Cherry blossoms signify the coming of spring. The white and pink petals promise the end of winter and bring a sense of vibrancy and life to gardens and parks that have been dormant during the cold months. In Japanese culture, sakura (cherry blossoms) symbolize two contradicting elements: life and death. The flowers indicate the resurgence of life, yet the ephemeral bloom period is short — typically one to two weeks from bloom to flower fall, unless a strong wind takes them earlier.
Japan is most famous for its cherry blossoms. The flowers have been an important symbol for warriors, farmers, artists, and more in the country for centuries. There’s even a word for going out to look at cherry blossoms: hanami, which loosely translates to “flower viewing.” Every year, parks fill up as the flowers come out, helicopter tours over vast cherry-blossom-covered hills take off, and scenic flower-filled train rides depart. But it’s not just a beloved phenomenon in Japan. Today, people around the world celebrate cherry blossom season, from the cherry blossom festivals in Vancouver, Canada, to gorgeous tree-lined streets in Bonn, Germany.
In the United States, a number of cities have stunning cherry blossom displays every spring. The country is even home to the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World“: Macon, Georgia. While an hanami trip to Japan is an unmatched experience, you don’t have to leave the States to soak in the season.
From coast to coast, these are the best places in the US to see cherry blossoms.
Contributors: Jori Ayers, Alex Bresler, Morgane Croissant, Eben Diskin, Suzie Dundas, Katie Gavin, and Tim Wenger
We hope you love the places we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Washington DC
DC’s cherry blossom story began with a gift of approximately 3,000 trees from Tokyo’s mayor in 1912, presented as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the US. Two of the original trees still stand near the terminus of 17th Street SW, marked by a bronze plaque.
Today, the blossoms are among the most celebrated sights in the nation. Peak bloom typically occurs in late March through early April, though exact timing varies yearly with the weather — forecasting peak bloom more than about ten days in advance is difficult because it depends on winter and early spring temperatures. Many of the best photo spots are clustered around the National Mall and Tidal Basin — including the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Japanese Lantern, US National Arboretum, Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, Hains Point Loop, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Each spring, Washington hosts the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and in 2026 it runs March 20 through April 12. The multi-week celebration features signature events such as the Blossom Kite Festival, Pink Tie Party, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, cultural performances, art exhibits, and live music — many of which are free or open to the public.
Because peak bloom and festival events draw large crowds, where you stay can make a major difference in how you experience the season. Those who prefer a neighborhood setting should check out these Airbnbs. They range from Capitol Hill studios with views of the Supreme Court to Georgetown guest suites and penthouses near Union Market. Many are within walking distance of the National Mall or a short Metro ride from the Tidal Basin, making early-morning blossom viewing far easier.
Macon, Georgia
Cherry blossom season starts earlier here than in areas that have colder winters. From mid- to late March, approximately 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in the city, announcing the start of spring in earnest. With that announcement comes a party — “The Pinkest Party on Earth,” as it’s called.
In 2026, Macon’s International Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 through March 29. In an effort to build anticipation for the festivities, the windows of Macon’s businesses and people’s car windshields are decorated in pink and floral motifs several weeks before the event, and the town’s fountain is dyed a bright shade of fuchsia.
The event itself has themed markets, pancake breakfasts, a scavenger hunt, a golf tournament, a 5K run, fair rides (and fair foods), a ball, a parade, hot-air balloon rides, wiener dog races, nightly concerts, and more. Among all of those things to see and do, don’t forget about the actual flowers. Carve some time to walk the city’s official Cherry Blossom Trail and get an eyeful of what makes Macon so special at this time of year. (Make good use of the Bloom Cam to plan a trip when the flowers are at their peak.)
If you’re planning to stay in Macon for a few days, book one of its best-rated hotels: Hotel Forty Five. Located in the Historic Central Business District, the boutique property is within walking distance of festival events, restaurants, and bars, and its rooftop lounge, Hightales, is a popular gathering spot during cherry blossom season.
Denver, Colorado
Unlike Washington DC, the Mile High City isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think about the best destinations for cherry blossoms in the US. But when Denver’s cherry blossom trees were replanted after World War II, the city’s Cherry Creek neighborhood started to come alive with pink hues every spring. This appropriately named residential and shopping district is the best place in the city for cherry blossom viewing, with pink and white flowers lining the Cherry Creek Bike Path, and Cherry Creek State Park is also home to plenty of blooms. Elsewhere in the city, Speer Boulevard is lined with cherry trees, and the Denver Botanic Gardens has colorful displays as well.
While the best time to see cherry blossoms in Denver is from late March to early April, plan a summer visit if you want to take advantage of the Denver Cherry Blossom Festival. In 2026, the festival is scheduled for June 20 and 21 at Sakura Square in downtown Denver. The event celebrates Japanese culture and heritage through live entertainment, exhibits, and performances, including traditional taiko drumming, folk dancing, Japanese cuisine, and a craft marketplace.
