Imagine strolling beneath a canopy of Japanese cherry blossoms with a gentle breeze sending a flurry of petals swirling around you. Sounds so calming, right? What if I told you that you can experience this beautiful sight without buying a plane ticket to Japan?
Japan may be the ultimate tourist destination for cherry blossoms, but there are plenty of spots across America where you can experience cherry blossom trees for absolutely free! Keep reading – one of these spots may be just a road trip away from you!
While many cities charge admission to gardens, parks, or arboretums for cherry blossom viewing, there are also plenty of spots within these cities where you can enjoy these beautiful blooms for free.
The only tricky part is that cherry blossom trees bloom for a very short window every year (usually just a few weeks) and this window can change from year to year. Some cities offer bloom trackers or a “cherry blossom watch”, however tracking cherry blossoms can still be tricky! Before booking your trip, research your destination and watch “cherry blossom forecasts” in the weeks preceding your trip.
Ready to start planning your spring getaway to see cherry blossoms? Here are 10 American cities where you can see cherry blossoms for free!
1. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is the most popular city for cherry blossoms in the United States. It features over 3,000 trees that were gifted by Japan in 1912.
The Tidal Basin is the most iconic spot to see the cherry blossoms, with the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument providing a stunning backdrop.
Walking along the Tidal Basin is completely free, although I do recommend going early in the morning to avoid large crowds. You can also visit the U.S. National Arboretum for a less crowded cherry blossom experience.
Just a heads up — visiting DC during cherry blossom season can be pricey since it’s one of the city’s top attractions. Use the budget travel tips below to help you save money on your trip!
- Best Time to Go: Late-March to Early-April
- Cherry Blossom Tracker: Bloom Watch and Cherry Blossom Watch . You can also check out the National Park Service website, which has a table listing out the dates that the cherry blossom trees in DC bloomed in previous years
- Budget Travel Tips:
- Use the DC Metro to get around the city, instead of relying on taxis or rideshares, to save money on transportation
- You can also save money by walking or biking around the city
- For affordable lodging rates, consider staying in a hotel or AirBnB just outside of DC in a city with a Metro stop. These include Arlington and Alexandria (in Virginia) or Silver Spring and Bethesda (in Maryland), all offering easy Metro access to the city
- Use the DC Metro to get around the city, instead of relying on taxis or rideshares, to save money on transportation
2. Macon, Georgia
Macon is home to over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees, making it one of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms outside of D.C.
The city hosts the annual International Cherry Blossom Festival every spring featuring parades, concerts, and cultural events. You can watch the festival parade for free, although admission to the Carolyn Crayton Park (where the festival is held) requires an admission fee of $10 per person over 11 years of age.
For a free cherry blossom experience, take a drive on the Cherry Blossom Trail! This scenic driving route will take you through the city’s neighborhoods, offering breathtaking views of thousands of blooming Yoshino cherry trees.
- Best Time to Go: Mid-to-late March
- Cherry Blossom Tracker: BloomCam
- Budget Travel Tips:
- Many festival events, including concerts and parades, are free with park admission ($10)
- Pack a picnic to enjoy under the blossoms instead of dining out. Learn about other ways you can save money on food and eating out while traveling!
- Many festival events, including concerts and parades, are free with park admission ($10)
3. St. Louis, Missouri
This is another great destination for cherry blossom lovers. Head to Forest Park to see cherry blossoms for free in St. Louis. Here, you’ll find scenic walkways lined with cherry blossoms – click here to read about the best viewing spots.
Also check out Tower Grove Park which is another great spot to see cherry blossoms for free.
The Missouri Botanical Garden is another great place to see cherry blossoms, however it does have an admission fee. Discounts are available for Missouri residents and children under 12 get free admission.
