TLDR

Why May? – May is an ideal time to visit national parks in the USA because the weather is generally mild and great for outdoor activities. Many parks are less crowded compared to peak summer months, allowing for a more peaceful experience while still offering access to hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.

Our Fave National Parks – Congaree, Saguaro, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Mesa Verde, Joshua Tree

About the National Park by Month Series

To put together this list, we’ve combined our personal experiences and tips we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the weather, accessibility, local forums, seasonal attractions like fall foliage or wildflowers, and special events happening in the area. We also considered any unique adventures only offered at certain times of the year to find the most optimal months to visit each National Park. Phew! That was a lot!

It took me a whole week of research, but since I’m a maximizer, it was completely worth having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that soon!). Also, check out our complete list of all the national parks and all national park units that include soon-to-be national parks.

We also chose not to include the hardest-to-access national parks in Alaska and the ones in U.S. territories in this series.

National Parks By Month: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Is May a Good Time to Visit National Parks?

May is a great time to visit National Parks for a few reasons. The weather is generally mild in most regions making it great for outdoor activities. It also marks the beginning of Spring in many parks so the flowers are blooming. For wildlife, animals begin emerging from winter hibernation or start preparing for mating season so they are active. Lastly, the crowds are typically smaller than summer crowds.

Plan on visiting more than two national parks this year? Pick up an America the Beautiful annual pass to save money (entrance fees to each park are, on average, $30-35 per vehicle). Plus, you are helping support the Parks that always need funding.

15 Best National Parks to Visit in May

1. Congaree National Park SC for Fireflies →

100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, map

Average Temperatures: 81° F / 59° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:21 AM / 8:17 PM

Why Visit: The biggest highlight of the park is the synchronous fireflies that occur every year between mid-May and mid-June. During this time, the fireflies search for their mates and synchronize their flashes. It’s a truly magical natural phenomenon. When we visited, we had missed it by two days.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Camping

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Boardwalk Loop Trail, Canoe or Kayak, Bluff Trail
• Wildlife – Bobcats, Deer, Feral Pigs, Coyotes, Armadillos, Otters
• How many days do you need? 1-2

Pro Tip: Other places to see synchronous fireflies include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rainbow Falls in TN, Rocky Fork State Park in TN, Cataloochee Valley in NC, and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in NC.

See More: 11 Unique Things to Do in Congaree National Park

2. Saguaro National Park AZ for Wildflowers →

2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, map

Average Temperatures: 81° F / 56° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:24 AM / 7:13 PM

Why Visit: Visit Saguaro National Park in May to see the flowers blooming. During the first week of May, you will typically find a variety of species in bloom. Saguaro cacti usually bloom at the end of May.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Scenic Drive, Photography, Camping, Ranger Programs

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Valley View Overlook, Bajada Loop Drive, Signal Hill Trail
• Wildlife – Bats, Bobcats, Javelina, Mountain Lions, Gray Fox, Coyotes, Ringtail
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: The park has an East and West portion separated by the city (roughly 30-45 mins). In our Saguaro National Park guide, we break down which side is better for each activity or view.

See More: 11 Beautiful Things to Do in Saguaro National Park

3. Grand Teton National Park WY for Wildflowers →

36.0306029,-113.8290033, map

Average Temperatures: 57° F / 29° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:56 AM / 8:42 PM

Why Visit: May offer some of the best weather, and wildflowers start blooming. Snow begins melting, and it is warm enough to enjoy the trails with snowcapped mountains in the backdrop. We’ve been during the summer and winter, but next time we need to time our trip in May.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Wildlife Viewing, Photography, Scenic Drive, Rafting, Fishing

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Jenny Lake Trail, Snake River, Mormon Row
• Wildlife – Pronghorn, Bison, Elk, Moose, Gray Wolf, Mountain Lion, Bobcat
• How many days do you need? 2-4

See More: 11 Incredible Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

4. Sequoia National Park CA for Wildflowers →

47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271, map

Average Temperatures: 52° F / 29° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:47 AM / 7:55 PM

Why Visit: In May, the weather warms up in Sequoia National Park, allowing access to attractions at higher elevations. Wildflowers start blooming at lower elevations, too!

