With the arrival of spring in Buffalo, New York, comes cherry blossom season. Buffalo is hands down one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in the United States. I would dare say it is one of the best places in the world! I may be biased, as I am a Buffalonian after all. Yet, I have some backing for this opinion. U.S. News did rank Buffalo amongst one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. Trust me, I’m sure you will agree after you visit the cherry blossoms in Buffalo, NY.
The cherry blossoms in Buffalo, NY, are some of the most incredible spring blooms in New York! If you’re in Buffalo in the spring, you must see these cherry blossoms! Discover the best spots to see cherry blossoms in Buffalo and everything you need to know about the Cherry Blossom Festival in Buffalo, NY.
Before You Go
🏨 Book The Richardson Hotel a beautiful property that is within walking distance of the cherry blossoms!
🌸 Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival Dates: April 27, 2024 – April 28, 2024
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Table of Contents
Cherry Blossoms in Buffalo NY Locations
The main cherry blossoms in Buffalo are scattered around the lawn of the Buffalo History Museum and through the Japanese Gardens. This guide will also highlight some additional spots to see Cherry Blossoms in Buffalo.
Grounds of the Buffalo History Museum
The Buffalo History Museum, modeled after the Parthenon, is an architectural beauty in its own right. The cherry blossoms seem to breathe new life into this structure, their pink petals framing the museum beautifully. The grounds of the Buffalo History Museum are where you will find the bulk of the cherry blossoms in Buffalo. The grounds are covered in various cherry blossom trees.
There are plenty of viewing opportunities here, including from the pathway up close to the cherry blossom trees on the grass and from the steps of the Buffalo History Museum. The steps of the Buffalo History Museum offers an aerial view of the cherry blossoms.
Japanese Garden of Buffalo
Scattered through the Japanese Garden, which follows a path around Mirror Lake, are more cherry blossoms. With the zen Japanese Garden and cherry blossoms, you will feel like you escaped to Japan.
The cherry blossoms in the Japanese Garden are known as the Cherry Tree Grove and follow along Jesse Kregal Pathway.
Across Mirror Lake
To get the iconic view of the Buffalo History Museum with the cherry blossoms, take a stroll along Jesse Kregal Pathway to the opposite side of Mirror Lake, across from the Buffalo History Museum. This will provide a beautiful viewpoint and the perfect photo opportunity.
Hoyt Lake Cherry Blossoms
While much more sparse and spread out than the ones at the Buffalo History Museum, there are a few cherry blossom trees around Hoyt Lake at Delaware Park. This is a great place to see more cherry blossoms and get away from the crowds. It’s a lovely park to stroll around and enjoy the beautiful blooms on a nice day.
Lincoln Parkway
Along the center island running down the entire length of Lincoln Parkway are cherry blossom trees. While these trees are quite new and small, it is evident in a few years, they will bloom beautifully. This neighborhood is stunning, so it is a great spot to check out one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Buffalo and see some more cherry blossoms.
Buffalo Cherry Blossoms 2024
The peak for the cherry blossoms in Buffalo, NY, is expected around the end of April. The Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from April 27 – April 28, 2024. Typically, the festival is held around peak bloom.
Once the cherry blossoms are bloomed, they typically last 7-14 days, depending on the weather. But keep in mind that the weather in Buffalo can be very temperamental. Extreme bouts of cold temperatures or high winds can shorten this timeframe. A few years ago, a snowstorm actually destroyed the cherry blossoms only a few days after peak bloom.
Where to Park to See the Cherry Blossoms in Buffalo
The Buffalo History Museum is located within Delaware Park, so you can park at the museum or by Hoyt Lake to see the cherry blossoms.
Parking by Hoyt Lake
I would personally recommend parking by Hoyt Lake. This way, you can enjoy a stroll around Hoyt Lake to the Buffalo History Museum. This is one of my favorite ways to see the cherry blossoms in Buffalo. As you make your way to the grounds of the Buffalo History Museum, there is a picturesque view of the museum across Mirror Lake. The pink petals of the cherry blossoms can be seen from the distance, which adds to the build-up of excitement.
To park near Hoyt Lake, there is free street parking along both sides of Lincoln Parkway.
Parking at the Buffalo History Museum
Alternatively, if you are pressed for time or want the immediate gratification of seeing the cherry blossoms in Buffalo, you can park at the Buffalo History Museum. This will get you the closest to the cherry blossoms.
There is a free parking lot at the Buffalo History Museum. Parking here is recommended if you are not comfortable with city street parking.
Lincoln Parkway
If you’re visiting on a weekend, parking can be scarse. So you may need to find street parking. I recommend parking on Lincoln Parkway. It is an easy walk to Delaware Park and there are some cherry blossoms along this street!
When do Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Buffalo New York
The cherry blossoms in Buffalo typically bloom around late April to early May. Keep in mind that the bloom is very dependant on the weather, so peak bloom is not guaranteed to happen at the same time every year. As the season gets closer, peak bloom can be better predicted.
Tips for Enjoying the Cherry Blossoms in Buffalo NY
Visit on a Sunny Day
If you want to experience the cherry blossoms to their full potential, try to visit on a sunny day. This will make your experience more enjoyable, and the color of the cherry blossoms will be more pronounced. A blue sky will also make for better photos of the cherry blossoms.
