It seems like, practically overnight, New York has emerged from a cold, dark, sleepy winter. There’s a general happiness in the air as the sun is warming our days. We’re shedding our winter layers and remembering what it feels like to sit in a park for an afternoon.
The city is alive and, most excitingly, in bloom! From cherry blossoms in the botanic gardens to tulips and daffodils in the parks, it’s a magical season in New York City.
If you’re looking for the best places to enjoy spring flowers in NYC, here are 7 suggestions.
1. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The first winter I spent in New York, I went on a deep rabbit hole to find all of the best spots to see cherry blossoms in New York City and without a doubt, Brooklyn Botanic Garden was the number one answer.
Each year, it hosts the Japanese festival, known as Sakura Matsuri which kicks off the start of “hanami” or the month-long celebration of the arrival of cherry blossoms.
At Brooklyn Botanic Garden, guests can experience this traditional festival through music, dancing, tours, and activities for kids.
You can join “Cherrywatch” here to keep track of when the flowers will be in peak bloom.
Even if you aren’t able to make it for the cherry blossom festival, a trip to the gardens is well worth the visit. There are over 200 cherry trees with two dozen varieties and all sorts of paths and gardens to explore.
The Fragrance Garden is a favorite, which is a sensory garden designed to stimulate through smell and touch (a whole corner of flowers smelled like lemons!).
2. Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is truly one of my favorite spots in New York, especially during the springtime.
Given the compact size of the park, the spring blooms really fill the space. On the first sunny weekends of the season, the once dried-out lawns quickly fill up with people basking in the sun.
Stroll through the park and see the daffodils, tulips, and cherry blossoms. Don’t miss the view at the main entrance of the park on 5th Ave, which has cherry blossoms lining the street. Extra special when a yellow taxi cab drives by 😉
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3. Central Park
At the first sign of spring, New Yorkers run to Central Park.
It’s one of the most popular spots to view cherry blossoms and other flowers and plants as they start to bloom.
If you’re looking to see cherry blossoms, you’ll find most of the trees in the center of the park, between 72nd St and 96th St. My favorite spots are Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, and the path around the Reservoir. It’s a sight to see, so expect some crowds.
I also love to pay a visit to the Conservatory Garden, which is much less busy.
It’s made up of three gardens mimicked after different styles: English style (South Garden), French style (North Garden), and Italian style (Center Garden).
You’ll find carefully manicured shrubs, daffodils, fountains, and a cherry blossom tunnel. The gardens are especially peaceful and serene, I always feel like I’m transported to another world.
4. Park Avenue
Waiting at a crosswalk for the pedestrian crossing is a universal annoyance for New Yorkers but for a few weeks during the spring time, it’s actually a pleasant, flower-filled moment if you’re crossing Park Avenue.
Each year, over 50,000 bulbs are planted on the center strip of the busy avenue. You can imagine how captivating it is when rows and rows of brightly colored tulips start to bloom!
You can catch this gorgeous sight all along Park Avenue, starting at 54th Street and going all the way up to 86th Street.
5. New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show
If you have some time to spare, the New York Botanical Garden is a lovely day trip! It’s located in the Bronx but has a direct train going from Manhattan.
Some people might skip the trip because of the distance (New Yorker problems, ha!) but these gardens might just be my favorite place to see spring flowers in NYC. The 50+ acres of gardens feel like a far, far away oasis from the bustling city.
During the spring, it’s a must-visit for a stroll through the hills of Cherry Blossoms and Lilac Trees. Don’t miss Daffodil Hill, where rolling grassy hills are covered in daffodils. Fun fact: the garden has a Million Daffodil Initiative with the goal of planting one million bulbs. How cool!
And, of course, the Conservatory can’t be missed, where there’s an annual orchid show. You’ll see hundreds of orchids arranged in unique displays like the recent kaleidoscope theme designed by Jeff Leatham, a renowned floral designer.
This a great family-friendly spot. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon running around, playing, and exploring the gardens.
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6. Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park, or the West Side Highway, are some of the hottest spots in town (if you know, you know).
And a walk along the waterfront path will offer endless views of spring blooms in NYC.
Make sure to visit the hidden park near Brookfield Place where you can sit in a tulip garden or walk through a park full of cherry blossoms.
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7. Roosevelt Island
If you want to see cherry blossoms without the crowds, and enjoy skyline views, Roosevelt Island is the place to go!
The island is home to Cornell Tech and located between the East Side of Manhattan and Queens. It’s accessible by train or, by my personal preference, the tram, which takes you over the river. The tram runs every 5-7 minutes from 59th St and 2nd Ave.
Once on Roosevelt Island, you’ll be steps away from the cherry blossom park with a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline directly across the river. It’s spectacular!
And that wraps up the 7 places to see spring flowers in NYC. I hope you’re able to visit New York in the springtime and experience the joy of a city coming back to life.
And a thought that comes to me often these days is a heartfelt thank you to the NYCParks who maintain our parks and lawns. I see them working constantly and am so grateful for the work they do to bring beauty to our city. A gift!
I love spring and especially when it comes to NY!