I think April is one of the best months to explore the country to find a bit of early sun and shake off those winter blues. Springtime is also one of the most beautiful times to travel, as this is when the weather gets warmer, and flowers are coming into bloom.
Whether you fancy a balmy city break or a hot beach vacation, here are my favorite spots to explore this month…
1. Naples, Florida
I think this place is just so dreamy! Located along the Gulf of Mexico, Naples is ideally situated to laze on the beach, escape to the Everglades or Ten Thousand Islands wilderness, or watch the Chubb Classic, one of the PGA events this month.
This month’s weather is warming up (around 20 degrees), but it has not hit the extremes of summer. With low rainfall and accommodation rates off-peak, so in my opinion it’s a great time to visit!
In addition to tranquil white beaches and adventures in the adjoining nature preserves, there is excellent shopping and dining.
Naples is easily accessible from Miami along the famous Tamiami Trail. I also love that it’s a quieter and more laid-back place to stay after the craziness of Miami!
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 1010 Sixth Ave. S.Naples, FL 34102, Phone: (239) 262-7300
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 18 degrees
My favorite highlights…
- Going on a kayaking eco-tour and exploring the beautiful coastal mangrove forests.
- Relaxing on the stunning white sand at Vanderbilt Beach before catching a breathtaking sunset.
- Visiting the Naples Botanical Gardens home to over 170 acres of preservation land and cultivated gardens.
2. Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country, just west of Austin, with its dramatic limestone and granite hills, is a scenic destination at any time of year.
Still, late March and this month are my personal must-go times, as this is when the area comes alive with carpets of wildflowers, especially Texas’ State flower, the bluebonnet, primroses, and Indian paintbrush.
I recommend exploring the region’s unique food. The food has a strong German heritage and Spanish influences, also seen in the architecture and local music. It’s also a key wine region, with over 80 wineries.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 160 Ingram Hills Rd, Ingram, TX 78025, Phone: +1 830-367-2151
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 15 to 26 degrees
My personal highlights…
- Hiking to the Hamilton Pool and enjoying a picnic by the natural spring pool before taking a dip.
- Cycling along the Willow City Loop whilst admiring the picturesque countryside and bluebonnet fields.
- Walking the Texas Wine and Wildflower Trail and enjoying a complimentary tasting!
3. Santa Catalina Island, California
Part of the Channel Islands of California (22 miles off Southern California), I honestly believe this gorgeous spot is one of the best islands to visit in spring.
For starters, there’s the stunning island scenery before the summer crowds arrive, and this time of year has a much more relaxed atmosphere.
The weather averages around 17 degrees in the day, and once there, I highly recommend just kicking back and waiting for island life to take hold!
It’s a rocky but very scenic island with white sand beaches, palm trees, a cute harbor filled with gently bobbing boats, and jaw-dropping sunsets. There are also plenty of accommodation options.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 1 Green Pleasure Pier, Avalon, CA 90704, Phone: +1 310-510-1520
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 17 degrees
My favorite highlights…
- Experiencing the exhilarating Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour which reaches speed of nearly 40 mph at 600 feet above sea level!
- Exploring the outback on an open-air four-wheel tour to discover remote areas others don’t usually see.
- Taking part in a Happy Hour Tour where I tasted award-winning appetizers and speciality drinks.
4. Sedona, Arizona
As you would expect of a city in Arizona, the climate can be extreme, so this month is an excellent time to visit as temperatures hover around 25 degrees.
Desert flowers bloom, and the hills resound with spring birdsong, making it a special time for hikers and bikers.
The red sandstone rocks of nearby Red Rock State Park pick up the rays of the rising and setting sun and glow as if they were on fire; my Instagram followers loved it!
The legendary Oak Tree Canyon meanders between Sedona and Flagstaff, and I would suggest adding this popular touring and hiking destination to your itinerary!
I personally have a huge fondness for the town as its favorite artist’s location, some of whom conduct workshops.
I suggest visiting some of the many spas and retreats, where you can restore and revive yourself surrounded by the area’s beauty. To me, staying here is always pure bliss!
- Visitor’s Centre Address: Sedona Visitor Information Center, 331 Forest Road, Sedona, AZ, 86336, Phone: 928.282.7722
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 21 degrees
My favorite highlights…
- Hiring an ATV and driving across the scenic West Sedona Canyon outback.
