10 Best Places in the US to See Cherry Blossoms
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Spring in the U.S. has a lot going for it — longer days, warmer weather, and, of course, cherry blossoms turning cities into pink-and-white daydreams. While Washington, D.C. might steal most of the spotlight, it’s far from the only place to see these delicate blooms. From the Pacific Northwest to the Deep South, you’ll find cherry trees bursting with color in parks, gardens, and along riverbanks all across the country.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just chasing that perfect pastel photo op, these are the 10 best places in the U.S. to see cherry blossoms — plus when and where to catch them at their prettiest.
1. Washington, D.C.
If there’s one place that defines cherry blossom season in the U.S., it’s Washington, D.C. Every spring, more than 3,700 cherry trees burst into bloom around the Tidal Basin, transforming the nation’s capital into a pink-hued postcard.
The Tidal Basin is the showstopper — especially near the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. For fewer crowds, head to Hains Point Loop Trail or the National Arboretum, where you’ll find several varieties that bloom slightly earlier or later than the main event.
Peak bloom usually happens between late March and early April, but it varies slightly each year depending on weather. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs for about four weeks, with the main celebration timed around peak bloom.
Photo tip: Get there early — sunrise light hits the Jefferson Memorial beautifully and reflects off the water for that classic D.C. cherry blossom shot. Sunset along the Basin’s western edge is also magic.
Pro tip: Skip the car. Streets near the Tidal Basin close during peak bloom, and parking is nearly impossible. Walk from the National Mall or take the Metro to Smithsonian Station for easy access.
2. Macon, Georgia
Known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World, Macon is home to more than 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees — yes, you read that right. It’s one of the most impressive (and underrated) places in the U.S. to experience cherry blossom season, with a big dose of Southern charm.
The best blooms are scattered across the city — especially at Central City Park, Wesleyan Woods, and along Riverside Drive. The entire town gets in on the fun during the International Cherry Blossom Festival, complete with parades, concerts, and pink everything (even the food and drinks).
The best time to visit is typically mid to late March, when the festival runs and the city is at its pinkest. Timing is more consistent here than in D.C., thanks to Georgia’s warmer climate.
Photo tip: Head to Coleman Hill Park or Tattnall Square Park for wide views of the blossoms against Macon’s historic homes and skyline. Everything’s walkable, so you can easily spend an afternoon snapping photos under the blooms.
Pro tip: Book early — Macon’s hotels fill up fast during festival week. The city’s compact layout makes it easy to explore without a car, but having one helps if you want to see the blooms scattered through the neighborhoods.
3. Seattle, Washington
Seattle may be known for its coffee and drizzle, but come spring, the city bursts into a sea of pink. Cherry blossoms bloom all over town, and locals celebrate with picnics, photos, and strolls under the petals — rain or shine.
The University of Washington’s Quad is the city’s most iconic blossom spot, framed by Gothic buildings and canopies of Yoshino cherry trees. For a quieter scene, head to Seward Park, Jefferson Park, or the Seattle Japanese Garden inside Washington Park Arboretum.
Usually, late March to early April is the best time to see the blooms, though Seattle’s weather can shift the timeline slightly. The university posts a bloom tracker each spring to help visitors time their trip perfectly.
Photo tip: The UW Quad is busiest mid-morning, so go at sunrise or on a cloudy weekday for peaceful, misty photos that make the pink blossoms pop. If it rains, even better — wet petals against dark pavement create that dreamy Pacific Northwest vibe.
Pro tip: Skip driving and take the Link light rail to the University District — parking is tough during bloom season. Grab coffee and pastries from Elm Coffee Roasters nearby and make a morning of it.
4. Brooklyn, New York
New York in spring is electric — and nowhere more so than Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where hundreds of cherry trees bloom in perfect pastel harmony. It’s a true city escape, with all the color and calm you could want just minutes from the subway.
The Cherry Esplanade is the star — two long rows of Kanzan cherry trees that form a soft pink tunnel when in full bloom. You’ll also find earlier-blooming varieties near the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, which adds bridges, koi ponds, and pagodas for those perfect spring photos.
Typically mid-April to early May is when the trees start to blossom, depending on the year. The garden’s Hanami festival celebrates Japanese cherry blossom traditions and includes performances, food, and family activities.
Photo tip: Arrive right when the gates open for the best light and fewest people. The reflections in the pond near the Japanese Garden make for some of the most photogenic shots in all of New York.
Pro tip: Reserve tickets in advance — spring weekends can sell out quickly. After your visit, grab lunch or coffee in nearby Prospect Heights or take a stroll through Prospect Park, where more cherry trees are waiting.
5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly has one of the oldest and most charming cherry blossom traditions in the country, thanks to a 1926 gift of trees from Japan. The city’s parks and historic backdrops make for stunning bloom photos — all with that laid-back, neighborhood vibe.
Fairmount Park is the epicenter, especially around the Horticulture Center and Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. Blossoms also line Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, making for beautiful spring walks along the Schuylkill River.
Peak bloom usually hits early to mid-April, right around the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, which features taiko drumming, cultural demos, and family-friendly fun.
Photo tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for soft light reflecting off the river. The Japanese House pond, framed by cherry trees and traditional architecture, is one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
Pro tip: Parking can fill fast on festival weekends, so take public transit or rideshare to the Horticulture Center. Bring a picnic — Fairmount Park is one of the best picnic spots in Philly come spring.