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Photography, Wildflowers

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – General Sherman, Moro Rock, Tunnel Log
• Wildlife – Gray Fox, Bobcat, Black Bear, Pika, Pocket Gopher
• How many days do you need? 2-4

Local Tip: If you’re not comfortable paddling down a river yourself, you can sign up for ranger-led paddles.

See More: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Sequoia National Park + Kings Canyon

5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park TN + NC For Wildflowers

2 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713, map

Average Temperatures: 69° F / 43° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:29 AM / 8:32 PM

Why Visit: Wildflowers are so popular in the Great Smoky Mountains that there is an Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. This year, the dates are May 1-4, 2024. The temperatures are mild for hiking and exploring all day.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Camping, Scenic Drives, Biking, Wildflowers

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway
• Wildlife – Elk, Black Bears, Bobcats, Whitetail Deer, Coyote, Pygmy Shrew
• How many days do you need? 2-4

Pro Tip: To avoid crowds, get out of the car and take longer hikes. The further from easy-access attractions, the less crowded.

See More: 11 Can’t Miss Things to Do in Pigeon Forge TN

6. Shenandoah National Park VA for wildflowers

Skyline Drive Milepost 51, Stanley, VA 22851, map

Average Temperatures: 64° F / 45° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:01 AM / 8:19 PM

Why Visit: Shenandoah is another excellent national park for wildflowers, which typically peak in April and May. See mountain laurels, rhododendrons, pink lady’s slippers, wild geraniums, and more.

Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drives, Hiking, Backpacking, Wildlife Viewing, Fishing

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Skyline Drive, Old Rag Mountain, Big Meadows, The Point Overlook, Dickey Ridge
• Wildlife – Black Bear, Big Brown Bat, Skunks, White-Tailed Deer
• How many days do you need? 2-4

7. Cuyahoga Valley National Park OH for wildflowers

6947 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, map

Average Temperatures: 71° F / 52° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:07 AM / 8:38 PM

Why Visit: Snow sticks around at Cuyahoga Valley until March. You’ll start seeing wildflowers by mid-April, but they explode in late April to mid-May. You can catch them until the trees grow leaves and cast too much of a shadow.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Scenic Train Ride

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Ledges Overlook, Brandywine Falls, Canal Exploration Center
• Wildlife – Coyotes, Red Foxes, Gray Foxes, Bats, Deer, Mink
• How many days do you need? 2-3

8. Dry Tortugas National Park FL for Birding and Sea Turtles

281 Trumbo Rd, Key West, FL 33040, map

Average Temperatures: 86° F / 74° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:47 AM / 8:08 PM

Why Visit: May is a great month for wildlife and birding at Dry Tortugas. Spring migrations typically peak from April to mid-May, when you can spot more than 200 species of birds. It’s also the start of sea turtle season, which runs from May to June. You’ll find the largest concentration of sea turtles in the area at this time.

Best For / Top Activities: Snorkel, Fishing, Boating, Paddle Sports, Diving

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Bush Key, Fort Jefferson, Snorkel, Garden Key, Kayak Tour
• Wildlife – Nurse Sharks, Reef Fish, Sea Turtles, ~300 Species of Birds
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: Start planning early. You must book a way to get to the park and remember that parts of the park may be closed to protect natural resources.

See More: 7+ Remarkable Things to Do in Key West Florida

9. Yosemite National Park CA for waterfalls →

9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, map

Average Temperatures: 73° F / 44° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:48 AM / 8:01 PM

Why Visit: May is a beautiful time to visit Yosemite before the summer crowds arrive. The waterfalls are extra full and will be roaring. Plus, you’ll find wildflowers at specific elevations. There are over 1400 species of wildflowers, and though you can see flowers year-round, March-April is the best for wildflowers at lower elevations, while the summer is best at higher elevations. Stop by the visitor center to get the most up-to-date wildflower reports.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Photography, Scenic Drives, Tours

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Taft Point, Glacier Point, Half Dome, Tunnel View
• Wildlife – Bears, Mule Deer, Big Horn Sheep, Great Gray Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Red Foxes
• How many days do you need? 2-4

See More: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

10. Bryce Canyon National Park UT for hiking temps →

UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764, map

Average Temperatures: 62° F / 32° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:18 AM / 8:31 PM

