The onset of spring brings a burst of color on the streets of New York. Central Park is magical to visit in the spring, with Cherry Blossoms in Central Park making it all the more special when they burst into bloom, one variety at a time, giving New Yorkers plenty of reasons to go back for many weekends in a row to welcome spring.
Cherry blossom trees, native to Japan, are also known as sakura, and are a symbol of renewal and hope after a cold winter. In Central Park, the cherry blossom trees are concentrated in a few areas between 72nd Street and 96th Street, with the highest concentrations around the Reservoir, Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, Great Lawn, Cedar Hill, and the area just south of Cedar Hill between 74th and 77th Streets. Lets take a closer look at 7 great spots for Cherry Blossoms in the park.
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History of Central Park Cherry Blossom Trees
Central Park is one of the most iconic parks in the world, and its Cherry Blossom trees make it a must visit in the spring. The history of its Cherry Blossoms dates back to over a century ago in 1912 when they were gifted by Japan. The trees were gifted as a symbol of friendship between the two nations, and they were planted around the park’s reservoir and other areas.
Interestingly, before this, Japan sent 2,000 cherry trees to Washington D.C. as a gift to the American people in 1909. This gift was so well-received that New York City decided to ask for its own set of cherry trees, which arrived in 1912.
Ever since then, the Central Park Cherry Blossoms have become a symbol of springtime in New York City, when thousands of people flock to the park to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. Their cultural significance of sakura as a symbol of the transience of life and the beauty of impermanence is reflected in the blossoms lasting for a few weeks each year.
7 Best Viewing Spots for Cherry Blossoms in Central Park
Central Park has pockets of Cherry Blossoms that are must visit locations to catch them at their best. Here are 7 of the best viewing spots for cherry blossoms in Central Park.
1. Central Park Reservoir
The Reservoir is a popular loop for runners and walkers, and it is also home to many cherry blossom trees around it. The interesting thing about the Cherry Blossom trees around the reservoir is that the ones on the East side blossom before the ones on the West side of the reservoir.
2. Cherry Hill
Located near the Lake, this hill is one of the most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing with clusters of trees that look stunning against a backdrop of the lake and Bow Bridge.
3. Pilgrim Hill
Pilgrim hill is located near 72nd Street, and offers a sweeping vista of Cherry Blossoms around the statue that commemorates the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers on Plymouth Rock on December 21, 1620.
4. Shakespeare Garden
Shakespeare Garden, located near the Delacorte Theater, has a variety of cherry blossom trees, as well as other types of flowers and plants, all of which are found in Shakespeare’s books. The garden features sayings about flowers by Shakespeare, and even has a Whispering Bench tucked away right at the top around the back.
5. Cleopatra’s Needle
Cleopatra’s Needle is an ancient Egyptian obelisk located near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and it is stunning when the cherry blossom trees around it are in peak bloom.
The obelisk actually has crabs holding it up at the base, these are easy to spot if you look for them.
6. Conservatory Garden
The Conservatory Garden is located in the northeast corner of the park, and features a formal design with three distinct sections. The central section has many cherry blossom trees, you can actually climb to a higher section and look down to see these along the pathways, which are an amazing sight.
7. Bethesda Terrace
Bethesda Terrace is a great place to catch Cherry Blossoms, especially with all the entertainers that are a given in this area of Central Park. As a fun fact, Bethesda Fountain, called Angel of the Waters, was designed by Emma Stebbins in the 1860s, making it the first piece of art designed by a woman in the City.
Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Central Park
Central Park is one of the most well known parks in the world, especially in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. However, the blooms are fleeting, so it is important to catch them at full bloom.
Central Park makes it easy to know the best areas and time to visit for cherry blossoms through an online tracker to know where the cherry blossoms have peaked in the park. The map is a great way to catch the peak bloom, it is updated regularly so you need to keep checking in before visiting Central Park.
In 2024, cherry blossoms are expected to bloom between mid March and mid April.
You must keep in mind that there is a fair amount of walking involved if you want to see all the cherry blossoms. I usually find it best to focus on the sections in peak bloom, and plan visits to areas that are closer together to make the most of my time with these stunning flowers.
Peak Bloom Period
The peak bloom period for the cherry blossoms is when the majority of the blossoms are open, which is when they are at their most beautiful. The peak bloom period for cherry blossoms in Central Park usually occurs in mid to late April, but the exact timing of the varies from year to year depending on weather conditions. The Central Park Conservancy makes it easy to track this through an online map to track in real-time where the cherry blossoms have peaked in Central Park.
Other Factors to Consider
While mid to late April is the peak bloom period, the peak bloom can be as early as early as late March or as late as early May depending on the weather. Additionally, cherry blossoms are at their best in the sun, so try and catch them on a brighter day as they shine just a little brighter than on a cloudy one.
In all my visits to the park, I have found that the park tends to get very crowded with visitors and picnickers during peak bloom, especially with everyone trying to take pictures at the same time, so early mornings tend to be a great time to visit, especially on sunny days.
Closing Thoughts
Cherry Blossom season is one of my favorite times to visit Central Park, and with a little planning you can get to experience this too. I recommend using the Central Park tracker to know which areas are in peak bloom, and using public transportation to get to the park as there will be a fair amount of walking once you are inside. Also, plan your visit for earlier or later in the day to avoid the inevitable crowds that can be found in Central Park during Cherry Blossom season.
