Spring has officially sprung, NYC!
We’re awarding everyone a medal 🥇 for surviving what can only be called a treacherous winter—with more snow than we’ve seen in years.
But let’s focus on the positives! While temperatures aren’t quite full-on spring just yet, gorgeous days and stunning sights are right around the corner. Can you smell the cherry blossoms already?
Actually, that last part may not be your imagination. From the blooms of Central Park to easily accessible trips over to Washington D.C., there are many opportunities to stop and smell the cherry blossoms during their peak season this spring.
But here’s a secret: the largest collection of cherry blossoms in the entire country is just 30 minutes from NYC. Yes, really.
🌸 Branch Brook Park: The “Cherry Blossom Capital” of the U.S.
While Washington D.C. often takes the spotlight, Branch Brook Park in Newark, New Jersey, actually holds the title for the largest and most diverse collection of cherry blossoms in the United States.
Spanning 360 acres, this historic park—the first county park opened to the public in the U.S.—was designed in part by the Olmsted Brothers (the same minds behind Central Park). It’s home to over 5,300 cherry trees across 18 different varieties.
To put that in perspective, that’s about 1,600 more trees than the Tidal Basin in D.C. The display is so massive it actually spills over from Newark into the neighboring town of Belleville.
🌳 What To Expect
Visiting Branch Brook is like walking through a pink cloud. Because the park features 18 varieties, the blooming schedule is staggered, meaning you get a longer window of “pink” than in many other locations.
- The Scenery: You’ll find everything from the classic snow-white Yoshino trees to the deep pink, fluffy Kwanzan blooms.
- The Festival: 2026 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival. Expect a massive celebration featuring live Japanese cultural performances, food trucks, and craft vendors.
- The Crowds: While it’s a local favorite, it often feels much more manageable and “park-like” than the bustling energy of D.C. during the season.
🗓️ Peak Cherry Blossom Season 2026
Timing is everything. For 2026, the blossoms are expected to follow their traditional window, though the festival events are locked in:
- Early Blooms: Typically begin in late March.
- Peak Bloom: Expected between April 9th and 16th, 2026.
- Signature Event: The 50th Annual Bloomfest! is scheduled for Sunday, April 19th, 2026, from 11 am to 5 pm. This is the peak of the festivities and usually coincides with the height of the Kwanzan blooms.
🖼️ What Else To Do Nearby
If you’re making a day trip out of it, Newark has plenty more to offer just minutes from the park:
- Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart: Located right on the edge of the park, this is one of the largest Gothic-style cathedrals in North America. Its French Gothic architecture is stunning and provides a dramatic backdrop for blossom photos.
- The Newark Museum of Art: Just a short drive away, it’s the state’s largest museum, featuring an incredible Tibetan gallery and a planetarium.
- Ironbound District: After working up an appetite, head to this world-famous neighborhood for some of the best Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian cuisine in the state.
🚊 How To Get There From NYC
You don’t need a car to experience this “pink snow.” In fact, public transit is often faster:
- Driving: If you choose to drive, it’s about a 20-30 minute trip from Lower Manhattan via the Holland Tunnel, though parking inside the park fills up extremely fast during festival weekends
- NJ Transit / PATH: Take NJ Transit from Penn Station or the PATH from WTC/33rd St to Newark Penn Station.
- Newark Light Rail: From Newark Penn, hop on the Light Rail (Grove Street line). Get off at the Branch Brook Park station for the northern end or Davenport Ave for the cherry blossom welcome center. The ride is roughly 15 minutes from the station.
Happy spring, NYC! 🌸
