Cherry blossoms coming soon in New York: the best places to see them

The cherry blossoms in the Big Apple give New Yorkers a momentary but glorious beauty, which is why we flock to see them when they bloom each spring. From the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to Central Park and even some of the city's nooks and crannies - Edition Time-out collected the best places where you can admire the delicate pink flowers and take the perfect photo.

When cherry blossoms in New York

Cherry blossoms in New York depend on the weather of each year, but usually start around the end of March. With the warm winter of 2023, we are already seeing how cherry blossoms begin to bloom at the end of February.

Where to look for these beautiful pink trees.

1. Central Park

As you discover winding trails, rocks, and streams, you'll see cherry blossoms around the 90th Street Walkway, 66th Street East Drive, the east side of the 74th Street Boathouse, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Cherry Hill Park at 72nd street. And you will find them opposite the Belvedere castle.

Details - by link.

2. Cemetery Green Wood

Take a stroll through this popular Brooklyn landmark and you'll find trees with gorgeous pink flowers that make for an enchanting view. Walking along Battle Avenue, you will see both pink and white flowers. You can admire 172 cherry blossom trees dotting the landscape.

Details - by link.

On the subject: Not only cherry blossoms: where you can see blooming magnolias in New York

3. Little Island

For just the second spring, visitors can admire the spring flowers on Little Island. The island will feature Akebono Yoshino's cherry blossoms, as well as daffodils, tulips, lilies and other flowers that come from the park's over 66 bulbs.

Details - by link.

4. Brooklyn Botanical Garden

The collection of sakura in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden has 26 species and varieties, including Kanzan and Pendula pink. You can wander under these rose petals during the flowering period, which usually lasts from late March to mid-May.

Since the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has many different types of trees, you are likely to see beautiful blooms no matter when you visit this spring.

“No tree blooms for more than a week, and there are no moments when they all bloom at once,” the garden’s website explains. “Instead, different species and varieties bloom in succession, which provides many opportunities to enjoy the season.”

Don't miss out on Tuesday, April 25th and Tuesday, May 2nd, Hanami Nights, an evening event held under the shadow of an exquisite collection of cherry blossoms. Special lighting will illuminate the trees, while delicious drinks and pleasant music await you.

Details - by link.

5. Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Flushing Meadows Corona Park offers a magnificent array of pink flowers that surround the former World's Fair site, including the Astro View Towers and Unisphere, as well as a museum and theater.

Details - by link.

6. Randalls Island Park

It is located on the East River between East Harlem, the South Bronx and Astoria (Queens) and offers views of the East River waterfront along its western shoreline. There are also cherry blossoms, which you can admire while cycling or walking along the hiking trails.

Details - by link.

7. Roosevelt Island

This narrow stretch of land in the middle of the East River is littered with cherry blossoms, making it the perfect picture for a photo of the Manhattan skyline. And thanks to the red tram that glides over the water, the island may be one of the few places in New York that's nice to get to by public transportation.

Details - by link.

8. New York Botanical Garden

This 50-acre (20 ha) garden contains some of the oldest trees in the city, including many of the cherry blossoms.

Over 200 cherry blossoms dot the garden's historic landscape with pink and white flowers. Don't miss the large and varied planting of cherry blossoms along the winding path in the Cherry Collection garden.

Details - by link.

9. Riverside Park

Did you know that this park has its own Cherry Walk? The trees on the four-mile (6,4 km) path along the Hudson River were donated by the Committee of Japanese New Yorkers decades ago, and you can see them between 100th and 125th streets.

Details - by link.

10 Cadman Plaza Park

Right next to the majestic Brooklyn War Memorial, a beautiful cherry blossom tree grows in this park. Go to the statue of a woman with a child to find a tree, and also pay your respects to the people of Brooklyn who participated in World War II.

Details - by link.

11. Snug Harbor Cultural Center

Spread across 83 acres (33,5 ha), the area boasts a vast botanical garden and cultural center surrounded by cobbled streets and tiny Victorian and Tudor-style paths. One of the most popular attractions here is the Chinese Scholar's Garden, adorned with magnificent mountain-like rocks inspired by the poetry and paintings of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist monks, as well as a bamboo forest path and pond.

Details - by link.

12. Queens Botanical Garden

This serene 39-acre (15,7 ha) space in downtown Queens originated from the "Gardens on Parade" display at the 1939-1940 World's Fair. Today, visitors can take in a variety of horticultural attractions, including a scent walk, and visit the wetlands and forest garden.

Details - by link.