Cherry blossoms are the epitome of springtime. The fragrant flowers’ appearance marks the approach of warmer weather and longer days after the chilly, depressing winter. We selected five locations in the United States where you may enjoy the beauty of trees; some of these locations have elaborate festivals centred around the blossoms.
Though every year is unique, these signs of spring usually emerge from early March to early April. Make sure you research the area you plan to visit’s weather and blooming predictions. Even though Washington attracts a lot of people, we also added other cities. (Every facility complies with the Americans with Disabilities ActTM in at least some ways, and wheelchairs are welcome in certain areas.)
5 American Cities to See Cherry Blossoms.
Washington
Since the Tokyo mayor gave the city 3,000 cherry trees in 1912, cherry blossoms have become associated with the capital of our country. Many places have the flowers, such as the National Mall, National Arboretum, and the well-known Tidal Basin, where guests can bike, stroll, or take advantage of private or public boat trips to view the blooms from the water. The president of the yearly National Cherry Blossom Festival, Diana Mayhew, advises going early to beat the crowds (March 20 to April 14). “It’s a great time to visit at sunrise,” Mayhew remarks.
According to the National Park Service, the dates of the peak bloom are March 23–26, when 70% of the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Several free events are part of the festival schedule, such as Petalpalooza, which is a full day of live music and activities at the Capitol Riverfront. Because there isn’t much parking available for the festival and viewing the blossoms, Mayhew advises taking public transit or ride-sharing services. Alternatively, forego the car entirely and take in the scenery from a bus trip. To plan your visit, watch the festival’s live BloomCam.
Nashville, Tennessee
According to Ginger Byrn, the festival director of the free Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival on April 13 in Public Square Park, the city known for country music is also becoming known for its profusion of flowers. Peak season was formerly in early to mid-April, but according to Byrn, more recently, the blooms have begun to blossom in mid-March. The celebration kicks out with a 2.5-mile Cherry Blossom Walk, honouring Japanese culture and spring. Families may take advantage of the vendors, entertainment, and blossoms (weather permitting). In addition to public transportation and parking spaces available downtown for the festival, bike and scooter riders can take advantage of free, safe valet parking.
While Public Square Park is the hub of activity, there are also plenty of cherry trees in Centennial and Shelby parks that blossom all year long. Don’t confine your gazing to urban parks, though. In Nashville, there are actually a lot of locations with cherry blossoms. Since they thrive in our climate, many homeowners and communities have planted them, according to Byrn.
Athens, Ohio
Crowds swarm Ohio University’s campus every spring to see the cherry trees’ blossoms, which were originally donated by Chubu University in Japan. Two grassy spaces along the Hocking River, where people can wander, cycle, or just relax under the flowers, are bordered by scented trees. According to Gillian Ice, Ohio University’s interim associate provost for global affairs, “it really is an ideal setting.” “There are gorgeous trees there, but there’s also a great river to relax by. Additionally, it’s a friendly and strongly community-focused atmosphere.
The university constructed a Japanese-style pavilion to commemorate the partnership’s 50th anniversary with Chubu, and in November of last year, Chubu donated 50 new cherry trees, which were dedicated during a ceremony. There are parking areas with metered and free accessible parking next to the bike path and the trees. Check out the Cherry Blossoms at Ohio University website, where blooming updates are posted, to make travel plans.
San Francisco
Cherry blossoms aren’t the first thing that spring brings to mind when thinking of the City by the Bay, yet every spring, Golden Gate Park’s Gardens are inundated in blooms. The 1,016.7-acre park is split up into different gardens, and the most well-liked spots are served by a free shuttle. The main park is lined with cherry trees, and guests can visit the Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest public Japanese garden in North America (open from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday; other times, $15 for adults, $7 for seniors), where blossoms accentuate the charming pagodas, bridges, koi ponds, and zen garden.
Take in the splendour while strolling in silence, or end a 60-minute walking tour with a soothing cup of tea at the Tea House. Steven Pitsenbarger, the Japanese Tea Garden’s garden supervisor, advises visitors to just remember to pack a jumper. Many travellers from all over the nation arrive in California with the impression that the state is bright and warm. For us, spring is truly a great season. Usually, it’s more pleasant. Although there is a lot more sun here, it can rain throughout that period.
Portland, Oregon
There are a few locations in Portland, the state’s largest city, where you can see cherry blossoms. There are one hundred cherry blossom trees lining Tom McCall Waterfront Park (locals just call it Waterfront Park), which is near to the Japanese American Historical Plaza and the Steel Bridge. According to Anna Fox, public relations manager at Travel Portland, the 36-acre public riverside park has a 1.5-mile paved route that is easily and safely accessible for wheelchair users, walkers, bikers, skaters, and service animals. Parking is available across the street (with accessible spaces), and those who prefer not to deal with traffic can take in the park’s blossoms from the MAX Light Rail line.
Cherry blossoms can be viewed across the 410-acre Washington Park, west of downtown, as well as along the park’s 12-mile Hoyt Arboretum paths, which are free to use. Inside the park, the Portland Japanese Garden (adults $21.95; seniors $18.95) captivates guests with Yoshino cherry and weeping cherry trees by streams, peaceful paths, and a sand and stone garden. The Umami Café, with its glass walls, is flanked by the aromatic blooms. In the middle of March, pictures of the trees are posted on the garden’s cherry blossom watch page.