Cherry Blossoms in New Jersey 2025

Spring is irresistibly enchanting in the Garden State when lush cherry blossoms adorn local towns and cities. Within the short-lasting timeframe, you should definitely visit the celebrated Branch Brook Park in Newark, walk around the multiple parks of Jersey City, drop by New Jersey Botanical Gardens in Ringwood, or see David C. Shaw Arboretum inside the massive Holmdel Park. After all, taking a drive to NYC is always a great idea, especially when it comes to Brooklyn's Sakura Matsuri.

When is Cherry Blossom Season in New Jersey

In New Jersey, cherry blossoms bloom from late March to late April, transforming the Garden State into a springtime wonderland of pink and white. This short but magical period is the perfect time to visit and admire the stunning blossoms, so plan your trip carefully to make the most of this fleeting beauty.

Places to Visit in New Jersey to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms

Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossoms

The foremost destination for indulging in cherry blossoms in New Jersey is the Essex County Branch Brook Park in Newark and Belleville. Being home to an impressive collection of about 4,000 cherry trees, the park has every right to brag about its cherry blossoms. This place is also famous as the US's first county park to open to the public. As a bonus, you can also see a decent amount of cherry trees at Third Ward Park in Passaic, less than 10 mi (16 km) northwards.

Take advantage of the blossoming trees in the park and visit historic sites such as the Prudential Lions, the Octagon Shelter, and the park's unique bridges. Cycle, walk, or jog on miles of trails. Skate on the roller rink or play baseball, boccia, tennis, or softball. Branch Brook Park is open 24 hours on weekdays, while weekend hours are from 6:30 am to 10 pm. Visitors can enjoy the park’s facilities and natural beauty during these times.

Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival

The annual New Jersey Cherry Blossom Festival held in early April highlights the diversity of blooms across Branch Brook Park. Aside from relishing nature's stunning beauty, the fun-filled program offers Japanese cultural performances, live music, a craft market, food, an action-packed Cherry Blossom Challenge Bike Race, Essex County Family Day, the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, Bloomfesand other family-friendly activities, such as a 10K Cherry Blossom Run. In addition, visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch and spend some time under a canopy of flowers.

Other Places to Visit

In addition to Branch Brook Park, New Jersey offers several other spots to enjoy cherry blossoms. The New Jersey Botanical Gardens in Ringwood showcases beautiful blooms, while Holmdel Park's David C. Shaw Arboretum is another great destination. Visitors can also explore cherry blossoms in Third Ward Park in Passaic, Hurd Park in Dover, Warinanko Park in Linden, Verona Park, Divine Park in Spring Lake, and various parks in Jersey City, making the state a springtime haven for blossom enthusiasts.

Behaviour Alerts

While admiring the beauty of cherry blossoms, let’s protect nature, too. Stay on designated paths, avoid picking or touching the flowers, and help preserve the trees and vegetation for everyone to enjoy. Respect nature and keep the magic alive.