Why Visit: May brings warmer temperatures to Bryce Canyon, making it perfect for hiking and exploring its otherworldly landscapes.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Viewpoints, Photography

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – 15 Amazing Things to Do in Bryce Canyon
• Wildlife – Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Prairie Dog, Golden Eagle
• How many days do you need? 1-2

See More: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

11. Capitol Reef National Park UT for Wildflowers

38.2914642,-111.264238, map

Average Temperatures: 73° F / 46° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:13 AM / 8:30 PM

Why Visit: In May, Capitol Reef’s desert bursts with color. Wildflowers bloom, fruit orchards come to life in the historic Fruita district, and the mild temperatures make it perfect for hiking.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Scenic Drives, Ranger Programs

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Fruita, Cathedral Valley, Sulpher Creek, Petroglyph Panel, Gifford House, Pick Fruits
• Wildlife – Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Mountain Lion, Ringtail, Marmots, Gray Fox, Canyon Bat
• How many days do you need? 2-4

See More: Complete List of National Parks by State

12. Grand Canyon National Park AZ for weather →

36.0591278,-112.1114996, map

Average Temperatures: 81° F / 51° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:21 AM / 7:28 PM

Why Visit: The Grand Canyon gets exceptionally crowded during the summers and is blistering hot. If you can visit in May, you’ll miss the crowds and still have pleasant weather.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Trail Ridge Road, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Road, Alpine Ridge Trail, Emerald Lakes, Alberta Falls
• Wildlife – Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Mountain Lions, Coyotes, Gray Fox
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: Grand Canyon West is not part of Grand Canyon National Park but on Hualapai Tribal land.

See More: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do at the Grand Canyon National Park

13. Mesa Verde National Park, New Mexico →

35853 Rd H.5, Mancos, CO 81328, map

Average Temperatures: 67° F / 39° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:04 AM / 8:16 PM

Why Visit: Tour the ancient cliff dwellings and archaeological sites at Mesa Verde. Guided tours are the best way to see the park, and May has excellent weather for them. Did you know this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Guided Tours, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drive

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Step House, Mesa Top Loop Road, Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum
• Wildlife – Mule Deer, Black Bear, Coyote, Bobcat, Spotted Bat, Great Horned Owl
• How many days do you need? 1-3

Local Tip: To purchase tickets for the guided tours, stop by the Visitors Center, Museum, or the Durango Welcome Center.

See More: 7 Things You Can’t Miss in Mesa Verde National Park

14. Theodore Roosevelt National Park ND for Good Temps

47.2544508,-104.6167041, map

Average Temperatures: 69° F / 40° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:19 AM / 8:22 PM

Why Visit: Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in May because of the mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. We visited in July, and it was way too hot.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking / Backpacking, Stargazing, Kayaking, Fishing, Guided Tours

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Elkhorn Ranch Unit, North Unit, South Unit, River Bend Overlook, Oxbow Overlook
• Wildlife – Bison, Feral Horses, Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Prairie Dogs
• How many days do you need? 2-3

Local Tip: The park has three different areas.

See More: Complete National Parks List by State

15. Joshua Tree National Park CA For Stargazing →

6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map

Average Temperatures: 86° F / 55° F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:43 AM / 7:40 PM

Why Visit: May is the last month to explore Joshua Tree National Park before the summer heat sets in. It’s too hot to climb, but it’s finally Milky Way season for epic stargazing.

Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Stargazing, Camping, Scenic Drives, Climbing

Don’t Miss:

• To Do – Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Halls of Horror, Skull Rock
• Wildlife – Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Gray Fox, Desert Kit Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail
• How many days do you need? 1 or 2-3 if you climb

See More: 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

Map of the Best National Parks to Visit in May

More National Parks to Visit in May

• Arches National Park, Utah – great weather
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah – great weather
• Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona – wildflowers
• Pinnacles National Park, California – April is better, but flowers still are blooming in May
• Redwood National Park, California – dogwood trees blooming
• Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota – great weather
• Zion National Park, Utah – wildflowers in April and May

