Find Cherry Blossoms in NYC: Cherry Blossom Festivals and Where to See the Blooms

The cherry blossoms are a beautiful sight on Roosevelt Island. Photo courtesy of the RIOC

There are few more delightful ways to celebrate the arrival of spring than by viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms in New York City. In Japan, cherry blossom viewing is taken to almost religious heights. Blooming flowers are carefully watched, enjoyed, and celebrated. Traditional Sakura Hanami parties feature eating, drinking, and music.

Although many of the annual cherry blossom festivals in NYC are on hold again in 2022, there are many places to enjoy these gorgeous blossoms this April and even deeper into the spring season. Here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in New York City this spring. Find more seasonal happenings in our Spring Fun Guide.

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Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Manhattan and the Bronx

Randall's Island Cherry Blossom Festival – Randall's Island

Sunday, May 1
The activity-packed Randall's Island's annual cherry blossom festival is back at full strength in 2022. In addition to viewing the collection of cherry blossoms, families can enjoy paper flower making, face painting, kite flying, crafts, games, and live performances. The festival is held on Fields 62 and 63, plus at the Urban Farm. There's also a bike tour of the blossoms on the same day from 11:30am-1pm. Meet at the CitiBike station in East Harlem at 1st Ave and 114th Street. FREE

Riverside Park Cherry Walk – Morningside Heights

Riverside Park has its own Sakura Park with a beautiful cherry walk featuring trees gifted by the Committee of Japanese Residents of New York. These were given decades ago in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Robert Fulton's steam-power demonstration on the Hudson and the 300th anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of the river. The cherry trees are located between 100th and 125th streets.

See cherry blossoms in NYC on Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island gets covered with a petal floor. Photo courtesy of Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival

Roosevelt Island – Roosevelt Island

Though the 2022 cherry blossom festival at Roosevelt Island's Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park is not happening, it is still well worth the trek to this park to view the stunning cherry blossoms. Take the tram or F train from Manhattan or the bus from Queens to enjoy the festivities and the rest of the isle.

Cardinal in a cherry blossom tree at the New York Botanical Garden
More than 200 Cherry trees are scattered throughout the New York Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of NYBG

New York Botanical Garden – Bronx Park, the Bronx

NYBG's Cherry Valley doesn't get a fest, but the blossoms still are sweet. There are more cherry blossoms scattered throughout the Ross Conifer Arboretum, too. Although advance tickets are not required, it's a good idea to book your tickets ahead of time. Check the cherry blossom tracker to pick the best time to visit. Don't forget to visit the Everett Children's Adventure Garden, the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden, and The Edible Academy while you're there. Of course, The Orchid Show is on view through Sunday, May 1, too.

Little Island – Meatpacking District

We're super excited about Little Island's first spring season. Visitors can view the stunning Akebono Yoshino cherry trees alongside 66,000 blooming spring bulbs including daffodils, tulips, and lilies.

See cherry blossoms in NYC in Central Park.
Picnic under the cherry blossoms in Central Park. Photo courtesy of Ayumi Sakamoto

Central Park – Upper West Side

Central Park is a great place to view cherry blossoms and have a picnic (not allowed at Brooklyn Botanic Garden), plus visit the Central Park Zoo, a destination playground, or a museum. Some of the best cherry blossom viewing sites are on the bridle path at 90th Street, the East Drive at 66th Street, the east side of the boathouse at 74th Street, and Cherry Hill, mid-park at 72nd Street just west of Bethesda Terrace.

Pelham Bay Park – Bronx

Coming in at triple the size of Central Park, many people don't know that Pelham Bay Park is the city's largest park. The space features a lovely collection of Yoshino cherry blossoms; head to the City Island Bridge to find them. Just over the bridge lies City Island–a mini-getaway complete with museums, Orchard Beach, and delicious seafood restaurants.

See cherry blossoms in NYC at the Queens Botanical Garden
Visit the Queens Botanical Garden Cherry Circle. Photo courtesy of the garden

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Queens

Flushing Meadows Corona Park – Flushing

Take in a spring day at this expansive park and enjoy the cherry blossoms adorning the areas surrounding the Queens Museum and the Queens Theatre. For the most picturesque views, head west on the promenade toward the Unisphere.

Queens Botanical Garden Cherry Circle – Flushing

While the Queens Botanical Garden does not have special events for sakura, it does have the beautiful Cherry Circle, where you'll find cherry blossom trees planted along a winding path and bursting with blooms each spring.

Rainey Park – Long Island City

Head to this sweet neighborhood hidden gem which comes to life in the spring with Okame cherry trees blossoming all along the promenade. The Kwanzan cherry trees on the lawns follow suit a bit later in the season. On Friday, April 22—during spring break—the park hosts Family Fun at Rainey Park featuring a puppet show, craft-making, and live music. FREE

Hunter's Point South Park – Long Island City

If Yoshino cherry trees are your thing with their very pale pink cherry blossoms maturing into white clusters, this is the place for you. This special variety of cherry trees blooms around the park's oval which also boasts stellar views of the Manhattan skyline. This little park packs in a lot of features including a central green, playgrounds, adult fitness equipment, a dog run, a bikeway, a waterside promenade, picnic terraces, and a basketball court.

Pose for a memorable shot under the cover of cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. Photo by Rosalind Muggeridge

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Prospect Heights

The BBG has the most lavish annual celebration—and perhaps collection—of cherry blossoms in the city. Though its wildly popular, two-day Japanese Sakura Matsuri festival is on hold again this year, the garden is offering extended hours and outdoor programs during the cherry blossom season. Track the blossoms online to perfectly time your visit to the garden's famous Cherry Blossom Esplanade.

Green-Wood Cemetery – Greenwood Heights

Though it may not be on your radar for cherry blossom viewing, this 478-acre cemetery boasts more than 170 blossoming cherry trees of various varieties. On Wednesday, April 20, Green-Wood hosts a traditional Hanami Festival (best for teens and adults), where guests stroll the many winding paths to admire the extensive collection of cherry blossoms.

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms on Staten Island

Silver Lake Park – Staten Island

We didn't want to neglect Staten Island, and if you make the trek there for some cherry blossom viewing, you won't be disappointed. The many Kwanzan cherry blossoms bloom alongside sweet crabapples and plenty of red maple trees. Cool fact: The lake–which is the natural centerpiece of the park–was an inspiration for renowned poet Audre Lorde and her name now graces signage in the park.

This article was originally published in April 2012 and is updated annually. Rosalind Muggeridge contributed additional reporting.