Bellevue gets pretty excited when the Spring air rolls around, blanketing our region with stunning floral displays and lush Pacific Northwest greenery. Start here for your spring bloom adventure: explore the cherry blossom oasis and beautiful gardens of Bellevue, hop across the lake to visit the University of Washington campus' cherry blossom extravaganza in Seattle, visit the spectacular Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and U-Pick experiences, and enjoy the waterfront views from your hotel. 

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Bellevue & Seattle

Bellevue Botanical Garden

🌸 Best for: Tulips, Rhododendrons, Cherry Blossoms
📍 Location: Bellevue, WA
🗓 Peak Bloom: April - May
One of the most spectacular places to witness spring flowers, the Bellevue Botanical Garden features a variety of vibrant gardens showcasing tulips, rhododendrons, cherry blossoms, and more. It’s the perfect spot for leisurely strolls and photography.

Downtown Park – Cherry Blossom Wonderland

🌸 Best for: Cherry Blossoms
📍 Location: Bellevue, WA
🗓 Peak Bloom: Early April
Bellevue’s Downtown Park transforms into a pink paradise in the spring, with cherry blossoms lining the scenic walking paths. The cherry blossoms peak in early April, offering a short but breathtaking display as petals gently flutter in the breeze.

Meydenbauer Bay Park

🌼 Best for: Mixed Spring Flowers, Cherry Blossoms, Waterfront Views
📍 Location: Bellevue, WA
🗓 Peak Bloom: March - May
Enjoy the combination of lakefront views and colorful spring flowers, including a collection of cherry blossom trees, at Meydenbauer Bay Park. The walking trails here are surrounded by budding trees and seasonal blossoms, making it a top spot for nature lovers and photographers.

University of Washington Quad (Seattle, WA)

🌸 Best for: Yoshino Cherry Blossoms
📍 Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
🗓 Peak Bloom: Late March - Early April
The UW Quad’s Yoshino cherry trees are famous across the country, drawing thousands of visitors each spring. These iconic cherry blossoms, over 90 years old, create a magical pink and white canopy perfect for photos and picnics.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival - A Must-Visit!

🌷 Best for: Tulips, Daffodils
📍 Location: 1 hour from Bellevue, in Mount Vernon, WA
🗓 Peak Bloom: April

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a world-renowned floral event that attracts visitors from all over. Held throughout April, it features millions of tulips blooming in vibrant fields, with different varieties on display each week. The festival spans multiple farms, offering a mix of tulip fields, farm tours, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.

Tulip Valley Farms – Award-Winning U-Pick Experience

🌷 Best for: U-Pick Tulips, Daffodils, Unique Night Bloom Experience
📍 Location: 15245 Bradshaw Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (1 hour from Bellevue)
🗓 Peak Bloom: April 

You won't want to miss the "World's Most Scenic U-Pick Experience," as awarded by the World Tulip Society, at Tulip Valley Farms during the Tulip Festival. Visitors can explore the enchanting family-friendly 25 acre property, where 10 acres are planted with tulips - a total of 2.5 million bulbs, and 140 varieties. This is the only place in the entire festival where you can hand-pick your own tulips!

🌙New for 2025, Tulip Valley Farms expands its popular Night Bloom program—the only nighttime tulip experience in the country. Visitors can explore:

• The Black Light Garden, where tulip pollen glows in the dark
• Edison Lights in the Trees, creating a magical evening ambiance
• Stomp Lights, interactive lights that respond to each step

🐮 Meet the micro-mini Highland cows from Compact Cattle Co., adding extra charm to this already picturesque farm.

🌼 Tulip Valley Farms is the only Skagit Valley farm offering U-Pick daffodils, with no entry fee and a cost of $1-2 per stem.

🎟 Tickets & Visitor Info:

• Meet the Farmer Tulip Talks: 10am, 2pm, and 4pm (Monday-Saturday); 2pm and 4pm (Sundays)
• Pet-friendly (with Pet Pass; pets must be leashed for the safety and well-being of the farm animals and other guests)
• 5 acres of free parking & bike racks available
• Picnic-friendly (no alcohol allowed)
• Tickets available at tulipvalley.com – Pre-purchase for discounted pricing and special options like sunrise entry and annual passes

🌷 Whether you're hand-picking tulips, enjoying a magical Night Bloom experience, or strolling through the fields with family and friends, Tulip Valley Farms is a must-visit this spring!

Mount Rainier National Park – Wildflower Paradise

🌼 Best for: Wildflowers, Lupines, Paintbrushes
📍 Location: Mount Rainier National Park, WA
🗓 Peak Bloom: July - August
While later in the season, Mount Rainier’s wildflower meadows are unparalleled. Fields of lupines, Indian paintbrushes, and avalanche lilies create a jaw-dropping alpine display.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Spring Blooms in the PNW

When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Washington?

Cherry blossoms typically peak between late March and early April, depending on the weather.

Where is the best place to see tulips in Washington?

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is the top destination for tulip lovers, featuring millions of tulips in bloom throughout April.

Are the Night Bloom events at Tulip Valley Farms family-friendly?

Yes! The Night Bloom experience is designed for visitors of all ages, with interactive Stomp Lights and glowing tulip pollen displays.

Can I bring my pet to Tulip Valley Farms?

Yes, but a Pet Pass is required, and pets must remain on a leash for the safety of farm animals and guests.

When can you find wildflowers at Mount Rainier? 

Wildflowers typically appear in July and August at Mount Rainier.