Where to See Cherry Blossoms This Spring Without Leaving the Northeast

Spring has a way of announcing itself in the Northeastern United States that few natural spectacles can match. Each year, as winter loosens its grip, flowering cherry trees erupt in waves of soft pink and white across parks, waterfronts and botanical gardens from Washington, D.C., to New York City and Philadelphia. Cherry blossom season is one of the most anticipated moments of spring in the region — and you don’t need to book a flight to Japan to experience it.

Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or simply looking for a reason to get outdoors closer to home, here’s what to know about catching cherry blossoms in full bloom across three of the Northeast’s most vibrant cities.

Washington, D.C.: The Crown Jewel of Cherry Blossom Season

When most people think of cherry blossoms in the United States, Washington, D.C., comes to mind first — and for good reason. The nation’s capital is home to one of the most celebrated displays of flowering cherry trees anywhere in the world.

Cherry blossoms in D.C. typically reach their peak in late March or early April, though the exact timing shifts from year to year depending on weather conditions. Peak bloom is defined as the point when about 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms are open, creating the full, lush canopy of color that draws enormous crowds each season.

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