Top 10 Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Seattle

The Quad during Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom

Spring in Seattle transforms the city into a vibrant canvas of pink and white cherry blossoms, creating spectacular photographic opportunities. Whether you're a professional photographer, an enthusiast, or simply want beautiful spring images for your personal or brand story, these locations will inspire stunning photographs.

1. University of Washington Quad

Arguably Seattle's most iconic cherry blossom location, the UW Quad offers majestic, mature trees creating dreamy canopies perfect for portraits and scenic shots.

The Quad from above

2. Seward Park

Seward Park boasts lush blossoms along Lake Washington, offering fantastic opportunities for waterfront shots with blossoms reflecting off the water.

3. Green Lake Park

Capture vibrant blossoms lining the pathways, offering picturesque opportunities for lifestyle and active brand imagery.

4. Jefferson Park

Jefferson Park on Beacon Hill provides panoramic views of Seattle's skyline framed by beautiful cherry blossoms, perfect for impactful cityscape images.

5. Washington Park Arboretum

Home to diverse cherry blossom varieties, the Arboretum’s winding trails create romantic, natural settings ideal for both portrait and detailed nature photography.

6. Seattle Center

The Seattle Center offers unique compositions featuring cherry blossoms against iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle, creating distinctly Seattle imagery.

7. Kobe Terrace Park

This hidden gem in the International District provides intimate scenes of cherry blossoms and Japanese lanterns, ideal for cultural and editorial-style photography.

8. Volunteer Park

Classic and serene, Volunteer Park provides beautiful compositions featuring blossoms against lush greenery and historic architecture like the Conservatory.

9. Golden Gardens Park

Offering seaside charm, Golden Gardens blends coastal views with delicate blossoms for unique and atmospheric photography.

10. Bellevue Downtown Park (Just outside Seattle)

Though slightly beyond city limits, this beautifully designed park boasts organized pathways lined with blossoms, ideal for structured and elegant portrait sessions.

Spring is one of the best seasons for portraits

Photography Tips for Cherry Blossoms

• Aim for early morning or late afternoon light (golden hour).

• Experiment with depth-of-field to create dreamy, blurred backgrounds.

• Utilize wide-angle lenses to capture expansive blossom-filled scenes.

Tips for Smartphone Photography

• Adjust your exposure manually by tapping on the screen to avoid overexposed blossoms.

• Use Portrait Mode to blur backgrounds for a professional look.

• Get creative with angles, capturing blossoms from above, below, or through branches to add depth and visual interest.

Chase the flowers!

Spring in Seattle is fleeting yet breathtaking. Grab your camera, head out to these gorgeous locations, and create captivating images that beautifully tell your springtime story.

Ready to elevate your spring portraits or brand imagery among Seattle’s iconic cherry blossoms? Contact me today, and let's craft your visual story together.