18 Amazing Places To Visit In April In The USA
I discovered that April is an awesome time to explore the United States – with warmer weather, blooming flowers, and the first real taste of spring. After many Aprils on the road, I can say these are the cities, beaches, and hidden gems you need to visit this month…
1. Naples, Florida
I found this upscale Gulf Coast city to be the perfect warm spring escape — sunny 27°C days, soft white-sand beaches, and even dolphins playing just offshore. It felt peaceful and blissful, without the spring break chaos you get in Miami. I got to attend the eco-friendly Earth Day Festival, and the lively Pickleball Championships were also happening this month.
I flew into Fort Myers and was on the beach within 45 minutes. I spent my days sunbathing on Vanderbilt Beach, kayaking the earthy mangrove tunnels at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, taking a thrilling Miss Naples Catamaran Cruise and exploring the boutiques and alfresco dining – the spa-like Bluemercury and the chic M Waterfront Grille were stand-outs!
Location: Gulf Coast, Florida, Southeast USA | Vibe: Upscale beach escape | Avg temp: 28°C to 29°C
My favorite highlights…
- Staying in the lush 4-star boutique Inn at Pelican Bay – I loved the lakeside dining, and all the lux details such as the trendy fire pits, the Peloton bikes in the gym and the cloud-like Serta® Sweet Dreams pillow-top mattresses!
2. Texas Hill Country
April in Texas Hill Country felt like that full-on spring feeling — rolling hills covered in bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and pink primroses, warm sunny days, and perfect vineyard weather without the summer heat. I came during the Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet, and locals also raved about Lavender Fest at Becker Vineyards which was also on this month.
I flew into Austin, drove just over an hour, and stayed a week. I cruised the Willow City Loop, hiked Enchanted Rock (entering through Loop Trailhead), browsed Wimberley Market (I loved the vintage Texas signs!), tasted a lovely 2023 Viognier Reserve at Pedernales Cellars, and happily worked my way through peach cobbler and breakfast tacos at rustic farm-to-table spots.
Location: Central Texas, South-Central USA | Vibe: charming and unique | Avg temp: 24°C to 29°C
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the unique Barons CreekSide Resort – I adored my hand-crafted Swiss log cabin (complete with hot tub!) and sitting by the fire-fly dotted creek with a glass of Becker Vineyards Viognier, listening to live traditional European music!
3. Santa Catalina Island, California
April showed this island at its best — sunny, mild days, wildflower-covered hills, and quiet streets before summer crowds. It was the perfect time for outdoor adventures and coastal views. I timed my visit for the SpringFest, which added fun waterfront energy and they also hosted an Easter Egg hunt this month too.
After a one-hour Catalina Express ferry from Dana Point, I spent a long weekend hiking the Garden to Sky Trail via Hermit Gulch Trailhead, spotting a Catalina bison herd on an Eco-Tours Catalina Island Conservancy, and ending my days with Dragonberry Mojitos at Descanso Beach Club.
Location: Off Southern California Coast, Southwest USA | Vibe: unique island retreat | Avg temp: 16 to 23°C
My favorite highlights…
- Staying in the boho boutique Avalon Hotel – I adored the koi pond, the rooftop sunbathing area and the thoughtful touches such as the little hand-wrapped sea-salt caramels at turn-down!
4. Sedona, Arizona
This month felt ideal — warm but not hot, red rock cliffs glowing under clear blue skies, and desert wildflowers adding bright pops of color. The mild weather made hiking and exploring easy, without the summer crowds. My trip coincided with Sedona Yoga Festival, which brought soulful music and mindful energy to town.
Driving in via Flagstaff, I spent three days hiking Cathedral Rock via the Back O’ Beyond Trailhead (AZ-179), indulging in an Ancestral Stone Massage at Mii Amo Spa, and spotting Venus and Saturn under Sedona’s famously dark pre-dawn skies.
Location: Northern Arizona, Southwest USA | Vibe: spiritual desert oasis | Avg temp: 16°C to 27°C
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the romantic Inn Above Oak Creek Sedona – I loved that it was once an art gallery, the beautiful setting, my jacuzzi tub, and Moki, the super-friendly resident black Spaniel!
5. Antelope Valley, California
I took an Insta-worthy April trip to this high desert region and found the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve blanketed in brilliant orange poppies (with peak bloom usually March to mid-April). Framed by rolling hills and wide-open skies, it was perfect for spring hikes and golden-hour photos.