Tips for Visiting National Parks in May

• Use the Leave No Trace principles. Have a plan, stay on established trails, carry out anything you carry in, leave what you find, minimize campfire impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others.
• Pick up the National Park Annual Pass if you plan on visiting multiple parks within the year. It saves you a lot of money.
• Want to see spring blooms? Climate change and droughts can make timing unpredictable. We typically scroll through Instagram or TikTok and look for non-influencers. 
• Packing layers is always a good idea when traveling. Some parks drastically change temperatures from day to night. Pay attention to the elevation change. A general rule is that it’s 5 degrees cooler for every 1000 ft elevation.
• You may need a reservation. See national parks that now require reservations here.
• Closures – Always check the park’s site and Visitors Center for the most up-to-date information on closures.
• Remember that wildlife is wild. Be familiar with how to interact with animals and how much space you should have between you and them. Generally, you should stay 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators, but each park has different rules.

What to Pack

How you pack depends on the parks and activities, but here are general items we always pack.

• Camera Gear
• Travel Backpack
• Camping / Backpacking Equipment
• National Park Annual Pass
• National Park Passport
• Layers (The Best Travel Jackets)
• Solid Hiking Shoes

Recap of the 15 Best National Parks to Visit in May

May is a great time to explore the National parks. Here is a list of parks we recommend visiting.

1. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
2. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
3. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
4. Sequoia National Park, California
5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina
6. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
7. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
8. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
9. Yosemite National Park, California
10. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
11. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
12. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
13. Mesa Verde National Park, New Mexico
14. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
15. Joshua Tree National Park, California

National Parks By Month: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Can you think of others that belong on this list of best National Parks to visit in May? Which ones are we missing?

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Is there anywhere we missed on our list of best places to visit in April in USA?

TLDR

Location – Southern California (SoCal) is located in the southwestern United States, encompassing cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs. Its diverse landscapes, from coastal cliffs to desert valleys, create ideal conditions for vibrant wildflower blooms, especially in spring.

Our Fave Wildflower Spots – Walker Canyon, Carlsbad Ranch, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree

Best Places to See California Flower Fields and When to Visit

1. Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore

Trailhead Coordinates: 33.732593, -117.393808, map

Flower Type: California Poppy and Others
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

2. Carrizo Plain National Monument

17495 Soda Lake Rd, Santa Margarita, 93453, map

Flower Type: Goldfields, California Poppy, etc but differs year-to-year based on conditions
Season: February to May
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

3. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch →

5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, 92008, map

What: Tecolote Giant Ranunculus (also known as a Persian Buttercup or Ranunculus Asiatic)
Season: Changes Yearly. Opens March 1st, 2023
Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM

Even though these are not wildflowers, we made an exception for the Flower Fields. It’s a sight you can’t miss.

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

See More: Photo Guide of the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

4. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, 93536, map

What: Various Poppies (Primarily California Poppy)
Season: Late February to May
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

You can check this live cam for bloom status, but it is hard to tell what’s happening.

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

5. Anza Borrego Desert State Park

652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, 92004, map

What: Parish’s Poppy, Hairy Desert-Sunflower, Desert Lily, Sand Verbena, Dune Evening Primrose, Indigo Bush, and other various wildflowers
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

We visited twice for the superbloom, and both times, we were a few days too late. Caterpillars ate through whole fields each day (see our footage from 2024). They disappeared so fast that we had to look for small patches in Borrego Springs outside the park.

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

See More: Anza Borrego Desert State Park Jeep and Photo Adventure

6. Figueroa Mountain Poppy and Lupine Fields

Coordinates: 34.73486, -119.98585, map

What: California Poppy and Sky Lupine
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

7. Gorman Hills Flower Fields

Coordinates: 34.79264, -118.846951, map

What: California Poppy, California Tickseeds, Bentham Lupine, Bluehead Gilias, and Lacy Phacelias
Season: February to May
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

8. Point Buchon

Coordinates: 35.250187, -120.895203, map

What: California Poppy
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

9. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 92651, map

What: Hyacinth, Morning Glories, Popcorn Flowers, and Southern Suncups
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

10. Shell Creek Road Meadows

Coordinates: 35.46434, -120.33701, map

What: Goldfields, Coastal Tidy Tip, Baby Blue Eyes, and California Poppy
Season: February to April
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

11. Joshua Tree National Park →

Coordinates: 33.938204, -115.965612, map

What: Mojave Poppy, Canterbury Bells, Desert Dandelion, and more
Season: March to April, Changes Yearly
Hours: 24/7 Year Round

We found the largest concentration of Mojave poppies in Wilson Canyon. The bluebells and lupines were found in the Cottonwood Visitor Center area. It looks like the blooms are slowly going north now. See our recent reel from the road near Cottonwood Visitor Center.

