Best cherry blossom destinations in North America
Best cherry blossom destinations in North America
Central waterfront parklands and historic arboretum tracks in North America
North America's cherry blossom season is smaller than Asia's, but a handful of cities have turned it into one of the most anticipated events of the year.
The trees themselves often trace back to gifts and plantings from decades ago, now grown into full groves that draw huge crowds during the short bloom window each spring. Timing varies quite a bit by region, since warmer southern areas tend to bloom weeks before cooler northern ones, giving travelers some flexibility if the first stop is missed. Several cities now hold dedicated festivals around the bloom, with food, music and events built entirely around the trees for a week or two. Beyond the well known spots, smaller plantings in parks and botanical gardens offer a quieter alternative with far fewer crowds.
Bloom dates shift every year depending on the weather, so checking recent forecasts before booking makes a real difference. The destinations on our list for North America combine the biggest festival cities with calmer places to catch the same brief season.
Lists by region
City in United States
Washington, D.C.
Capital of History and Culture
Older than the festival that celebrates them, the first trees went into the ground in 1912. First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda planted two Yoshino trees on 27 March. They were part of a gift of 3,020 trees from Tokyo. The first festival came in 1935. The trees ring the Tidal Basin.
City in Canada
Vancouver
Where mountains, ocean and city life meet
Peak bloom usually lands around 1 to 14 April, though early varieties open in late February. More than 40,000 cherry trees across 17 species grow in the city. Cherry trees at Brockton Point frame the totem poles in Stanley Park. Sakura Days at VanDusen Botanical Garden has taiko drumming and tea ceremonies.
City in United States
San Francisco
Iconic bridges, rolling hills and vibrant culture
Japantown's Peace Plaza has cherry trees and hosts the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in April. It has dancing, drumming, crafts and tea ceremonies. In Golden Gate Park, blossoms bloom in front of the Japanese Tea Garden. Lindley Meadow is another spot. Trees flower for a few weeks in March and April.
City in United States
Philadelphia
History, art and cheesesteaks collide
In 1926 Japan gave Philadelphia 1,600 flowering trees for the nation's 150th anniversary fair. They were planted in Fairmount Park that May. The festival centres on the Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park. About 1,000 more followed after 1998. The two day Sakura Weekend has drawn about 40,000 visitors.
City in Canada
Victoria
Garden city by the Pacific
Locals follow a blossom map from street to street, since each one peaks at a different time. View Street often blooms first, in February or March. Government House has cherry lined streets on 36 acres. Beacon Hill Park is a 10 minute walk from the visitor centre.
City in Canada
Toronto
A vibrant mix of cultures and skyline
In Toronto's west end, High Park has Somei-Yoshino cherry trees along its trail and around Grenadier Pond. Tokyo gave 2,000 of them in 1959 to thank the city for supporting Japanese Canadian refugees after World War II. The show lasts only about 4 to 10 days.
City in United States
New York City
Five boroughs of skyline, food and museums
The Cherry Esplanade is the main attraction at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which has more than 200 cherry trees. Hundreds of Yoshino and Kwanzan trees circle the Central Park Reservoir. Cherry Walk in Riverside Park runs between 100th and 125th Streets. Roosevelt Island's trees form a pink canopy along the East River.
City in United States
Portland (Oregon)
Quirky, green and endlessly creative
Pale pink petals drift across the Japanese American Historical Plaza, where 100 Akebono cherry trees bloom. Bloom usually peaks around 19 to 21 March. The plaza opened in 1990 and is also a memorial to people held in wartime camps. The Portland Japanese Garden blooms later.
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