Blossoms by the Park
Blossoms by the park are a springtime tradition that is celebrated across the world. Whether it is cherry blossoms in Central Park, or rhododendrons along the Hudson River in New Jersey, these delicate flowers are a true symbol of nature’s renewal and remind us that life is precious and fleeting.
Typically peaking between late March and early April, these trees are a sight to behold. If you’re lucky enough to see them in full bloom, it will take your breath away and make you appreciate everything that spring brings.
Yoshino cherry trees (which are pink and whitish in color) are one of the most popular types of cherry trees to see blooming. You can find them in several locations throughout the city, including Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Jackson Park.
It’s best to arrive in the park with a camera or your phone, as the blossoms won’t last long. You can also visit during weekends in bloom, where you can enjoy live music, dance performances, and cultural programs.
There are many different kinds of cherry trees and you can check the online map to find out which ones are in bloom, or just wander around the park to see what flowers are catching your eye.
Hains Point is a beautiful spot to view cherry blossoms, especially around the Tidal Basin! It is an especially good spot to catch the first blooms of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin.
Another excellent spot to view cherry blossoms is the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC. The cherry blossoms around the Congressional Cemetery usually start to bloom about 1-2 weeks before the Yoshino trees around the Tidal Basin and they are so pretty!
If you’re a first time visitor to this beautiful place, I highly recommend going in the week before or after the blooms start so that you can get the most out of your experience.
Located at the intersection of the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, this park is a great place to take a stroll and take in the cherry blossoms while also enjoying a stunning panoramic view of the city. The park is home to a Japanese garden and the esplanade lining the lake is lined with cherry blossoms for a photo opportunity like no other!
The city’s largest botanical garden is the ideal location to catch cherry blossoms in all of their glory. With 26 different species of cherry blossom trees, including a vibrantly colored collection of double-petaled Kwanzan cherries, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a must-visit this spring.
The park’s website has a great interactive map that is updated daily to show which blossoms are at peak or pre-peak, so it’s easy to plan your visit ahead of time and avoid missing the most exciting parts of the season. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive experience, BBG offers a variety of weekend events during the month of April, including Weekends in Bloom, which offers live music, dance performances, and cultural programs.