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

See More: 11 Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

12. Death Valley National Park →

271 Highway 190, Death Valley, 92328, map

What: Desert Star, Blazing Star, Desert Gold, Mimulus, Encelia, Poppies, Verbena, Evening Primrose, Phacelia, and more.
Season: Feb to April (Lower Elevations), April to May (3000-5000 ft elevations), May to July (5000 to 11000 ft elevation.
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Death Valley National Park

Have you been to any of these flower fields in California? Out of these places, where would you be most interested in visiting?

1. Japanese American Historical Plaza at Tom Mccall Waterfront Park

45.5239576,-122.6717726, map

When: Late March – Early April
Hours:  5 AM – 12 AM
Admission: FREE

If you only have time for one spot, this is the one to go to. We love how the cherry blossoms are lined up, so you can easily shoot between the rows for a tree tunnel effect. The 100 Akebono trees were donated by the Japanese Grain Importers Association back in 1990.

See More: 15 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in the US

2. Hoyt Arboretum

4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221, map

When: Mid-April to May
Hours:  Daily 5 AM – 10 PM
Admission: FREE

Hoyt Arboretum has 60 late-blooming Shirofugen Cherry Blossoms. Besides the Shirofugen, you can also find Shogetsu Cherry Trees as well. Follow the path to where the Wildwood & Hawthorn Trails meet to find the best area to see the cherry blossoms and dogwoods. It’s also beautiful in the fall.

3. Laurelhurst Park

SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd & Stark St, Portland, OR 97214, map

Hours:  Daily 5AM – 10:30PM
Admission: FREE

We loved walking around this park when we lived in Portland. It’s a popular park amongst locals since it’s surrounded by neighborhoods. Across the street from the playground, you’ll find a variety of blooming flowers, including cherry blossoms and rhododendron.

4. Pittock Mansion →

3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210, map

Hours:  Daily 6 AM – 9 PM (hours for the grounds)
Admission: FREE

Head up to one of our favorite spots in the city to try and catch the cherry blossoms blooming on the grounds. Even if you miss the cherry blossoms, you get one of the best views of the city from Pittock Mansion.

See More: Your Guide to Pittock Mansion

5. Portland Japanese Garden

611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, map

Hours:  Hours Change Throughout the Year
Admission: $19.95

Find a few cherry blossoms sprinkled among this beautiful garden. I was a bit disappointed because I expected to see more cherry blossoms and some were pre-bloom.

They pride themselves in being the most authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan. What’s great about this spot is that even if you miss the cherry blossoms, it’s a beautiful place to explore year round. It also includes another decent view of the city.

Local Tip: Tripods are allowed for a fee unless you are a Garden Member.

See More: Where to Find the Best Views in Portland

6. Mt Tabor Park

SE 60th Avenue and, SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215, map

When: Mid-April to May
Hours:  Daily 5 AM – Midnight
Admission: FREE

Mt Tabor offers some of the best views in the city, and also has some cherry blossoms sprinkled throughout the park. The best spot to look for them is along 60th ave just above the water reservoir. Did you know that Mt Tabor is an extinct volcano?

7. University of Portland

5000 N Willamette Blvd, Portland, OR 97203, map

When: Mid-April to May
Admission: FREE

We’ve seen people mention that there are Cherry Blossoms at the University of Portland as well. If you head towards the giant bell tower, you should be able to find them.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, Eastmoreland

5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, map

When: April – May
Hours: 10 AM – 3:30 PM (Opens at 1 PM on Wednesdays)
Admission: $5 (Free on Mondays)

This garden doesn’t have any cherry blossoms, but it’s still a great place to visit for spring blooms. Rhododendrons, which can look similar to cherry blossoms, and azaleas.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, map

Hours: Daily 10AM – 4PM, Closed Wednesdays
Admission: $12.95

This is another garden that doesn’t have cherry blossoms, but still has spring blooms like magnolia, orchid, and camellias.