- Catching a stunning sunrise whilst enjoying a hot air balloon ride overlooking the Red Rocks.
- Strolling Uptown Sedona to explore the shops, boutiques, and Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village.
5. Antelope Valley, California
I’d recommend visiting here for the beautiful California poppies that bloom in spring! Like all wildflowers, it depends on rainfall and temperature, so it isn’t easy to guarantee when they will be displayed.
However, this month is a pretty good bet if you want to see the poppies in Antelope Valley, as they bloom somewhere between March and May.
The state flower is celebrated in a Spring Festival, and in my opinion, the best time to view the miles of brilliant color is mid-morning when the flowers have warmed up and unfolded their petals. I promise you’ll love seeing the colors going on for as long as your eye can see!
I’d also suggest visiting nearby Lancaster City, an interesting place with a rich aviation and space travel history.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 37765 53rd St E, Palmdale, Phone: (661) 361-8254
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 23 degrees
My highlights…
- Walking through the trails of the Poppy Reserve to admire the Instagrammable views of the vibrant wildflowers.
- Checking out the fun events and rides at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds.
- I learned about history and appreciated local artists’ works at the Lancaster Museum of Art and History.
6. Nā Pali Coast, Hawaii
I personally think this month is a great time to explore the beautiful beaches. The weather is warm (around 28 degrees) but not yet summer-hot.
Hawaii has only two seasons: summer (or Kau, from May to October) and winter (or Hooilo, from November to this month). At this time of year, there is much to see and do, from watching surfing competitions to exploring the dramatic scenery.
I would recommend the awe-inspiring coastline of Nā Pali in northwest Kauai, with views of dramatic razor-sharp mountains and rocky terrain, except for drivers, for the shore is too rugged to contemplate building a road along it.
For the adventurous, I would highly recommend trying the incredible hiking trails and kayaking tours, while there are catamaran and helicopter trips for those who are not so daring. There are also stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and even archaeological sites!
- Visitor’s Centre Address: Phone: +1 808-635-1131
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 23 degrees
My favorite highlights…
- Experiencing the 17 miles of the coast from a different perspective by taking a sailing tour.
- Enjoying the adventure of a lifetime with a helicopter ride overlooking the dramatic cliff.
- Hiking along the Kalalau Trail to enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and greenery.
7. Tidal Basin, Washington DC
This is a famously beautiful spring break. Head to the Tidal Basin in Washington DC, and you’ll see the pretty blossom trees, which were a gift from Japan in 1912!
The historic trees signal the beginning of spring and have an average peak bloom date that falls in this month. I highly recommend taking a trip to see them as the trees explode into a wonderful sea of light pink and white blossoms.
Around 70% of the cherry blossom trees’ flowers are open around the 4th, but sometimes the bloom peak occurs as late as the 18th of the month. The bloom lasts around 14 days but is well worth seeing, and I suggest taking your camera!
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 1501 Maine Ave SW, Washington, Phone (202) 479-2426
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 19 degrees
My favorite highlights…
- Enjoying a bike ride along the stunning loop and array of national monuments.
- Renting a paddleboat and enjoying some time spent relaxing on the calm water.
- Spending the day at the National Cherry Blossom Festival and seeing live entertainment amongst the flowers.
8. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
A few miles south Of Yellowstone and part of the Rockies, the Teton Range is a majestic range of mountains separated from the plains of Jackson Hole by a dramatic fault. The Snake River meanders through the range and is fed by several of the lakes in the area.
The skiing season closes towards the end of March/beginning of this month. It is too early for the summer crowds, so in my opinion, it’s an excellent time to visit this beautiful place (I would suggest just wrapping up warmly as it’s still very chilly this month!).
A single visit will not do the Park justice, as there are over 300 km of hiking trails to explore and conquer.
The mountains are vast and awe-inspiring, and I love spotting wildlife here, including large herds of bison and other animals living in this unspoilt wilderness.
- Visitor’s Centre Address (for post only): Grand Teton National Park, P.O. Box 170, Moose, WY 83012-0170, Phone: 307-739-3300
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 8 degrees
My favorite highlights…
- Taking a scenic drive to Signal Mountain and seeing picturesque panoramic views overlooking the park.