I came especially for the Antelope Valley Poppy Festival and the Antelope Valley Spring Fair, both filled with color, live music, and local flavor. Escaping Los Angeles with a two-hour drive north, I spent a charming weekend at the nearby Oxford Inn Lancaster, hiked the Poppy Trail South Loop and the Antelope Butte Vista Trail (straight from the Reserve’s main parking area on Lancaster Rd.) and soaked up the wide-open valley views from Tehachapi Vista Point.
Location: High Desert, Southern California, Southwest USA | Vibe: desert bloom hotspot | Avg temp: 21°C to 24°C
My highlights…
- Shopping at BLVD Farmers’ Market – the tangy green almonds and the smoky-sweet Bee & Bramble Velvet Amber Reserve were my favorite highlights!
6. Tidal Basin and Washington DC
My early April escape to D.C. was perfect — the Tidal Basin was in full cherry blossom bloom, creating a dreamy, petal-pink backdrop for warm, sunlit strolls. I joined the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the lively Petalpalooza waterfront celebration, which filled the city with music, art, and pink-themed fun.
Flying into DCA, I spent four days at the elegant Hamilton Hotel and started at the Tidal Basin Paddle Boat Dock (Ohio Dr. SW) and wandered the loop trail past the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the quieter George Mason Memorial.
Location: Capital Region, Mid-Atlantic USA | Vibe: romantic city escape | Avg temp: 18°C to 21°C
My favorite highlights…
- Walking the scenic Tidal Basin Loop Trail and seeing the gorgeous cherry blossoms along the way – I loved smelling the faint honeyed aroma from the locally famous “indicator tree” and the slightly tart fragrance of the crabapple trees.
7. Bisti Badlands, New Mexico
This month was ideal for exploring this surreal desert wilderness — clear skies, comfortable hiking temps, and otherworldly landscapes of hoodoos, petrified wood, and strange rock formations. Even the cacti and yucca were blooming, adding soft pops of color.
Flying into Albuquerque, I drove three hours northwest and based myself at the gorgeous Casa Blanca Inn & Suites. I entered from the main Bisti Access Trailhead off NM-371 and hiked an unmarked 4–5 mile loop through pale clay washes to the Cracked Eggs (Egg Factory) and Alien Throne formations — using GPS coordinates since there were no signs and joined the San Juan College guided Bisti hike.
Location: Northwestern New Mexico, Southwest USA | Vibe: alien-like desert landscape | Avg temp: 15°C to 21°C
My highlights…
- Breathing in the dry, sun-baked scent of the desert while standing among the cracked, egg-like rock formations — the silence here felt otherworldly!
8. Port Townsend, Washington
This Victorian seaport made the perfect mid-spring escape — cherry blossoms and wildflowers lined its storybook streets, waterfront parks were waking up with color, and I could explore and whale-watch without summer crowds. The Port Townsend Farmers Market was back in full swing, and I even joined the Earth Day Beach Cleanup, which was a surprisingly fun way to meet locals.
After a two-hour drive from Seattle, I spent my days hiking Fort Worden State Park (I took the Point Wilson Trail to the lighthouse), exploring the historic downtown along Water St., and watching for whales in Admiralty Inlet from Chetzemoka Park. Dinner at cozy Finistère, was a standout — the maitake mushrooms were smoky, earthy, and sumptuous!
Location: Olympic Peninsula, Northwest USA | Vibe: Victorian seaside town | Avg temp: 7°C to 16°C
My highlights…
- Staying at the unique 4-star Manresa Castle which was housed in a fine century-old building. I loved the dark wood and red ornate interiors and hearing from the staff how it was designed to resemble the castles of the owner’s native Prussia.
9. Flint Hills, Kansas
It was awesome to see this region wake up in spring — tallgrass prairie turning lush green, wildflowers on the rolling hills, and mild weather perfect for scenic drives and long hikes. With fewer visitors, I spotted bison, deer, and prairie dogs in the sunshine and even witnessed the haunting controlled burns that keep the prairie healthy.
Just two hours southwest of Kansas City, I hiked trails in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (starting from the Prairie Trailhead near the Visitor Center) and drove the Flint Hills Scenic Byway (KS-177) gazing at endless rolling hills of native grasses.
Location: Eastern Kansas, Midwest USA | Vibe: rolling green prairies | Avg temp: 13°C to 21°C
My highlights…
- Staying in boho luxury tents at the Flint Hills Glamping – I adored the copper lanterns, natural linen bedding scattered with red macramé cushions and sitting on my porch with a Watt’s Coffee Co. Americano!
