It's finally spring in New York City and that means it's cherry blossom season. Here's where to see Cherry Blossoms blooming in NYC in 2023 from uptown to downtown, Queens, Brooklyn and more. Over 15 locations for cherry blossom sightings!
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC 2023
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC: Uptown Locations
Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem
You'll find a smaller collection of cherry trees at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem near the entrance of 5th Avenue and 124th Street. While this is a smaller park, you'll find 2 playgrounds, drawbridges and an amphitheater for outdoor concerts. Nearby, I recommend Archer & Goat for brunch and Sugar Hill Creamery for ice cream. And from here you could easily walk down to the north entrance of Central Park - it's just 10 blocks.
Address: 6316, Mt Morris Park W, New York, NY 10027
Sakura Park, Morningside Heights
Sakura Park gets it's name from the gifting of 2,000 cherry trees that were sent to New York City's parks from Japan in 1912. To be clear, not all of these 2,000 cherry trees are in Sakura Park, however, it's a smaller, more peaceful park where you can spot a beautiful collection of cherry trees. And it's just next to the larger Riverside Park. Nearby, I recommend The Expat for dining which offers Southeast Asian bites.
Address: 3916, 500 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10027
Riverside Park, Cherry Walk
You'll find cherry trees running alongside the Riverside Park path from 125th Street to 100th Street. Plus, you'll get to enjoy the views of the Hudson River and all the other blossoming flowers and plants. Riverside Park is one of only eight officially designated scenic landmarks in the City of New York. It is such a peaceful walk. Be mindful of visiting during the afternoon on weekends because there will be a crowd of other visitors and locals who use the path for their commute and exercise.
Address: Riverside Park between 100th - 125th Streets
Central Park Cherry Blossoms - The Best Locations to See Them and How to Track Them
Central Park is the spot for seeing cherry blossoms. The entire park just comes back to life once spring arrives. I live on the upper east side just a 10 minute walk from the park and it brings me SO much joy year-round and especially in spring after the gloomy winter season. Now, to get to the point - here's where you can spot some cherry trees.
The Reservoir, 86th - 96th Streets
Both the east and west side of the "Jackie O" reservoir will have blooming beautiful cherry blossoms. I recommend just taking the Reservoir loop all the way around once. You're able to hop off and on at certain parts for a wider, gravel-dirt path too. At times the running track around the reservoir gets very busy with folks getting their workouts in so be mindful to walk around it in a counter-clockwise direction to help with the flow of traffic.
Now, there is a truly gorgeous spot just outside the running track on the west side of the reservoir between the bridle path. When the trees are in full bloom it feels like a secret wonderland. Be patient for pictures here without others or get creative with your angles!
Great Lawn
Just a short walk from the reservoir is the Great Lawn. Near the southwest corner of the Great Lawn, near 79th - 85th Streets you'll find a collection of cherry trees. This is also a "great" spot (pun intended) for a picnic on the lawn.
Other Cherry Blossom spots in Central Park
- Cherry Hill
- Pilgrim Hill
- Sheep Meadow
- Cedar Hill
To track the bloom status of the cherry trees in Central Park, I highly recommend using their Cherry Blossom Tracker. It shares a regularly updated tracker stating the status of the cherry blossoms at pre-peak, peak and post-peak. Plus, you can also find some other great resources of things to do at the park on their website.
Bathrooms in Central Park Public bathrooms can be a pain point in NYC. Especially when you're at the park because the place is so vast. Here's a few of the public restroom locations inside Central Park to keep handy while hunting for the cherry blossoms. Some of the public restrooms aren't always the most well-maintained so I suggest keeping extra hand sanitizer and a travel pack of toilet paper or flushable wipes handy.
- Bathroom in Ancient Playground - Entrance near E 85th Street. This one is close to the southern end of the reservoir path.
- Central Park Tennis Center - You'll find the tennis center and courts at the north end of the reservoir path, just to the west-center part of the park. The restrooms are located on the east side of the building.
- Delacorte Bathrooms /Theater Restrooms - The Delacorte Theater is near the southeast end of the Great Lawn.
- Bethesda Terrace Restrooms - You'll find these as you walk up the steps of the Bethesda Terrace. There are multiple stalls inside so make sure you step in and check that all are being used to prevent any unnecessary lines.
- Mineral Springs Public Restrooms - This one is located next to the Le Pain Quotidien, north of Sheep Meadow.
- Tavern on the Green Restrooms - These are located outside around the back of Tavern on the Green restaurant. The nicest bathrooms I've visited in the Park.
Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island is this small island located between Manhattan and Queens. You can even take the tram there for some stunning views of the water too. To take the tram you'll want to head to the Roosevelt Island Tramway on E 60th St and 2nd Avenue. The cost for the tram is the same as the subway at $2.75. Here you'll find most of the cherry trees along the West Promenade. While here, I recommend visiting the Panorama Room cocktail bar for the views.
Where to see Cherry Blossoms in NYC 2023: Downtown Locations
Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park has many Kwanzan Cherry trees and you'll also find one Yoshino Cherry along 5th Avenue. See if you can tell the difference between the varieties! The Yoshino Cherry produces white flowers like a big white fluffy cloud when in full bloom and Yoshino Cherries are more of a pink share with double flowers that usually bloom in May. Around the park you'll also find other flowering trees that are crab apple trees.
Washington Square Park
Come for the cherry blossoms and enjoy the great people watching here - it's often busy with students from NYU. I love seeing the action and the fashion. In addition to the gorgeous Yoshino Cherry trees that frame the Washington Square Park arch beautifully, you'll also find a variety of blooming flowers.
Laduree Cafe in Soho
Make a special visit to the Laduree Cafe in Soho for a unique cherry blossom experience. Their outside patio is filled with cherry blossoms and if you time it right you'll get to enjoy the stunning sight of them and the falling petals. A reservation is a must.
Address: 398 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Where to Find Cherry Blossoms outside of Manhattan
New York Botanical Garden
The NYBG located in the Bronx has more than 200 cherry trees throughout it's grounds and over one million living plants. The garden is gorgeous and a lovely place to visit year-round, but especially in the fall and spring. They also offer a Spring Bloom Tracker so you can plan your visit for peak bloom.
Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has over 200 cherry trees, with 76 Kanzan trees located along the aptly named, Cherry Esplanade. You can also find them throughout their stunning Japanese Garden. This is, of course, another popular spot to try to time your visit on a weekday or non-peak hours. They also offer a guide to their Cherry Blossoms.
Address: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Rainey Park
Located in Astoria, Rainey Park is home to some Okame and Kwanzan Cherry Trees. Rainey Park is just a 15-min walk from the Astoria Ferry stop. I'd recommend taking the walk from the ferry and going through the Socrates Sculpture Park and visiting the nearby Noguchi Museum before or after.
Address: 34-24 Vernon Blvd, Queens, NY 11106
Hunter's Point South Park
Located in Long Island City, Queens, this waterfront park has a collection of the Yoshino Cherry tree. They wrap around this grassy oval section of the park and make for a beautiful waterfront view of Midtown Manhattan and it's skyline.
Address: Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
There is a beautiful collection of Okame cherry trees in this park, mostly near the Unisphere. Nearby is Citi Field where you can catch a Mets game or get some great food in Flushing, Queens.
Address: Between Grand Central Pkwy and, Van Wyck Expy, 11354
When do the Cherry Blossoms bloom in New York City?
Timing varies from year-to-year and from each type of cherry blossom tree. Most of New York City's cherry trees are in full bloom by mid-April, though some will hit their peak bloom earlier or later. Typically, many trees begin to bloom after a stretch of 60-degree temperature days. Once a tree blooms, it holds it's blossoms for about 10 days.
Where to stay in New York City to see Cherry Blossoms?
I would recommend staying near Central Park if you're visiting and hoping to see some cherry trees blooming. The park is one of the most beautiful spots to see the blooms, plus you can check out all the other flowers in the park too. Here are some hotel recommendations:
- Arthouse Hotel New York City
- Located on the Upper West Side, the Arthouse Hotel is in a great location for visiting Central Park as well as the cherry blossoms alongside Riverside Park and Sakura Park. And you're just around the corner from the renowned Museum of Natural History - it's an 8-minute walk away. You're 2 blocks away from the subway so you'll be able to get all over the city with ease. The hotel has two rooftop terraces and a speakeasy-inspired bar, and some rooms also offer balconies.
- Mandarin Oriental
- Go all out during your visit with a stay at the Mandarin Oriental located in Midtown Manhattan. Nestled just across the street from Central Park, the Mandarin is an upscale hotel. It's also a 1-minute walk to the Columbus Circle subway station. Additionally, you're less than a mile to the Museum of Modern Art.
- Hilton Club West 57th Street New York
- If you're loyal to Hilton hotels, this location in Midtown Manhattan is a great choice. You'll be a short walk to Central Park and a 1-minute walk to the subway. Plus, this Hilton Club is a 12-minute walk to Times Square and a mile from the Empire State Building. The hotel itself is sleek with updated, clean rooms.
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I hope this article inspires you to go see cherry blossoms in NYC! From uptown to downtown, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx, you can find cherry blossoms all over New York to celebrate the arrival of spring. These 18 cherry blossom locations across New York City and beyond are just waiting to show off their beautiful blooms.
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