- Best Time to Go: Late-March to Early-April
- Budget Travel Tips:
- Get a MetroLink day pass for just $5 to get around the city, instead of relying on taxis or rideshares, which can get expensive
- Stay in the South St. Louis or Brentwood neighborhoods, which have cheaper hotel rates but are still accessible by MetroLink
- Get a MetroLink day pass for just $5 to get around the city, instead of relying on taxis or rideshares, which can get expensive
4. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville’s cherry blossoms can be found throughout the city, but the best place to see them is the Nashville Public Square Park. It is home to 100+ cherry blossom trees and is completely free to visit.
Try to time your visit with the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, which is free to attend! This free festival features cultural performances, food vendors, and a cherry blossom walk.
One of Nashville’s largest parks, Centennial Park, has cherry blossoms around the Parthenon replica and along its walking trails. This setting makes for some beautiful Instagram photos!
- Best Time to Go: Early-to-mid April
- Budget Travel Tips:
- Parking in downtown Nashville can be expensive, so take WeGo Public Transit (buses) to get to cherry blossom spots throughout the city
- Restaurants in downtown Nashville can be pricey—pack a picnic and enjoy it under the cherry blossoms at Centennial Park or Public Square Park
- Parking in downtown Nashville can be expensive, so take WeGo Public Transit (buses) to get to cherry blossom spots throughout the city
5. Seattle, Washington
Image credit + source: Seattle Times
Seattle’s University of Washington campus is famous for its cherry blossoms, particularly in the Quad, where dozens of Yoshino cherry trees create a beautiful canopy of blooms. The best part? It’s completely free to visit! Check out this map for all the spots on campus where you can see cherry blossoms.
For an even quieter experience, you can visit the Washington Park Arboretum. This gorgeous spot has free entry and you can walk along the serene paths to see cherry blossoms and other spring flowers.
- Best Time to Go: Late-March to Early-April
- Cherry Blossom Tracker: Not a tracker, but the University of Washington does have live webcams where you can see the cherry blossom trees’ progression
- Budget Travel Tips:
- Seattle has amazing public transportation – for an affordable price – including streetcars, light rail, and buses
- The University of Washington campus and the Washington Park Arboretum are walkable and bike-friendly which is a great way to save even more money on transportation!
- The University area also has delicious, cheap street food if you are eating on a budget
- Seattle has amazing public transportation – for an affordable price – including streetcars, light rail, and buses
6. Portland, Oregon
Portland is another West-coast city where you can find beautiful cherry blossom trees! Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a prime location to see cherry blossoms, especially along the Japanese American Historical Plaza, where over 100 trees bloom in spring. This area is free to visit and offers gorgeous riverfront views.
Another free place to catch cherry blossom trees is Washington Park, particularly around the Portland Japanese Garden and Hoyt Arboretum. While you’re here, check out the International Rose Test garden – home to over 10,000 rose bushes!
- Best Time to Go: Late-March to Early-April
- Budget Travel Tips:
- Portland’s TriMet light rail (MAX) is an affordable way to get from the airport to downtown, and the city’s buses and streetcars are cheap and efficient for getting around the city
- Portland is famous for its food carts, offering affordable and delicious meals while saving you money!
- Hotels in the Pearl District and Downtown can be pricey, so look for budget-friendly stays in Southeast Portland, North Portland, or even nearby Beaverton, which is connected by MAX light rail
- Portland’s TriMet light rail (MAX) is an affordable way to get from the airport to downtown, and the city’s buses and streetcars are cheap and efficient for getting around the city
7. San Francisco, California
Did you know that California also has many free places where you can enjoy cherry blossoms? Check out Japantown’s Peace Plaza, which is in the heart of downtown and has stunning cherry blossom trees. They also hold a cherry blossom festival with free entry every spring!
Golden Gate Park is another great spot to see cherry blossoms for free! Although the Japanese Tea Garden has paid admission, you can check out the cherry blossoms lining Stow Lake for free.
While you’re at Golden Gate Park, walk across the stone bridge to Strawberry Hill, the park’s highest point, where you’ll find even more blossoms and scenic walking trails!
