10 of the Best Spring Travel Destinations Right Now
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Springtime is a fantastic season to explore the United States. It is a time of mild weather, smaller crowds, and deals on airfare and accommodations. As a result, “shoulder season” is truly an ideal time to travel. Moreover, many destinations are simply best explored during spring. In today’s post, I will share ten of the best cities to visit in the US in spring.
1) Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is a favorite destination of mine, and spring is perhaps the best time to visit. It is a time of mild weather, perfect for exploring the museums and monuments along the National Mall. Spring temperatures average a comfortable 50 to 75 degrees during the day. In addition, in the event of rainy weather, there are countless free museums to enjoy.
By far the best reason to visit D.C in spring is to witness the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Washington D.C hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival each year in late March to early April. During the festival, the city is a beautiful sight with the trees in full bloom. