The Cherry Blossom Festival at the University of Washington in Seattle is a breathtaking sight to behold. Each year, as winter turns to spring, thousands of cherry trees on the campus burst into bloom, creating a stunning display of pink and white blossoms that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The festival typically takes place in late March or early April and includes a variety of events and activities, such as live music, cultural performances, food vendors, and guided tours of the campus. Visitors can also take part in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and view exhibits featuring Japanese art and culture.
The highlight of the festival, of course, is the cherry blossoms themselves. The trees are scattered throughout the campus, with some of the best viewing spots including the Quad, Drumheller Fountain, and the Burke-Gilman Trail. The Quad, in particular, is a popular spot for visitors to take photos and enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
The festival draws large crowds, so visitors should be prepared for crowds and plan accordingly. Parking can be difficult to find, so visitors are encouraged to take public transportation or walk to the campus. The festival is free and open to the public, but some of the events and activities may require a fee.
Overall, the Cherry Blossom Festival at the University of Washington is a stunning display of natural beauty and cultural celebration. It is a must-see event for anyone visiting the Seattle area during the...
Read moreThe cherry blossoms are gorgeous to experience at dusk! There were fewer people and it always feels like flowers smell better at night.
It was fun to see folks from so many cultures enjoying the blossoms together. There were tiny Asian girls in pink tutus hugging trees, Asian young women in traditional clothing posing for photos for each other, one Indian family with the grandparents holding an infant on a park bench around the periphery while the other members walked and played, couples cuddling on those benches, as well. Everyone was friendly and kids/dogs were quiet and well-behaved.
We brought our small dog and walked the entire quad, then sat on a bench facing West. Viewing the gothic buildings through the blossoms is amazing! The best photos my partner took of us were family selfies sitting along the periphery with the infinite blossoms behind us. That was one of my favorite way to enjoy the trees. Sitting and looking left or right at the blossoms stretching...
Read moreThe University of Washington is one of the best places to visit. The campus is clean and beautiful! And to have the cherry blossoms there, it is spectacular.
Parking is a bit hard to find, but if you can find parking, be prepared to do some walking. Have a pair of good walking shoes and a bottle of water you are good to go. If you bring a bicycle, it's a perfect way to get around. Don't overeat before going unless you know where the restrooms are. If there is an event, there is usually a portapotty in the area. Otherwise, most of the buildings are locked no access to the restrooms.
The best time to see these cherry blossoms in full bloom is the end of March to early April.
Below is from the University of Washington Quad - Wikipedia:
Question: Where do you park at UW to see cherry blossoms?
Answer: Parking lots We recommend cherry blossom visitors park in the Padelford Garage, Lot E01 and Lot E18. In addition to the lots listed above, we recommend the Central...
Read more