April feels like a soft beginning—when the skies brighten, the air turns gentler, and the world hints at what’s ahead. This is the month I always found perfect for rediscovery. Trails open up, coastlines warm just enough to linger, and places still untouched by summer crowds feel like they’re whispering, “Come now, before everyone else does.”
I’ve stood in the hush of a desert morning and watched light crawl across red rock. I’ve wandered historic towns wrapped in wisteria and touched ocean waves colder than I expected but exactly what I needed. In April, the days feel longer, yes—but more than that, they feel generous. Like they’re offering a little more space to just be.
If you’re craving salt air and quiet beaches, early spring is a lovely time to explore the best beaches in North Florida. Or if blooming trails and charming inns are more your speed, New England in April is pure magic. Out west? Northern California is waking up beautifully, from wine country to rugged coastlines. And for a getaway that feels like a warm secret, there’s always something romantic about Northern California’s getaways.
Best Places to Travel in April:
Old-world charm and golden light in St. Augustine, Florida
April in St. Augustine had that sunlit ease of a place that knows how to slow you down. The cobblestone streets glowed in the morning, and the ocean breeze wrapped around me like a gentle reminder to breathe deeper. As I stood beneath the old oak trees of the historic district, I thought, “Time doesn’t rush here—and maybe I don’t need to either.”
What I Loved Most: Wandering Castillo de San Marcos at golden hour, exploring antique shops, and hearing live guitar echo through narrow alleys.
My highlights? A breezy brunch at The Floridian—fried green tomato BLT with house pimento cheese and sweet tea served under hanging lights. Southern, fresh, and full of heart.
Plan your vacation:
- Why April Works: Warm weather without summer crowds, blooming gardens
- Top Experiences: Historic district strolls, beaches, ghost tours, local shops
- Weather: 65–80°F and breezy
- What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, light layers, sun protection
- Getting There: Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), 1 hour drive
Peach blossoms and red rock trails in Grand Junction, Colorado
In April, Grand Junction felt like the edge of something beautiful waking up. Blossoms floated through the air in the orchards, and the red rock trails in Colorado National Monument were just warming under the sun. As I stood at the edge of a canyon overlook, wind brushing my face, I thought, “This kind of space makes you feel brand new.”
What I Loved Most: Hiking Echo Canyon, sipping wine at local vineyards, and driving through winding cliff roads that made the whole world feel wide open.
My highlights? Dinner at 626 on Rood—spring lamb with rosemary jus and grilled asparagus, paired with a glass of local Syrah. Rustic elegance, perfectly plated.
Plan your vacation:
- Why April Works: Mild weather, blooming orchards, quiet trails
- Top Experiences: Colorado National Monument, wine tasting, Palisade peaches
- Weather: 45–70°F and dry
- What to Pack: Hiking shoes, sunglasses, light jacket
- Getting There: Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)
Bluebonnets, barbecue, and big skies in Houston, Texas
April in Houston surprised me with color—gardens in bloom, murals around every corner, and spring skies that stretched wider than I remembered. I walked through Hermann Park under a canopy of green and thought, “This city feels softer in spring—like it’s ready to be rediscovered.”
What I Loved Most: Sitting under live oaks at the Menil Collection, watching families picnic and artists sketch in the sun.
My highlights? Brisket and jalapeño cheese sausage at Truth BBQ, with homemade pickles and a slice of banana pudding pie. Smoky, rich, and ridiculously good.
Plan your vacation:
- Why April Works: Garden blooms, great patio weather, ideal for outdoor museums and food
- Top Experiences: Hermann Park, Museum District, NASA Space Center, Bayou trails
- Weather: 65–85°F and humid
- What to Pack: Light clothes, umbrella (spring showers happen), comfy sandals
- Getting There: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) or Hobby Airport (HOU)
Rust-red arches and deep quiet in Arches National Park, Utah
April in Arches felt like stepping into another world—one sculpted by wind, silence, and time. The mornings were cool and golden, the trails were peaceful, and the rocks glowed as if lit from within. As I stood beneath Delicate Arch with the sun behind me, I thought, “This place doesn’t speak loudly—but it says everything.”
What I Loved Most: The Fiery Furnace in soft morning light, stargazing at night, and the long, still moments between each step on the trail.
My highlights? Post-hike refuel at Moab Diner—a hearty green chile breakfast burrito and vanilla shake. Nothing fancy, just perfect fuel in the middle of wonder.
Plan your vacation:
- Why April Works: Mild temps, fewer crowds, stunning desert color
- Top Experiences: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Devil’s Garden
- Weather: 45–75°F and dry
- What to Pack: Daypack, hiking boots, sun hat, refillable water bottle
- Getting There: Fly into Grand Junction or Salt Lake City, drive to Moab
Romantic Places to Travel in April:
Sun, style, and siestas on the Costa del Sol, Spain
Costa del Sol in April felt like the calm before the summer wave. The beaches shimmered, the air was soft, and the little towns like Mijas and Nerja felt untouched and unhurried. Walking through flower-covered alleys in Marbella, I thought, “This is exactly the pace I’ve been craving.”
What I Loved Most: Strolling seaside promenades, sipping coffee on sunny terraces, and watching flamenco dancers spill passion into the streets of Málaga.
My highlights? Fresh grilled sardines at a beachside chiringuito in Torremolinos—smoky, salty, and paired with a cold glass of white wine and Mediterranean breeze.
