Looking to enjoy some spring flowers in Seattle?
You have lots of options! It stands to reason that if April showers bring May flowers, then Seattle must be the most floral city in the world every spring. And in fact, you’ll find a wide variety of spring flowers in Seattle and the surrounding region starting to bloom as early as March.
We gathered up the top ten places where you can view, purchase, or simply celebrate spring flowers in and around Seattle. Some are right here in the city while others call for a day trip, but they’re all a welcome sight after a long, gray winter.
Here are the top ten places to find spring flowers in Seattle:
1. University of Washington
Head to the quad at Seattle’s University of Washington starting around late March to see the cherry blossoms blooming! You can also read about more places to see cherry blossoms in Seattle this spring.
2. Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Every spring, Seattleites head to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in droves to get some epic photos for their Instagrams. You have between April 1 and April 30 to visit; we recommend going on a cloudy weekday in mid-April to avoid crowds.
3. RoozenGaarde Farm
Although they’re mostly known for the tulips that you can see during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, RoozenGaarde in Mount Vernon, WA also has daffodils, peonies, and more flowers blooming in their fields every spring.
4. Pike Place Market
If you prefer not to leave the city for your quest to get spring flowers, head over to Pike Place Market. You’ll find plenty of flower vendors on the main drag selling everything from tulips to dried flower bouquets.
5. Woodland Park Rose Garden
Situated right next to Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, this rose garden is free and open to the public year-round. It’s a peaceful, beautiful place in every season but it’s particularly nice being there in late spring as the roses start to bloom after a long winter.
6. The national parks
If you’re in the mood for a scenic springtime hike, head to one of the three national parks in Washington. Starting around May, the Trail of the Shadows in Mount Rainier National Park is an excellent hike for seeing wildflowers beginning to bloom.
Another great springtime hike can be found in the Olympic National Park. Pacific Rhododendron, Washington’s state flower, can be found blooming in the spring on the Tubal Cain Mine Trail and along the path up Mount Walker.
7. Parsons Gardens Park
Want something closer to home? Tucked away in Queen Anne near Kerry Park, Parsons Gardens is a hidden gem that only locals know about. This tiny garden starts exploding with flowers every spring. Don’t be surprised if you witness an intimate wedding or proposal happening while you’re there.
8. Seattle farmers markets
You can’t pick the flowers at most of the places on this list, but your home should also have some fresh flowers in the spring. If Pike Place Market is too crowded for your taste, head to one of the many Seattle farmers markets this spring for a fresh bouquet.
9. Washington Park Arboretum
Free and open to the public every day, the Washington Park Arboretum is a peaceful haven in the city. In the springtime you can walk along Azalea Way to see cherry blossoms, dogwoods, and azaleas and explore Loderi Valley to see rhododendrons and magnolias. There is also a Japanese garden that reopens every March, although there is an admission fee.
10. Seattle Center
Every spring you can head to Seattle Center for the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival. This free festival celebrates the gift of 1,000 cherry trees to Seattle from Japan’s former Prime Minister, Takeo Miki. This year it takes place April 14-16, 2023.