Pretty in Pink: 11 of the Best Places to Spot Cherry Blossoms This Spring
You know you're finally in the homestretch of Winter when you spot your first cherry blossom tree, and oh, what a sweet moment that is. After months of snow, cold, and staying indoors, Spring can't come soon enough, and those cherry blossoms are a sweet and beautiful promise that you're almost there. While you may have to wait a little into the Spring season before these appear in cities on the East Coast, you may be in luck if you find yourself in Japan (and if you do, we're extremely jealous). Before these pink beauties line the streets, plan a little getaway to see them in one of the top 11 places they bloom. Keep reading to see them all now, just make sure you pack some tissues (for both the beauty and the allergies).
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Washington DC
DC tops the list because besides politics, cherry blossoms are what they're known for. They even have an entire festival dedicated to them!
Vancouver, Canada
Canada isn't just the land of Justin Trudeau, Drake, and Ryan Gosling; it's also the land of cherry blossoms in the springtime. The city may be an unexpected location to spot them, but this also means that you're in for a unique treat.
Okinawa, Japan
If you find yourself in Japan in March, you're in luck, because the first cherry blossoms begin to bloom in Okinawa earlier than in the rest of the country.
Hokkaido, Japan
May in Japan means blooms in the northern part of the country, like Hokkaido. The great thing here is that you're able to get your fill before the warm weather truly descends.
San Francisco, CA
Japan isn't the only place to have a cherry blossom-inspired festival. San Francisco prides itself in hosting a Cherry Blossom Festival at the Japanese cultural center of Northern California.
Brooklyn, NY
The Brooklyn Botanical Garden puts together a true celebration of cherry blossoms and Spring every year, which is a welcome relief for New Yorkers after harsh Winters.
Central Park, NYC
For New Yorkers who don't want to venture out to Brooklyn, a walk through Central Park once the Spring hits can be the perfect place to spot cherry blossoms. Central Park's website even has a breakdown of each kind of tree they house.
Nashville, TN
Music Row isn't the only well-known area in this city. As a part of their annual Cherry Blossom Festival, the City of Nashville offers a Cherry Blossom Walk.
St. Louis, MO
Spending Easter or a weekend in April in St. Louis is a perfect, low-key place to spot cherry blossoms.
Seattle, WA
Head back to college and take a walk around the University of Washington where you'll be surrounded by cherry blossoms left and right.
Macon, GA
Georgia's hot weather isn't the only thing it has going for it. If you wander through Macon (and plan your trip accordingly), you'll happen upon their International Cherry Blossom Festival.