Top 10 Scenic Places To See Cherry Blossoms Near Jersey City
Our appreciation for nature is evolving after being driven indoors during the winter. Most of us spend enough time staring at electronics, so venturing outdoors allows us to celebrate the local treasures that Jersey City offers.
As summertime approaches, it signals the beginning of many outdoor activities, including picnics, strolls, sports activities, and more. So how do your best take advantage of all the natural wonders of the Jersey City area? We compiled a list of extraordinary parks where you can view the cherry blossoms and explore all the marvels of nature.
Here are the extraordinary top places to see cherry blossoms near Jersey City, NJ. Let this list help you bloom into spring with a bang.
Branch Brook Park
Lake Street & Park Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104
New Jersey has the bragging rights to the largest collection of cherry trees in the United States. Branch Brook Park boasts well over 4,000 cherry tree blossoms, offering the closest you can feel to being near the festivities in Japan than anywhere else. Their annual Bloomfest celebrates the cherry trees on April 19th. Around 10,000 people are reportedly attending the festival every day, a total of about 80,000 for the entirety of Bloomfest. The park has 360 acres and was founded in 1895. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit Branch Brook Park, one of the best places to see cherry blossoms near Jersey City, NJ.
Central Park
Central Park West and 5th Ave, NYC, NY
Everyone knows about Central Park in New York City. But many don’t know about the cherry trees that bloom there every April until May. The Yoshino and Kwanzan cherry trees pull their share of nature modeling for your and your family’s enjoyment. The drive from Jersey City is around thirty minutes, with good traffic. With it being so close, you don’t need any other excuse but to take a picnic with the family to enjoy a pretty spring day. Dining under the cherry blossoms is so enticing that you will never want to leave. There are plenty of activities to check out in Central Park to make an entire day seem like a vacation. The hours for the park are daily from 6:00 am until 1:00 am.
Queens Botanical Garden
43-50 Main St, Queens, NY 11355
Queens Botanical Garden is well worth the visit at a little under an hour’s drive from Jersey City. You may see a few bridal photo shoots, as the garden is a popular wedding destination this time of year. They offer nature tours that are geared for the season. The hours for the weekdays are 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and weekends from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Admission details
November-March
FREE
April-October
Members FREE
Adults $6
Seniors (age 62+) $4
Students w/ID $4
Children (age 4 thru 12) $2
Children (age 3 & under) FREE
The garden also offers a few walking tours during the season. If you want a guided tour to learn about the blossoms and other plants, make this one of your places to see cherry blossoms near Jersey City, NJ.
Riverside Park
100th St and 125th St, Manhattan, NY
The Cherry Walk in Riverside Park is one of the most unusual places to see cherry blossoms near Jersey City, NJ. Beautiful blooming trees that fall to the ground create an ethereal experience. With the ground’s delicate floral covering, it’s like walking on a cloud of cherry blossoms. Gaze up to see the sky bordered by luscious pink blooms that will brighten anyone’s mood. Take your camera for some high-quality visuals to remember for years to come. The park is beautiful year-round.
Roosevelt Island
1 FDR Four Freedom Park, NY
For the past seven years, Roosevelt Island, outside of New York City, has created a Cherry Festival for tourists and residents alike. What makes this spot unique is the cultural learning activities it provides for those who attend. Traditional Japanese activities are showcased to teach visitors about the culture behind the cherry blossoms and Japan, genuinely allowing it to be one of the best places to see cherry blossoms near Jersey City, NJ. Some activities are dancing, karate, Japanese music, and more. The events are mostly free, and food is available from local food trucks. No admission fee is required, but small donations are suggested.
Hamilton Park
25 W Hamilton Pl, Jersey City, NJ, 07302
Hamilton Park – a 5.4-acre square green space in downtown Jersey City is one of its residents and visitors’ favorite destinations. It’s beautiful in the spring and is filled with cherry blossoms. This is a perfect one if you are looking for something local. Engulfed in tall trees and sporting an array of historic houses and shop fronts, charming boutiques, and restaurants. Hamilton Park offers many activities for people of all age groups. Here is a list of things to do around Hamilton Park in Jersey City.
Liberty State Park
1 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305
This gorgeous historic park is one of the largest Jersey City parks. It boasts a beautiful, unobstructed view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. Liberty State Park always has some of the most beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. You can go and enjoy a picnic or take a walk to check them out. There are ample grassy areas ideal for picnics and barbecues, not to mention a two-mile riverside promenade with plenty of benches.
Riverview-Fisk Park
498 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Photo by: Erin Delaney
This park offers the best view of the Manhattan skyline, Verrazano Bridge, and George Washington Bridge. You can sit in the park’s gazebo while you relax and enjoy the view. Situated on the Hudson River, it offers many recreational activities, but in the spring, a must-see is the row of gorgeous cherry blossoms!
Van Vorst Park
257-287 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Photo by Jersey Photographer
If you are in the downtown Jersey City area, Van Vorst Park is the perfect area to see beautiful bright cherry blossoms. They have 16 Cherry trees plus 16 gardens full of spring flowers. A two-acre space full of green trees and ample seating, bounded by Barrow Street on the east, Montgomery Street on the north, Jersey Avenue on the west, and York Street on the south.
Chapel Ave
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Cherry Hill is an hour and a half away from Jersey City. The magnificent pink-and-white blooms that pop from the branches of the cherry trees along Chapel Avenue and throughout Cherry Hill are a must-see!
Despite a later-than-usual bloom following a very cold winter, the Cherry Blossoms have finally made their spectacular return, and it’s truly a sight for all of Cherry Hill to behold and celebrate! Over the next week, the vibrant blossoms will help to brighten the area. Drive by and check it out!
Jersey City is one of the best places to live, close to many fascinating areas of interest. Spring offers an array of cherry tree viewing activities that will provide memories for many years. Cherry blossoms are unique since they can only be seen from April to May. Most parts of the country do not have the opportunity to see one of nature’s finest works of art: the cherry tree in bloom. The festivals are a massive occurrence with many visitors annually that you can partake in. Take advantage of the top five places to see cherry blossoms near Jersey City, NJ. The opportunity awaits with just a short drive. Be sure to check them all out for a fulfilling spring excursion. Enjoy the crisp spring air before the heat of the summer hits.
Updated March 13th, 2023
