Where to See Cherry Blossoms: Seattle & Bellevue | No Car Required

Spring in the Pacific Northwest means cherry blossom season is back! As the weather warms and the trees begin to bloom, parks and campuses across the region transform into beautiful pink landscapes.  

The best part? Many of the most scenic cherry blossom spots are easy to reach from Bellevue without driving alone. Whether you take transit, walk, bike, or combine different travel options, these destinations make for a perfect spring outing.  

Here are five great places to see cherry blossoms, and how to get there sustainably from Bellevue.

Bellevue Downtown Park

Located in the heart of the city, Bellevue Downtown Park is one of the easiest places to enjoy cherry blossoms close to home. The park’s open lawns, tree-lined paths, and scenic fountain create a peaceful place to enjoy cherry blossoms right in downtown Bellevue.  

How to Get There

By Light Rail

• Take the 2 Line to Bellevue Downtown Station
• Walk about 10-12 minutes to the park

By Bus

• Many King County Metro and Sound Transit Express routes stop near the park, including: 240, 241, 249, 250, 271, 532, 535, 550, 556, 560, 566

By Foot or Bike

• Downtown Bellevue is highly walkable and bike-friendly, making it an easy stop during lunch breaks or evening strolls.  

Bellevue Botanical Garden

For a quieter and more immersive spring experience, the Bellevue Botanical Garden offers beautiful blooms, peaceful walking trails, and garden landscapes that change with the season.  

How to Get There

By Bus

• The King County Metro 271 bus will take you within ½ mile of the Garden.  

By Bike

• Cycling to the garden is a great option, with bike racks available on-site.  

Meydenbauer Bay Park

Located along the waterfront near Old Bellevue, Meydenbauer Bay Park combines scenic lake views with beautiful spring blossoms.  

How to Get There

By Light Rail  

• Take the 2 Line to Bellevue Downtown Station
• Walk about 15-20 minutes towards the waterfront

By Bus

• Several King County Metro and Sound Transit Express routes stop near the park, including:  271, 550, 556, 535

By Foot or Bike

• Downtown Bellevue is highly walkable and bike-friendly, making it an easy stop if you’re already in the area

University of Washington Quad

The UW Quad is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in the region. Each spring, dozens of Yoshino cherry trees bloom across the historic campus, drawing visitors from all over the Puget Sound area.

This year, estimates suggest that the cherry blossoms will reach “peak bloom” on March 20. Taking transit is often the easiest way to visit during peak bloom, when parking on campus becomes extremely limited.

How to Get There

By Light Rail  

• After the Crosslake Connection opens on March 28, you can take the 2 Line all the way to the University District station, which is a 10-minute walk to the Quad.

By Bus

• Route 271 (about a 6-minute walk to the Quad)

By Bike

• Via the SR 520 trail 

Washington Park Arboretum

If you're looking for a quieter cherry blossom experience, the Washington Park Arboretum offers beautiful views. The park’s winding paths and scenic waterfront areas make it one of the most peaceful places to enjoy spring blooms.

How to Get There

By Bus

• Route 271  

By Bike

• Via the SR 520 trail

Make Your Cherry Blossom Trip Even More Rewarding

If your trip starts or ends in Bellevue, you can log your sustainable non-drive-alone trip with the Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards Program.  

Log your non-drive-alone trips, including transit, walking, biking, or carpooling, to earn chances at local rewards.

• Log 30 sustainable trips for a chance to earn a $150 local restaurant gift card
• Log 20 sustainable trips for a chance to earn a $50 local grocery store gift card
• Log 16 sustainable trips to earn a $10 local coffee shop gift card. (while supplies last)  

Logging these trips will help reduce congestion and emissions; while also helping you earn local rewards that support local businesses.    

Enjoy Cherry Blossom Season

Cherry blossom season is one of the most beautiful times of year in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you stay local in Bellevue or take transit across the lake to explore new places, there are plenty of ways to experience the blooms without driving alone.

Grab your camera, enjoy the spring weather, and discover some of the region’s most scenic cherry blossom spots.