The cherry blossom season in New York City is a highlight of the spring. These beautiful flowers bloom in parks across the five boroughs, and with this year’s warm winter, they are blooming earlier than ever before! Here’s where to see them and when.
Central Park has two main types of cherry trees: Kwanzan cherries and Yoshino cherry trees. The Kwanzan variety produces pink and white blossoms, while the Yoshino variety is a whiter hue.
These beautiful flowers are usually in full bloom by the end of March or the beginning of April, but peak bloom can vary depending on weather conditions. Check out the interactive map to see which tree species are in bloom where and when, or follow us on social @CentralParkNYC for all the best photos!
In addition to its stunning display of cherry blossoms by the park also offers several other seasonal attractions. You can hike on the park’s trails, picnic and rent bikes or boats to enjoy the ponds. You can even take a stroll through the Japanese Garden on Wooded Island.
Throughout the spring, the park is open to the public and free to visit. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a sunhat as the area can get quite hot in the middle of the day.
The park is open from 6:00am to 11:00pm on weekdays, and 8:00am to 9:00pm on weekends. Parking is available at the park, and free after 5:00pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays.
Some parks also host festivals during cherry blossom season to help attract visitors. You can find more information about these events on the parks’ websites.
You can also participate in a fundraiser to purchase new cherry trees to add to the park’s collection. These donations are tax-deductible and are a great way to support the park.
Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City is another great spot for a cherry blossom view. The waterfront views of Midtown Manhattan are especially picturesque when these trees are in full bloom.
Rainey Park in Astoria, Queens is also a good place to catch these trees in full bloom. The park has both Okame and Kwanzan cherry trees, and both varieties will be in bloom during the spring.
These are the most popular varieties of cherry blossoms in the world, so be sure to fawn over them when they’re in bloom!
The Okame cherry is a gift from Japan and has been cultivated in the United States since 1912. These delicate pink blossoms are often found along the promenade in neighborhood parks, as well as on the lawns of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
They’re also found on the lawns of the Museum of Science and Industry, on Wooded Island in Jackson Park and in the Japanese Garden at Columbian Basin. These trees are a major attraction in the city and a staple of the neighborhood’s Japanese culture.
The best way to see the trees is to visit them in person during their peak bloom period. The National Park Service has a great interactive map that shows when each variety will be in full bloom, and you can also check the park’s website to learn more about them. Seeing the trees in bloom is a truly magical experience, and a trip to the park in spring is one you won’t soon forget.