Enjoy the poetry of spring: immerse in the waves of cherry blossoms in the floral wonderland of NYC in April

Each spring, when thousands of cherry blossom trees burst into bloom, New York City transforms into a floral wonderland. Around April, the city is covered in the delicate pink hues of cherry blossoms, creating unforgettable magnificent scenes. From iconic landmarks to hidden gardens, the city offers a plethora of picturesque spots to experience this seasonal spectacle.

When is Cherry Blossom Season?

It varies every year! Okame cherry trees (which have tiny pink flowers with red calyxes) are the first to bloom, usually around mid-to-late March, followed by the more famous Yoshino (white/ light pink flowers) and Kwanzan cherry trees (fluffy pink flowers), which usually blossom in April. As the wave of cherry blossoms arrives, the flowers for each species usually are in bloom for about two weeks.

Sakura Park, Manhattan

Sakura means cherry blossom in Japanese, so what better place to experience cherry blossom season in New York City than at the park named just for it! The cherry trees in this park were gifted from Japan in 1912. Dozens of Yoshino cherry trees blossom here, usually in early April.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens

Experience the arrival of cherry blossom season at the “world’s park”! This not-to-be-missed grove of Okame cherry trees is usually the first to blossom in New York City. See them near the Unisphere!

Silver Lake Park, Staten Island

The poetry of spring delights at the lakeside in this beautiful Staten Island park. And it’s not just the Kwanzan cherry blossoms that add to its spring beauty, there are also crabapples and red maple trees, too!

Randall’s Island Park

Enjoy cherry blossom on Randall island in the East River at Randall’s Island Park Alliance. This year’s festival takes place on May 1 and includes paper flower making, kite flying, face painting, and, of course, cherry blossoms!

Central Park, Manhattan

Immerse in the waves of cherry blossom season in the heart of Manhattan at three key spots in Central Park. In early spring, head to the bridle path on the west side to see the Okame cherry trees. See the Yoshino cherry trees in bloom at their namesake, Cherry Hill, and near the reservoir. Come back later in cherry blossom season to stroll under this canopy of Kwanzan cherry trees at the reservoir.

Pelham Bay Park, Bronx

Make spring feel like a getaway with a trip to City Island for fresh air, seafood, and cherry blossom spotting! The city’s largest park features a charming display of Yoshino cherry blossoms near the City Island Bridge.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn

The grove of cherry blossoms at this famous garden in Prospect Park is worth the trip! Come walk under a sky of pink cherry blossoms when the trees are in full bloom.

Hunter’s Point South Park, Queens

If Yoshino cherry trees are your favorite, be sure to enjoy the cherry trees blooming at this beautiful waterfront park in Long Island City. The trees wrap around the oval and look out to a stunning view of the Midtown Manhattan skyline.

Riverside Park, Manhattan

Head to Cherry Walk for a runway of fluffy flowers, from the pink tufts of the Kwanzan cherry blooms to the even fluffier bunches of crabapple blossoms. See it between 100th Street and 125th Street.

By Alex Arlander | ENC News