Thinking about the Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC? I have too but just can't bring myself to deal with the drive and the crowds. Luckily enough, there are many places within an hour of NYC to see the all-too-short cherry blossoms. Take a look at our favorites below!
1. Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Brooklyn, NY): Known for its renowned Cherry Esplanade, this garden boasts over 200 cherry trees of different varieties, creating a breathtaking pink canopy each spring.
2. Central Park (Manhattan, NY): Take a stroll through Central Park to admire cherry blossoms scattered throughout the park, particularly in areas like the Conservatory Garden, the Reservoir Loop, and the Cherry Hill area.
3. Riverside Park (Manhattan, NY): Along the Hudson River, Riverside Park offers picturesque views of cherry blossoms lining the waterfront promenade, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
4. Boscobel House & Gardens (Garrison): Wander through 68 acres of gardens and grounds while enjoying cherry blossoms and family-friendly activities. Address: 1601 NY-9D, Garrison, NY 10524.
5. Hastings-on-Hudson Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival): Celebrate spring at this annual festival in April (date TBA) with cherry trees blooming in Pocket Park, along with performances, food, and more. Address: Corner of Villard Avenue and Broadway, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY.
6. Queens Botanical Garden (Flushing, NY): Explore the vibrant display of cherry blossoms at Queens Botanical Garden's Cherry Circle, featuring various species of cherry trees and other spring blooms.
7. Pelham Bay Park (Bronx, NY): Enjoy the tranquility of cherry blossoms at Pelham Bay Park, the largest park in NYC, with its wooded areas and scenic trails adorned with cherry trees.
8. Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden (North Salem): Immerse yourself in the serene Japanese Stroll Garden with cherry blossoms and picturesque landscapes. Opening day: Saturday, April 6th. Address: 28 Deveau Road, North Salem, NY 10560.
9. New York Botanical Garden (The Bronx, NY): Witness the beauty of cherry blossoms at NYBG's Cherry Collection, featuring hundreds of flowering cherry trees amidst the garden's lush landscape.
10. Rotary’s 7th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival (Peekskill): Join the festivities at Peekskill Riverfront Green Park with 100 cherry blossom trees, children's activities, craft vendors, and more. Date: Saturday, May 4th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Address: 1 Robin Dr. Peekskill, NY 10566.
11. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden (Staten Island, NY): Discover cherry blossoms and other blooming trees at this cultural center and botanical garden, offering a peaceful retreat from the city bustle.
12. Branch Brook Park (Newark, NJ): Just across the Hudson River, Branch Brook Park boasts the nation's largest collection of cherry blossom trees, with over 5,000 cherry trees in various colors, creating a stunning sight.
13. Van Cortlandt Park (Bronx, NY): Experience cherry blossoms in a natural setting at Van Cortlandt Park, offering wooded trails and open fields dotted with cherry trees, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.
14. Roosevelt Island (Manhattan, NY): Take a tram ride to Roosevelt Island to enjoy cherry blossoms along the waterfront promenade, offering sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and East River, providing a tranquil escape from the city.
15. Lasdon Park (Katonah): Experience the beauty of cherry blossoms in this public park with various spring events. Address: 2610 Amawalk Road, Route 35, Katonah, NY 10536.o