Avoid the Weekends
Weekends are a busy time to visit Delaware Park in general, yet when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, it gets extremely busy. If you visit on the weekends, expect to see plenty of people vying to get a look at the cherry blossoms. While it can be busy, if you are only able to visit on the weekend, you will still have a lovely experience. Just expect crowds.
Visit Early in the Morning
If you are visiting on a busy day, I would highly recommend arriving early in the morning to see the cherry blossoms. This will allow you to have a relaxing time to enjoy the cherry blossoms before most people arrive in the afternoon. Additionally, if you want to visit to take photos, the early morning is the best time for photography.
Bring a Picnic
After strolling around and looking at the cherry blossoms, you will not want to leave just yet. Consider bringing a picnic with you, so you can linger longer and experience the cherry blossoms in a relaxing way. If it’s not too busy, you can have a picnic underneath one of the cherry blossom trees or in the Japanese Gardens. Alternatively, find a serene spot near Hoyt Lake.
Visit During the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival
If you are going to visit on a weekend, then you should consider visiting during the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival. This festival is a celebration of cherry blossoms and includes plenty of exciting events.
Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival
The best way to celebrate the cherry blossoms is at the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival, held annually outside the Buffalo History Museum and the Cherry Tree Grove at the Japanese Garden. At the Buffalo Cherry Blossoms Festival, you can partake in various events including Japanese cultural activities, pink boat rides across Mirror lake, and more. The goal of this festival is to encourage cherry tree planting across Buffalo.
This year, the Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from April 27 – April 28, 2024.
More Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in Buffalo
While the Buffalo History Museum is the most popular place to see cherry blossoms in Buffalo, New York, there are other spots where you can see them.
Forest Lawn Cemetary Cherry Blossoms
Forest Lawn Cemetary is often overlooked as a spot to view Cherry Blossoms in Buffalo. But there are some truly spectacular cherry blossoms at this historic cemetery. Mirror Lake is lined with cherry blossom trees and is a peaceful, beautiful spot to walk around.
Village of Kenmore Cherry Blossoms
In this Buffalo suburb, there are two streets lined with cherry blossoms. Walking these streets is a great addition to visiting the cherry blossoms in Buffalo. You’ll find beautiful cherry at Linden Avenue and Princeton Boulevard in Kenmore, New York.
Cherry Blossoms in Buffalo NY: Wrap-up
The cherry blossoms in Buffalo are among the most beautiful spring blooms I have ever seen. I feel so lucky that this beautiful spot is in my backyard, so I can see them almost yearly. If you are a local, spend some time experiencing the cherry blossom bloom. And for anyone out of time, I highly encourage you to plan a spring trip to Buffalo to see the cherry blossoms.
For more travel inspiration, check out these posts:
🌸 This Street Has Some of The Best Cherry Blossoms in Buffalo NY
🚗 15 Best Day Trips from Buffalo NY
For more New York travel, check out my New York section!
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So beautiful! I love when Spring comes around and the blossoms start to appear! Absolutely gorgeous 🙂
Spring is my favourite season! Cherry blossoms are so beautiful you can never get tired of them. I’m glad to hear Boston has its own festival.
Gorgeous! I never would’ve thought of Buffalo for Cherry Blossoms. I’ve always wanted to visit this city to see the incredible architecture.
Ahhh, the photos are so pretty! I love how you matched your jacket to the cherry blossoms, and Buffalo looks lovely during spring 🙂
I always think of Japan when someone mentions Cherry Blossoms. Buffalo looks just as beautiful though! I guess you could combine this with a trip to Niagra Falls.
Absolutely stunning. When I first saw the pin on pinterest, my first reaction was that it must be Japan or somewhere in Asia but great to see that these photos were captured far closer to home. You really have a great eye for a snap although I guess this is made infinitely easier with the loveliness of your subject matter!
They look beautiful! I should probably time my next properly to the USA to try and catch the cherry blossoms.
I’ve seen the cherry blossoms in Buffalo. They’re SO lovely and good to see you spreading the word about them. I love buffalo in the spring/summer (when it’s not snowing!)
Really cool to learn that Buffalo made the list of top 10 sites to see cherry blossoms! They really are a magical site!
It is one of the best time of the year, the onset of spring. Cherry blossom pictures are always amazing. Washington is also very beautiful during Cherry Blossom.
The cherry blossoms in Buffalo remind me of the ones in Washington, DC! The museum even resembles the monuments, haha. Gorgeous photos, hope to visit Buffalo one day!
I didn’t know cherry blossoms in Buffalo is a big thing! Your beautiful photos show me why it is so! Next year, I will make my way there for the cherry blossom season!
Of course, seeing the Cherry Blossoms in Japan would be a highlight, but anywhere will do. The blossoms at the museum in Buffalo are stunning especially from the view across the lake. They must have been worth it for you to make the trip back a second time within 48 hours. I feel like I would so the same to experience them in the sunshine.
I love the cherry blossoms…they look so delicate. I saw them in Singapore this time and fell in love with them all over again. Never knew I could see them in Buffalo..thanks for sharing!