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 5 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

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.

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, and an historical marker. There are two beautiful cherry trees that 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.

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.

The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural 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!

Seattle Cherry Blossoms

Seattle Cherry Blossom FAQs

Q: Will the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival be happening in 2023?

In association with the Seattle Center, The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival is scheduled to be an in-person event in 2023 running from April 14th to the 16th.

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.

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