Most people think they need to travel to Washington, D.C., to see cherry blossoms—but springtime in New England tells a different story. From the coastal towns of Connecticut to Boston’s historic green spaces, cherry blossom season is a local tradition. Whether you’re a botanist or just looking for a springtime stroll, you can experience the delicate pink blooms without traveling far beyond your own backyard. The blossoms typically peak between late March and mid-April, and are as fleeting as spring rain, so plan your visit while they last!

A Celebration in Bloom: Boston’s Arnold Arboretum Cherry Blossom Festival

One of the most beloved celebrations of cherry blossoms in New England happens every spring at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in Boston. This year, on an unseasonably warm 80-degree Saturday, it was the perfect time to welcome spring. Young families, children, seniors, and visitors of all kinds came out to enjoy the blossoms and enjoy the arboretum’s activities and performances. The festival featured traditional Japanese games and calligraphy, and family-friendly programming with Arboretum Youth Education. 

The festival came alive with Japanese dance performances by the Showa Boston Institute, and the strong rhythms of taiko drumming by Odaiko New England—their powerful beats echoing through the blooming pathways.

But the cherry trees are more than just beautiful—they’re part of a deeper story. Many of the trees were grown from seeds hand-delivered from Japan, part of a longstanding friendship between the two cultures. (Fun fact: these trees thrive here thanks to the similarly humid climates of Massachusetts and Japan!) More than just a lovely spring stroll, the event highlighted the deep connections between culture, environmental care, and community. Spring in New England feels like a new year, with everyone and everything coming alive again after the long, cold winter. 

More Places to See Cherry Blossoms in New England

Looking to explore beyond Boston? Here are some other top spots for cherry blossoms in New England (and just beyond):

Mill River Park, Stamford, Connecticut

Located just over the New York border, this urban park features the lovely Cherry Tree Grove, perfect spring day trip. It’s less than a 90-minute drive from central Connecticut and is quickly becoming a regional favorite.

Wooster Square Park, New Haven, Connecticut

Each April, more than 70 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in unison in this historic neighborhood park. Wooster Square Park is also home to one of New England’s most beloved cherry blossom festivals, with live music, local food, and family-friendly fun, making it one of the top cherry blossom destinations in the U.S.

Charles River Esplanade, Boston, Massachusetts

For cherry blossoms with a city skyline view, this riverside park delivers. Walk or bike along the Charles River under elegant rows of pink and white petals, with views of the Back Bay and easy access to the Boston Public Garden and Beacon Hill.

Branch Brook Park, Newark, New Jersey (Honorable Mention)

Though technically outside New England, Branch Brook Park is a cherry blossom powerhouse that deserves a mention for its proximity and scale. Just a couple hours’ drive from southern Connecticut, this park boasts over 5,000 cherry trees in more than a dozen varieties, making it the largest collection in the United States. Visitors can also enjoy guided talks and cultural programming during peak bloom.

Cherry Blossom Visitor Tips

To make the most of cherry blossom season, keep these tips in mind:

• Plan ahead: Check local bloom forecasts.
• Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds and catch the best lighting for photos.
• Know your trees: Yoshino trees bloom first, followed by Kwanzan, which have fuller, deeper pink petals.
• Weather matters: Rain or strong wind can shorten the bloom period dramatically.
• Pack a picnic: Many of these parks have scenic spots to enjoy lunch under the trees.

A Shared Moment Beneath the Petals

As Japanese poet Masaoka Shiki once wrote:

“Under the cherry blossoms / strangers are not / really strangers” There’s something deeply human about gathering under blooming cherry trees. Whether you’re wandering through the Arnold Arboretum or finding peace under the blossoms in New Haven, appreciating spring flowers in New England offers a rare and beautiful pause—a reminder to slow down, breathe deep, and welcome a new season in bloom.

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Jess Kirby is a writer and creative whose deep-rooted love for New England is woven into everything she does. Born and raised on Aquidneck Island in Newport, Rhode Island, where her family has lived for five generations, Jess grew up pond skating, exploring the woods and beaches, surfing, and water skiing in Mackerel Cove, all of which instilled in her a lifelong connection to the outdoors and a strong sense of place.

Today, Jess, her husband, and their daughter (plus their dog) split their time between coastal Rhode Island and the Green Mountains of Vermont, where she’s found a slower pace and a community of like-minded people. Whether she’s savoring summer swims in Silver Lake, enjoying a maple creemee at Scoops in Woodstock, or appreciating the absence of billboards along Vermont’s winding roads, Jess is a New Englander through and through, making her the perfect person to capture the spirit of New England for our May/June cover.

What special stories or memories do you have of growing up in Rhode Island?

I have stories that go as far back as my earliest memories. I grew up on Aquidneck Island and spent summers as a kid in Narragansett Bay on our family’s little Whaler water skiing in Mackerel Cove, fishing, and going on harbor cruises. My entire childhood is filled with memories on the island, whether it was getting lost in the woods, pond skating, spending days at the beach, surfing, and just having a lot of freedom and independence to explore with my siblings, cousins, and friends. 

What is it about Vermont that made you want to move there?

Believe it or not, I didn’t really spend much time in Vermont until I was in my thirties, and the first time I came and stayed for several nights, I knew it was a place I would eventually call home. It’s a totally different way of life here, and it’s special and magical in so many ways. I think it’s why so many people come to Vermont every year. You get to Vermont, and it just feels different. The sense of community here is different from any other place I’ve lived. 

Nowadays, if you’re showing visitors around Woodstock, Vermont, what do you most want them to see?

There are just so many special things about Vermont. I always point out that we don’t have billboards, because it’s something you don’t see here, which is so nice. The country stores and general stores are awesome, the farm-to-table food, the farms, some of which have been in the same family for generations. When you drive around Vermont, you realize how special and unique it is. 

Given that you have been living in Vermont for a few years now, how would you describe what it’s like to spend the summer there?

Summer in Vermont is incredible. There is so much to do, from hiking and biking to swimming in lakes and ponds. There is such incredible energy and so much amazing food, festivals, music, and other events all season long. 

Is there anything about living in Vermont that you are still getting used to?

Mud season. It’s not my favorite. 

Do you have a favorite country store? Favorite spot for a maple creemee?

In my area, Gillingham’s is a great stop for a classic Vermont general store. I also love the South Woodstock country store, and they have a great breakfast and lunch. For maple creemees, you can’t go wrong at Scoops in Woodstock, or for a little scenic drive, check out Silver Lake Syrups in Barnard. It’s a family-owned spot right near Silver Lake, which is so fun in the summer. 

Favorite weekend getaway now?

We went on a trip to Martha’s Vineyard last September as a family. It was so incredible, what a beautiful and special place. We also did a weekend getaway to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which was really fun. The beaches there and in Kittery, Maine, are amazing. We go to Newport a lot for the weekend because we still have so much family there, so it’s usually our go-to spot for a getaway as a family.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Vermont is known for foliage, and it’s definitely our busiest time of year (for good reason). If you plan to make a trip, try to come during the week; it’s less crowded and you can have an easier time getting reservations and enjoying all the small villages throughout the state.

See more from Jess Kirby at The New England Guide or by signing up for her newsletter, A Common Thread.

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