Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Spring is in the air, and that means it's cherry blossom time. These beautiful flowers typically bloom in late March through early May in the New York region. In addition to the opportunities to see cherry blossoms in New York City—including the famous blooms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden—there are some great spots north of the city.
Read on for our favorite spots to see cherry blossoms in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and find more fun springtime destinations and outings in our Spring Fun Guide.
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Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Westchester
Turnure Park – White Plains
This lovely park features a canopy of 100 cherry trees. Make a day of it and pack a picnic lunch, then check out the park's playgrounds and sprawling grassy open spaces.
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The cherry blossoms are gorgeous at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck.
Harbor Island Park – Mamaroneck
Located at Mamaroneck Avenue and Boston Post Road, the 44-acre Harbor Island Park is home to hundreds of Kwanzan double-flower pink cherry blossom trees. With views of the Long Island Sound, playgrounds, ball fields, picnic tables, a spray park, and a sandy beach, Harbor Island Park is wonderfully suited for a day trip. Currently, swimming is prohibited and the beach will not be staffed until the summer beach season. Parking in Harbor Island Park is FREE during the spring, but fees are charged beginning on May 24, 2024.
Untermyer Gardens – Yonkers
This beautiful Italian-style garden features fountains, pools filled with goldfish, and amazing views of the Hudson River. The garden is home to two varieties of cherries that generally flower in the first two weeks of May. Entry and parking are FREE, but the parking lot can fill up fast on spring weekends, so get there early.
Lasdon Park and Arboretum – Katonah
Lasdon Park and Arboretum is home to numerous varieties of cherry trees and other flowering trees. Visitors can walk on the stroller-friendly trails around the park–which includes a dinosaur garden and a Chinese friendship garden–and have a picnic on the expansive lawn. Entry is FREE.
Riverfront Green Park – Peekskill
Situated on the scenic Hudson River, Peekskill's Riverfront Green Park features 100 cherry trees planted by the Rotary Club of Peekskill. The Peekskill Cherry Blossom Festival takes place here on Saturday, May 4, 2024, with guided tours of the trees, a plant sale, and children's activities including inflatables, flower pot painting, and more. Admission is FREE. The park also has a large play structure for kids and is just steps away from restaurants, an ice cream shop, and Peekskill Brewery.
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Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden is a place of natural beauty and tranquility.
Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden – North Salem
The Stroll Garden, meant to stimulate all five senses, has several types of cherry blossom trees that bloom at different times throughout the season. The garden opens for the season on April 6, 2024, and it is open Wednesdays through Sundays. See the website for special events. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for seniors, veterans, and students with an ID. Members and all children under 5 are FREE.
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in the Hudson Valley
Boscobel House and Gardens – Garrison
Boscobel's beautiful weeping cherry trees come alive each spring, and the blooms usually last about two weeks. The garden and grounds are open Saturday and Sunday from 9am-sunset. Admission is $14 for adults and $7 for children ages 4-18. Children under age 4 enter for FREE. Reservations are recommended to visit and can be booked online.
The cherry blossoms overlook the playground at Cold Spring's Tiny Tots Park. Photo by the author
Tiny Tots Park – Cold Spring
Let your little ones play in this toddler-friendly playground while you enjoy the beautiful cherry trees on the lawn next to the park. The park features swings, a small climbing structure with slides, and a sand play area with outdoor toys donated by the community. The park is within walking or stroller distance to the shops and cafes in downtown Cold Spring and a slightly longer walk or short drive to the train station and riverfront.
Orange County Arboretum – Montgomery
While these grounds include a few cherry trees in the Asian Tea Garden, plus other flowering trees, the real star is the extensive tulip display that blooms from mid-April through mid-May, depending on the weather. The 53 acres of gardens, trees, and walkways are located in Thomas Bull Memorial Park (use the Grove Street entrance) and are open to the public FREE from dawn to dusk year-round. While you're at Thomas Bull, check out the spectacularly awesome Sally's Dream Playground.
This post, originally published in 2018, is updated annually. Photos courtesy of the parks, arboretums, and gardens unless otherwise noted.
Places featured in this article:
Turnure Park
Harbor Island Park
Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden
Boscobel House & Gardens
Orange County Arboretum
Tiny Tots Park