Easter Weekend Getaways
When Easter weekend comes around, I always think it’s the perfect time for a getaway though getting around can get tricky with all the crowds at the airpots. I love finding destinations that feel both refreshing and unique (and I recommend staying closer to home).
I love that early-spring energy, the flowers blooming, outdoor adventures opening up, and plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Some of my favorite travel memories over the years have come from Easter weekends spent exploring new places in the USA, usually places I can drive to from where I'm based at the time.
What I love most is how Easter weekend getaways can be so versatile. I can choose a beach escape for relaxation, a charming small town for a cozy vibe, or even an underrated city that surprises me with special events, festivals, and springtime activities. It’s one of the best times of year to enjoy travel that feels light, fun, and meaningful. Here are the places I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Joshua Tree National Park
I thought Joshua Tree National Park was an underrated springtime escape, a desert wonderland of sculpted granite boulders, whimsical Joshua trees, and hidden oases that feel almost otherworldly.
After a 2.5-hour drive east from Los Angeles, I based myself in 3-star Oasis Inn & Suites Joshua Tree - 29 Palms, just 15 minutes from the park’s West Entrance.
Visiting at Easter meant cooler mornings and wildflowers splashing the desert with bursts of color. The area felt mystical, spacious, and alive, a perfect hidden gem for climbers, hikers, and stargazers. I noticed how crowded all the parking lots suddenly got at Easter. You should be patient and ready for that because it's such a major holiday.
My day was filled with scrambling over the rocks at Hidden Valley, hiking through groves of Joshua trees in Queen Valley, discovering fan palms at Lost Palms Oasis, and staying late to watch the night sky ignite with stars at Skull Rock.
- Average temperature in April: 73 °F – 81 °F (23 °C – 27 °C)
- Location Map
- Location: Southeastern California, in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties
- Population: — (a national park rather than a town)
- Scenery: dramatic desert landscapes, iconic Joshua trees, massive granite boulders, two desert ecosystems (Mojave & Colorado), open skies and rugged terrain
2. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
A small Gulf Coast town with historic charm, pastel-painted cottages, sandy beaches, and a lively Old Town, Bay St. Louis is especially inviting at Easter, when blooming azaleas, festive egg hunts, and warm spring weather make it shine.
While basing myself in Bay St. Louis, I spent a weekend enjoying its walkable Old Town, strolling along the beachfront promenade, and browsing quirky shops and galleries filled with coastal art and antiques that completely won me over.
- Average temperature in September: 83 °F – 67 °F (28 °C – 19 °C)
- Location Map
- Location: Hancock County on the Gulf Coast of southern Mississippi
- Population: nearly 9,300
- Scenery: coastal city on the Bay of St. Louis with historic downtown, waterfront views, beaches, and Gulf-coast marshlands
I also crossed the Bay Bridge on foot for sweeping Gulf Coast views and ended my day with fresh seafood along the waterfront.
3. Big Sur, California
Big Sur is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world, where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge dramatically into the Pacific Ocean. Rugged cliffs, towering redwoods, iconic bridges, and misty marine views create a landscape that feels both wild and sublime.
I spent the better part of a day exploring scenic overlooks, hiking through redwood groves, pausing at windswept beaches, and stopping at art galleries and rustic cafés tucked into the cliffs.
- Average temperature in September: 62 °F – 68 °F (17 °C – 20 °C)
- Location Map
- Location: Central Coast of California, along California State Route 1 between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon
- Population: sparsely populated (only a few thousand year-round residents in the region)
- Scenery: dramatic rugged coastline, steep mountains (Santa Lucia Range) rising directly from the Pacific Ocean, redwoods, sea cliffs, scenic drive along Highway 1
Each turn revealed another breathtaking vista, making Big Sur feel like both a road trip and a destination in itself. Keep in mind that sometimes the road gets a lot of traffic so it's best to be ready for it. There can be landslides after it rains so unexpected closures can occur.
4. Houston, Texas
This vibrant Texas city completely won me over with its mix of world-class museums, buzzing neighborhoods, award-winning restaurants, and a dynamic arts scene — all framed by towering oaks and a skyline that glitters at night. I loved how it managed to feel both cosmopolitan and laid-back at the same time!
From my home in Austin, we drove east about 2 hours 30 minutes to reach Houston.
We strolled through leafy Hermann Park (445 acres).
In the afternoon, I toured the historic Heights neighborhood, full of 19th-century architecture and funky shops. Dinner was Tex-Mex at Ninfa’s on Navigation (about $18 for sizzling fajitas). We spent the night downtown at the Lancaster Hotel ($210), a boutique property in the Theater District.
