Boston is absolutely one of the best places to see spring blooms in the northeast, and should definitely be on your New England bucket list! Charming cobblestone streets are lined with magnolia and blooming pear trees, and all around the city, you’ll see gorgeous cherry blossoms that bring color back to the city.
If you’re planning an April visit to see all these beautiful blooms, this post is all about the best places to see cherry blossoms in Boston. In this guide, I’m also including my tips on where to find the best magnolia trees and even more suggestions on where to see pretty blooming trees around the city for the ultimate spring visit.
To find the best locations, I reached out to some local Boston experts before my most recent getaway to the city, and made a list of the top-recommended places. Additionally, I walked all over the city with my camera, from the North End, Seaport and Charlestown, all the way to the South End and beyond, looking for more hidden places to share with you – and I found some great ones!
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
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Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms In Boston – Downtown Area
1. The Charles River Esplanade – The Absolute Best Spot!
After walking all over the city, I have to agree with pretty much everyone else – the Charles River Esplanade is definitely the best spot to see the cherry blossoms in Boston. You’ll find several of these blooming trees in various locations along the path, and when you combine the river views with the gorgeous pink trees, you’ll have lots of opportunity for some awesome photos and viewpoints.
The best area along the Esplanade I found for cherry blossoms was around the Fiedler Dock area. Not only will you see them along the river, backdropped by the city skyline, but there are a few footbridges here, as well as a lagoon, that all make for a completely idyllic destination.
You’ll also see some daffodils around this area, which adds another element for colorful spring photos!
2. The Public Gardens
The next best place to see cherry blossoms in Boston is the Public Gardens, and if this is your first time to the city, it’s a location you won’t want to miss anyway – especially because it’s so close to lots of other areas on this list, including Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and pretty much anywhere in downtown Boston.
There are a few cherry blossoms inside the gardens, but the best one is right by the footbridge, which offers a perfect photo opportunity. However, if you walk all over the garden, you’ll see cherry blossoms throughout the park.
3. Massachusetts State House
Just steps from the Public Garden along the Beacon Street entrance is the Massachusetts State House, and you’ll find some really beautiful cherry blossoms here.
While the gate to the state house is often closed off, you won’t be able to walk right up the trees in this area. However, they’re easily seen from the sidewalk, and are still worth checking out because they drape over the fence in such a beautiful way.
4. South End – Great For Cherry Blossoms & Magnolias!
The entire South End is such a beautiful area of the city to see, and a great place to go hunting for cherry blossoms and magnolias. Be sure to keep an eye out for both while you walk around 😉
One of my favorite spots I stumbled upon was Concord Square, which is a beautiful street divided by a small greenway, and you’ll find both cherry blossoms and magnolias here. The gorgeous brownstones only added to the charm of the street that was already gorgeous, and it’s also framed with blooming pear trees.
Some more of my favorite places for spring blooms in this neighborhood are: W. Newton, Upton Street, Braddock Park, W. Canton near Carleton and Yarmouth, and Titus Sparrow Park.
While walking around this area, you’ll also see a lot of beautiful blooming pear trees, so be sure to soak in all in while you stroll around.
5. Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park In Chinatown
During my search for cherry blossoms in the city, someone recommended that I swing by Auntie Kay and Uncle Frank Chin Park in Chinatown, and I’m so glad I did. You’ll find a few gorgeous cherry blossoms here, and the curve of the walking path through the park makes for some great photos.
This area is very small, but very much worth stopping for!
6. Public Art On The Greenway Park
This is a great little hidden gem for cherry blossoms in the downtown financial district that I stumbled upon during my walk around the city. You’ll find this across the street from the Intercontinental Hotel, and you’ll see a few beautiful cherry blossoms here, as well as some cheerful daffodils in bloom.
If you’re looking for a spot in the city that won’t be too crowded to take some photos, this is a great place. There was no one here on a Friday night when I found it.
