April is when the country starts to bloom again—when patios reopen, festivals return, and the days stretch out with warmth and promise. It’s a month of in-between moments: not quite summer, no longer winter. The perfect time to slip away somewhere fresh, whether that means the soft pastels of the South, desert mornings in Santa Fe, or a sunny escape to the Florida coast.

Each of these April destinations gave me space to reset and reconnect. I remember thinking, “This season doesn’t ask for anything big—just our attention.”

Best April Vacation Ideas:

Enjoy island vibes and explore theme park attractions on a fun family trip.

Royal Pacific Resort

Unwinding in island style at Royal Pacific Resort

It felt like we'd flown somewhere far without ever leaving Florida. Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando blended breezy tropical charm with just the right amount of theme park excitement. From the torch-lit pathways to the lagoon views, it was a soft escape after high-energy days. I remember thinking, “You can chase adventure and still come home to calm.”

What I Loved Most: Taking the water taxi back from the parks at sunset, the sky fading behind Jurassic Park towers as the breeze caught my hair.

My Highlights? Dinner at Islands Dining Room. I had miso-glazed salmon with coconut jasmine rice and baby bok choy—light, flavorful, and the perfect post-park reset.

Travel Tips:

  • Location: Orlando, Florida
  • Vibe: Tropical, family-friendly, restful
  • Highlights: Lagoon-style pool, water taxi to Universal parks, early park admission
  • Best Time to Visit: April—warm, colorful, and just ahead of the summer crowds
  • Cost: $$$–$$$$ depending on room type and season
  • Hours: Check-in 4pm / Check-out 11am
  • Address: 6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, FL 32819

Stroll to galleries and savor local charm on a peaceful spring weekend.

Inn on the Alameda

Falling into rhythm in Santa Fe at Inn on the Alameda

Adobe walls, blue doors, and desert light—Inn on the Alameda captured everything I’d hoped Santa Fe would be. Tucked between Canyon Road galleries and the quiet banks of the Santa Fe River, this inn was warm, welcoming, and perfectly in tune with spring. I remember thinking, “Beauty here isn’t loud. It’s everywhere, quietly.”

What I Loved Most: Sipping local wine under the cottonwoods as petals fell like confetti in the breeze.

My Highlights? Breakfast on the patio with housemade green chile quiche, roasted potatoes, and piñon coffee. A meal that somehow tasted like the landscape.

Travel Tips:

  • Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
  • Vibe: Tranquil, artsy, local
  • Highlights: Courtyard gardens, Canyon Road access, complimentary wine hour
  • Best Time to Visit: April for crisp air, budding trees, and gallery strolls
  • Cost: $$–$$$ depending on suite
  • Hours: Check-in 4pm / Check-out 12pm
  • Address: 303 E Alameda St, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Explore cobblestone streets and enjoy Southern hospitality on an easy fall weekend.

Andrew Pinckney Inn

Wandering cobblestone calm at the Andrew Pinckney Inn

Charleston in April was full of magnolia blossoms and stories whispered through mossy oaks. The Andrew Pinckney Inn —painted a cheerful yellow and framed in wrought iron—felt like a gentle embrace right in the middle of the city. I remember thinking, “The past is still here, but so is this moment—and it’s lovely.”

What I Loved Most: Watching horse-drawn carriages roll by from the rooftop terrace while sipping sweet tea and soaking in spring air.

My Highlights? Breakfast in the rooftop solarium—fresh baked biscuits, berry preserves, and the softest scrambled eggs I’ve ever had. Southern hospitality on a plate.

Travel Tips:

  • Location: Charleston, South Carolina
  • Vibe: Historic, romantic, relaxed
  • Highlights: Rooftop terrace, central location, walkability to waterfront
  • Best Time to Visit: April for gardens, house tours, and patio weather
  • Cost: $$–$$$ boutique charm
  • Hours: Check-in 4pm / Check-out 11am
  • Address: 40 Pinckney St, Charleston, SC 29401

More Spring Travel Inspiration

Looking for more places to enjoy the sunshine and slower pace of April? These guides can help you plan your perfect seasonal escape: