in this charming New England city is the Wooster Square neighborhood, where residents worked alongside the Historical Commission and Parks Department to plant more than 70 trees in 1973. Located about six hours up the coast from DC, this city is a great opportunity to see cherry blossoms if you missed your chance in the nation’s capital. Why? Because the trees typically bloom about two weeks later 315 miles north of Washington, DC.

Sage Advice: Want to add a little history into your cherry blossom walk in New Haven? This self-guided Wooster Square walking tour guides you through more than 100 years of history.

4. Boston, Massachusetts

Blooming cherry trees can be found in several locations throughout the city, typically in mid- to late-April. Although the Boston Public Garden is a beautiful spot year round, it’s especially enchanting when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. You’ll also find an explosion of delicate pink and white flowers along the Charles River Esplanade, especially in the section that borders Back Bay. And the Arnold Arboretum on the Harvard University campus is also filled with flowering cherry trees in the spring.

Sage Advice: Whether you visit Boston to view the cherry blossoms or another time of the year, here’s how to experience Boston in 2 days.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Spring
Photo Credit: Canva.

5. Brooklyn, New York

With over 25 species of more than 200 cherry trees, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the premier locations to witness the beauty of cherry blossoms in New York City. The trees typically flower in late March or early April, but you can keep a watchful eye on this year’s bloom at Cherrywatch. Located near the garden’s entrance, the Cherry Esplanade is a popular spot to take a leisurely stroll while admiring the blossoms. And you certainly won’t want to miss the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden – one of the nation’s oldest surviving Japanese gardens. With its serene ponds, meandering paths, and beautiful landscapes, it is a stunning spot in which to usher in spring.

Sage Advice: If you want a quieter place to reflect, surrounded by spring beauty, visit Green-Wood. Yes, it’s a cemetery, but it’s also a world-renowned arboretum. One of the best spots for viewing the cherry blossoms is along the Valley Water pond.

6. Buffalo, New York

In Upstate New York, admire cherry blossoms in Buffalo’s Delaware Park. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the landscape masterminds behind New York City’s Central Park, it’s been hailed one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in the world by U.S. News & World Report.

The cherry blossom trees in Delaware Park typically begin to bloom in late April or early May, and when they do, the park transforms into a sea of pink and white petals, creating a picturesque setting for walks, picnics, and other outdoor activities. While you’ll find cherry blossom trees throughout the park, they are particularly concentrated around Hoyt Lake, casting captivating pink reflections in the still water.

Sage Advice: When you visit to admire the cherry blossoms, be sure to try these famous Buffalo foods. From beef on weck to sponge candy, your tummy will thank you!

Cherry Blossom Festivals in the Northeast

Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival
Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, PA
2024 Dates TBD
More Information

Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival
Branch Brook Park in Essex County, New Jersey
April 6-14, 2024 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
More Information

Cherry Blossom Celebration
Wooster Square in New Haven, CT
2024 Dates TBD
More Information

Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival
Delaware Park in Buffalo, NY
April 27-28, 2024
More Information

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in the South

Because Washington, DC, is home to some of the best-known blooming branches, you might be surprised by some of these destinations in the Southern US – including one city with 75 times more blooming cherry trees than the nation’s capital.

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Cherry Blossoms Around the Tidal Basin Jefferson Memorial Sunrise
Photo Credit: Canva.

7. Washington, DC

As the home of some of the first Japanese cherry trees in the nation and one of the best-known spots to behold their beautiful spring blooms, Washington, DC, is a can’t-miss destination for admiring cherry blossoms. The most popular place to see cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, is along the Tidal Basin. This clover-shaped, man-made reservoir is lined by thousands of cherry blossom trees that stretch into West Potomac Park and onto the National Mall. When they’re in bloom – typically from mid-March to mid-April, the entire area is transformed into a pink and white wonderland.

While the Tidal Basin is one of the most popular spots to view DC cherry blossoms, it’s not the only one. Here are 10 other fantastic spots for viewing cherry blossoms in Washington DC.