7. Martin’s Park
Located in the Seaport district along the waterfront, Martin’s Park is a great spot to see the cherries in Boston. Planted around the children’s play area, you’ll also find a couple of really beautiful ones leading to the entrance of the park.
But if you have kids with you during your trip, this is the perfect place for the best of both worlds, as the entire play area is surrounded by the cherry blossoms that you can enjoy while the kids play.
For a great photo opportunity, snap a picture of the tree that’s adjacent to the boardwalk, as you’ll get part of the boardwalk and some of the water in your shot 😉
8. Christopher Columbus Park
Lastly for the downtown area, you’ll want to head to Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. I was sad to miss the cherry blossoms here during my visit because these varieties don’t bloom until the first week of May, usually. So, I was a bit too early.
However, I’ve heard from locals that this is a great spot to visit after all the earlier varieties have bloomed for the season, as the ones here will be just opening up. The flowers on the trees at this park are a darker pink or magenta, too, which is a nice change from the light pink and white ones around the rest of the city.
More Places To See Cherry Blossoms In Boston
Okay, now that I’ve covered the downtown area of the city, let’s head just a bit further out and talk about where to find cherry blossoms in these areas!
9. Christian Herter Park
This lovely little park along the Charles River is a great lesser-known spot for cherry blossoms in Boston. You’ll need to either drive or take public transit to get there, and if you drive, it’s only about 15-20 minutes from downtown Boston. You’ll find several cherry blossom trees along the river here.
And a bonus for visiting this park: it’s a great area for walking. The pedestrian path from the park goes for quite a ways around the city, and you can even walk across the Anderson Memorial Bridge to Cambridge, and then it’s a short walk from there to the Harvard University campus.
Pro Tip: The parking at this park is free if you choose to drive!
10. Arnold Arboretum At Harvard University
While you’re already outside of downtown Boston, you absolutely need to head over to the Arnold Arboretum. The cherry blossom trees here are absolutely stunning, and really tall, making them impressive to see in person.
This location is one that tends to be pretty crowded, especially on weekends during peak bloom, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit for early mornings, or on a weekday if possible, to avoid the crowds. However, I was there on a Sunday afternoon at peak bloom, and the crowds were manageable – it’ll just be harder to get pictures of the trees 😉
Pro Tip: Parking is free along the street on Arborway. From here, you can also head over to walk around Jamaica Pond afterward. There are some pretty cherries along the drive in this area, too, so I recommend taking your time to enjoy it all while you’re out this way.
11. Brookline Reservoir
Last on my list for cherry blossoms is the Brookline Reservoir, which is also home to late-blooming varieties. So, I missed these during my recent trip because I was too early to see the blooms, but the locals told me that this is a great spot to visit the first week of May when all the other cherries are done blooming for the season.
The trees in this location are the darker variety (like the ones at Christopher Columbus Park), and line the reservoir walkway, making for great pictures. Having seen photos of them at peak bloom, I’m confident that it’s worth the excursion to see them!
Best Places To See Magnolias In Boston
In addition to the cherry blossoms, Boston also puts on an impressive display of magnolia trees. While the magnolias tend to bloom a bit earlier than the cherries, you may be able to time your visit just right to see both (but more on that later in the post in my FAQ section 😉).
Many of the places I recommended above for cherries are also great for magnolias – especially the South End, so be sure to look for both while you’re there. I didn’t want to repeat information, so the suggestions below are all new locations that are especially perfect for magnolias.
12. Commonwealth Ave In Back Bay – Best Place For Magnolias
After walking around the entire downtown area, I have to agree with the experts – Commonwealth Ave in Back Bay is definitely the most impressive place to see magnolia trees.
Comm Ave, as the locals will call it 😉, is lined with gorgeous brownstones divided by a greenway park, and you’ll see beautiful magnolias blooming along most of the street. Even if you arrive a bit later than peak for these blooms, seeing the sidewalk covered in the pink petals is also really beautiful.