- Discovering the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point located on the western side of Jenny Lake.
- Hiking along the trail from String Lake to Leigh Lake (it’s okay for all ages and ability levels).
9. Bisti Badlands, New Mexico
I think these rather forbidding plains, with their bizarre rocky outcrops, are a gem in New Mexico.
The fossils here are impressive, and new dinosaur species are still being unearthed. The “Bisti Beast,” for example, was discovered in 1998, a new tyrannosaurus species.
As recently as 2017, the skull of a Parasaurolophus cyrtocristatus, a strange-looking duck-billed dinosaur, was found, only the second of this species!
I personally think that this month is a good crossover time to visit. Between the rigors of winter and the heat of summer, it is comfortable to hike or wander among the rocks.
Temperatures hover around 19 degrees here, so it’s perfect for long hikes.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 3041 E. Main Street, Farmington, Phone: 800-448-1240
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 18 degrees
My highlights…
- Hiking along the Bisti Badlands Trail and discovering the cool Cracked Eggs rock formations.
- Capturing an Insta-worthy shot of the unique Alien Throne along the Valley of Dreams Loop.
- Exploring the short Ah-shi-sle-pah Trail and seeing the dramatic hoodoo views.
10. Palm Springs, California
I love this place for sun and hot weather this month, as temperatures reach 31 degrees. It has always been famous as a retreat for showbiz stars, retirees, and snowbirds escaping cold winters.
There is entertainment, spas, and shopping aplenty, as well as many retro-styled hotels and about 100 golf courses. There are lots of other opportunities, especially for outdoor experiences.
The area is well-provided with hiking trails, but I highly recommend going on a fun Jeep adventure and cultural experiences like the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.
I would also suggest taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which rotates on its short journey to Monte San Jacinto State Park.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: Palm Springs Visitor Information Center, 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262, Phone: 800-347-7746 | 760-778-8418
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 31 degrees
My personal highlights…
- Strolling down the city sidewalks to discover the famous Palm Springs Walk of Stars, created in 1992.
- Checking out the Palm Springs Art Museum, which displays contemporary and modern art and I loved the stunning sculpture garden.
- Wandering through the Sunnylands and explore 12 acres of beautiful botanic gardens.
11. Port Townsend, Washington 
Located in Jefferson County, around two hours from Seattle, Port Townsend, in my opinion, is a good choice if you’re looking for a relaxed spring break without any crowds.
This month, temperatures average around 14 degrees, so I recommend packing warm clothes before you leave. But it will be worth it!
The city has long trails and beaches, fine restaurants, fantastic art and cultural experiences, and a fascinating maritime history.
I personally loved the Point Wilson Lighthouse, The Jefferson Museum of Art and History, and The Fort Worden State Historical Park.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 2409 Jefferson St, Port Townsend, WA 98368, +1 360-385-2722
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 14 degrees
My highlights…
- Buying fresh, local produce and artisan products from a Farmer’s Market.
- Indulging in a beer and wine tasting at Port Townsend Vineyards and Port Townsend Brewing.
- Walking the beautiful čičməhán Trail, where you can find 3-, 6- or 12-mile loops.
12. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
Located just an hour from Denver, Colorado Springs is home to the Garden of the Gods, a significant attraction with scenic sandstone rocks. This month, the snow may not yet have melted on Pikes Peak, which overlooks the Park, adding more impact to the dramatic scenery.
I recommend stopping at the Visitor and Nature Centre, which includes an interactive museum.
Several trails, about 20 km long, are available, including the Perkins Central Garden Trail, which is accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
You can walk, cycle (or Segway), or even take a Jeep ride (my favourite!), and afterwards, I would suggest refreshing yourself in the cafeteria and just taking in the views.
Dogs are also welcome on leads, and there are even some areas where they can walk off-leash. This is also a popular and challenging spot for rock climbing, but permits are required.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, +1 719-634-6666
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 14 degrees
My favorite highlights…
- Going on a fun segway tour and exploring the Garden.
- Climbing across the surrounding large carved rocks.
- Stopping by the hip and healthy Bean Sprouts Cafe for a bite to eat after my adventures.