Duniway Park Lilac Garden

SW 6th Ave & SW Sheridan St, Portland, OR 97201, map

Hours: Daily 10AM to Midnight
Admission: FREE

Not many people know about this park, but it’s a great spot if you love lilac. There are over 125 varieties! Parking is limited and strictly enforced.

Have you seen the cherry blossoms in Portland? Any spots we’re missing?

TLDR

Where to See Cherry Blossoms – Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Green-wood Cemetery, Central Park, Roosevelt Island, Madison Square Park.

Cherry Blossom Season – Cherry Blossom season typically is from late March to mid-April in NYC and peaks the first or second week of April. Timing can shift, though, depending on the year’s weather. When we lived in NYC, it peaked in early May.

5 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC

1. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn 11225, map
Hours: Tues to Sun 10 AM to 6 PM | Admission: Adults $22

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has a lot of cherry blossom trees and multiple varieties. They also have 3 tree tunnels you can shoot down. Best of all, they have a Cherry Watch page where they update the current status of the trees.

The tunnels are lined with Kanzan (or Kwanzan) Cherry Blossoms, which bloom the latest of all the trees, so you can watch the map as the others bloom first. It took only a couple days for it to go from first bloom to full bloom.

Local Tip: Go on weekdays early mornings to avoid people. Also, the below photo isn’t a good representation of the crowds, but I stitched 30+ photos together to get a shot of me “alone”.

See More: Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in the US

2. Green-Wood Cemetery

25th Street and Fifth Avenue Brooklyn, map
Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM October to March | Admission: FREE

You won’t find cherry blossom tree tunnels, but this historical cemetery has a wide variety of cherry blossoms scattered throughout its beautiful grounds. It was my favorite place to see them since it was so peaceful and serene. It only took us moments to spot them after entering and within a 10-minute walk, we found so many beautiful trees to shoot.

Local Tip: Only photos of the grounds and architecture are allowed. No models (including taking photos of other people) are allowed.

3. Central Park →

W 90th Street and Central Park West,map
Hours: All Day | Admission: FREE

Head to the west side of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir to find a bunch of cherry blossoms along Bridle Path. The Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms line the pathway for great photo opportunities. You’ll find lots of people enjoying a picnic under the trees on beautiful days.

Other places to find the Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms:

• West Side of the Reservoir (Bridle Path is a great spot)
• East Green
• West of the MET
• East Drive at 74th Street
• Bethesda Terrace and Cherry Hill (mid-Park at 72nd Street)
• Southeast Corner of the Great Lawn Oval

You can also find Yoshino Cherry in the park. These tend to bloom earlier than the Kwanzan Cherry. Here are the best places to see them:

• Southeast Edge of Great Lawn
• East Side of the Reservoir
• Lilac Walk (northeast of Sheep Meadow)
• Conservatory Water
• Ramble (mid-Park at 72nd Street)
• Delacorte Theater (mid-Park at 80th Street)

See More: 45 Central Park Secrets + Popular Attractions You Can’t Miss

4. Roosevelt Island

W Main Street and N Loop Road, map
Hours: All Day | Admission: FREE

Head south from the Roosevelt Island Tram station along the Manhattan side of the island to find a long row of cherry trees. You also get a great view of the city.

There are two types of cherry blossom trees along the promenade that bloom at different times, so you can visit multiple times to check them out.

Local Tip: They also have a free Cherry Blossom Festival on the Island every year in April. You can get here with the tram, the F, or the ferry. If you do the tram, it also has an additional great view of the city.

5. Madison Square Park + Flatiron Building

11 Madison Ave, map
Hours: All Day | Admission: FREE

Chances are if you’re visiting, you’ll be going to the Flatiron Building at some point. If you’re looking for a spot to check out cherry blossoms with a view of one of the most iconic buildings in the city, then this is the spot for you. There aren’t as many trees, but there are a few you can picnic under and enjoy the view of the Flatiron Building right next to it.

Local Tip: Bring a long lens for this shot. This was using the 70-200mm/2.8L.