While you’re walking around Comm Ave, head over to Berkeley Street and Marlborough Ave for more magnolias and spring blooms!
13. Beacon Street – Beacon Hill & Back Bay
Beacon Hill doesn’t have too many cherry blossoms (with the exception being the Massachusetts State House as mentioned earlier!). However, there are some really beautiful magnolia trees lining Beacon Street not far from the Massachusetts State House and Public Garden entrance, so be sure to walk over and enjoy their blooms, too.
Along this street, I saw both yellow and pink magnolias, and it’s good to know that the yellow ones tend to bloom later than the pink ones. To enjoy the blooms in this area, I suggest walking from the State House along Beacon Street toward Comm Ave and then head over to Comm Ave to see the magnolias there.
14. Post Office Square
Located in the Financial District, I just happened to stumble upon this cute little park while walking around, and loved seeing the magnolia trees here. There’s a beautiful walkway covered in a pergola, and alongside that is where you’ll see the magnolias blooming.
Pro Tip: There’s also a great little café here called Sip that serves coffee, drinks, cocktails, and lunch, making it a perfect stop to make while you walk around the city. I recommend getting a cocktail and a cheese plate for a little afternoon pick-me-up, but they have a variety of options to choose from.
15. The Rose Kennedy Greenway
This is a great spot that’s right on the border of the financial district and North End areas in the city, and you’ll find some gorgeous yellow magnolia trees here in the spring. As a reminder, this variety blooms a bit later than the pink ones, and you’ll see in my photo above what they look like just before peak bloom since I was a bit too early to see them at peak during this trip.
However, even if you get here too early for the magnolias, I recommend making your way over here anyway because the entire park is bursting with daffodils, making this such a whimsical spring stop in the city to enjoy the spring season.
16. City Square Park In Charlestown
I absolutely love the Charlestown neighborhood in Boston, and just after you cross the North Washington Street Bridge, you’ll run into City Square Park, which is home to some really lovely magnolia trees. I totally forgot to snap a photo when I walked through the park, but I loved this little area!
As a bonus, this route is also part of the Freedom Trail in Boston, so if you wanted to walk the entire trail, it will take you to this neighborhood anyway. In fact, many people consider the Bunker Hill Monument, which is a short walk from City Square, the last stop on the Freedom Trail. I definitely recommend heading over to the monument, as the side streets around the monument’s park are so charming and beautiful. You’ll see lots of blooming pear trees around these streets, too.
Places Near Boston For Magnolias & Cherry Blossoms
As a day trip from Boston, there’s one additional place I recommend that’s worth the excursion, and that’s …
17. New England Botanical Garden At Tower Hill
Located about an hour outside of downtown Boston, the New England Botanical Garden at Tower Hill is well worth the excursion in the spring time. Not only do they have a few lovely cherry blossom and magnolia trees, but the entire gardens are filled with cheerful spring flowers that are just so wonderful to see after a dreary winter season. You’ll see lots of daffodils, hyacinth, early tulip varieties, muscari, and more.
While the spring trees at the garden are wonderful, my favorite display during the spring season is the impressive daffodil field. You’ll find thousands of yellow and white daffodils that create a blanket of spring color in the field, which is just such a treat to see in person.
Often coinciding with cherry blossom and magnolia (and daffodil!) season is the dahlia tuber sale at the garden, which is hosted by the New England Dahlia Society.
Where To Stay For Cherry Blossom Season
My recommendations on where to stay in Boston for cherry blossom season aren’t much different than my recommendations year-round. For first-time visitors, I always recommend that you stay downtown, so you can walk pretty much anywhere. Beacon Hill, the North End, Financial District, and Back Bay are all great options.
Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Boston:
Luxury: The Langham
If you’re looking for the best luxury option in the city, The Langham is hard to beat. This is actually where I stayed during my most recent spring visit to see the cherry blossoms because their rates are often much more affordable in April. The location is great, the service is amazing, and the renovated historic building is absolutely beautiful. My husband and I loved our stay here, and honestly didn’t want to leave!
