Cherry blossom season in Seattle is just a few weeks away. Typically, cherry blossoms grace the city from the last two weeks of March through the first two weeks of April. The exact timing can vary, with cooler springs delaying the bloom and warmer springs hastening the arrival of these ephemeral blossoms. Whether you’re a local to the Pacific Northwest or visiting Seattle in spring, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to enjoy this seasonal spectacle.
If you’re looking for where to find the cherry blossoms in Seattle this spring, this blog post is for you. I’ll be sharing where to go in Seattle and the surrounding cities to find the cherry blossoms.
Here are 6 spots to see the cherry blossoms in the Greater Seattle area
1. The Quad at the University of Washington
Photo by: Jenny Roso Photography
One of the most popular places to see the cherry blossoms in Seattle is at the University of Washington. The 30 cherry trees at the University of Washington have a storied history. First brought to the campus in 1939, they were later relocated to the Quad in the early 1960s. The Quad draws large crowds during peak bloom every spring season.
The cherry blossoms at the University of Washington are also popular photography spots. People take wedding, engagement, graduation, or general photos with them.
Tip: Arrive early in the morning and visit on the weekdays to beat the crowds.
2. Capitol Hill: East Columbia Street and 18th Avenue
We pulled over near the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church during a recent spring visit to Alexandra’s Macaron & Café. While we hadn’t planned to see cherry blossoms in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, we were excited to see the cascade along East Columbia Street and 18th Avenue.
Capitol Hill is a busy Seattle neighborhood, so seeing the cherry blossoms on this Street was such a charming burst of color amidst the city’s bustling energy.
Tip: You can park on the local streets since this street is nestled in the neighborhood.
3. Bellevue Downtown Park
Located at 10201 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA, this park is a hidden gem for blossom enthusiasts. While it may be easy to overlook, the park’s cherry trees near Bellevue Square and NE 4th Street create an enchanting display that’s well worth the visit if you’re exploring the greater Seattle area.
Tip: I also recommend visiting on the weekdays to avoid the crowds during the weekends. Overall, Bellevue Downtown Park is less busy than the University of Washington during cherry blossom season though.
4. Liberty Park in Renton
At 1101 Bronson Way N, Renton, WA, Liberty Park spans approximately 12 acres and is known as Renton’s oldest central downtown park. The cherry trees near the Renton library provide a delightful spot to relax and soak in the spring atmosphere away from the usual crowds.
Tip: Swing by the Renton library or stop by downtown Renton for a mix of culture and nature. Downtown Renton has awesome local businesses like Boon Boona Coffee, Macadons, and Urban Sprouts.
5. Seward Park
Spanning over 300 acres along Lake Washington, Seward Park is another Seattle favorite for cherry blossom enthusiasts. Drive along the park’s perimeter to enjoy scattered clusters of cherry trees. If you want to take photos with the cherry blossoms at Seward Park, stop by Ferdinand Street Hand Carry Boat Launch.
Tip: I recommend either driving around or walking around Seward Park to take in the panoramic views and snap photos.
6. Ballard Corners Park
1702 NW 62nd St, Seattle, WA 98107
Even though this Seattle park is small, it has beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom. You’ll also find a small walking path, a bike rack, and cement couches at this Ballard park. This hidden gem in Ballard offers a cozy, neighborhood vibe that stands out from the larger, more crowded parks.
Tip: Enjoy a quiet moment with a coffee or picnic, and take in the local neighborhood atmosphere as you relax under the cherry trees. I also recommend checking out local Seattle cafes nearby before or after you visit the park. I love Rosellini’s Fine Cakes & Baked Goods and Mabel.
What other places do you recommend seeing the cherry blossoms in Seattle or the Greater Seattle area?
Thank you for reading!
Love,
Emma
