Wondering Where to go to see the Cherry Blossoms in Seattle?

Each Spring, visitors want to know where they can view Japanese Cherry Trees (also known as sakura) for hanami (cherry blossom viewing and picnicking).

Cherry Blossom Trees were a gift to the United States from Japan to symbolize the countries’ friendship. From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with just a hop, skip, and a drive away, you can get beautiful viewings of them at these top 6 locations:

University of Washington (The Quad)
Seike Japanese Garden
Angle Lake Park
Washington Park Arboretum’s Azalea Way
Seward Park
Jefferson Park
Point Defiance Park
Seattle Center
UW Parking

University of Washington Campus (The Quad)

The Quad in the University of Washington campus is probably the #1 spot to view Cherry Trees. The trees were originally planted in the Washington Park Arboretum around 1939, but then transplanted to UW in the 1960s, due to 520 floating bridge construction. They now line The Quad at UW. Be warned, this location is one of the most popular places to view the trees and can be crowded at times. Quad cherry blossoms expected to peak end of March, if weather cooperates. The iconic cherry trees will likely reach peak bloom the third week of March, right in line with most years. For the latest cherry tree updates, follow @uwcherryblossom on Twitter.

To get to The Quad from Seattle Southside:

Public Transportation: Take the Link Light Rail at the SeaTac Station & arrive at the University of Washington Station. Enjoy a 15 minute walk through campus.

Car: From I-5 N, exit 169 NE 45th ST. Please be aware that parking permits are required for all visitors on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.

Parking: Here are the latest recommendations for the best places to park at UW to see the Cherry Blossoms.

Accessibility: There are two accessible entrances to the Quad, one at each end. Accessible parking is available in Lot N22. A state-issued disability placard must be displayed when parking at Lot N22.

Bonus Tip: If you're unable to view the cherry blossoms in person this year then you should take a look at the University of Washington Cherry Blossom Webcam.

Seattle Cherry Blossoms

Seike Japanese Garden at the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden

This Garden was the private collection of the Seike family, a Highline family whose story of injustice, displacement, and courage can be found here. The garden is a beautiful place to find peace and contemplation, a faithful recreation of designer Shintaro Okada’s intent. Several beautiful cherry trees can be enjoyed in the garden best from the stone bench.

To get to the garden from Seattle Southside:

Surprise! This garden is IN Seattle Southside located next to the SeaTac Community Center, 5 minutes away from SEA Airport.

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Angle Lake Park

This is the perfect spot to picnic under the cherry blossoms! With two different varieties of cherry blossom trees and a gorgeous view of the lake (and the mountain, if it's out!), this park is the perfect little springtime escape.

To get to the park from Seattle Southside:

Surprise! This park is IN Seattle Southside located on International boulevard, across the street from SEA Airport.

Washington Park Arboretum’s Azalea Way

With 230 acres of gardens, including a Japanese Garden, the Arboretum is definitely a sight to see. You’ll find all types of flowers and trees there, including Cherry Trees on Azalea Way and in the Japanese Garden. Reservations are highly recommended if visiting the Japanese Garden on weekends.

To get to the Arboretum from Seattle Southside:

Public Transportation: Take the Link Light Rail at the SeaTac Station & arrive at University Street Station Bay A.

Transfer to Bus #255 at Bay B & arrive at SR 520 & Montlake Frwy.

Transfer to Bus #43 at Montlake Blvd E & E Lake Washington Blvd.

Car: From I-5 N, exit E Montlake Pl/WA-520 E. Continue onto WA-520 E, exit Montlake Blvd

(exit before crossing floating bridge).

Seward Park and Lake Washington Boulevard, South Seattle

Seward Park is the original home of the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival. Now, the festival takes place at the Seattle Center every spring. The very first three Cherry Trees were planted in Seward Park in 1929, which were then followed by 3,500 more throughout Seattle in 1930.

To get to Seward Park from Seattle Southside:

Public Transportation: Take the Link Light Rail at the SeaTac Station & arrive at Othello Station.

Transfer to Bus #50 at Martin Luther King Way & Myrtle Street.

Car: From I-5 N, exit 157 ML King Way.

Jefferson Park, Beacon Hill, Seattle

Jefferson Park was very popular amongst Japanese-Americans living in Seattle in the 1920s, so to celebrate the park’s 100th birthday, The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival Committee donated 25 cherry trees to be planted at Jefferson in 2012.

To get to Jefferson Park from Seattle Southside:

Public Transportation: Take the Link Light Rail at the SeaTac Station & arrive at Othello Station.

Transfer to Bus #36 at Martin Luther King Way & Myrtle Street.