→ Click here to check rates & availability at The Langham
Revere Hotel Boston Common
A great location that’s a very short walk to the Common and Public Garden, I’ve stayed here quite a bit over the years, and always love it. It’s the hotel I’ve stayed at the most over the years because the location is so convenient, and the rooms are great.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Revere Hotel Boston Common
Westin Copley Place
A great location in Back Bay, so you’ll be close to the magnolias on Comm Ave, the cherry blossoms along the Esplanade. You also won’t be too far from the South End, and you’re right at Copley Place for shopping and dining options. Plus, you’ll enjoy the famous Westin mattresses for the perfect night of sleep 😉
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Westin Copley Place
Boston Cherry Blossoms & Magnolias FAQ
Best Time In April To See Boston’s Cherry Blossoms
Generally, the second and third weeks in April are when you’ll experience peak cherry blossom blooms in Boston. But, it’s good to know that there are a lot of variables that can change when they decide to bloom, so it’s possible they could start earlier or later, depending on the year.
Generally, I’m seeing that they’re blooming a bit on the early side in recent years, so second weekend of April seems to be the latest “prime time” to see them, which coincides with the Boston Marathon weekend. However, as with anything that involves Mother Nature, it’s never a guaranteed timeframe.
For my most recent trip when these photos were all taken, I was there the third weekend in April, and the cherries were in peak bloom.
Best Time In April To See Boston’s Magnolias
Most of the magnolias in Boston bloom a bit earlier than the cherry blossoms, and usually start at the end of March or early April. To see these early magnolia varieties, the first or second weeks of April are usually peak time for them, and they usually run about a week or two ahead of the cherries.
However, the saucer magnolias will peak a bit later, and will fall more in line with the cherry blossoms, and usually the second weekend of April is when you can expect peak bloom from this variety. The best chance at seeing both the cherries and magnolias at peak bloom together is the second weekend of April.
However, as you can see from my photos, this most recent trip during the third weekend in April, I magically hit peak bloom for both cherries and magnolias. It really varies each year!
How Long Do Cherry Blossoms & Magnolias Stay In Bloom In Boston?
Their bloom time is very short – only about two weeks! 😢 So, it’s really such a special and memorable experience to have since it rather fleeting. However, keep in mind that not all of the trees will start and finish their bloom cycle at the exact same time. Some peak a bit later than normal, and you may have a good three-week window in April each year to catch part of the show.
Is Boston Crowded During Cherry Blossom Season?
I don’t think it’s as crowded as summer and fall season, but it does bring in some tourists, so I would expect the most crowds on the weekends. Especially if the weather is nice. The Public Gardens and Charles River Esplanade will be the most crowded, since those are the top places to see the cherry blossoms.
One thing to note is, as mentioned, peak cherry blossom season usually coincides with the Boston Marathon weekend the second weekend in April. You’ll want to expect a lot of crowds and higher hotel prices during that weekend.
If you’re hoping to avoid the complications of marathon weekend, the next best weekend is likely the third weekend in April (however, keep in mind that if the cherries bloom earlier than normal, this weekend could be a bit too late for them).
What Are The Tall Trees With White Flowers Around Boston – Are They Cherry Blossoms?
While walking around the city in April, you’ll see a lot of tall trees with white flowers blooming. The blooms look very similar to cherry blossoms, but they’re not – they’re pear trees.
They bloom around the same time as the cherry blossoms, and they make a wonderful backdrop against the darker brownstones around the city. My favorite places to see the beautiful pear trees in the spring are around the South End (particularly Concord Square), Beacon Hill/Acorn Street, and Charlestown near the Bunker Hill Monument.
April Weather In Boston & What To Wear
Weather during April in Boston is a bit all over the place, so you’ll want to come prepared! Spring in New England in general tends to be pretty unpredictable, and you could experience anything from a light snowfall to unseasonably warm days. It really just depends on what Mother Nature has up her sleeve that week.
