The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Central Park

Where to see cherry blossom in Central Park

Spring is the perfect time to be in New York City; there are so many beautiful cherry blossoms in Central Park to discover. It’s hard not to fall in love with Central Park, especially when it’s in full bloom. If you’re visiting New York during spring, chances are you’ll stumble across cherry blossoms, but there are some places slightly off the beaten track that you won’t want to miss. In this guide, I will share with you all the best places to see cherry blossoms in Central Park.

Whether you’re hoping for picture-perfect, pink Instagram photos or a beautiful backdrop for family memories, this guide has got you covered.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

CHERRY BLOSSOMS AT THE BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN
4 PERFECT DAYS IN NEW YORK ITINERARY
FULL GUIDE TO CENTRAL PARK

When is the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Central Park?

Typically, cherry blossoms bloom in early to mid-April. This year, (2022), some started to bloom at the end of March. They usually only last a maximum of 2 weeks. Luckily, not all the trees flower at the same time, so you usually get a good few weeks of cherry blossom season.

The Central Park Conservatory website has a cherry blossom tracker. This is very useful to avoid wasting time going to a location that isn’t in bloom.

Tips for Taking the Perfect Cherry Blossom Photos:

Central Park is popular with locals and tourists alike. As soon as the sun comes out the park can get very crowded, especially around the cherry blossom trees.

You’ll find the best time to take photos without crowds of people in them, which is early in the morning. If you’re not a morning person, you can try to wait for a break in the traffic or find an angle with no one in the background!

The park is much quieter on a weekday morning and even quieter on a rainy day.

Where are the Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Central Park?

If you’re wondering where to see cherry blossoms in Central Park, the list below will tell you the exact spots to visit!

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir – West Side

Located towards the North of Central Park, the Reservoir is a place a lot of tourists skip, however, it’s one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Central Park. There are multiple locations around the reservoir to spot cherry blossoms blooming.

My all-time favourite is the Bride Path on the West Side of the park. You’ll find the closest entrance is West 86th Street. The walkway becomes covered by a canopy of beautiful blossoms. This really is something special to see which also makes it a very popular spot with Instagrammers.

There are also a few other trees on this side which flower in a deep pink colour; these are also lovely to see. These tend to bloom slightly earlier.

Beautiful walkway of cherry blossoms in central park on the West Side of the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.

The West Side of the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, a perfect place to see cherry blossoms in central park.

Cherry Blossoms on the West Side of the Reservoir

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir – East Side

The next location around the reservoir is along the Bridle Path on the East side of the park; you’ll see them from the East 90th Street Entrance.

This is a popular place for runners, so it does get busy even in the early mornings, but there are also plenty of blossoms here to enjoy!

Cherry Blossoms on the Bridal path on the East Side of the reservoir.

View of the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis reservoir, framed by beautiful blooms.

Cherry Blossoms on the East Side of the Reservoir

Pilgrim Hill

You’ll find Pilgrim Hill located just below Conservatory Water. The closet entrance is at East 72nd Street.

The hill is named after the statue that stands at the top of it. In spring, this statue is surrounded by beautiful cherry blossom trees, which make a perfect photo backdrop.

Next to the Alice in Wonderland Statue

If you find the Alice in Wonderland Statue, then look to the left, on the other side of the hedge, is a gorgeous, low-hanging cherry blossom tree. This one is a lovely photo backdrop as the flowers aren’t too high up!

You can either go in front of the bench or go around to the side for even lower hanging branches.

You’ll also find lots more options between the statue and East Drive.

Cherry Blossoms on Pilgrim Hill, a perfect location to see cherry blossoms.

Posing in front of beautiful blossom tree in the park.

Pilgrim Hill | Opposite the Alice in Wonderland Statue

Cherry Hill

If you start at the water fountain at the top of Cherry Hill, then walk down the hill towards The Lake, you’ll see what is quite possibly the best cherry blossom view in all of Central Park! The closest entrance for this one is on West 72nd Street.

Being so beautiful also makes this a really busy location. You will have to be really quite dedicated to getting photos here without people in the background!