Cherry Blossoms in Philadelphia, PA 2025

As spring rolls around, Philadelphia is enlivened with pink, white, and purple blossoms. Cherry blossom season is a cherished time, inspired by the tradition of "hanami," the centuries-old Japanese practice of enjoying the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms. Philadelphia celebrates this phenomenon with great enthusiasm. As a city deeply connected to Japanese culture through its Sister City relationship with Tokyo, the annual cherry blossoms hold special significance. The culmination of this appreciation is the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, which draws thousands of visitors each spring.

When do sakuras bloom in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia’s cherry blossom season starts in late March and stretches to late April. The pink beauty usually reaches its peak in early April. While the exact timing depends on weather conditions, these weeks showcase the city’s cherry trees in their full splendor. Residents and tourists alike flock to enjoy the delicate blooms, as they mark the end of winter and the beginning of warmer, sunnier days.

Where to see cherry blossoms in Philadelphia

Center City

Home to many public squares and parks, Center City offers pockets of cherry blossoms scattered throughout its urban landscape. Rittenhouse Square and Washington Square are particularly popular spots, where the blooms contrast beautifully with the city skyline.

Penn Museum:

The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, commonly known as the Penn Museum, features stunning cherry trees in its gardens. The setting combines history, culture, and nature, making it a favorite for quiet appreciation and photography.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The iconic grounds of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, including the famous “Rocky Steps,” are adorned with cherry blossoms each spring. Visitors can enjoy views of the trees along the Schuylkill River Trail, where the blooms provide a vibrant frame for the city’s architectural landmarks.

The Navy Yard

A hidden gem for cherry blossom enthusiasts, The Navy Yard offers a quieter and less crowded space to enjoy the blooms. The expansive green spaces dotted with cherry trees create a peaceful environment for visitors.

Cherry blossoms at parks and gardens

Fairmount Park

The most massive cherry blossom destination to check out is the historic Fairmount Park, sitting on the banks of the Schuylkill river. On the west side, you'll find Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, famous for old weeping cherry trees beside the pond. For breathtaking tree-lined waterfront views, opt for the opposite side, where Kelly Drive bathes in pink blossoms. Start your picturesque walk from the Boathouse Row north to Girard Avenue and further to the Playing Angels Sculpture. The best time to visit Fairmount Park is during the annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia in mid-April.

Delaware Rivers Waterfront

The waterfront of the Delaware river also has something to impress cherry blossom fans. Head out to Columbus Boulevard and see the picture-perfect scenery yourself. One of the most picturesque areas is located around Chestnut Street and Penn's Landing. From that point, you can also walk to Downtown Philly and explore the city's central neighborhoods, dotted with lovely cherry trees.

Morris Arboretum

Another stunning flower destination is situated in northwest Philadelphia at the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania. The botanical garden is home to 35 varieties of cherry trees. Early in April, Morris Arboretum hosts the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival, where visitors can celebrate two weeks of prime cherry blossom season as well as Japanese heritage and culture.

Longwood Gardens

If you don't mind going outside the city, visit Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, less than an hour's drive west from Philadelphia. All sorts of plants and cherry trees grace this natural area. Here you stand a chance of spotting such rare varieties as Okame Cherry and the Weeping Higan Cherry. Visitors can take in a scenic trail of cherry blossoms and a variety of plants, including colorful blooming beds, topiaries, and stunning fountains as they walk around the different gardens.

Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia (April 5-6, 2025)

The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia is a vibrant annual celebration that honors Japanese culture and the beauty of cherry blossoms in bloom. Organized by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, the festival typically takes place in April, coinciding with the peak bloom of the city’s cherry trees. The main events are centered around Fairmount Park’s Horticulture Center, where visitors can enjoy live music, traditional Japanese performances, martial arts demonstrations, and tea ceremonies. The festival also extends to various locations across the city, featuring workshops, cultural exhibitions, and family-friendly activities. It’s a cherished tradition that brings together locals and visitors to celebrate the enduring friendship between Japan and Philadelphia while basking in the beauty of spring blossoms.