For example, during my recent visit when I took all these photos, I had one day where it was warm enough to walk around in a long-sleeved shirt and a skirt, and then the next day, it was chilly and rainy. In past years, I’ve experienced light snowfalls and freezing rain during an early April visit.
My biggest tip is to check the weather reports a few days before your trip and see what is forecasted. That’s usually reliable information that you can then begin to plan around.
Generally, though, the average temperature in Boston in April is around 55-57°F during the day, and 40°F at night, with around 8-9 days of rain.
If there’s a lot of rain in the forecast, I’d suggest packing:
→ A good waterproof raincoat, and/or a sturdy umbrella (as long as winds aren’t forecasted to be super high).
→ Waterproof sneakers (I really love Vessi sneakers, which always keep my feet dry!), or rain boots. Waterproof sneakers take up less space in your suitcase, though, which is why I was happy to invest in them. I originally bought them for a trip to Scotland, and they’ve really come in handy while traveling around New England in the spring!
→ Layers, depending on the forecasts. In April, I usually wear jeans with a light sweater and rain jacket, or a long-sleeved top with a blazer if there’s no rain that day. Dresses with a sweater also work if it’s forecasted to be a bit warmer.
Tips For Photographing The Cherry Blossoms & Magnolias
Generally, the rainy weather in April tends to work out best for photographing the cherry blossoms! In fact, I always kind of hope it’s overcast and a bit rainy when I see the cherry blossoms because it allows the colors to pop a lot more. If you’re taking pictures of them on an overcast day, mid-day tends to be the best – but that’s really if it’s a true overcast day with total or near-total cloud cover.
If you have a partly cloudy or mostly sunny day, sunrise and sunset work best, as you’ll get softer, more diffused light to allow the colors of the cherry blossoms to pop more. If you shoot mid-day with lots of sun, you’ll lose a lot of the pink color saturation in photos.
If you plan to be in some of the photos, whether you’re hoping to have some professional vacation photos taken, or maybe your engagement photos, or just some casual ones for the ‘Gram, I have some tips on what to wear:
→ Blues and yellows really stand out a lot when you’re taking pictures with the cherry blossoms. I especially like the contrast of light blue and cobalt blue shades, and it makes for some awesome spring photos. Yellow also looks really good!
→ Other bold colors like red will also stand out, but may look a bit more harsh against the soft pink of the cherry blossoms. This is personal preference though, so wear what you feel best in!
→ If it’s rainy, go with it! Grab an umbrella and capture the atmosphere of a typical spring day in Boston. If you have a yellow umbrella, that looks especially great in cherry blossom photos 😉
→ Not sure how to pose in photos? Yeah, me neither 😂 Well actually, after starting this website, I had to learn really fast how to do it, and I’m still not great at it, or even comfortable. But, I have learned some things over the years:
If you’re shy in front of the camera, bring some props with you that are natural inclusions, but that you can hold – this is where an umbrella on a rainy day comes in handy. A sun hat that you touch with your hands, or even holding your phone and taking pictures of the cherry blossoms while someone else takes your photo is a great way to have something to do with your hands so you feel more natural, and less awkward.
More of my Boston guides and posts you may also enjoy:
- Boston In The Fall
- Awesome Boston Hotels Near The Aquarium
- Best Boston Food Tours
- My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
More of my spring guides that you may like:
- Spring In Massachusetts
- Spring In Vermont
- Spring In Maine
- Spring In New England
- My Guide & Tips For The Nantucket Daffodil Festival
That’s A Wrap On Cherry Blossoms & Magnolias In Boston!
And there you have it! Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on the best places to see cherry blossoms and magnolias in Boston, you’re ready to plan the perfect spring visit to the city in April. This is such a beautiful time to visit Boston, and while the weather can be a bit moody, the spring blooms around the city more than make up for it. Happy planning!