More Places to Find Cherry Blossoms in NYC

• United Nations Headquarters (760 United Nations Plaza, map)
• Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens, map)
• Prospect Park (Brooklyn, map)
• New York Botanical Garden (2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx map)
• Queens Botanical Garden Cherry Circle (43-50 Main St, Flushing QNS map)
• Randalls Island (East Harlem, map)
• Riverside Park (104 Street & Riverside Drive, map)
• Cadman Plaza Park (Brooklyn, map)
• Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden (1000 Richmond Terrace, map)

Where to Go for the Cherry Blossom Festival NYC

• Brooklyn Botanic Garden Sakura Matsuri – the biggest cherry blossom festival in NYC but not longer happens
• Marine Park Alliance Presents: Cherry Tree Heaven (April 6, 2025, Free)

Essential Local Tips + Photography Tips

• The best light is generally during sunrise or sunset. Sunset is obviously more crowded.
• The most beautiful time to see or photograph cherry blossoms is when there is a blanket of pink below, between the cusp of life and death. It’s extremely difficult to time. We basically missed it by one day.
• Kanzen or Kwanzan cherries are the vibrant pink ones. Keep in mind Yoshino cherries bloom before Kwanzen. There wasn’t much overlap between the two here. After the Yoshino’s all fell were when the Kwanzen came out.
• If you’re going to a crowded area, bring a tripod. You can try layering photos and make sure no one is in each section of the photo. I had to layer 30+ photos together for the one below.

Best Places to Stay

Have you seen the cherry blossoms in NYC?

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Best Wildflower Hikes in the Pacific Northwest

As we shared on our last Bota Box adventure to Samuel H. Boardman State Park, we’re partnering with them to go explore the outdoors.

Whenever possible, we love bringing our Bota Box wines on our adventures! It’s nice getting to relax at the top of a peak or overlook while having a bite to eat and drinking our Bota Minis. The Bota Minis’ compact packaging makes them perfect for easy to moderate hikes (for strenuous ones, I recommend just water. These are our favorite travel water bottles).

See More: 21 Best Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge

They fit right into the compartments in my camera bag, and since they are resealable, we don’t ever worry about glasses, corkscrews, or finishing them in one sitting. If you’re camping, you can bring the original Bota Boxes that are equivalent to 4 bottles of wine per box. We loved having those on our climbing trips to Joshua Tree.

As Local Adventurers, we always believe that we should never take our weekends or backyard for granted! There’s always an adventure to be found. To help you get inspired, here’s a list of awesome wildflower spots in the PNW.

1. Camassia Natural Area, West Linn, OR

Trailhead Coordinates: 45.35922, -122.61824, map

Distance: 1.4 mi loop
Elevation Gain: 160 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Visit: Mid-April through early June
What You’ll See: Camas, Trillium, Lilies, and More

2. Cape Horn, Washougal, WA →

Trailhead Coordinates: 45.58852,-122.1809287, map

Distance: 7.4 mi loop
Elevation Gain: 1350 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Late April to Early May
What You’ll See: False Solomon’s Seal, Hooker’s Fairy Bells, Candyflower, Fringecup, Fairy Lanterns, and More

3. Cascade Head Preserve, Tillamook County, OR →

Trailhead Coordinates: 45.0483103,-123.9942557, map

Distance: 6.8 mi out and back
Elevation Gain: 1310 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Mid-May to Mid-June
What You’ll See: Hairy Checker Mallow, Cascade Head catchfly (99% of catchfly’s world population found here)

4. Coyote Wall, White Salmon, WA

Trailhead Coordinates: 45.6999519,-121.4055847, map

Distance: 7.8 mi lollipop loop
Elevation Gain: 1,775 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Mid-March to late April
What You’ll See: Pungent Desert Parsley, Smooth Prairie Star, Grass Widows, and More

5. Dalles Mountain Ranch Hike, Columbia Hills State Park, Lyle, WA

Trailhead Coordinates: 45.657062, -121.086237, map

Distance: 6.9 mi loop
Elevation Gain: 1060 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April
What You’ll See: Lupine, Balsamroot, Mountain Buttercup, Douglas’ Draba, and More

6. Dog Mountain, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, WA →

Trailhead Coordinates: 45.6992035,-121.7101839, map

Distance: 6.9 mi modified loop
Elevation Gain: 2800 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time to Visit: Mid-May to Early June
Traffic: Crowded
What You’ll See: Northwest Balsamroot, Columbia Gorge Lupine, Harsh Paintbrush, Spring Gold, and More

Local Tip: This hike gets very crowded especially during the spring. Do the hike either early (before 8am) or in the late afternoon. Even on a weekday, we saw the parking lot fill up quickly.

