You will not have to travel far to find them, because cherry trees grow all over the city, including along plenty of ordinary residential streets. Part of that abundance dates to 1976, when the Japanese Consulate gave Seattle 1,000 cherry trees.
The University of Washington Quad
For sheer drama, start at the Quad on the UW campus, where nothing else in the city quite compares. Find it off the south end of Memorial Way NE, a lawn framed by grand collegiate Gothic buildings and filled with the fragrant pink blooms of twenty-nine Yoshino cherry trees, a gift from Japan.
Stroll beneath the branches and it feels a bit like drifting through a cloud of petals. That effect draws big crowds of nature lovers and photographers every spring, so expect company, especially on sunny days when the light makes the flowers glow.
Catch the View at Rainier Vista
While you are on campus, head to Rainier Vista at the south end of Red Square. On clear days, Mount Rainier rises in the distance, framed by more cherry trees. It is one of the classic Seattle spring views, and it pairs naturally with your stop at the Quad.
Getting There
Ride light rail to campus and skip the hunt for parking during peak bloom. Check the transit agency for current schedules before you set out.
More Places to See the Blossoms
The UW gets most of the attention, but several parks and gardens offer a calmer setting. Many of them pair cherry trees with other spring flowers, so your visit pays off even if the timing is slightly off.
Washington Park Arboretum and Azalea Way
Just south of Union Bay, the Washington Park Arboretum is a favorite for unhurried blossom viewing. Walk its signature path, Azalea Way, which runs about three-quarters of a mile with cherry trees lining the route alongside azaleas, dogwoods and magnolias.
Rhododendrons put on their own show here in shades of white, pink and maroon. They begin flowering in late February and peak between April and May, stretching the arboretum's color well past cherry season.
Seattle Japanese Garden
At the arboretum's south end, step into the Seattle Japanese Garden, a peaceful 3.5 acres where ponds, pagodas and winding paths set off the cherry trees beautifully. It is a fitting place to admire a tree so closely tied to Japanese tradition. Confirm current hours and entry details before you go.
Lake Washington Boulevard to Seward Park
For a longer outing, follow Lake Washington Boulevard between Mount Baker Park and Seward Park, on foot or slowly by car, with blossoms appearing along the way. Finish at the grove of cherry trees near the entrance to Seward Park.
Kubota Garden
In Rainier Beach, spend an afternoon at Kubota Garden, a 20-acre retreat with lovely spring blossoms. Koi ponds and a gently arched footbridge give it a quiet, contemplative feel, making it a good choice when you want flowers without the campus crowds.
Join the Festival at Seattle Center
The blossoms get their own party each spring. Celebrate at the Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival, held over three days in early April on the South Fountain Lawn at Seattle Center. Check the official festival listing for this year's dates and program.
Spring Flowers Before and After the Cherries
Seattle's bloom season actually begins well before the cherries. As early as February, daffodils, crocuses and camellias start brightening gardens and parks across the city.
After the cherry petals fall, the color keeps coming. Rhododendrons and azaleas carry the arboretum through April and May, and by May, especially in June, the roses take over.
- Roses: Browse the Woodland Park Rose Garden, or the rose garden in Centennial Park, which looks out over Elliott Bay.
- Mixed spring blooms: Kubota Garden and the Seattle Chinese Garden both offer a range of seasonal flowers.
