There are already cherry blossoms at a few botanical gardens as of the Mid of March, and more will be arriving in the coming weeks.
There are also cherry blossom festivals, where a few cities in Southern California honor their Japanese heritage. Strangely enough, some of these festivals are held on city streets and parks that are decked out with those pretty pink blooms, yet others don’t even have cherry trees.
Since peak blooms don’t last long, we advise you to check each location for the most recent photographs before you travel on over.
Descanso Gardens
If you’re looking for those stunning pink-flowering trees, you should visit the Japanese garden around March. Before making any plans, be sure to check the garden’s bloom status or Descanso’s Instagram; as of the second week of March, the Okame cherry trees have already passed their peak, while the Pink Cloud blossoms have just begun to bloom.
The delicate Akebono and Beni Hoshi blossoms, which are by the Japanese garden’s creek, should follow in the coming weeks.
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Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens
While it’s difficult to choose a favorite Huntington themed section, the Japanese garden is a strong contender, especially in the spring when cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Look for “Pink Cloud” cherry trees and the Japanese “Momo” peach tree, which is not a cherry but nevertheless has a pink hue, near the steps and the entrance to the rose garden that leads to the ceremonial teahouse.
There are usually flowers along the path outside the Chinese garden, as well as flowers that resemble other flowers, such the flowering peach.
For an idea of when each location will reach its peak, consult the Huntingon’s incredibly accurate bloom map. As of the second week of March, the cherry blossoms are still in full bloom, although they haven’t reached their peak yet.
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South Coast Botanic Garden
This spring, aim for this Palos Verdes landmark to see some blossoms. Though you should be able to spot them on your own while you’re there, you can follow South Coast’s blog for updates on when the flowers will bloom.
First Lady blossoms by the fern collection and Pink Cloud blossoms by the rose garden are usually the last to bloom (the Taiwan cherry blossoms by the amphitheatre have already passed their peak). Just be sure to book reservations in advance of your visit.
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Lake Balboa + The Japanese Garden
Every March, cherry blossoms, though not quite yet in bloom, color the road encircling the lake, bringing this well-liked lake and picnic area in the Valley to life. To be clear, the lake is located north of the Los Angeles River, specifically at the intersection of Victory and Balboa Boulevards.
This is because the neighborhood is also known as Lake Balboa. The Japanese Garden, a repurposed haven nourished by the nearby water reclamation facility, is another important flower site close to the lake.
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Final Words
Although cherry blossoms aren’t typically associated with Southern California, these fragile flowers provide a fascinating window into Japanese culture.
Take in the bright vibrancy of a cherry blossom festival, or lose yourself in the peace of a Japanese garden filled with flowers. Celebrate the beauty of these symbolic flowers and let the spirit of spring take hold.
