Cherry Blossom Magic at UW Seattle: A Visitor's Guide

Spring has arrived in Seattle, and with it comes one of the city's most enchanting natural displays—the cherry blossoms at the University of Washington. I'm thrilled to share that I visited the UW Quad this weekend and can confirm the trees are currently at peak bloom!

Bloom Status & Timing

The gorgeous pink canopy should remain in its full glory for approximately another week, but Mother Nature follows her own schedule. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking the official UW cherry blossom webpage before planning your visit:

Official Updates: https://www.washington.edu/cherryblossoms/

Can't make it in person? UW also offers a live stream so you can check on the blossoms in real-time before heading over or simply enjoy their beauty from afar.

Visitor Etiquette

The cherry blossoms are delicate and deserve our respect. During my visit, I noticed some concerning behaviors that we should all avoid:

• No climbing the trees - The trees are historic and fragile

• Don't shake branches - Creating "blossom rain" for photos damages the trees

• Stay on paths when possible to protect the grass and tree roots

• Take photos respectfully without blocking pathways or disrupting others' enjoyment

Remember that these trees aren't just beautiful—they're living historic landmarks that have graced the campus since 1962, when they were relocated from the Washington Park Arboretum.

Getting There

Parking Options

• Central Plaza Garage (underground parking beneath Red Square)

• Padelford Garage (slightly longer walk but often less crowded)

• N1 Lot on weekends when permit restrictions are relaxed

Note: Campus parking can fill quickly during peak bloom weekends. Arrive early (before 9am) for best availability.

Public Transportation

• Link Light Rail to University of Washington Station (10-15 minute walk to the Quad)

• Bus routes 44, 45, 48, 67, 71, 73, 75, and 372 all serve the UW campus

• Bike sharing options like Lime are also available throughout the area

Where to Eat & Drink Nearby

After enjoying the blossoms, satisfy your appetite at these excellent local spots:

Boba & Tea

• TP Tea - Consistently excellent bubble tea

• Sunight Tea Studio - Try their fresh fruit options

Food

• U:Don - Fresh, fast Japanese udon noodles

• Xi'an Noodles - Hand-pulled noodles and authentic Chinese flavors (friends’ favorite!)

• Slurp Station - Their signature tonkotsu is a must-try, and they offer excellent vegetarian options as well.

Desserts

• Hello Robin - Famous for their fresh-baked cookies and ice cream sandwiches featuring Molly Moon's ice cream. Their signature Mackles'more cookie is a local favorite.

  Molly Moon's - Beloved Seattle ice cream shop with creative, seasonal flavors made from local ingredients. Their honey lavender and yeti are standout classics.

  Insomnia Cookies - Perfect for late-night sweet cravings, offering warm cookies for delivery or pickup until the wee hours. Try their deluxe cookies or cookie sandwiches with ice cream.

The cherry blossoms at UW are truly one of Seattle's springtime treasures. Seeing them at peak bloom is an experience that connects you to both nature's beauty and a cherished local tradition. Just remember to visit with respect, patience, and wonder—these ephemeral blossoms remind us to pause and appreciate the fleeting moments of beauty in our world.