Best time to travel to New Jersey

Cherry Blossoms in New Jersey

Behold a range of pink across New Jersey's parks and arboretums

Best time: late March–late April

Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms
Veterans Memorial Third Ward Park in Passaic, NJ

Spring is irresistibly enchanting in the Garden State when lush cherry blossoms adorn local towns and cities. The delicate pink and white flowers make their debut in New Jersey around late March and peak by mid-April. 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, and especially when it comes to Brooklyn's Sakura Matsuri.

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.

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, foods, and other family-friendly activities, such as a 10K Cherry Blossom Run.

Should you have any questions regarding the cherry trees blooming in Branch Brook Park or Cherry Blossom Festival, don't hesitate to consult the official website noted in the External Resources below. Also, feel free to book accommodations nearby from the map featuring the best available options.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit New Jersey for cherry blossoms?

In New Jersey, cherry blossoms bloom from late March to late April. During this period, the spring blooms with pink and white cherry blossoms in the Garden State, making it an ideal time to visit. However, since the blossoming lasts only a short time, visitors should plan their trip accordingly to enjoy the sight of stunning cherry blossoms. Show more

Where can I see cherry blossoms in New Jersey, besides Branch Brook Park?

Apart from Branch Brook Park, cherry blossoms in New Jersey can be seen in other parks and arboretums. For example, in Ringwood, visitors can see cherry blossoms at the New Jersey Botanical Gardens. Holmdel Park has the David C. Shaw Arboretum where visitors can see cherry blossoms. Third Ward Park in Passaic and multiple parks in Jersey City are also ideal for viewing cherry blossoms. The Brooklyn Sakura Matsuri in NYC is also worth a visit. Show more

What is the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival?

Held annually in April, the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in Newark and Belleville. The festival showcases the beauty of cherry blossoms while featuring Japanese cultural performances, a craft market, live music, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can participate in informative workshops and take guided tours exploring Japanese culture and the significance of cherry blossoms. The festival promotes appreciation and awareness of nature's beauty and Japanese culture. Show more

Are there any other events or activities during the Cherry Blossom Festival?

The Cherry Blossom Festival features various activities and events. In addition to Japanese cultural performances, a craft market, live music, and family-friendly activities like the 10K Cherry Blossom Run, visitors can enjoy a colorful display of fireworks, which is a must-watch event. Those who want to learn more about Japanese culture and the significance of cherry blossoms can participate in informative workshops and guided tours. Show more

Can I book accommodations near Branch Brook Park during the festival?

Accommodation near Branch Brook Park is easily accessible through various modes of transportation, making it convenient for visitors to choose a suitable place to stay. Several accommodations are available, including apartments, hotels, and townhouses, all of which can be accessed using a map that displays the available options. To avoid any inconvenience, it is recommended to book accommodations in advance to secure the desired option. Show more

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Authors: Olha Savych