13. Miami, Florida
Miami is the world’s playground, with something for everyone, from nature lovers and golfers to compulsive shoppers and nightclubgoers.
It is always hot and humid, but this is a great time to visit because it’s cooler, there is less rainfall, and temperatures can reach around 26 degrees.
I love that its proximity to Cuba and the rest of the Caribbean gives it a tropical and exotic flavor quite different from that of much of the country.
I recommend celebrity spotting around South Beach (or in their hideouts in Coral Gables) and exploring the Everglades or the other preserves, like Big Cypress.
South Beach is also a must-visit for Art Deco fans, and I also suggest visiting quieter beaches such as Bal Harbour or North Beach.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 701 Brickell Ave., Suite 2700, Miami, FL 33131, Phone: (305) 539-3000
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 26 degrees
My highlights…
- Taking a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride overlooking the breathtaking Miami skyline.
- Spending the day at Sunny Isles Beach and enjoy some swimming, diving, and water sports in the cooling waters.
- Going on a tour of Miami’s most well-known film set locations.
14. Flint Hills, Kansas
This is a special place to visit as grasslands are shrinking worldwide, mainly because they provide excellent land for cultivation.
The prairies of North America and the life they support are steadily being restored and protected but have mainly been converted to farmland.
Spring brings warmer weather, rain, and sunshine, so in my opinion, it’s a vibrant and verdant time to visit. Elks are now extinct in the area, but the bison herds are starting to come back.
I highly recommend standing on the slopes and gazing at the grasslands, which have looked exactly like this for thousands of years and are still home to birds and animals that thrive in the prairie!
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 315 S 3rd St, Manhattan 66502, Phone: +1 785-587-2726
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 21 degrees
My highlights…
- Taking a free bus tour of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and learning about the culture whilst admiring the gorgeous scenery.
- Appreciating paintings from famous artists Judith and Ken Mackey Flint Hills Gallery.
- Enjoying a road trip through the National Scenic Byway, which is 48 miles long and is home to many historical sites and quaint towns.
15. San Diego, California
I personally think this month is a great time to visit San Diego as it’s much less crowded, there is still plenty of sun, and temperatures hover around 20 degrees.
Most people flock to “Beach City” for family fun on the beaches. Mission Beach is a good swimming beach, with a boardwalk and rollercoaster, but I recommend checking out the tidal pools at La Jolla, when the tide is low, and snorkeling at La Jolla Cove, part of the Underwater Park.
If you’ve had too much sun, I would suggest heading for Balboa Park, where you would need at least a week to explore, taking in the 18 diverse museums or some cultural events. The Air and Space Museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian and has something for kids of all ages.
I would suggest tasting some Baja cuisine, dancing the night away in one of the nightclubs, or viewing one of the many shows on offer.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 996 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, Phone: (619) 236-1242
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 20 degrees
My favorite highlights…
- Having fun at Belmont Park is filled with exciting rides and adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters.
- Catching one of San Diego’s best sunsets at La Jolla Cove, a perfect spot for Instagrammable shots.
- Exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Gaslamp Quarter, filled with bars, lounges, and music venues.
16. Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
Nantucket was once a thriving whaling center. Even though the population today is only 11,000, it can swell into 50,000 during peak tourist season, so in my opinion, the shoulder months are an excellent time to visit.
Nantucket is reached by ferry from Cape Cod, a 30-mile trip. I suggest visiting this month because it is off-peak, accommodation prices are more affordable, and it is also during the daffodil season.
The flowers are growing everywhere, and the locals go daffodil-crazy for the whole month, which includes car parades, picnics, and daffodil dress-up competitions.
I would recommend visiting the Whaling Museum (although thankfully, most people are against the cruelty of catching whales now!) and walking, cycling, or even catching a bus to view the historic buildings dotted around the island. There are also guided tours.
If you have children with you, there are plenty of family-friendly activities for them, from beaches to boat rides.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: Nantucket Department of Culture & Tourism. 25 Federal Street, Nantucket, MA 02554, Phone: 508-228-0925 Fax: 508-325-5443
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 13 degrees
My highlights…
- Renting a bike and exploring the island’s 35 miles of multi-use paths.
