Where to find cherry blossoms in New York City

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND

My suggestions for where to find cherry blossoms in New York City this spring.

So after a spell of finicky weather, it appears spring has finally sprung in the Big Apple.

And by Jove, is it glorious.

I’ll readily admit that I, despite having been raised in Canada where it’s bitterly cold most of the year, am a warm weather girl. The transition period between spring and summer is when I thrive most– you know, that time of year when it’s finally warm enough to go out in the evening without a jacket, but yet not humid enough to warrant carrying a stick of anti-perspirant in my purse (don’t judge me).

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While the city hasn’t quite hit that sweet spot yet, the days have been progressively sunnier and warmer, and along with spring’s first breaths is the tentative arrival of the cherry blossoms in New York.

Where to find the cherry blossoms in New York City: Roosevelt Island

While I’ve seen a smattering of cherry blossom trees around New York City, the largest, most delicious congregation I’ve encountered (by far!) is on Roosevelt Island.  Roosevelt Island, for those not in the know, is the small strip of land marooned in the East River, lodged between Manhattan and Queens.  Since I live in nearby Long Island City, I know the island well– I often run there.

cherry blossoms new york city roosevelt island

April 19
Now the thing about the cherry blossoms in New York City is that it’s hard to predict exactly when they’ll bloom. The ones I saw along the boardwalk on Roosevelt Island were obviously in full flower, but others closer to the subway were already dried up (FYI, the F train is the only subway line that accesses the island; there’s also an aerial tramway that connects it with the Upper East Side).

April 7

April 17

Even the most jaded person has to admit that the sight is all kinds of wonderful.  I particularly love how the cherry blossom trees on Roosevelt Island have the Queensboro Bridge as a backdrop.

April 5

Needless to say, a visit is well worth it!

Where else to find cherry blossoms in New York City

At this time of year you’ll find cherry blossom trees scattered randomly throughout every borough. However, the largest, most impressive clusters of trees are found in key sites like Central Park, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Queens Botanical Garden, Riverside Park, and New York Botanical Garden.  I haven’t made the trek out to any of these places (yet!) but the pictures I’ve peeped online are stunning.

Have you seen cherry blossom trees at home or in your travels?  Where?

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Where to find cherry blossoms in New York City

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