The Big Apple will soon be in Bloom! A visit to New York City in the Spring means that you can see the gorgeous Cherry Blossoms across the city. Whether it’s a family stroll, spring picnic, or park visit – we’ve rounded up our favorite places to see the Cherry Blossoms in NYC.
Cherry Blossoms in NYC – Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Pink trees as far as the eye can see! Brooklyn Botanical Garden is famous for its Cherry Esplanade, a broad green lawn with rows of flowering cherry trees that typically bloom at the end of April. It’s one of the highlights of spring, don’t miss this! More to see, the Garden also has a Cherry Walk, a meandering path behind the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, which blooms earlier. The garden has a fantastic “Cherry watch” map on their website that tells you exactly what is in bloom. Good to know: To protect the grass, the Garden has a no blanket rule. If you are planning on sitting under the trees, bring a sweatshirt or similar clothing item instead.
Why it’s Great for Kids: When visiting with children, be sure to stop by the Discovery Garden. The hands-on activity stations throughout the Discovery Garden encourage families to explore science and nature together. Pot up a plant or create a nature craft to take home – all included with garden admission. Brooklyn Botanical Garden. 990 Washington Avenue. Brooklyn, NY. More information HERE.
Cherry Blossoms in NYC – Central Park
With over 840 acres, Central Park has numerous places to see Cherry Blossoms; including Cherry Hill (mid park at 72nd Street), East Drive (between 65th and 67th streets), and Pilgrim Hill (East Side at 72nd street). Central Park has a terrific map highlighting the spots HERE. While these are great, our favorite spot to take in the blooms is Bridal Path, located between 85th and 90th Street, just next to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. In our opinion, the trees here are the best in the city. Some of the gorgeous pink blooms create a tunnel-like effect on the walking path, and the others have pink blooms cascade down to the ground, creating a gorgeous blooming arch. They are breathtaking. Pack a picnic and arrive early, if you are lucky you can grab a seat under the flowers.
Why it’s Great for Kids: The cascading arch effect of the trees means that children can see cherries at eye level, and the photo opportunities are endless. Make a day of it. Explore one of Central Park’s 21 playgrounds, take a spin on the vintage carousel, or continue the magic with a visit to Belvedere Castle – just a short walk away. Central Park. 59th Street to 110th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West. More info on the park HERE.
Cherry Blossoms in NYC – Long Island City
Hunters Point South grassy oval is a great place to see cherry blossoms! The Yoshino cherry trees ring the oval in Hunters Point South Park, and with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, they make for some of the most iconic images when the blossoms start to pop, usually in early April.
Why it’s Great for Kids: Long Island City has a plethora of fun for families. Directly next to the cherries is the wildly popular Hunter’s Point South Playground, and a few blocks further you have two additional play spots – Rainbow Park and Gantry Park Playground. Add in a state-of-the-art waterfront library and a larger-than-life Pepsi-Cola sign, a visit here could easily become a full day. Bonus: The NYC Ferry has two stops in the area, making it fun to get to as well. Hunters Point Park. Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY. More info HERE.
Cherry Blossoms in NYC – Roosevelt Island
Cherry trees with a backdrop of the Manhattan skyline can be found on Roosevelt Island! Roosevelt Island strategically planted both (early-blooming) Yoshino trees and (late blooming) Kwanzan trees along the waterfront, giving visitors a six-week window to see pretty blossoms. Grab a seat at one of the benches and take in the view. There is ample grass to play in at the South Point Park or Four Freedoms Park Conservancy, at the southern tip of the island. Tip: If you need a snack break, head to the new (and super cool) Graduate Hotel. The lobby restaurant Anything at All offers a large menu with a wide variety of foods.
Why it’s Great for Kids:: While kids will enjoy the cherry trees, the better adventure lies in getting to the island with the Roosevelt Island Tramway! The entry is located on Second Avenue between 59th and 60th streets. Swipe your metro card and hop on board, the 3-minute ride dangles passengers 250 feet over the East River and offers killer views of Manhattan. It is an experience your kids will not forget (all for the price of a subway ticket!). Roosevelt Island. Located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens. More info HERE.
Cherry Blossoms in NYC – New York Botanical Garden
Less condensed, but with more variety – NYBG offers more than 200 flowering cherry trees across the Garden’s gorgeous landscape. Find them in Cherry Valley, near the Arthur and Janet Ross Conifer Arboretum and next to the stunning Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. What is currently in bloom in the garden? Follow along with the blossoms with the NYBG Spring Bloom Tracker.
Why it’s Great for Kids: The 12-acre landscape features boulders to climb, trails to explore, and even a pond. During weekends you will find a slew of garden-led activities. Be sure to visit the Edible Academy where children are invited to dig, plant, and grow. Don’t miss the Orchid Show (through April). The New York Botanical Garden. 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY. More information HERE.