6. San Francisco, California
San Francisco may not be the first place that comes to mind for cherry blossoms, but its Japantown celebration is one of the oldest and most vibrant in the U.S. You’ll get a perfect mix of culture, color, and springtime charm — plus some seriously good ramen while you’re at it.
Head straight to Japantown’s Peace Plaza, where pink blooms frame the iconic five-tiered Peace Pagoda. For a quieter stroll, Golden Gate Park’s Japanese Tea Garden offers a serene atmosphere surrounded by cherry trees, koi ponds, and traditional bridges.
The blossoms usually appear from late March to mid-April, coinciding with the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, which fills the streets with parades, food stalls, and traditional music.
Photo tip: For classic San Francisco views, capture the pagoda framed by cherry blossoms — or head to the Tea Garden just after opening for misty morning light and fewer crowds.
Pro tip: The festival weekends get packed, so visit early or during the week if you want a calmer vibe. Bonus: entry to the Tea Garden is free before 10 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
7. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis turns into a pastel dream in spring — and while the Gateway Arch may steal the spotlight, the city’s cherry blossoms are quietly spectacular. With blooms scattered through parks and gardens, it’s one of the Midwest’s best-kept spring secrets.
Your first stop should be the Missouri Botanical Garden, home to hundreds of cherry trees that light up the Japanese Garden each April. You’ll also find more blossoms near the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (around the Arch grounds) and along Forest Park’s walking trails.
Peak bloom typically hits early to mid-April, depending on the year’s weather. The Missouri Botanical Garden even tracks bloom progress on its website — handy if you’re planning a weekend visit.
Photo tip: The Japanese Garden’s arched bridge surrounded by pale pink petals is the must-get shot — especially reflected in the pond on a calm morning.
Pro tip: Visit midweek for fewer crowds, and don’t skip the Garden’s Sake & Sakura event if your timing lines up — it’s an adults-only evening
8. Nashville, Tennessee
Known more for honky-tonks than hanami, Nashville might surprise you with its springtime beauty. When cherry blossoms bloom, the city takes on a softer side — think music, sunshine, and petals fluttering down like confetti on Broadway.
Head to Nashville Public Square Park and Riverfront Park, where rows of cherry trees line the Cumberland River and frame skyline views. For a quieter (and equally gorgeous) stroll, the Japanese Garden at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a local favorite — and home to the city’s annual Cheekwood in Bloom festival, which celebrates over 250,000 flowers, including cherry blossoms.
Blossoms typically peak between late March and early April, coinciding perfectly with patio season and live outdoor shows.
Photo tip: Get that postcard-perfect shot at Cheekwood: the delicate pink petals against the estate’s grand stone mansion make a stunning backdrop.
Pro tip: Time your visit for the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival in early April — a one-day event filled with Japanese food, cultural performances, and family fun in Public Square Park.with live music, lanterns, and cherry blossom views.
9. Portland, Oregon
Spring in Portland is pure magic — the rain eases up, Mount Hood peeks out, and the city’s 1000+ cherry trees burst into bloom. Portland’s blend of natural beauty and quirky charm makes it one of the most underrated cherry blossom destinations in the country.
The most iconic spot is Tom McCall Waterfront Park, where a long row of Akebono cherry trees creates a pastel canopy along the Willamette River. It’s right in downtown, making it easy to stroll, grab a coffee, and snap a few photos with the city skyline. For a more peaceful setting, visit the Portland Japanese Garden or Lan Su Chinese Garden — both beautifully designed and bursting with blooms in March.
Peak bloom usually hits mid- to late March, though timing can shift depending on the weather.
Photo tip: Head to the Steel Bridge overlook for that classic Portland shot: cherry blossoms in the foreground, city skyline and bridge in the background.
Pro tip: If you can, go early in the morning — it’s quieter, the light is soft, and you’ll likely have the riverfront almost to yourself.
10. Dallas, Texas
Dallas might not be the first place that comes to mind for cherry blossoms, but it should be. The city’s warm spring weather and sprawling parks make it a surprisingly perfect place to catch the blooms — and enjoy a sunny picnic while you’re at it.
Head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, home to hundreds of cherry trees that explode in pink every March. The annual Dallas Blooms Festival celebrates the season with tulips, daffodils, azaleas, and cherry blossoms all blooming together — it’s basically spring overload in the best way.
Typically early to mid-March is the best time to visit, when the cherry trees are in full flower and the weather hovers around a perfect 70°F.
Photo tip: Walk down the Pecan Grove section of the Arboretum for the most photogenic clusters of blossoms, especially around the reflecting pools.
Pro tip: Buy tickets online — the festival can get busy on weekends, and early entry means fewer crowds and softer light for photos.
Cherry blossom season is fleeting — and that’s exactly what makes it magical. Whether you’re wandering beneath pink canopies in Washington D.C., discovering unexpected blooms in Texas, or soaking up Pacific Northwest beauty in Portland, these springtime getaways prove you don’t need to fly to Japan for a truly spectacular sakura experience. Just pack your camera, watch those bloom forecasts, and get ready for a road trip full of pink petals and spring sunshine.
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