The best places to see cherry blossoms in the USA

Washington, D.C. is probably the U.S. city most famous for its cherry blossoms, and for good reason: More than 3,000 trees are in the city, creating legit cherry blossom fields within city limits. The Tidal Basin is the best place to see D.C.'s blossom spectacular in March or April, but be prepared to battle the crowds. 

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Portland's cherry blossom trees in the Japanese American Historical Plaza are relative newcomers to the city. The plaza was dedicated in 1990 to remember the Japanese-Americans interned during World War II. Thirty years later, the park turns pink every spring with cherry blossoms. Don't miss the famous works by Japanese-American poets engraved in 12 granite stones throughout the park. 

Head to the University of Washington to see 130 cherry blossom trees turn the college quad pink every spring. The original trees were donated to the city by Japan in 1939, and the country ended up donating 12 additional Shirofugen trees and six Yoshino trees—variations of the cherry blossom trees—to the UW campus. 

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has 26 flowering cherry species and cultivars in the garden. Fans eagerly await the appearance of buds in preparation for blooming. Make sure to check the website for blossom status and any other events celebrating their appearance. 

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Never heard of Macon, Georgia? You're missing out. The Southern city is home to a whopping 300,000 Yoshino cherry blossom trees that turn the entire city pink every spring. What started as a horticulturists' pastime in the 1970s grew to be a major part of the city's identity including a festival, the International Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held every March. 

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Given as a gift in 1979 by Ohio University's sister campus Chubu University (located in Kasugai Japan), the 200 cherry trees in Athens were meant to honor and celebrate Ohio’s 175th anniversary as well as the 50-year global partnership between the schools. Winter is no joke in Ohio, and the arrival of the blossoms—which line the banks of the Hocking River in Athens—is always a welcome sign of spring.  

From 2008 to 2018, Nashville planted 100 cherry trees every year, resulting in more than 1,000 pink- and white-hued trees in the city, covering everywhere from Morgan Park to the Tennessee State Capitol. Start at Nashville's public square and walk the 2.5 miles to Morgan Park to recreate the annual cherry blossom walk as part of the city's annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Dallas might come as an unexpected surprise on this list, but cherry blossom enthusiasts would be wise to check out the Dallas Arboretum, which houses more than 100 trees that bloom spectacularly every March. The "Dallas Blooms" spring festival celebrates with a roster of activities and events, including live concerts, chef demonstrations, and wine tastings. 

Michigan is known for its picturesque cherry farms, and people travel from all over to see the white blossoms once they arrive in the late spring (most often around mid-May.) Because the nearly 2 million trees throughout the state (primarily near Traverse City) are located on private farms, you can't walk through the orchards (unless you know a farmer), so opt for scenic drives or bike rides. To make your trip easier, download the Blossom Tour Guide.

Offering prime riverfront views, the Charles River Esplanade is covered in cherry blossom trees that bloom each year. This three-mile stretch of green space offers more than five miles of walking and biking trails among the blooms leading up to the historic Hatch Shell amphitheater. In normal times, onigri, and yukatas are staples of the local cherry blossom and Japanese cultural festivals in Boston. 

The Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park makes you feel like you've been transported to Japan—and the beautiful cherry trees only add to the experience. You'll find the trees dotted through the gardens, where you can stroll, sit, or even sip tea in the teahouse. It's most common to see the blooms in mid-March to mid-April, and every year, the city hosts an annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in April.

The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis contains more than 100 varieties of cherry blossom trees, including 20 cuttings from the original trees gifted to Washington, D.C. by the Japanese government. Stroll through the Japanese Garden to see the original trees, then head to the George Washington Carver Garden to see other specimens like the Mount Fuji cherry. 

Fairmont Park in Philly is the place to go if you want to see cherry blossoms while in town. The park has a forest of sakura—a specific type of Japanese cherry tree—planted in 1926 as a gift from the people of Japan. Each April, the Shofusu Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates with music, performances and other community activities.