Places to Go in the Spring in April
I recommend traveling in April in the United States because the weather is pleasantly mild, making it perfect for exploring without extreme heat or cold. It’s also an ideal time to avoid peak summer crowds while still enjoying beautiful scenery and seasonal events. Here are some of my favorite places to visit that I think you’ll enjoy.
1. Pomona
I thought this charming Southern California college town was the perfect spring retreat with sunny 75°F afternoons, fragrant citrus blossoms perfuming the air, and the San Gabriel Mountains rising in the distance. It felt laid-back and intellectual, a slower, quieter alternative to Los Angeles’ urban buzz.
A quick drive from Ontario International Airport had me strolling through Pomona’s historic districts in no time. Staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Pomona was comfortable. I spent my days exploring the galleries in the Pomona Arts Colony, sipping craft brews at Ironbark Ciderworks, wandering the lush Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, and browsing quirky vintage shops along Antique Row. My evenings were for farm-to-table dining on Garey Avenue and catching live music in intimate venues.
2. Dunedin
I found this laid-back Gulf Coast gem to be an ideal spring escape with golden 80°F afternoons, a soft gulf breeze, and sugar-white beaches where pelicans skimmed the shoreline. It felt unhurried and welcoming, without the crowds you’d expect in nearby Clearwater or Tampa.
I planned my trip around the annual Dunedin Highland Games & Festival, adding a fun, local energy.
Flying into Tampa International Airport, I was just a 30-minute drive from being barefoot in the sand. My days blended between cycling along the scenic Pinellas Trail, spotting dolphins off Honeymoon Island, kayaking through Caladesi Island’s mangroves, and lingering over seafood and craft beer in Dunedin’s walkable, mural-lined downtown.
Checking into the charming Fenway Hotel, a 1920s jazz-era landmark reimagined with modern boutique style. I loved the rooftop bar with sweeping sunset views over St. Joseph Sound, the crisp coastal design touches, and the feeling of stepping into both history and luxury at once.
3. New Castle
I discovered this historic riverfront town to be a delightful spring getaway — mild 70°F days, breezes drifting off the Delaware River, and cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture that made every stroll feel like stepping back in time. It was tranquil and storybook-like, worlds away from the pace of nearby Wilmington or Philadelphia.
Flying into Philadelphia International Airport, it was just a quick 30-minute drive before I was wandering past stately 18th-century homes and leafy riverfront parks. I filled my days with visits to the Amstel and Dutch Houses, biking the scenic Battery Park trail, browsing antiques in the Market Square, and savoring cozy tavern meals paired with local craft brews.
You can stay at BellaDonna Inn for a romantic trip.
4. Elmira
I found this Finger Lakes city to be a surprisingly inspiring spring retreat — gentle 70°F afternoons, blossoming hillsides, and the quiet flow of the Chemung River that made everything feel peaceful and restorative. It carried a sense of literary history and small-town charm, without the bustle of nearby Ithaca or Corning.
I planned my visit around the annual Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, and also caught a local performance at the Clemens Center, a beloved regional theater that brings big-stage energy to this small city.
Flying into Elmira Corning Regional Airport meant I was minutes from charming downtown streets and rolling countryside. I based myself at Hampton Inn Elmira/Horseheads. My days blended between touring the Mark Twain Study and Woodlawn Cemetery (where Twain is buried), sipping rieslings at boutique Finger Lakes wineries, exploring the soaring Harris Hill glider museum, and hiking nearby trails lined with waterfalls.
5. Richmond, California
I was surprised by how this Bay Area waterfront city made for a refreshing spring break — clear 70°F afternoons, salty breezes rolling off San Francisco Bay, and panoramic views that stretched from the Golden Gate Bridge to Mount Tamalpais. It felt open and breezy, with a mix of history and modern edge, far removed from San Francisco’s constant rush.
I timed my visit with the annual Rosie Rally, a spirited celebration of the city’s World War II “Rosie the Riveter” legacy, and also stumbled into a lively food truck festival at the marina.
Flying into Oakland International Airport, I was less than a half-hour drive from the shoreline trails and restored shipyards that define Richmond’s character. My days flowed between biking the Bay Trail with its endless waterfront views, exploring the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, paddling out on the calm waters of Marina Bay, and checking out colorful public murals that capture the city’s vibrant, evolving culture. Evenings were for relaxed seafood dinners with sunset harbor views and hopping into casual taprooms with a loyal local crowd.