Likely to Sell Out
Cherry Blossom Bike Tour in DC
  • Guided, two-hour bike tour around the Tidal Basin and through East Potomac Park
  • Reserve now and pay later
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
Buy Now

Pedal around the Tidal Basin with a two-hour cherry blossom bike tour, or leave the driving to someone else as you sit back and relax on this four-hour cherry blossom bus tour that includes the district’s most famous landmarks.

The historic Waldorf Astoria Washington DC gets all decked out for cherry blossom season. Admire impressive cherry blossom decor, including a 19 foot cherry blossom tree replica in the center of the lobby. Or brush up on your afternoon tea etiquette and enjoy a special cherry blossom tea featuring smoked salmon pinwheel sandwiches, cherry orange scones, raspberry French macarons, and other delightful nibbles.

Related Article: Best Places to Stay in Washington DC Based on Your Itinerary

Cherry Blossom Bus Tour in DC
  • Four-hour, climate-controlled bus tour
  • See key landmarks and monuments, including the White House
  • Reserve now and pay later
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
Buy Now
Kenwood Neighborhood in Bethesda MD - Canva
Photo Credit: Canva.

8. Bethesda, Maryland

If you’re looking for an alternative to the month-long celebration that draws nearly one million visitors to the nation’s capital, then head to Bethesda instead. Just 10 miles north of the Tidal Basin, you’ll find over 1,200 cherry blossom trees lining the streets of the Kenwood neighborhood. They typically reach peak bloom a few days after the trees in Washington, DC, and you can keep a tab on timing via the National Park Service’s Bloom Watch.

Sage Advice: Here’s what you need to know about cherry blossom viewing in Kenwood, including how to get there, where to park, and what to do after you’ve admired the blooms.

9. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Although it’s certainly a longer distance from DC than Bethesda – about 3-½ hours –  Virginia Beach is another great cherry blossom viewing spot away from the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC. One of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Virginia Beach is Red Wing Park, where more than 150 blooming cherry trees provide a scenic spot for picnics, walks, and other outdoor activities.

Cherry Blossoms in Nashville TN
Photo: Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

10. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville might not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of cherry blossoms, but the Music City received 1,000 cherry blossom trees as a gift from Japan when the consulate-general for the South-Central United States moved its office from New Orleans to Nashville in 2008. For the best views, visit the Public Square Park, located in the heart of downtown Nashville, between late March and mid-April. 

Sage Advice: If you’re heading to Music City to admire the beautiful cherry blooms, these are the best places to stay in Nashville.

Macon GA is known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

11. Macon, Georgia

If you’re impressed with the 4,000 cherry blossom trees in Washington DC and surprised by the 5,200 blooming cherry trees in New Jersey, you’ll be absolutely gobsmacked by the 300,000 cherry blossom trees in Macon, Georgia. No wonder it’s known as the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World”! 

A woman holding a strawberry milkshake with sprinkles on it.

Enjoy the “Pinkest Party on Earth” and one of the most impressive cherry blossom experiences in the US from mid-March to early-April. And, add even more pink to your Instagram feed by enjoying a Zaxby’s strawberry milkshake under a canvas of delicate blooms during cherry blossom season.

Sage Advice: Keep tabs on the trees as the buds turn into blooms with the Cherry Blossom Festival’s Bloom Cam.

12. Dallas, Texas

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden hosts an annual spring festival known as Dallas Blooms. This multi-month event has been hailed by Southern Living as one of the best places to see spring flowers in the South. In addition to hundreds of blooming Japanese cherry trees, guests will also be impressed by the 500,000 colorful bulb flowers like tulips and daffodils.

Related Article: In Full Bloom: 100+ Beautiful Tulip Quotes

13. Houston, Texas

Located in the city’s Museum District, the Japanese Garden at Hermann Park is the best place to see cherry blossoms in this south Texas city. Look for the gorgeous pink blossom in early April.