10. Miami, Florida
I went all in on a classic Miami spring break — golden sunshine, low humidity, and perfect beach weather, especially on the quieter sands of Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles, and North Beach.
I joined the rainbow-bright Miami Beach Gay Pride festivities and caught screenings at the Miami Film Festival, which added extra buzz to the city. Flying into MIA, I spent my days on the quieter sands of Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles, and North Beach, walked the Art Deco Historic District, and kayaked the mangroves at Oleta River State Park (I launched from the Blue Moon Outdoor Center).
Location: Florida, Southeast USA | Vibe: lively beach city| Avg temp: 24°C to 29°C
My highlights…
- Staying at the trendy 4-star Goodtime Hotel – I loved the pastel pink upscale decor, the Insta-worthy swimming pool surrounded by luxury cabanas and the super-cute pink rotary dial phone in my guest room!
11. Caddo Lake, Texas and Louisiana
This maze of bayous and cypress swamps made for an unforgettable spring getaway — mild weather, fresh green leaves, and wildflowers along the banks made it perfect for paddling, photographing the moss-draped trees, and enjoying the swamp before the summer heat and bugs arrived.
Spring also brought the Caddo Lake Earth Day Festival and the Annual Car Show and Swap Meet, adding a fun local buzz. After a 2.5-hour drive from Dallas, I spent a peaceful week at the quirky Moonglow Lodge, and went birdwatching for herons, egrets, and prothonotary warblers and browed nearby Jefferson’s antique shops – the eclectic Old Vault was a stand-out!
Location: East Texas / Northwest Louisiana, South USA | Vibe: mysterious swamp | Avg temp: 21°C to 27°C
My highlights…
- Going on a Captain Ron’s Swamp Tour – I loved Ron’s quirky stories, spotting turtles and eerie alligators gliding by, and breathing in the earthy scent of moss and wet reeds!
12. Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
Famous for its summer crowds, this island felt like a secret in April — windswept beaches, quaint cottages, quiet cobblestone streets, and daffodils and whale sightings giving everything a cheerful spring glow. I came for the Daffodil Festival which was filled with parades, picnics, and the quirky Daffy Hat Pageant!
After a two-hour ferry from Hyannis, I spent a week wandering the Historic District’s boutiques (I loved the unique clothes at Res Ipsa!), admiring rose-covered cottages in Sconset, visiting the moving Whaling Museum, and strolling Surfside and Madaket beaches with hardly anyone around.
Location: Off the Coast of Massachusetts, Northeast USA | Vibe: Historic New England island | Avg temp: 11°C to 13°C
My highlights…
- Staying at the boho-chic 4-star boutique 21 broad hotel – the vitamin C infused shower heads and sitting on my veranda with a mellow Sconset Blend from Nantucket Coffee Roasters each morning were highlights!
13. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
I escaped to this upbeat seaside city and found it just right — sunny, mild days, quiet beaches to stretch out on (still a bit brisk for swimming), and a lively boardwalk vibe without the summer crowds or prices. April brought the Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival and the SOS Spring Safari Shag Dancing Festival, and also a family-friendly Easter Egg Hunt!
Flying into MYR, I spent a week enjoying Grand Strand beach days, riding the SkyWheel gazing at coastal views, wandering the flower-filled paths at Brookgreen Gardens (Murrells Inlet), and stopping by the legendary Bowery for their tasty Double D’s Dill Chips!
Location: Atlantic Coast, South Carolina, Southeast USA | Vibe: lively coastal resort | Avg temp: 20°C to 23°C
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the upscale 4-star Marina Inn at Grande Dunes – I loved the views of the marina and the Intracoastal Waterway, my spacious mini-suite and the impressive Har-Tru tennis courts.
14. Blue Ridge Parkway National Park, North Carolina
Spring here completely exceeded my expectations — mild hiking weather, budding trees, and wildflowers like trillium and mountain laurel made the trails and scenic drives feel freshly alive. The mountains were full of wildlife too, and loved that I even spotted a black bear!
Spring also meant great music and culture, from the Blue Ridge Music Trails Spring Concert Series to MerleFest in Wilkesboro. Flying into Asheville, I based myself at the 4-star quirky Blind Tiger Hotel, drove flower-lined stretches of the Parkway, and hiked to Linville Falls and Crabtree Falls (starting from their respective visitor parking areas), and looked out from Rough Ridge across rolling blue ridgelines and the famous Linn Cove Viaduct!