Staying at the stylish East Brother Light Station Bed & Breakfast, a working lighthouse perched on a tiny island, was a highlight. Waking up to seabirds, sipping coffee while the fog lifted off the bay, and falling asleep to the sweep of the lighthouse beam felt both adventurous and deeply restorative.
6. Longview, Texas
I found this East Texas city to be a surprisingly warm and welcoming spring getaway — balmy 78°F afternoons, pine-scented breezes, and wide-open skies that made everything feel calm and expansive. It had a friendly, small-town energy, with just enough bustle to keep things lively without overwhelming.
Flying into East Texas Regional Airport meant I was just minutes from downtown Longview, where historic red-brick buildings meet a thriving arts scene. My days were filled with strolling through the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, exploring nature along Caddo Lake, sampling smoky barbecue at local favorites, and browsing unique shops and antique stores. Evenings were for live music, craft brews, and watching the sunset glow stretch across the Texas landscape. We stayed at Tru by Hilton Longview which was modern and affordable ($57).
7. Athens, TN
This small Appalachian town turned out to be an unexpectedly perfect spring stopover — crisp 72°F days, rolling hills just starting to green, and a relaxed pace that made it easy to slow down and breathe. Nestled between Knoxville and Chattanooga, it offered a quiet charm without the tourist crush of bigger cities.
I happened to arrive during the annual Athens Arts Council Spring Festival, with live music, craft booths, and food trucks filling downtown. Baseball season was also kicking off, and the town buzzed with local pride.
A quick drive from McGhee Tyson Airport had me wandering brick-lined streets, framed by old storefronts and shaded by dogwoods in bloom. Days here unfolded with hiking at nearby Starr Mountain, drifting along the Hiwassee River in a kayak, and exploring Mayfield Dairy Farms for a sweet taste of local tradition. Evenings brought laid-back dinners of Southern comfort food, followed by a scoop of homemade ice cream while chatting with friendly locals on the courthouse square.
We stayed at Holiday Inn Express Athens.
8. Panama
I found Panama to be an incredible spring escape — warm 82°F days, tropical breezes, and a landscape where modern skylines meet lush rainforests and turquoise seas. It felt vibrant and full of contrasts, offering both cosmopolitan energy and untouched natural beauty in one trip.
I timed my visit with the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, where lively performances filled the streets, and also caught the colorful Holy Week processions that brought tradition to life across the country.
Flying into Tocumen International Airport, I was quickly immersed in the pulse of Panama City — from strolling the colonial streets of Casco Viejo to marveling at ships passing through the iconic Panama Canal. My days took me island-hopping in the San Blas archipelago, hiking trails in Soberanía National Park where howler monkeys echoed through the canopy, and savoring fresh ceviche at the bustling Mercado de Mariscos. Evenings were for rooftop cocktails overlooking the glittering skyline and slow walks along the Cinta Costera as the city lit up.
Later that day, I took a boat along the Panama Canal near Gamboa.
9. New York City
New York in spring felt like the ultimate city getaway — mild 70°F afternoons, cherry blossoms drifting through Central Park, and an endless buzz of energy that makes every street corner feel alive. It was exhilarating yet surprisingly refreshing, offering both iconic sights and hidden corners that felt like my own discoveries.
Flying into LaGuardia, I was in Manhattan within minutes, ready to walk, subway, and ferry my way through the city. My days unfolded with rooftop views from the Edge, museum-hopping between the Met and MoMA, biking the Hudson River Greenway, and wandering through the High Line gardens. Evenings were a mix of Broadway shows, candlelit dinners in tucked-away West Village bistros, and late-night jazz in Harlem.
Checking into the boutique NoMad Hotel — I loved the moody, artful design, the library-inspired cocktail lounge, and the perfect location that felt both central and intimate. Waking up to city views and falling asleep to the hum of New York below felt like being inside the heartbeat of the world.
Conclusion
There was something subtle about each of these places, as if April had just opened the window and let a little more light in. Nothing rushed. Nothing loud. Just towns stretching out after winter, landscapes stirring, cafés opening their patios again. “This is how you ease back into movement,” I thought somewhere between pine trails and porch swings.
From coastal bike paths to foothill diners, these places didn’t try to prove anything. They just offered a slower kind of welcome: a trail to walk, a booth to sit in, a breeze to follow through old streets. April is for wandering without urgency, for choosing places that leave room for breath, color, and calm.
If you’re ready to go somewhere that feels like a beginning, not flashy, but full. These are the towns I’d return to in a heartbeat. Let the wind shift. Let the season find you.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
