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The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms This Spring
Here's where to find the most beautiful blooms in America.
Springtime in the U.S. brings many delights—longer days, warmer temperatures, and the return of vibrant nature. That includes breathtaking cherry blossoms! For a few magical weeks, delicate pink and white flowers blanket trees across the country, transforming parks, streets, and lawns into dreamy wonderlands. It's the ultimate sign that winter has loosened its grip as gardens get ready to put on a show.
While Japan may be the world's most famous cherry blossom destination, America is home to some truly spectacular bloom displays that will make you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale. From the iconic tidal basin in Washington, D.C. to rolling landscapes near the Great Lakes, there are plenty of hotspots across the country where you can take in the beauty of these blossoming trees. No matter if you prefer bustling cities or quiet gardens, cherry blossom season can be celebrated across the nation, each area offering its own unique take on the stunning seasonal event.
Whether you're looking for a picture-perfect picnic spot, a scenic walking trail, or just an excuse to take in the view, there's a destination for you. But timing is everything! Cherry blossoms are notorious for their fleeting beauty, typically lasting only a couple of weeks before the blooms drift away. So, if you want to experience them for yourself, it's best to plan ahead. Here, you'll learn where to see cherry blossoms this spring so that you don't miss the magic!
Savor spring with these ideas:
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum: San Diego, CA
The mission of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum is to educate, engage, and inspire people of diverse backgrounds about Japanese culture, including cherry blossoms. And this year, the garden is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its annual Cherry Blossom Festival! From March 13 to March 16, you'll get to enjoy an exciting lineup of activities, including special performances, local vendors, cultural foods and drinks, and new attractions like a wall of lanterns and community art. Of course, you can also take a leisurely stroll through the cherry blossom grove.
Tidal Basin: Washington, DC
In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gifted 3,020 Sakura cherry trees to the United States as a symbol of goodwill. The first trees were planted along the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., creating a breathtaking spring spectacle that continues today. Each year, the blooming trees line the water with monuments serving as a beautiful backdrop. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, held from March 20 to April 13, celebrates this vibrant season with themed treats and citywide events, including the Petalpalooza on April 5, which concludes with a featuring a fireworks finale.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Brooklyn, NY
Find yourself in a pink paradise when you visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for its Weekends in Bloom event every weekend from April 26 to May 11. The extravagant Kanzan trees steal the spotlight with their blossoms that boast 28 petals each instead of the typical five, creating a stunning canopy of color for guests to walk through. You also won't want to miss the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, where cherry trees are surrounded by wooden bridges and a cascading waterfall. The experience is only made better by guided tours, live music, and dance performances.
Cherry Blossom Trail: Macon, GA
In late March, Macon hosts an unforgettable cherry blossom celebration. The International Cherry Blossom Festival, which pays tribute to the city’s Yoshino cherry trees, runs from March 21 to March 30, when the branches are blooming in all their glory. Highlights of the event include a parade of floral floats, a pink pancake breakfast, and even a dog race (complete with pink tutus). Adding to the charm, the Cherry Street Fountain flows with pink-tinted water. For a breathtaking view of the blooming trees, climb aboard the Ferris wheel and enjoy the scene from above.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: Dallas, TX
Known as the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest, Dallas Blooms continually showcases breathtaking spring color year after year. Yes, that means cherry blossoms! In fact, there are over 100 blooming Japanese cherry trees surrounding the Pecan Grove. And in 2025, the Dallas Arboretum proudly presents Dallas Blooms: Outside the Ordinary. So, alongside the vibrant florals and trees, you'll also get to walk amongst captivating sculptures by renowned artist Seward Johnson, who is known for his life-size, hyper-realistic bronze figures. While the festival runs from February 22 to April 13, the best blossoms are seen in late spring.
Missouri Botanical Garden: St. Louis, MO
The Missouri Botanical Garden actually includes Centennial cherry trees that are cuttings from the original trees gifted to the United States in 1912 by the mayor of Japan. Along with those, you'll find a breathtaking variety of blossoms throughout the 14 acres of the Japanese Garden. There are cherry trees, plums, and over a dozen Kanzan trees, noted for their frilly pink blossoms. You'll also want to catch a glimpse of the weeping Higan cherry, which produces majestic sweeping branches covered with rosy flowers. For the prettiest pinks and whites, head to Missouri between the last two weeks of March through the first week of April.
Fairmount Park: Philadelphia, PA
Japan gifted 1,600 flowering trees, including cherry trees, to Philadelphia in 1926 to honor the 150th anniversary of American independence. And for the last three years, the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia has planted an additional 250 trees each year to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Now, it's a mesmerizing sight to see! The many Yoshino cherry trees are planted in West Fairmount Park and along the Schuylkill River. They're expected to reach their phenomenal peak bloom between the last week of March and the first week of April.
County Road 633: Traverse City, MI
For blossoms that blanket miles of rolling hills, head to Leelanau County. The area is famous for its tart Montmorency cherries and hundreds of thousands of cherry trees burst into bloom during the month of May, with soft white petals creating the most picturesque scene. One of the best routes to venture along is County Road 633, which takes you through the heart of the county. Whether you drive or bike, you'll get the prettiest views and be able to take advantage of other nearby activities, such as cherry-wine tasting at one of the local wineries.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
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