Location: Western North Carolina, Southeast USA | Vibe: Peaceful mountain retreat | Avg temp: 15°C to 21°C
My favorite highlights…
- Visiting the Blue Ridge Music Center along the way – I especially loved the touchscreens where I could explore all the different banjo styles and the awesome sound booth!
15. Bar Harbor, Maine
This picture-perfect town delivered peak spring enchainment — crisp air, budding flowers, and quiet trails made for uncrowded hikes with dreamy ocean views. It was the ideal shoulder season: lower rates and a relaxed local vibe, though some shops were still closed.
Whale-watching season had just begun, and seeing humpbacks, minkes, and finbacks was unforgettable. I also joined the Bar Harbor Earth Day Celebration for feel-good eco-activities. After a five-hour drive from Boston, I spent four cozy days at the 4-star Bar Harbor Inn and Spa, hiking Ocean Path and Jordan Pond in Acadia and stopped by Choco-Latte Cafe for a warming spicy Mex Hot Chocolate!
Location: Downeast Maine, Northeast USA | Vibe: pretty coastal town | Avg temp: 7°C to 13°C
My favourite highlights…
- Trying the crispy Brussels sprouts with truffle vinaigrette and the heavenly Maine blueberry pie at the nautical-themed Geddy’s Restaurant while gazing out at Frenchman Bay!
16. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
In April, I got the best of both worlds — tranquil trails, snow-capped peaks, and gorgeous views without summer crowds. Early-season hikes opened as the snow melted, moose and elk grazed in thawing meadows, and the mix of snowy Tetons and new greenery felt incredibly photogenic.
I also joined the Jackson Hole Rendezvous Festival for free outdoor concerts and smiled at the quirky retro ski outfits during Gaper Day. Flying into Jackson Hole Airport, I spent four nights photographing the Tetons from Snake River Overlook, hiking the Taggart Lake trail as it thawed, and cruised Moose–Wilson Road where open sections allowed — most in-park lodges opened in May, so I based in Jackson and day-tripped into the park.
Location: Northwest Wyoming, Northwest USA | Vibe: scenic snow-capped peaks | Avg temp: 4°C to 10°C
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the gorgeous 4-star Jackson Lake Lodge located in the park – I loved the incredible mountain views, the rustic-chic decor and the pine-scented Mural Room which had ten interestingly painted panels by artist Carl Roters.
17. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
During this month, I swapped the summer traffic for peace, cooler temps, and the freedom to hike and watch climbers without the crowds. Prairie spiderworts, sand lilies, and blazing stars lined the trails, and the spring sunshine made the red rocks glow with snowy Pikes Peak gleaming in the distance.
I drove 1.5 hours from Denver, parked at the Main Parking Loop, and explored the Central Garden Trail, Balanced Rock, and Kissing Camels, joined guided nature walks from the Visitor & Nature Center and watched the brave rock climbers scale West Point Crack with chalk-covered hands!
Location: Central Colorado, Central USA | Vibe: iconic red rock park | Avg temp: 10°C to 21°C
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the trendy 4-star Garden of the Gods Resort and Club – I loved the incredible park views, the mineral-rich aroma of salt inhalation room and the warming infrared deep heat therapy in the wellness spa!
18. San Diego, California
This month was when this coastal gem really shined — off-season rates, quiet streets, and a sunny, local vibe. Balboa Park was bursting with spring blooms, and the mild weather made beach days feel almost summery (just not quite swim-ready without a wetsuit). I browsed the Mission Federal ArtWalk in Little Italy and admired the rainbow ranunculus fields in Carlsbad.
After a scenic two-hour Pacific Coast Highway drive from Los Angeles, I spent my days exploring Balboa Park’s gardens and museums, spotting California sea lions and Harbor seals at La Jolla Cove, strolling a more local-feeling Gaslamp Quarter, and unwinding on Coronado and Pacific Beach, where the waves made a soft white-noise hush that felt instantly calming!
Location: Southern California, Southwest USA | Vibe: laid-back coastal city | Avg temp: 19°C to 21°C
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the funky 4-star boutique The Pearl – I loved relaxing in the hammocks around the swimming pool, the heavenly Parachute Home bed and spa-like Finery x Casetta poplin bathrobes!
Author’s Travel Note:
I’ve spent 12+ years traveling across the US in every season, staying in the most interesting hotels I can find and seeking out the kinds of soulful, memorable experiences that don’t always show up in guidebooks. All of the places and stays mentioned here were personally visited and self-funded, so everything shared comes from direct, first-hand experience.