Woman under cherry blossom parasol during Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
Photo: Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

Cherry Blossom Festivals in the South

International Cherry Blossom Festival
Georgia International Horse Park in Macon, GA
March 15-24, 2024
More Information

National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington, DC
March 20-April 14, 2024
More Information

Virginia Beach Cherry Blossom Festival
Red Wing Park in Virginia Beach, VA
2024 Dates TBD
More Information

Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival
Conyers, GA
March 23-24, 2024
More Information

Sakura Festival and Haiku Contest
Tuscaloosa River Market in Tuscaloosa, AL
2024 Dates TBD
More Information

Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
Public Square Park in Nashville, TN
April 13, 2024
More Information

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in the Midwest

With its cold winters, the warmer days of spring and the color of blooming flowers and trees are always an exciting time in America’s Heartland. The first pink flowers typically appear in warmer areas of the Midwest (like St. Louis) in mid- to late March, while Michigan helps stretch out spring by not blooming until mid-May.

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Traverse City MI Cherry Blossoms

14. Traverse City, Michigan

Located between the fourth and fifth fingers of the Mitten State, Traverse City hugs the south end of the Grand Traverse Bay. Although this Midwestern state may be better known for producing 75% of the country’s tart cherries, it’s also one of the best places to view blooming cherry trees (even though they aren’t planted for their fruit). Venture along Highway M-37 (Center Road), running the length of a peninsula jutting into the bay, for incredible views of miles of blooming trees.

The first flowers typically appear in mid-May – pretty late in the season compared with other destinations on this list. So, Traverse City is a great cherry blossom viewing spot if you want spring to last longer (or if you were just slow to start planning). Look for flowers first in the Acme and Williamsburg areas and later around Northport and the Mission Point Lighthouse. You can follow one of three recommended tours or create your own by downloading the Blossom Tour Guide.

15. Athens, Ohio

The Ohio University campus was celebrated as one of the best locations in the United States to see cherry blossom trees by National Geographic. And as soon as you take one step under the canopy of delicate pink flowers, you’ll understand why. Even more beautiful than the 200 trees that line the bike path along the Hocking River is the story behind them: the cherry blossom trees were gifted to the school by Chobu University, its sister institution in Japan. 

Close-up of pink cherry blossoms.
Photo Credit: Canva.

16. Cincinnati, Ohio

With more than 1,000 cherry blossom trees, the Queen City is a jewel of a spot to see stunning blooms. The cherry trees typically flower between mid-March and mid-April, and you can enjoy captivating views in the urban greenspaces offered by Eden Park and Ault Park

17. Chicago, Illinois

You may not think of the nation’s third-largest city as a prime cherry blossom viewing destination, but don’t miss them in Chicago’s Jackson Park. Also known as the Garden of the Phoenix or the Osaka Garden, the Japanese Garden on Wooded Island was created by the landscape architecture dynamic duo of Olmsted and Vaux (the designers behind New York’s Central Park and #6 on this list) more than 130 years ago for the 1893 World’s Fair. From late-April to early-May, more than 160 cherry trees create a canopy of delicate pink and white flowers.

18. St. Louis, Missouri

In the Show-Me State, the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis has a large collection of cherry trees, including Yoshino, Kwanzan, and Sargent varieties. Some of the trees in the Japanese Garden are even cuttings from the original trees gifted to Washington, DC, by Japan in 1912! As this part of the Midwest welcomes spring a little sooner than Michigan and Illinois, watch for blooms between mid-March and mid-April.

19. Marshfield, Missouri

For beautiful blooms in a smaller town, check out Marshfield. Located about 30 minutes east of Springfield, it’s an easy day trip or weekend getaway from Kansas City, St. Louis, and Bentonville, Arkansas. 

Cherry Blossom Festivals in the Midwest

Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival
Marshfield, MO
2024 Dates TBD
More Information

Cherry Blossom Festival Fort Wayne
Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW) in Fort Wayne, IN
May 19, 2024
More Information

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in the Western US

If you’re on the wrong coast to admire the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, you’ll be delighted to discover several options up and down the West Coast. 

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A building on the University of Washington campus framed by cherry blossoms.
Photo Credit: Diogo Fagundes on Unsplash

20. Seattle, Washington

You’re sure to spot many blossoming cherry trees when you visit Seattle in spring, from Jefferson Park to Lake Washington Boulevard, but one of the most famed spots is the University of Washington campus, which is home to approximately 30 varieties of cherry trees. After strolling under a sea of pink and white blooms in the Quad, head to the Washington Park Arboretum’s Japanese Garden for more spring beauty.

