Best Places to Go in the Spring in April
Ready for a fun, off-season getaway? I recommend traveling in April and early May in the United States (and many places around the world) because the weather is pleasantly mild, airfares are cheap and hotels are less crowded, making it perfect for exploring. (Easter weekend is a totally different story and for that I recommend picking a spot close to home so that you can drive and avoid the airports.)
April’s also an ideal time to avoid peak summer crowds while still enjoying beautiful scenery and seasonal events I found during my four weeks of road tripping this month. Here are some of my favorite places to visit that I hope you’ll enjoy a lot.
1. Pomona
I thought this charming Southern California college town was the most perfect spring retreat with sunny 75°F afternoons, fragrant citrus blossoms perfuming the air, and the San Gabriel Mountains rising in the distance. Best of all, I found Pomona to be 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 3-star DoubleTree by Hilton Pomona (around $304/night) was very comfortable and our room for two days had a lovely view of the city.
First thing we did was drive in and explore downtown Pomona, which felt vibrant and underrated.
Walking around the arts district was an amazing experience, with colorful murals and interesting old buildings.
We grabbed coffee nearby Claremont area, which is super close and honestly one of my favorites.
After that we visited the Pomona College campus, such a unique and peaceful place in spring.
The gardens were blooming everywhere and it felt like a dream weekend getaway already.
Next we headed to the Fairplex, which is one of the coolest and most unusual spots in Pomona.
Lunch was at a small local spot, an affordable and brilliant idea that ended up being the best.
In fact, the food scene here is a hidden gem - most places felt authentic and family friendly.
Later we relaxed in a nearby park with mountain views, which felt romantic and calm.
Being so close to the San Gabriel Mountains made the whole experience feel special.
In the afternoon we explored antique shops, which was my favorite and very underrated.
Everything felt slow and peaceful, the absolute best break from busy city life.
As the sun set we drove around neighborhoods, enjoying the spring colors and warm air.
Dinner was casual but exceptional, one of those cool local finds we still talk about.
What I loved best:
My evenings were for farm-to-table dining on Garey Avenue and catching live music in intimate venues, my personal highlight.
2. Dunedin
Chris, our son and I absolutely love Dunedin, and have been many times. 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, and it quickly became one of my favorite April vacation spots. 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.
After flying into Tampa International Airport, I was just a 30-minute drive from being barefoot in the sand and checked into a relaxing Airbnb.
We started along the Pinellas Trail, where palm trees, coastal breezes, and colorful murals made for the most relaxed and romantic beginning to the day.
My favorite part was walking together toward the waterfront, watching sailboats drift by as the sunlight sparkled across St. Joseph Sound and made everything feel slow and easy.
Downtown Dunedin had a laid-back charm, with brick streets, indie shops, and cafés that invited us to wander without any rush or plan.
We stopped for seafood at a local spot, and it was the kind of meal that feels perfectly placed—fresh, flavorful, and even better when shared.
I loved browsing the quirky boutiques filled with beachy art, handmade jewelry, and Florida-inspired finds, picking out small souvenirs that felt personal and meaningful.
We also learned about Dunedin’s Scottish roots and coastal history, which added a layer of character that made the town feel even more special.
Two hidden highlights were spotting dolphins off Honeymoon Island, kayaking through Caladesi Island’s mangroves
- Average April temperature: 67.6°F – 77.9°F (19.8°C – 25.5°C)
What I loved best:
One year, for our anniversary, we checked into our charming room with two Queen Beds at Fenway Hotel (around $444/night) for three days, 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. Richmond, California
I was surprised by how this Bay Area waterfront city charmed me this April. It made for a refreshing spring break with clear 70°F afternoons, and salty breezes rolling off San Francisco Bay.
Spring brings greener hills, clearer views of the Bay, and ideal conditions for walking along the waterfront. I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a light jacket, as mornings and evenings can still be a bit cool.
Getting to Richmond is easy from both San Francisco and Oakland. I suggest taking BART to Richmond Station, which typically takes around 35–45 minutes depending on your starting point. Fares are affordable, and BART is often the fastest and most reliable way to get there. Another great option in April is the San Francisco–Richmond ferry—the ride is scenic, less crowded than in peak summer, and drops you right near the waterfront.
If you make the trip in April, I think you should spend time in Point Richmond and along the Richmond waterfront. Point Richmond is a charming, walkable neighborhood with historic buildings, small cafés, and a relaxed, local feel. The waterfront is especially enjoyable in spring, with pleasant temperatures and blooming shoreline plants. This area is also home to the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, which offers powerful insights into Richmond’s role during World War II and is easy to explore at your own pace.
There are plenty of spots to stop for food, ranging from casual local eateries to waterfront restaurants with outdoor seating—April weather is usually perfect for dining outside. Walking (or biking!) along the Bay Trail is another highlight, with views of the San Francisco skyline, passing ships, and occasional wildlife.
One thing to keep in mind though is that Richmond covers a large area, and it’s easy to spend a lot of time moving between neighborhoods. On our first visit, we focused on just two areas and found that it made the day feel much more relaxed and rewarding.