If you want to stay close to the action downtown, book a room at Limelight Hotel Denver, located beside Union Station and within walking distance of LoHi, the South Platte River trail, and some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. The 200-room hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows and a collection of original works by Colorado artists, and guests receive complimentary access to the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. Its ground-floor restaurant, AJAX Downtown, has an open kitchen and a bar program focused on Colorado spirits and wines.
Newark, New Jersey
From April 11 to April 19, 2026, the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival takes place at Essex County Branch Brook Park in Newark. The nine-day festival is chock-full of family activities, games, food, and events. Guests can take part in the annual bike race, a 10K run, Family Day, and live music throughout.
The park aims to embody the Japanese lore surrounding cherry blossom season with kid-friendly origami activities, cultural performances and dance, and general revelry in the season of rebirth. The park’s 360 acres and the town of Newark itself are home to more than 5,300 cherry blossom trees — more than Washington, DC’s Tidal Basin — a fact locals will be quick to tell you at the festival. Bring your phone and embark on a historic walking tour filled with pink petals, with hosted stopping points and information provided via a scannable bar code at each stop along the way.
Food vendors and artists set up shop throughout the park during the festival to keep guests nourished and inspired. Essex County Parks also encourages families to bring picnic supplies, a blanket or lawn chairs, and sunscreen. Plan to arrive during the early part of the festival. Peak bloom typically occurs in early to mid-April, depending on the weather. Bloomfest — the one-day celebration that encapsulates the best parts of the festival — takes place on April 19, 2026. If you can’t make it but still want to see the action, livestream cameras showcase the beauty of the bounty 24/7 on the park’s website.
If you’re staying overnight, consider basing yourself near Newark Penn Station or in downtown Jersey City for quick access to Manhattan after a day at the park. For something more atmospheric, these dreamy island Airbnbs near New York City — from Fire Island to Shelter Island — make it easy to turn blossom season into a waterfront weekend.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is among the best West Coast cities to see cherry blossoms. You’ll see the flowers bloom in several parks — including Seward Park, Jefferson Park, and the Washington Park Arboretum — as well as at the Seattle Japanese Garden and along residential streets in late March and early April. But what really makes Seattle’s cherry blossoms stand out are two notable festivals that the city throws in their honor.
Each spring, the University District bursts into celebration as the historic cherry trees on the University of Washington Quad begin to bloom. The U District Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 13-29, 2026, bringing themed food, drink, and retail specials from local businesses to coincide with the peak blossom period on campus.
Elsewhere, the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival returns to Seattle Center April 10-12, 2026. This free, weekend-long celebration of Japanese culture features traditional performances, cultural demonstrations, and activities such as martial arts, taiko drumming, tea ceremonies, and arts and crafts.
Populus Seattle in Pioneer Square makes a perfect base for blossom season, especially if you want to move around the city without a car. Housed in a restored 1907 building, the boutique hotel runs on renewable energy and showcases more than 300 commissioned works by Pacific Northwest artists, with rooms overlooking one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods. Downstairs, Salt Harvest serves Pacific Northwest-driven plates sourced from regenerative farms and fisheries, and the rooftop bar, Firn, offers skyline views a short train ride from the University of Washington Quad.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City has hosted the National Cherry Festival since 1925 — and in 2026, the celebration will mark its 100th anniversary from July 4 through July 11, drawing visitors with parades, air shows, fireworks, and family events that celebrate the region’s cherry heritage.
It’s also nicknamed the Cherry Capital of the World, so it’s hardly surprising that it’s a great place to see cherry blossoms during the month of May, when orchards across Old Mission Peninsula, Leelanau Peninsula, and Benzie County burst into bloom in succession as you travel north from the city.
Old Mission Peninsula’s orchards are not the only attractions worth your time. The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail ensures there are plenty of delicious pit stop options. If you drive all the way to the point of the peninsula, you’ll see the Mission Point Lighthouse, which doubles as a magnificent viewpoint.
Leelanau Peninsula also has a wine trail, a must-see lighthouse at its tip that you can visit (Grand Traverse Lighthouse), and the beautiful Leelanau State Park, with miles of trails waiting to be explored between blossom viewing.
If you make it to Benzie County, check out the blooms, but don’t ignore the shoreline on Lake Michigan and the county’s two iconic lighthouses: Point Betsie and Frankfort North Light. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is shared with Leelanau Peninsula.
For an enjoyable place to stay during cherry blossom season and beyond, book a night at the highly rated Alexandra Inn. Situated right on the shore of East Grand Traverse Bay, with private beach access and sweeping water views, the intimate property also features a rooftop restaurant with panoramic vista seating and easy access to nearby shops and eateries.
New York City
Spring in New York City is magical. There are many spots to see cherry blossoms in the city. The length of the season is quite short, so if you’re tight on time, visit the places known for the best displays: Central Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Green-Wood Cemetery, and Sakura Park.