Cherry blossoms along the waterfront in Portland, Oregon.
Photo Credit: YayImages.

21. Portland, Oregon

Although Portland is known as the “City of Roses”, when its cherry blossoms are blooming – typically from mid-March to early-April – the city’s most famous flower takes a break from the spotlight. One of the most popular viewing spots in Portland is the Japanese American Historical Plaza. Part of Tom McCall Waterfront Park along the Willamette River, it’s dedicated to the Japanese Americans confined to camps during World War II in the spot where Portland’s Japantown once stood. Another beautiful location is the Portland Japanese Garden, part of Washington Park. Be sure to stop at Umami Cafe for Tokyo-style tea paired with local confections like Kinako mochi and Castella cake.

A tower in San Francisco's Japantown surrounded by cherry blossoms.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

22. San Francisco, California

San Francisco hosts the largest cherry blossom festival on the West Coast, and its Japantown is the largest and oldest in the country, so it should be no surprise that the City by the Bay is a great place to see blooming cherry trees. One of the most scenic spots in San Francisco is the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. With hundreds of cherry trees in bloom, there is no better time to visit the oldest public Japanese garden in the US than mid-March to mid-April.

23. Los Angeles, California

In Southern California, the Los Angeles metropolitan area offers several beautiful spots to view cherry blossoms. With pink, flower-laden trees encircling the still water, Lake Balboa Park in Van Nuys has historically been a popular place to see cherry blossoms. But less than half the park’s original 1,000 trees are still around after the recent hotter, drier years have taken a toll on them. So be sure to also check out The Huntington near Pasadena and the Japanese Garden on the eastern edge of the Descanso Gardens, about 15 miles north of Downtown LA.

24. San Diego, California

One of the best places to see cherry blossoms in San Diego is the Japanese Friendship Garden. Located in the heart of Balboa Park, this 12-acre garden with koi ponds and sukiya-style buildings is home to over 200 cherry blossom trees that typically begin blooming in early- to mid-March.

Sage Advice: Once you’ve seen the beautiful cherry blossoms, here are the best things to do in downtown San Diego.

Bonus Destination: Hawaii

This tropical paradise, dripping with natural beauty and filled with year-round blooms, is too warm for traditional Japanese cherry blossom trees. But because the blooming season and hanami are important to the people of Japanese descent living on the island, they have planted predominantly Formosan cherry trees. While the flowers have double petals and the tree branches reach upward rather than “weeping,” they are still a beautiful sight to see when they’re in bloom – typically around the end of January to the beginning of March.

Cherry Blossom Festivals in the West

Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
February 3, 2024
Waimea, HI
More Information

Honolulu Cherry Blossom Festival
February 3-March 16, 2024
Honolulu, HI
More Information

San Diego Cherry Blossom Festival
Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego, CA
March 7-10, 2024
More Information

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
Japantown in San Francisco, CA
April 13-14 & April 20-21, 2024
More Information

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival
2024 Dates TBD
More Information

Orange County Cherry Blossom Festival
Huntington Beach, CA
2024 Dates TBD
More Information

Cherry Blossom Day at the Capitol
State Capitol State Park in Salem, OR
March 16, 2024
More Information

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Blossoms

What does sakura mean?

Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom, the national flower of Japan. The delicate pink blooms mark the start of spring and are a symbol of rebirth and optimism.

What is hanami?

Hanami is the traditional Japanese practice of savoring the beauty of cherry blossoms during the spring season. Literally translated as “flower viewing,” hanami typically involves picnicking under the cherry blossom trees, admiring the stunning pink and white petals, and enjoying seasonal foods and drinks.

Whether you refer to it as hanami or “going to see cherry blossoms”, there are a few no-brainer etiquette rules you should observe. First, don’t leave empty bottles, food wrappers, or any other trash behind. Second, don’t pick the flowers or otherwise mess with the trees. Climbing an ornamental cherry tree is absolutely off limits.

So then what is hanami dango?

