It’s been a long winter, and seeing the soft pink cherry blossoms in NJ is the official sign that we’ve turned a corner. While the time for these flowering trees to show off their color is brief (most trees peak for a week beginning in April before the petals fall off into pink-tinged snow-like drifts), you can catch them all over the state, including the most extensive collection of cherry blossoms in the United States (yup, bigger than Washington DC). Scroll down for where to see cherry blossoms in NJ and when, and don’t forget to use our guide to spring flowers to find more blooms in the state. (featured photo credit: @pastrychefmatthew)
Cherry Blossoms in NJ: A delicate spring treat
Branch Brook Park
With 5,200 cherry trees that blossom in April, this park is the nation’s first county park, and it’s noted to have the largest collection of cherry blossoms in NJ and the United States, rivaling the famous Washington DC blooms. You can catch their annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival from April 1-16, during the peak blooms, which culminates with family-friendly activities, a 10K and fun run, as well as historical talks about the blossoms.
Park Avenue and Lake Street, Newark, NJ 07104
Frelinghuysen Arboretum
Over 120 acres of beauty surround this Morristown arboretum, where cherry blossoms flourish in the first week of April. While there, you can also explore the Colonial Revival mansion, the woodlands, meadows, gardens, and more.
353 E. Hanover Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
Hurd Park
Cherry blossoms debut at Hurd Park in Dover just in time for spring. Take Insta-worthy photos at the gazebo, footbridge, or War Memorial with the blooming trees in the background.
West Blackwell Street and Park Heights Avenue, Dover, NJ 07801
New Jersey Botanical Gardens
Part of Ringwood State Park, these gardens are dripping with beauty. This 1,119-acre estate property in Passaic County has gardens, walkways, and more. The cherry blossom magic happens in their Perennial Garden and is well worth visiting. You can call ahead to find out when the peak blooms open.
2 Morris Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Rahway River Park
One of 36 parks in Union County, this park has cherry blossoms in early spring. After admiring the blooms, head to the many activity spots around the park, including a multi-use path, running track, playground, sports fields, picnic area (non-reservable), and a spray park.
St. Georges Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065
Reeves-Reed Arboretum
This nonprofit arboretum and garden in Union County is a popular spot to take in the sight of cherry blossoms in NJ. With thousands of visitors a year, this location is blooming with beauty. Don’t miss their daffodils in April too.
165 Hobart Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901
Verona Park
This cherry blossom spot is part of the Essex County Park System—a park with over 54 acres offering picturesque locations. After you walk through the cherry trees, stop by the pretty boathouse and lake for photo ops.
Bloomfield Avenue and Lakeside Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044
Warinanco Park
This Union County park is perfect for setting up a picnic and spending the day under the cherry trees. The park takes up 205 acres, and it is in both Roselle and Elizabeth. If you are looking for more of nature’s beauty, Warinanco park has magnolias too.
Warinanco Park Roadway, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
David C. Shaw Arboretum
Established in 1963, this arboretum in Holmdel Park contains 22 acres, and it is named after David C. Shaw, the former Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission Superintendent. The arboretum was one of his first projects, and now it’s a springtime treat when you want to spend time among the blossoms.
Holmdel Park, Pond Walk, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Divine Park in Spring Lake
Nothing says spring like Spring Lake, where you can catch a burst of pink at Divine Park in the center of town. This 16-acre park with a freshwater lake is a stunning setting for the flowering trees, which reflect onto the water and offer beautiful photo moments.
801 Lake Drive, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Sayen House and Gardens
In historic Hamilton Square, you can find a sanctuary for nature lovers. This popular photo location also has fish ponds, an arched bridge, and many other picturesque spots for pretty, flower-filled family photos.
155 Hughes Drive, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690
Chapel Avenue in Cherry Hill
Two miles of pink goodness grace the streets of Cherry Hill. Travel down Chapel Avenue between Haddonfield Road and Kings Highway—cherry trees were planted as a solemn tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Cherry blossoms are expected to arrive during the last two weeks of April.
Chapel Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
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