- Average temperature in September: ~ 87 °F – 72 °F (31 °C – 22 °C)
- Location Map
- Location: Harris County and surrounding counties in the southeastern part of Texas
- Population: nearly 2.3 million (city proper)
- Scenery: large metropolitan city on the Gulf Coast—with bayous, the Port of Houston, urban skyline, and extensive suburban spread
Even though it was endlessly fun and diverse, I noticed that Houston is sprawling. Having a car made it much easier to explore different neighborhoods!
5. Charleston, South Carolina
This enchanting Southern city felt like it was made for Easter weekend, with its pastel-colored homes, blooming gardens, and timeless charm. Charleston radiates history and hospitality, but in spring it truly comes alive, azaleas, wisteria, and dogwoods bursting into color along cobblestone streets and iron-gated courtyards.
I spent the morning wandering along Rainbow Row (13 pastel Georgian townhouses from the 1700s), took a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter ($50 for two people), and walked along the Battery promenade with sweeping harbor views. We spent the night at The Vendue ($240), a boutique hotel in a former warehouse that now doubles as an art gallery.
- Average temperature in April: 58 °F – 76 °F (14 °C – 24 °C)
- Location Map
- Location: Southeastern South Carolina, on the Atlantic coast where the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando rivers meet
- Population: approximately 160,000 (city proper)
- Scenery: historic cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, waterfront views, palmetto-lined avenues, nearby beaches, and vibrant harborfront sunsets
Even though Charleston was buzzing with visitors, it still managed to feel graceful and welcoming, as if the entire city had dressed up for the holiday.
6. Flagstaff, Arizona
This mountain town felt like the perfect Easter getaway, with its crisp pine-scented air, historic charm, and backdrop of the San Francisco Peaks still dusted with snow.
In spring, Flagstaff manages to feel both cozy and adventurous. It's a place where you can hunt for Easter eggs under towering ponderosa pines and then head off on a scenic hike surrounded by wildflowers.
Locals told me that Easter is a wonderful shoulder season. You might still catch skiing at Arizona Snowbowl, or head down into Oak Creek Canyon for a warmer spring hike among budding trees and red rock views. And since Flagstaff sits on historic Route 66, there’s always a quirky diner or boutique shop to discover.
I strolled through the historic downtown, where Route 66 once cut through and century-old brick buildings now house breweries and bookstores.
- Average temperature in April: 31 °F – 61 °F (-0.5 °C – 16 °C)
- Location Map
- Location: Northern Arizona, along historic Route 66 and near the base of the San Francisco Peaks
- Population: approximately 77,000
- Scenery: pine forests, mountain vistas, volcanic landscapes, proximity to the Grand Canyon, and a mix of alpine and high-desert terrain
We spent the night at Little America Hotel ($195), a local favorite with trails threading through ponderosa pine forest right outside the door.
Even though the high elevation means chilly nights, daytime was perfect for exploring, from the Lowell Observatory to Walnut Canyon’s cliff dwellings.
7. Berkeley
From San Francisco, I drove across the Bay Bridge (13 miles, about 30 minutes depending on traffic) into Berkeley, a city of roughly 120,000 residents.
When I lived there, this vibrant Bay Area city made for a refreshing Easter weekend, with blooming hillsides, historic architecture, and a a creative energy that feels both intellectual and laid-back...
In spring, Berkeley is especially charming. Cherry blossoms and magnolias brighten the campus, while wildflowers spill across the trails in Tilden Park. It made me wish I could have gone to study here!
- Average temperature in April: 48 °F – 68 °F (9 °C – 20 °C)
- Location Map
- Location: Northern California, on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, just north of Oakland
- Population: approximately 120,000
- Scenery: views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge, tree-lined streets, the University of California campus, Berkeley Hills, and nearby hiking trails and parks
I spent Easter strolling down Telegraph Avenue, and wandered through the leafy UC Berkeley campus. Even though Berkeley has a relaxed, student-town vibe, Easter brought a sense of celebration that I thought made the city feel both festive and welcoming. If youve never visited here, Easter weekend may be your chance...
Conclusion
I always feel like Easter weekend trips combine tradition and adventure in the best way possible...
There’s something about Easter weekend that invites renewal, not just in spirit, but in scenery. It’s that early spring pause when flowers bloom, families gather, and the air feels lighter somehow. For me, it’s always been a perfect time to get away, to trade routine for discovery, and to let new places work their quiet magic.
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.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
