
You don’t need to head to Japan or D.C. for a taste of the Sakura festival. While our beloved Los Angeles may not be an obvious destination to marvel at cherry blossoms, we’re still home to plenty of blissful havens and festivals with clouds of pink blooms during peak season which takes around late March and early April.
These gorgeous dark-trunked trees are native to Japan but have come to represent hope and a colorful spring greeting across the nation — and Los Angeles is no different. To get you ready for the upcoming season, we collected our favorite gardens and festivals where you can find yourself in a sea of pink petals when the time finally does arrive. Scroll through and plan your blossoming adventure!
1. The Japanese Garden
This serene haven is not only one of the favorite hidden gardens in Los Angeles, but The Japanese Garden also happens to be a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing. It also stays true to the tree’s origin and has various species to see in the entire spectrum of pink in all of its glory.
🌸 Site: thejapanesegarden.com
📍Location: 6100 Woodley Ave, Lake Balboa, CA 91406
2. Grand Park L.A.

Grand Park’s Sakura Grove is a gift from the Japan Consulate L.A. back in 2012 when the park first opened. It’s marked with a stone that reads “A living symbol of friendship between the people of Japan and L.A. County.” The 12-acre park located in the civic center offers plenty to do if a rogue wind sweeps the petals of the trees and lands in a confetti-like carpet on the floor.
🌸 Site: grandparkla.org
📍Location: 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
3. Lake Balboa Park

With over 2,000 cherry blossom trees this Van Nuys oasis makes is certainly worth visiting for any anthophile. Plus, seeing the pink flowers glisten in the water just adds another level of beauty. It’s important to note that the trees tend to bloom at different times at Lake Balboa Park, but even if you do miss a spectacular bloom you can always take the swan boats for a spin.
🌸 Site: https://www.laparks.org/aquatic/balboa
📍Location: 6300 Balboa Blvd, Lake Balboa, CA 9140
4. South Coast Botanic Garden

At South Coast Botanic Garden, you’re welcome to take a leisurely walk through their enchanting 87-acre garden and witness the exquisite wonders of many different flowers and plants in their full splendor. It’s especially beautiful during those warm spring days where you can escape to the shady paradise of their large cherry blossom trees of all species.
🌸 Site: southcoastbotanicgarden.org
📍Location: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
5. Huntington Library

The Japanese Garden found at The Huntington Library (and even throughout the grounds) offers pops of pink cherry blossom blooms. With the garden’s beloved moon bridge, koi-filled ponds, and historic Japanese House — you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to another country. Plus, plenty of the pink-petaled doppelgangers in the gardens make for a cute Instagram backdrop too.
🌸 Site:huntington.org
📍Location: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
6. Descanso Gardens

The Japanese Garden at Descanso Gardens should be your mid-March choice for the ‘Pink Cloud’ cherry blossoms. As you make your way through their captivating grounds, you’ll witness the full bloom of these pink intricate wonders. In case you’re not able to make it there this season, don’t worry. You’ll have a plethora of vivid flora to take in throughout spring, including the stunning tulips.
🌸 Site: descansogardens.org
📍Location: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
7. Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Taking place in April at Barnes Park, the beloved Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival is for the community by the community. It’s a celebration of culture and space for learning, family-friendly entertainment, fun, and community support. Festival-goers can expect traditional Japanese dancing, authentic food, music, and other craft vendors to try out. The best part is — the festival is completely free.
🌸 Site: montereypark.ca.gov
📅When: April 27 & 28, 2024
📍Location: 350 S Mc Pherrin AveMonterey Park, CA 91754
8. West Covina Cherry Blossom Festival
Things are blossoming in West Covina this spring because they are inviting folks for a celebration of culture, arts, and community at their own Cherry Blossom Festival! With its pink hues, Japanese food, live entertainment, and enchanting atmosphere — this picturesque celebration is bound to leave both your tummy and heart full.
🌸 Site: esgvjcc.org
📅When: April 13, 2024
📍Location: 112 Plaza Dr, West Covina, CA 91790