Car: From I-5N, exit 163 Columbian Way.

Point Defiance Park – Japanese Garden, Tacoma

The Consul General of Japan, the Honorable Kiyokazu Ota, along with the City of Kitakyushu in Japan, gifted Cherry Trees to Tacoma to celebrate the friendship they have had since 1959. They are planted in the Japanese Garden.

To get to Point Defiance Park from Seattle Southside:

Public Transportation: Take Bus #574 at the SeaTac Station & arrive at Tacoma Dome Station Zone E.

Transfer to Bus #41 at Zone D.

Car: From I-5S, exit 133 toward City Center. Continue onto I-705 N, exit Schuster Pkwy.

PowellsWood Botanical Garden – Federal Way

PowellsWood is a beautiful Northwest garden covering 37 acres of land, and their Prunus serrulata 'Shirotae' (more commonly known as Mt. Fuji cherries) are a sight to behold in full bloom!

To get to PowellsWood from Seattle Southside:

Public Transportation: Take the A Line bus to Pacific Highway S & S Dash Point Road, then walk just over a mile down Dash Point to PowellsWood.

Car: Take 509 (Pacific Highway) south, turn right onto Dash Point Road to continue on 509 and the destination will be on your right in just over a mile.

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Seattle Cherry Blossoms

Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival

The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival is held annually in April at the Seattle Center. Celebrate and experience the Japanese culture through Taiko drumming, live dances and performances, arts and crafts, food, and more!

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Seattle Cherry Blossom FAQs

Q: When can you see cherry blossoms in Seattle

The earliest cherry blossom start blooming along Seattle's city streets in early March with mid-March being the peak. The bloom lasts for about two weeks from late March to early April.

Q: Are there cherry blossoms in Seattle Washington?

Yes. There are many locations to choose from throughout the greater Seattle area to enjoy the cherry blossoms in April.

Q: Do Seattle's cherry blossom trees produce fruit?

No. Fruiting cherry blossoms are typically white. Most of Seattle's cherry blossom trees are an ornamental variety of Asian origin and have pink blossoms. However, elsewhere in the state several varieties of edible cherries are grown, including Rainier Cherries, Bing, Chelan, Tieton, Lapins, Skeena, Early Robin, and Regina cherries.

Q: Where are the best places to see cherry blossoms near SeaTac?

You don’t have to go far from SeaTac to catch the magic of cherry blossom season!
Angle Lake Park in SeaTac is a local favorite — with lakeside views framed by pink blooms in early spring.
Just a short drive away, Des Moines Creek Park Trail and Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden offer scenic walking paths surrounded by flowering trees.
For a full spring experience, head 20 minutes north to the University of Washington Quad, where hundreds of Yoshino cherry trees create a breathtaking canopy.

Tip: Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and capture the soft morning light over the blossoms.

Q: Is there a cherry blossom festival in Seattle?

Yes!
Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival:

  • Location: Seattle Center
  • Timing: Usually mid-April (check Seattle Center’s Festál calendar for exact dates)
  • What to expect: Live music, dance, ikebana flower displays, Japanese food, and cultural performances.
  • History: First held in 1976 to celebrate Japan’s gift of cherry trees to Seattle.

Q: How long do cherry blossoms last in Seattle?

Cherry blossoms in Seattle typically bloom for about 1–2 weeks, depending on weather conditions like rain, wind, and temperature.

Most trees begin flowering in early to mid-March, with peak bloom usually occurring in the third week of March, especially at the University of Washington Quad.

If you miss peak bloom, don’t worry — other varieties around Seattle parks and gardens can continue blooming into early April.

Tip: Visit multiple locations like UW Quad, Washington Park Arboretum, and Angle Lake Park to extend your cherry blossom viewing season.

Q: Can you see cherry blossoms near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport?

Yes! Some beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots are located just minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Popular nearby places include:

These locations are 5–15 minutes from SEA Airport, making them perfect for travelers with a layover or visitors staying in Seattle Southside.

Q: What is the best time of day to see cherry blossoms in Seattle?

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Seattle is early morning or late afternoon.

Morning visits offer:

  • Fewer crowds
  • Softer lighting for photography
  • Calmer park conditions

Late afternoon visits can provide beautiful golden-hour lighting and warmer spring temperatures.

If you're visiting popular spots like the University of Washington Quad, arriving before 9 AM on weekdays is the best way to enjoy the blossoms with fewer people.

Best UW Parking for Cherry Blossoms

Parking around the University of Washington can be very difficult. Use the below map to find parking lots at UW for your visit to see the cherry blossoms.