Blossoms by the Park in New York City

Blossoms by the park are a symbol of springtime and a welcome sight for nature lovers everywhere. Ranging from deep magenta to pale pink to crisp white, cherry trees adorn Central Park’s landscape in bloom for just a few short weeks each year.

With this year’s warm winter, the park’s cherry blossoms have already bloomed much earlier than normal. But there’s still time to see this year’s stunning display if you head out to the park soon.

Washington, DC is known worldwide for its cherry blossoms, and this year’s display is expected to last through the end of April. However, the National Park Service doesn’t forecast peak bloom more than a week in advance, and weather conditions can extend or limit the blossoming season.

The National Park Service also hosts the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which includes a number of events and activities to enjoy while you’re in town. Be sure to check out the Festival’s website and subscribe to its email updates to stay up-to-date on all of the Festival’s offerings.

New York City is home to a variety of different cherry trees, and many of them are blossoming in parks across the five boroughs. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots to get a glimpse of this beautiful springtime tradition.

Brooklyn: Rainey Park in Astoria is a popular spot for viewing Yoshino cherry trees and the Manhattan skyline. The park is a favorite destination for picnics and family activities.

Queens: Hunter’s Point South Park is another great place to see Yoshino cherry trees, which appear more white than the Okame blossoms that are more common in Brooklyn. The park’s waterfront views make for a wonderful backdrop to the daffodils, lilacs, and other springtime flowers that are blooming throughout the neighborhood.

Long Island: The city’s largest public park, Roosevelt Island, is also a prime spot to view the cherry blossoms. The park is bordered by the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and features a number of beautiful cherry trees, including those gift from Tokyo’s mayor in 1912.

Syracuse: If you’re visiting the area during the early spring, take a drive down the scenic Shawangunk Road to see the vibrant pink flowers. The flowering shrubs and vines on the hillside are a sight to behold, and the entire area looks especially lovely when lit up at night by the blossoms.

Connecticut: There are plenty of places to see cherry blossoms in the state, but Yale University has a few gorgeous spots that deserve a look. In particular, you can’t miss the trees by the dining hall.

Boston: While the blooms at Branch Brook Park aren’t quite as spectacular as those in NYC, there’s nothing quite like the splendor of the tree canopy along the Charles River Esplanade. The park’s 4,000 cherry trees have been a major attraction for visitors since 1927, and the sight of these colorful flowers is an unforgettable one.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to soak up the beauty of spring or a lively venue for a party, there’s a blossoming park in just about every part of New England. From Vermont’s lush green mountains to Connecticut’s bright blossoms, there’s something for everyone in the northeast this spring.