If you want to get more out of your visit, a guided history tour focused on the Rosie the Riveter sites is a great option. These tours typically last a few hours and provide personal stories and historical context that really bring the city’s past to life.
Alternatively, a Bay Area day tour that includes Richmond can be a good choice if you want to see multiple East Bay highlights in one trip. Visiting in April with a guide is especially nice, as the comfortable weather makes it easier to enjoy a full day of exploring without feeling rushed or worn out.
What I loved best:
Staying in our stylish San Francisco Room with a view of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge at East Brother Light Station Bed & Breakfast, a working lighthouse perched on a tiny island for two days, was incredible! We found that waking up to seabirds, sipping coffee while the fog lifted off the bay, and falling asleep to the sweep of the lighthouse beam felt deeply restorative.
One year, I timed my visit with the annual Rosie Rally, a spirited celebration of the city’s World War II “Rosie the Riveter” legacy, 1940s music and dancing, great food, and costume contests!
4. Longview, Texas
No discussion of the best places to visit in April would be complete without mentioning Texas where you can get your summer started early with warm temperatures, wonderful scenery and blubonnets blooming everywhere! When I moved here, I found this East Texas city to be a surprisingly warm and welcoming spring getaway with balmy 78°F afternoons, pine-scented breezes, and wide-open skies that made everything feel calm and expansive. The "Hub of East Texas" had a friendly, small-town energy, with just enough bustle to keep things lively without overwhelming.
- Average April temperature: 53.7°F – 77.0°F (12.1°C – 25.0°C)
- Location Map
- Location: In northeastern Texas, primarily in Gregg and Harrison counties, between Dallas and Shreveport
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 (of course!).
What I loved best:
We stayed at Tru by Hilton Longview two days which was modern and affordable (around $57).
5. 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.
- Location: In southeastern Tennessee, between Knoxville and Chattanooga in the Tennessee Valley
- Average April temperature: 48.9 °F – 69.4 °F (9.4 °C – 20.8 °C)
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. We stayed in a Standard Room with 2 Queen Beds at 3-star Holiday Inn Express Athens for two comfortable days.
What I loved best:
Dinner at The Social on Depot Hill was a highlight where my son had a great pizza, while my husband and I enjoyed live music!
6. New York City
When we lived in NYC for 10 years, spring was always my favorite season with tulips blooming everywhere and days getting longer (although I have to say that some years it rained a lot so it's best to be ready for that!). Still, mild 70°F afternoons, cherry blossoms drifting through Central Park, and an endless buzz of energy that makes every street corner feel alive was exhilarating, offering both iconic sights and hidden corners that felt like my own discoveries, and that's why I think that NYC is one of the best places to visit in April!
- Location: In southeastern New York State, at the mouth of the Hudson River on the Atlantic coast
- Average April temperature: 55°F – 66°F (13°C – 19°C)
Flying into JFK, we took a cab into Manhattan and enjoyed seeing all the lights turning on in the evening before arriving at 4-star Arlo NoMad (around $343) where our Kind guest room for two days had incredible city views.
In the city, my days unfolded with museum-hopping between the Met and MoMA, walking along 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 like Boucherie West Village and Mino Brasserie where we had amazing beef bourguignon.
What I loved best:
Waking up to city views and falling asleep to the hum of the city below felt like being inside the heartbeat of the world.
7. Panama
If you want a cool international trip to the tropics in April, I found this 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.
- Location: In Central America, between Costa Rica and Colombia, bridging North and South America and bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean
- Average April temperature: 75°F – 87°F (24°C – 31°C)
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.
Once we landed at Tocumen International Airport, I was quickly immersed in 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-hoping 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.
What I loved best:
Later that day, I took a boat along the Panama Canal near Gamboa.
8. New Castle, PA
This historic riverfront town wowed me with its delightful spring energy, mild 70°F days, breezes drifting off the Delaware River, and cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture.
Honestly, April felt like the absolute best time for a spring day trip to New Castle, PA, a hidden gem tucked in western Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh and not far from the Ohio border.
We arrived first thing in the morning and the crisp spring air already felt magical, like the town was waking up just for us, which made the whole experience feel exciting and underrated.
Our first stop was Cascade Park, one of the most beautiful and unique spots in the area, and honestly one of the best experiences we had all weekend.
Walking the trails while everything was starting to bloom felt joyful and calm, and the waterfalls were flowing strong from spring rain which was amazing to see in person.
After that we headed downtown, which is small but interesting, with old brick buildings and a vibe that felt both historic and cool in an unusual way.
We grabbed coffee at a local café and just people watched, which sounds simple but ended up being one of my favorite parts of the day.
Later we explored the Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts, a total hidden gem, and the art inside was vibrant and surprisingly impressive for a smaller town.
By the afternoon we drove a short distance to nearby Amish country, which made the trip feel like two experiences in one, and it was very affordable too.
We ended the day back in New Castle with dinner at a local restaurant, nothing fancy but the food was comforting and honestly the best after a long day walking.