See More: The Best Wildflower Hike Near Portland Oregon

7. Iron Mountain Trail, Willamette National Forest, Foster, OR →

Trailhead Coordinates: 44.414678, -122.8781921, map

Distance: 2.4 mi RT
Elevation Gain: 650 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to Mid-July
What You’ll See: Wood Strawberry, Vanilla Leaf, Field Chickweed, Oregon Sunshine, Lupine, and More

8. Lyle Cherry Orchard, Columbia River Gorge, Lyle, Washington

Trailhead Coordinates: 45.6884674,-121.2601053, map

Distance: 5 mi
Elevation Gain: 1160 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to May
What You’ll See: Panicled Death Camas, Lupine, and More

9. McNeal Point, Hood River County, OR →

Trailhead Coordinates: 45.4075238,-121.7880405, map

Distance: 10.4 mi RT
Elevation Gain: 2200 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time to Visit: Late July
What You’ll See: Western Pasqueflower, Lupine, Piper’s Anemone, and More

10. Memaloose Hills Loop Trail, Mosier, OR →

Trailhead Coordinates: 45.58852,-122.1809287, map

Distance: 2.8 mi
Elevation Gain: 600 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Early April to Early may
What You’ll See: Desert Shooting Stars, Upland Larkspur, Brad-Leaf Lupine, Northwest Balsamroot, and More

11. Mosier Plateau, Mosier, OR →

Trailhead Coordinates: 45.684777,-121.3959485, map

Distance: 2.9 mi
Elevation Gain: 725 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Visit: Early April to Early May
What You’ll See: Northwest Balsamroot, Prairie Star, Fiddleneck, Pungent Desert Parsley, and More

12. Rowena Plateau, Tom McCall Preserve, Rowena, OR →

Trailhead Coordinates: 45.682958, -121.302225, map

Distance: 1 mi
Elevation Gain: 100 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Visit: Mid-April to Early May
What You’ll See: Lupine, Balsamroot, and More

See More: Your Essential Guide to the Rowena Crest Viewpoint

13. Sheep Lake, South Cascades, WA →

Trailhead Coordinates: 46.8749031,-121.5199889, map

Distance: 4 mi
Elevation Gain: 580 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: July
What You’ll See: Indian Paintbrush, False Hellebore, Western Pasqueflower, Valerian, and More

14. Skyline Loop Trail, Ashford, WA →

Trailhead Coordinates: 46.7867266,-121.7367875, map

Distance: 5.4 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,797 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: July
What You’ll See: Avalanche Lilies, Lupine, Indian Paintbrush, and More

15. Tire Mountain, Westfir, OR →

Trailhead Coordinates: 43.842,-122.564194, map

Distance: 7.4 ft
Elevation Gain: 1,250 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: June
What You’ll See: Cliff Larkspur, Northwest Balsamroot, Rosy Plectritis, Cardwell’s Penstemon, and More

Map of the Best Hikes to See Pacific Northwest Wildflowers

Pro Tips for Hiking to Pacific Northwest Wildflowers

• Keep in mind that the blooming season varies every year. Use the best times to visit as a general guideline, but check the wildflower reports before you go.
• Be respectful of wildflowers and help preserve them for others to enjoy. Don’t pick or trample through meadows. Stick to trails, try to stand on rocks or packed down dirt, rather than plant life.
• Know your plants! There are some areas that have a lot of poison oak mixed amongst the wildflowers. “Leaves of three, let them be” might help you remember what to avoid.

More Resources

• Oregon Wildflower Reports
• Pacific Northwest Wildflowers
• US Wildflower Reports

What kind of adventures will you be chasing after this summer? Have you done any of these Pacific Northwest wildflower hikes?

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