Central Park has several locations where you can see cherry blossoms, including Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, Cedar Hill, and around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Bloom times vary depending on the type of tree and weather conditions. You can usually expect to see Yoshino cherry trees in early to mid-April and Kwanzan cherry trees in late April to early May. The Central Park Conservancy cherry blossom tracker maps the area and lets you know what stage the trees are in.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is home to one of the most impressive collections of cherry trees in the country, typically blooming from late March through mid-May. A bloom status map on the garden’s website helps visitors plan around peak bloom. The majority of trees are located in the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Cherry Cultivars Area, Cherry Walk, and Cherry Esplanade. Each spring, the garden hosts its popular Hanami celebration, featuring extended evening hours, performances, and seasonal food and drink (check the official calendar for current dates).
Green-Wood Cemetery has more than 170 cherry trees, primarily pale pink Yoshino and deeper pink Kwanzan varieties. The trees line the winding paths of the cemetery, and the backdrop of historic architecture and sculpture makes it a peaceful place to enjoy the changing season.
Another great spot is Sakura Park in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights along the Hudson River. The park is named after the Japanese word for cherry blossom and was planted with trees gifted by Japanese residents in the early 1900s. Today, the park’s Yoshino cherry trees typically bloom between late March and early April, depending on weather conditions.
For a spring stay that matches the season’s sense of occasion, check into Faena New York. Opened in late 2025 in a High Line tower overlooking the Hudson River, the 120-room property brings art, live performance, and destination dining to Manhattan, including La Boca by Francis Mallmann, known for its Argentine fire cooking.
Portland, Oregon
The temperate climate of the Pacific Northwest makes for ideal growing conditions, especially for cherry trees. You can see them across the city, but the best place to take them in is along the waterfront at the Japanese American Historical Plaza. It’s the most popular spot in Portland to see cherry blossoms, and for good reason. The plaza — set against the Willamette River and the city skyline — features about 100 Akebono cherry trees lining the waterfront, creating a striking display of pink blossoms each spring. Bloom season typically runs from mid-March through early April, though peak timing varies year to year depending on the weather. Located within Tom McCall Waterfront Park, it’s an excellent place for a picnic, stroll, or bike ride.
Cherry trees also dot the landscape throughout Washington Park, particularly within the Portland Japanese Garden. While it’s not the most concentrated area for cherry blossoms, it offers a tranquil setting to appreciate them alongside other seasonal blooms. The trees — including Yoshino and weeping cherry varieties — are dispersed throughout the grounds and frame the garden’s glass-fronted Umami Café, where you can enjoy Japanese teas and treats such as matcha and hojicha brownies.
For a centrally located stay, book a room at Hotel Lucia. Portland is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US, and the downtown property reflects that, allowing up to two dogs per room and providing pet amenities such as beds and bowls for a one-time fee (typically around $65 per stay; check current rates when booking). Its location near the North Park Blocks and within walking distance of the waterfront makes it a convenient base for exploring Portland during cherry blossom season.
Nashville
The city famous for its country music and hot chicken is also now known for its cherry blossoms. When the Japanese consulate-general for the South-Central United States moved from New Orleans to Nashville in 2008, Japan gifted the new host city 1,000 cherry trees to symbolize the friendship between the two countries. These trees were planted across Nashville over the following decade and now bloom throughout the city each spring.
Some of the most notable places to see them in bloom include Nashville Public Square Park, First Avenue, Riverfront Park, and Centennial Park, where blossoms accent the replica Parthenon and surrounding lawns.
The city’s blossoming reputation is on display each year at the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, a free, family-friendly celebration of spring and Japanese culture held in Public Square Park. The festival typically features a Cherry Blossom Walk through downtown, live music and dance, arts and crafts, cultural performances, and food vendors.
Book a stay at Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville, a centrally located hotel just blocks from Broadway and many cherry blossom viewing areas. The property offers amenities such as a seasonal outdoor pool, on-site dining, and gym facilities, and its walkable location puts Music City’s attractions — from live music venues to museums — within easy reach.
San Diego
Balboa Park in San Diego is one of the most popular attractions in the city, with museums, gardens, restaurants, performance halls, and more. What some people may not know is that the park’s iconic architecture dates back to the 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition, the World’s Fair that helped shape much of the park as it exists today. It was during this era that a Japanese garden and tea house were first introduced to showcase Japan’s tea and garden traditions to fair attendees.
That original garden did not survive. In 1941, it was dismantled, and its cherry trees were removed during World War II amid rising anti-Japanese sentiment. Years later, local advocates revived the idea of a Japanese garden following the establishment of San Diego’s sister-city relationship with Yokohama, Japan (formalized in 1957). In 1977, 100 cherry trees were gifted from Japan to Balboa Park, marking the beginning of what would become today’s Japanese Friendship Garden.
The garden now features more than 150 cherry trees, including the “Pink Cloud” variety, which typically bloom from late February through early March, depending on weather conditions. The annual San Diego Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blossoms over a four-day weekend, usually held in late February or early March. The event highlights Japanese culture through live performances, art, food vendors, workshops, sake tastings, and docent-led garden tours.
Even if you can’t attend the festival, the blossoms generally last around two weeks during peak season, though exact timing varies each year. The Japanese Friendship Garden and its Tea Pavilion are open year-round; check the official websites for current hours before visiting.