- Best Time to Go: Early-to-mid April
- Budget Travel Tips:
- Many restaurants in San Francisco offer great happy hour prices. Check out spots in Japantown or the Mission District for affordable bites.
- Use the Muni bus and Metro system to get around the city . Avoid rideshares and taxis when possible
- Many restaurants in San Francisco offer great happy hour prices. Check out spots in Japantown or the Mission District for affordable bites.
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Image credit + source: Visit Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park is home to hundreds of cherry blossom trees, many of which were a gift from Japan in 1926. You can check out all the spots with cherry blossom trees here!
Most areas in the park are free to access, but there are some paid attractions within the park such as the Cultural Center and the Museum of Art that will cost money.
You can also find cherry blossom trees in Washington Square, a city park with a memorial to soldiers who fought in the American Revolution.
- Best Time to Go: Early-to-mid April
- Budget Travel Tips:
- Use public transportation to travel within the city since taxis, rideshares, or parking costs can be costly
- Some organizations, like the Shofuso Japanese House, host free or low-cost events during cherry blossom season. Keep an eye out for these great deals!
- Look for discounts or deals on local walking tours (especially in one of these cherry blossom spots!)
- Use public transportation to travel within the city since taxis, rideshares, or parking costs can be costly
9. New York City
New York City might be known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, but in the spring, the city transforms into a cherry blossom paradise! NYC is my favorite cherry blossom destination, but I may be biased since I’ve lived here for 6 years!
There are so many free places to admire the cherry blossoms here! Central Park is a must-see spot for cherry blossoms especially around the Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, and Reservoir areas.
Roosevelt Island is a small island in between Manhattan and Queens that you can access using either the NYC ferry or the aerial tram. The island has a beautiful line of cherry blossom trees which look stunning against the Manhattan skyline.
If you’re willing to travel outside Manhattan, you can take the 7 subway line to Flushing-Meadows Corona Park which is home to stunning cherry blossom trees near the Unisphere, offering a beautiful (and often less crowded) alternative to Central Park!
- Best Time to Go: Early-to-mid-April
- Cherry Blossom Tracker: Central Park cherry blossom tracker
- Budget Travel Tips:
- While the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens are beautiful, there are so many free places to see cherry blossoms in NYC! If you are on a tight budget, I would recommend skipping the botanical gardens and taking advantage of all the free spots instead!
- NYC’s subway system is the cheapest (and fastest!) way to get around the city
- You can also save money by walking or biking around the city. NYC is very walkable, and you can also rent a Citi Bike for a low price
- While the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens are beautiful, there are so many free places to see cherry blossoms in NYC! If you are on a tight budget, I would recommend skipping the botanical gardens and taking advantage of all the free spots instead!
10. Denver, Colorado
Denver may be best known for its breathtaking mountain views and outdoor adventures, but it also offers a beautiful and underrated cherry blossom season each spring.
There are several spots around Denver to enjoy cherry blossoms for free. City Park is one of the largest parks in Denver and has several cherry blossom trees near Ferril Lake and around the Denver Museum of Nature & Science that you can enjoy for free.
Sloan’s Lake Park is a beautiful, scenic lakefront park that offers breathtaking views of cherry blossoms with the Rocky Mountains in the background—a truly unique experience!
- Best Time to Go: Early-to-mid March
- Budget Travel Tips:
- Use Denver’s RTD light rail and buses to get around affordably instead of paying for parking or rideshares.
- Dining in Denver can get expensive, so bring your own food and enjoy a budget-friendly picnic under the blossoms at City Park or Sloan’s Lake.
- Use Denver’s RTD light rail and buses to get around affordably instead of paying for parking or rideshares.
I hope this post inspired you to book your next spring getaway to see some beautiful, fluffy pink cherry blossom trees! If you’re checked out any of these cities already, let me know how your trip was in the comments below!
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