- Visiting the three historic lighthouses – Sankaty Head Light, Brant Point Light, and Great Point Light.
- Spending the afternoon shopping downtown, home to many cute boutiques and independent stores.
17. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a small but fast-growing city on the South Carolina coast that attracts around 20 million tourists a year. It offers a warm climate and welcoming beaches.
In my opinion, this month is a great time to visit, as it is a bit quieter than March when Ontarians flock to Myrtle Beach to escape their weather.
It is also when the “Coastal Uncorked” festival of food and drink is held, and I would highly recommend timing your visit for then (it’s towards the end of the month).
The resort has 80 golf courses on offer, as well as nightclubs, theatres, and concerts. However, the warmth and the long sandy beaches bring most tourists to Myrtle Beach again and again!
I love the Boardwalk, and it’s one of the best in the country. It’s great for a stroll along the coastline, or if you need a rest, hop on the SkyWheel and view the beaches and the Atlantic Ocean.
There is also a water park and an amusement park for the kids, which is a bonus!
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 1200 N Oak St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, Phone: +1 843-626-7444
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 22 degrees
My favorite highlights…
- Checking out the Hollywood Wax Museum and posing with some of my favorite A-listers.
- Enjoying a stroll along the boardwalk that is 1.2 miles long and filled with fun attractions, rides, shops, and restaurants.
- Going on a thrill-seeking adventure in the five-acre forest treetops at the Radical Ropes Adventure Park.
18. Caddo Lake, Texas and Louisiana
This beauty spot is located in Texas and Louisiana; in my opinion, it’s one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
Attracting families, couples, nature lovers, and wildlife watchers, plenty of vacation accommodation rentals exist, including camping spots, cabins, bed and breakfasts, and some nearby hotels.
In Caddo Lake State Park, you can swim hike, picnic, camp, or stay in a cabin, look for a geocache, but I highly recommend boating.
However, be warned—alligators live in the park. Read up on the area’s alligator safety tips before your visit!
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 245 Park Road 2, Karnack, Phone: (903) 679-3351
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 24 degrees
My highlights…
- Renting a kayak and exploring the water trails to discover the unique landscape.
- Taking an early morning boat tour and watching a romantic sunrise or sunset over the lake.
- Camping overnight at a beautiful shore-side campsite.
19. Blue Ridge Parkway National Park, North Carolina
If you are planning a springtime road trip, I suggest that you include this spot—all 755 kilometers of it—on your list, as it takes you through scenic areas of North Carolina and Virginia.
The parkway is closed during winter but opens in spring again. Despite the closure, it has been one of the country’s most-visited parks since 1946.
There are attractions en route, and I recommend stopping at the visitor centre, but in my opinion, what makes the Parkway unique and special is its fantastic biodiversity.
Whether it is the 4000 species of plants, over 250 bird species, or the chance of spotting black bears ambling along, this is a nature watcher’s hotspot!
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, Phone:+1 828-298-5330
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 18 degrees
My favorite highlights…
- Hiking the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls via a park trail.
- Taking a trip to one of the local vineyards and experiencing world-class wine tasting.
- Visiting the Blue Ridge Music Center, which hosts several music events at its outdoor concert venue.
20. Bar Harbor, Maine
Although temperatures aren’t the warmest (average temperatures hover around 12 degrees in the day) I personally think there are many reasons to visit Bar Harbour, a town on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay in Maine this time of year.
For starters, you’ll get good deals on accommodation as it falls before the summer peak season, and you’ll also arrive before the crowds arrive.
I’m a huge fan of this place. I love that the scenery is quaint and beautiful, with gorgeous coastal beauty. I love the bobbing yachts and boats, the incredible ocean, the neighbouring island views, and the atmospheric weather, which ranges from sparkling sunlight to thick fog and mist.
I think Bar Harbor is a relaxing destination, as well as being the gateway to the mountains and the rugged scenery of nearby Acadia National Park.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 2 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, Phone: +1 207-288-5103
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 12 degrees
My favourite highlights…
- Hopping on Oli’s Trolley to explore Bar Harbor with a narrated tour.
- Grabbing food at Geddy’s on the main street and admiring the view overlooking Frenchman Bay.
- Discovering the stunning landscape along the coastline via an e-bike rental at Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop.