Plan your vacation:
- Why April Works: Pre-season warmth, affordable stays, spring festivals
- Top Experiences: Malaga museums, Ronda day trip, beach towns
- Weather: 60–75°F and sunny
- What to Pack: Comfortable sandals, light jacket, swimwear
- Getting There: Fly into Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
Blue mountains and blooming trails in Asheville, North Carolina
April in Asheville smelled like honeysuckle and wood smoke. The Blue Ridge Mountains were just beginning to wake up, and everything—from the wildflowers to the craft breweries—felt alive with possibility. As I hiked along the Craggy Gardens trail, I paused to breathe in the view and thought, “This is the kind of place that slows your heart rate—in the best way.”
What I Loved Most: Window shopping downtown, waterfall hikes off the Parkway, and stumbling into a banjo jam on a random front porch.
My highlights? Farm-to-table dinner at Rhubarb—local trout with buttered greens and heirloom carrots, followed by a rhubarb crisp I still dream about.
Plan your vacation:
- Why April Works: Spring bloom, crisp mornings, great hiking weather
- Top Experiences: Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, breweries
- Weather: 45–70°F and cool
- What to Pack: Hiking layers, rain jacket, camera
- Getting There: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) or drive from Charlotte
Rivergrass, silence, and sunlight in Everglades National Park, Florida
April in the Everglades felt like being let in on a secret. The humidity hadn’t crept in fully yet, and the wildlife was wide awake. I drifted through mangroves on a quiet boat ride and thought, “I never knew stillness could be so full of life.”
What I Loved Most: Gliding past alligators, spotting roseate spoonbills in flight, and listening to the soundtrack of frogs, wind, and water.
My highlights? A Cuban lunch at Mario's Family Restaurant in Homestead—ropa vieja with fried plantains and café con leche. Simple, hearty, and full of local flavor after a long morning outside.
Plan your vacation:
- Why April Works: End of dry season, active wildlife, fewer bugs
- Top Experiences: Shark Valley tram tour, airboat rides, Anhinga Trail
- Weather: 70–85°F and breezy
- What to Pack: Bug spray, sunhat, binoculars, water bottle
- Getting There: Easy drive from Miami or Fort Lauderdale
Family-friendly Places to Travel in April:
Sunrise colors and canyon echoes at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
I watched the sun rise over the Grand Canyon in April with fingers wrapped around a mug of coffee and eyes that couldn't look away. The colors shifted every minute—pinks, golds, then rust—and I thought, “This might be the first time I’ve truly seen stillness in motion.”
What I Loved Most: Walking along the South Rim in the early morning, hiking part of Bright Angel Trail, and just sitting—doing nothing but letting it all in.
My highlights? Dinner at El Tovar Dining Room—grilled elk medallions and a glass of Zinfandel, with canyon views out the window and soft classical music in the background. Rugged elegance at the edge of the world.
Plan your vacation:
- Why April Works: Cool weather, fewer crowds, crystal-clear views
- Top Experiences: South Rim hikes, scenic overlooks, ranger talks
- Weather: 35–65°F and crisp
- What to Pack: Layers, water bottle, trail snacks, sturdy boots
- Getting There: Fly into Flagstaff or Phoenix, drive to South Rim
Salt air and slow mornings on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
April on Martha’s Vineyard felt like a gentle exhale. The island was quiet, locals waved from their porches, and the beaches belonged to the breeze. Walking the trails at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, I thought, “There’s something about off-season calm that makes a place feel more yours.”
What I Loved Most: Biking along empty roads, collecting sea glass in Menemsha, and sipping coffee by the harbor before the crowds arrived.
My highlights? Brunch at ArtCliff Diner—lobster hash with poached eggs and a lemon hollandaise that practically hummed with spring. A quiet feast before the summer buzz.
Plan your vacation:
- Why April Works: Off-season charm, blooming daffodils, peaceful beaches
- Top Experiences: Edgartown strolls, Aquinnah cliffs, bike rides
- Weather: 45–60°F and coastal
- What to Pack: Windbreaker, sweater, bike helmet
- Getting There: Ferry from Woods Hole, flights into MVY
Poolside palms and desert blooms in Palm Springs, California
April in Palm Springs was warm in all the right ways. The sun softened in the mornings, the desert flowers were in bloom, and every corner—from art deco hotels to cactus-lined trails—felt curated for slowing down. As I floated in a quiet pool with mountain views, I thought, “This is exactly the kind of quiet luxury I needed.”
What I Loved Most: Exploring the Moorten Botanical Garden, hiking Tahquitz Canyon, and browsing vintage shops on Palm Canyon Drive.
My highlights? Dinner at Workshop Kitchen + Bar—wood-fired cauliflower steak, spring pea risotto, and a citrusy cocktail I still can’t forget. Modern, sunny, and endlessly cool.
Plan your vacation:
- Why April Works: Warm but not too hot, perfect pool and patio weather
- Top Experiences: Mid-century architecture tours, hiking, spa days
- Weather: 65–90°F and dry
- What to Pack: Swimsuit, sandals, wide-brim hat
- Getting There: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Wrapping Up Your April Travels
April isn’t just a bridge between seasons—it’s a chance to see places in a softer light. Whether you’re hiking through wildflower-covered trails, lounging on nearly empty beaches, or sipping something local on a quiet patio, it’s the kind of month that reminds you that ease is a destination too.
Wherever you go in April, go slowly. Go gently. Go with space to feel it all.
If you’re already dreaming of where to wander next, these guides might help you plan: