Spring in many parts of the world means pinks, reds and whites erupting into vibrant colors as far as the eye can see, filling the sky with sweet-smelling flowers. Once in bloom, cherry blossoms showcase their hues for only a short period of time. Whether visiting these trees domestically or internationally, traveling to any of these locations around the world promises an otherworldly experience.

© Visit California

San Francisco, California

This seaside city hosts one of California’s most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions and the biggest cherry blossom festival on the West Coast with the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. Spanning two weeks in April (April 8–9 and 15–16), more than 200,000 people flock to one of the three remaining Japantowns in the country to not only enjoy traditional Japanese foods and activities but also to visit the five-acre Japanese Tea Garden in Golden State Park. Here, cherry blossoms loom over paths and seating as guests sip traditional Japanese tea.

Dallas, Texas

Dallas Arboretum annually greets spring with Dallas Blooms, the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest. More than 125 Japanese cherry trees blossom in pinks and whites. When in full bloom, walk or sit among the equally impressive tulip displays to take in the trees. Dallas Blooms runs Feb. 25–April 16, with music performances, food and events held throughout the garden.

© Japan Starts Here (https://japanstartshere.com/cherry-blossom-season-japan/)

Shizuoka, Japan

Celebrating the earliest blooming cherry trees in eastern Japan, Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival runs through the end of February. In addition to celebrations across several towns in the region, locals and visitors also enjoy food and drink stalls lining streets along the Kawazu River, local craft and souvenir vendors, and illuminations adorning the trees.

© Destination Greater Victoria

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Holding the title of City of Gardens, it’s no surprise Victoria also features some incredible cherry blossom blooms each spring. The city’s mild climate sees thousands of cherry blossom trees bloom as early as February and as late as May. One of the best places to see these trees in bloom is along View Street in the center of Downtown Victoria. Butchart Gardens also features cherry blossoms alongside its many other bold and vibrant flowers.

Kinosaki, Japan

See cherry blossom trees in bloom from a public onsen or hot spring, or while strolling through town wearing a yukata or summer kimono. Found all along the Otani River, these trees bloom from early to mid-April.

San Diego, California

It may surprise you to know San Diego houses its own beautiful cherry blossom trees. At Balboa Park’s Japanese Friendship Garden, blooming cherry blossom trees await. The garden even hosts the annual Cherry Blossom Festival (March 10–12), featuring a variety of programs to celebrate the bloom. This year, the festival hosts a design contest.

© Courtesy of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Grand Rapids, Michigan

At Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden in Meijer Gardens, visitors can spot flowering cherry blossom trees along Cherry Tree Promenade and along the shore near Zig-Zag Bridge. Contorted forms of flowering cherry blossom trees, or Sakura, the national flower of Japan, slowly drop its petals over the course of spring, creating a romantic setting of color and peace.

Kyoto, Japan

Cherry Blossom season runs in Kyoto from the last week of March through the beginning of April. To best enjoy the season, look for a Hanami Party (blossom-viewing party), which involves setting out a picnic blanket or tarp under the most beautiful and biggest cherry tree while enjoying festive food and drink. Some of the popular parks to do this include Maruyama-koen Park, Kamo-gawa Riverbanks and Kyoto Gosho. Kyoto Botanical Gardens also sees many flock to see the trees in bloom.