People often anticipate Seattle summers, but springtime offers its own unique beauty. The blooming of over 1,000 cherry blossom trees throughout the Puget Sound region signals the end of winter. Here are some favorite spots to enjoy a bite or a drink while taking in the views.

Bellevue Downtown Park & Bakehouse

Bellevue Downtown Park is a classic location for cherry blossom photography, with the city skyline as a backdrop. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic, and Bakehouse is an excellent choice for provisions. Inspired by French patisseries, the bakery offers over 40 menu options for an authentic taste of France.

A Taste of Paris

Stepping into Bakehouse feels like being transported to Paris, with a cozy and welcoming interior. Sweet treats and savory breads are beautifully displayed. Popular choices include pistachio egg tarts, rose bagels, kimchi bacon bread, and Japanese cheesecake. They also have a café area serving coffee, including a rose latté that perfectly complements cherry blossom photos.

Bakehouse caters to various dietary needs with gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan options. Their cookies, especially the s’mores and birthday cake flavors, are highly recommended. They also partner with Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream for a delightful sweet treat combination.

Angle Lake Park & Piacere Trattoria

Angle Lake Park provides scenic views of cherry blossoms with the lake and occasional airplanes in the background. After enjoying the blossoms, Piacere Trattoria offers a hearty Italian meal. Chef Michele Godina honed his skills in Liguria, the birthplace of focaccia and pesto.

Authentic Italian Cuisine

Both the focaccia and pesto at Piacere Trattoria are exceptional, but the full menu is worth exploring. Favorites include the black-ink tagliolini and the caciucco stew. The restaurant offers tableside pasta cooking for an interactive dining experience, and the dolce trio dessert is the perfect ending to the meal.

University of Washington Quad & TP Tea

The University of Washington quad is famous for its cherry blossoms. TP Tea, a favorite among UW students, is a perfect spot to enjoy a beverage while taking in the scenery. TP Tea originated from Chun Shui Tang, the world’s first boba shop, ensuring an authentic experience.

Freshly Brewed Tea

TP Tea distinguishes itself by freshly brewing tea from leaves instead of using powders, resulting in a perfect milk-to-tea balance. Their pearls are consistently chewy and flavorful. Recommended drinks include Pearl Milk Tea, Velvet Lychee Fresh Milk, and QQ TP Milk Tea – ideal companions for enjoying the cherry blossoms.