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Best cherry blossom destinations in North America

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Washington, D.C.
Capital of History and Culture
8.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Explore the Smithsonian museums along the National Mall
  • 🕊️ Visit the Lincoln Memorial and reflect by the Reflecting Pool
  • 🏛️ Tour the U.S. Capitol and see American democracy in action
Vancouver
Where mountains, ocean and city life meet
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Explore Granville Island’s public market and artisan shops
  • 🚡 Take a gondola up Grouse Mountain for city views
  • 🚴‍♀️ Walk or cycle around scenic Stanley Park’s seawall
Toronto
A vibrant mix of cultures and skyline
8.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Visit Ripley’s Aquarium and walk through the underwater tunnel
  • 🏺 Explore historic Distillery District’s cobblestone lanes and galleries
  • 🌆 Take in skyline views from the top of CN Tower
New York City
Five boroughs of skyline, food and museums
9.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌃 Visit Times Square at night for unforgettable neon views
  • 🎭 Watch a Broadway musical in the Theater District
  • 🏙️ Admire skyline views from the Top of a skyscraper
San Francisco
Iconic bridges, rolling hills and vibrant culture
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Explore Alcatraz Island and tour the former prison
  • 🚋 Ride a classic cable car through steep hills
  • 🌉 Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge
Philadelphia
History, art and cheesesteaks collide
7.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Stroll through the Philadelphia Museum of Art and run the Rocky Steps
  • 🥪 Eat a Philly cheesesteak from Pat's or Geno's
  • 🔔 Visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
Portland (Oregon)
Quirky, green and endlessly creative
7.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🍃 Discover the tranquility of the Portland Japanese Garden
  • 📚 Visit Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore
  • 🌹 Explore the International Rose Test Garden’s vibrant blooms
Victoria
Garden city by the Pacific
7.3
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♀️ Stroll along the scenic Inner Harbour waterfront
  • 🏛️ Visit the Royal BC Museum to discover regional history
  • 🌸 Explore the beautiful Butchart Gardens and seasonal blooms
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