What I loved best:
The next morning we took a slow stroll through the neighborhoods, which felt romantic and peaceful, perfect for a spring dream getaway.
9. Elmira, NY
This Finger Lakes city quickly became on of my favorite April getaway when I moved to New York. It was such an inspiring spring retreat with gentle 70°F afternoons, blossoming hillsides, and the quiet flow of the Chemung River. I loved the way it carried a sense of literary history and small-town charm, without the bustle of nearby Ithaca or Corning.
- Location: In south-central New York near the Pennsylvania border, in the Chemung Valley west of Binghamton
- Average April temperature: 35.2 °F – 53.6 °F (1.8 °C – 12 °C)
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, and exploring the soaring Harris Hill glider museum.
What I loved best:
For me, Elmira is one of the best April destinations. It's romantic, peaceful, and a favorite escape I can’t wait to return to!
Hiking nearby trails lined with waterfalls was my personal highlight.
10. Boulder City and Hoover Dam
This is one of my favorite small towns near Las Vegas because feels like stepping into a quieter corner of the desert. In addition, it's easy to visit since it's located just about 35 minutes from Las Vegas. For me, it’s unusual because it’s one of the few towns in Nevada without casinos, which gives it a cool, relaxed atmosphere that feels refreshing and unique.
Boulder City is a small town of about 15,000 that was built in the 1930s to house workers constructing the Hoover Dam. You can start by walking down the historic streets of Boulder City, visit vintage shops, affordable cafés like The Coffee Cup Cafe or Dam Roast House & Browder Bookstore, and art galleries that create a joyful vibe that feels both local and welcoming.
The absolute best part of visiting, though, is being so close to the spectacular Hoover Dam (photo below), because, trust me, standing on top of this massive engineering wonder near the Colorado River is an unforgettable experience! I loved seeing the unusual Art Deco designs built into the famous dam.
I also took time to visit the Hoover Dam Museum in downtown Boulder City, which gave me a deeper look into the stories of the workers who built this dream project in the 1930s.
- Location: Southern Nevada, near the Arizona border between Las Vegas and Hoover Dam
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
2-star Boulder Dam Hotel was my personal highlight, where we had a lovely five day stay in a comfortable Standard King bed. For me, the best part was being able to walk to The Coffee Cup Cafe, Southwest Diner and other cool local spots.
11. Berea, KY
I loved visiting this artsy college town when we lived nearby, usually arriving after an easy, low-stress drive. It’s the kind of place where I can spend a slow afternoon browsing studios and feel like I’ve truly unplugged.
From Lexington, I drove about 45 minutes south to this town of ~15,000 residents known as Kentucky’s “Folk Arts & Crafts Capital” and home to Berea College.
First, we strolled the Old Town Artisan Village, where studios sell handmade pottery, weaving, and woodworking, then toured the Kentucky Artisan Center (free entry), a showcase for 800+ local artists. We stayed right at Historic Boone Tavern Hotel ($165), listed on on th National Register of Historic Places.
- Location: In central Kentucky at the edge of the Appalachian Mountains, south of Richmond and north of Mount Vernon
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Shopping for handmade goods in Old Town Berea, from weaving to pottery was my favorite highlight.
12. Hotel Daniel in Vienna
Just steps from Belvedere Palace and close to the vibrant city center, this was the absolute best spot for a stylish yet affordable city honeymoon in Europe! We loved how it mixed a modern, industrial vibe with playful design touches that made every corner feel exciting and unique.
We took the ÖBB Railjet from Munich to Vienna (about 4 hours, €40–€70 one way) which was much more relaxing than driving. Vienna is made for car-free travel: trams, U-Bahn, and walking paths connect everything. When we stayed at Hotel Daniel in Vienna, we felt like we had discovered one of the coolest and most unusual urban boutique hotels in Europe!
Our room for ten fun days was minimalist but full of character—sleek lines, warm wood accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flooded the space with light. We thought the hammock hanging right in the room was one of the most brilliant ideas, adding a joyful, quirky touch that made our stay even more fun. Waking up to views of Vienna’s skyline felt like magic, and it quickly became one of our favorite hotel experiences in the city.
We also loved the vibrant community spaces. The bakery was exceptional, serving fresh bread and pastries every morning that we couldn’t resist. In the evenings, we enjoyed cocktails in the chic lounge before heading out to explore Vienna’s spectacular culture and history—it felt so easy and exciting to be based right there. The on-site bike and Vespa rentals were another cool detail that made getting around the city fun and effortless.
I love how much there is to do nearby. In Vienna, you can explore imperial history by visiting Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg Palace, and Belvedere Palace. Art lovers should see the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Albertina Museum, while a visit to the Vienna State Opera or a classical concert is a must on your honeymoon.
- Map & Directions
- Check prices at Hotel Daniel
What I loved best:
It’s an underrated gem in Vienna, stylish, affordable, and unforgettable. We left with joyful memories and a strong feeling that we’d found one of our favorite spots in the city.
You can easily combine a stay here with a few days at Hotel Gotthard in Lech, a scenic 6 hour drive away.
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.