Literally translated as “cherry blossom viewing dumplings,” hanami dango is a tri-colored mochi dessert often enjoyed during cherry blossom festivities.

What do cherry blossoms symbolize?

Cherry blossoms, also known as sakura, are a beautiful and beloved symbol in Japanese culture. They represent the fleeting nature of life, and they remind us to appreciate the present and cherish the time we have with our loved ones.

In Japan, cherry blossoms are an important indicator that spring has arrived, and people have celebrated them for centuries by gathering in parks to admire the delicate pink and white blossoms and enjoying picnics and parties under the gorgeous trees.

Where do cherry blossoms grow?

Although cherry blossom trees are typically associated with Japan, they can be found around the world. Elsewhere in Asia, you can find cherry trees throughout South Korea and Taiwan. In Europe, look for the beautiful blooms in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Dublin, Paris, and other cities. And in North America, you can find them in British Columbia in addition to the destinations listed above.

When do cherry blossoms bloom in the US?

Cherry blossoms typically bloom in the United States between late March and mid-May, depending on the location and the weather conditions in that year. If you’re curious about a specific region of the US or a destination in America, please see the details provided above.

When do cherry blossoms bloom in DC?

The cherry blossom trees gifted to the United States by Japan that adorn our nation’s capital typically reach full bloom between late March and early April. Please note that bloom times can vary from year to year due to weather conditions, so it’s a good idea to monitor the National Park Service’s Bloom Watch as you plan your trip to Washington, DC.

What is peak bloom during cherry blossom season?

In Washington, DC, peak bloom is defined as the day on which 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms are open. This date varies each year based on weather conditions, but it is typically between the last week of March and the first week of April.

How long do cherry blossoms last?

While cherry blossom season typically lasts about a month, an individual tree only blooms for a week or two, depending on the weather and the specific variety of tree.

What do cherry blossom trees smell like?

Cherry blossom trees (known as sakura in Japanese) have a delicate and subtle fragrance that is often similar to lilac, rose, or magnolia. Some describe the blooms that usher in springtime as producing a light vanilla or almond-like aroma. 

Do cherry blossom trees grow cherries?

Yes, many varieties of cherry blossom trees grow cherries. However, these trees are bred to produce beautiful pink flowers and not tasty fruit, so the cherries tend to be very small and incredibly tart. While they aren’t that appealing to most people, birds like them.

Are cherry blossoms edible?

Yes, cherry blossoms are edible. After being preserved in salt and vinegar or ground into sakura powder, cherry blossoms are used in a variety of Japanese sweets like sakura mochicherry blossom panna cotta, and sakura butter cookies.

Sage Advice: While it isn’t made with sakura powder or salt-pickled sakura blossoms, this cherry blossom, a sake and gin cocktail, is a perfect way to usher in spring. And these cherry blossom origami crane cupcake toppers are perfect for practicing hanami!

What do cherry blossoms taste like?

I’ve heard the taste of cherry blossoms described as a cross between cherries and roses, and I think that’s the perfect portrayal.

How much is a cherry blossom tree?

If you return home from hanami ready to fill your yard with cherry blossom trees, expect to pay between $40 and $100 per tree, based on the size and variety you select. Cherry blossom trees are a good fit for USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9, which means that they can essentially survive in all but Southern Florida, the Sonoram and Mojave Deserts, a band near the US border with Canada, and Alaska. Just be sure you plant your ornamental cherry tree in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, and monitor it for pests and disease.

Have You Experienced Cherry Blossom Season?

Where have you seen the delicate pink blooms of cherry blossoms? Did you attend a cherry blossom festival? What did you like most about your experience? Any additional tips and tricks to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

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5 thoughts on “Where to See Cherry Blossoms: 24 Enchanting Cities in the US”

  1. Wow, this is such a helpful resource! I’ve been wanting to plan a trip to see the cherry blossoms for ages, and you given me so many amazing options to consider. The detailed information about each location and the festival dates are incredibly helpful in narrowing down my choices. Thanks for sharing.

  2. Wow qo many places. I will be on San Franciso April 4 to 13. U will go to the Japanese Tea Garden in the Golden Gate Park

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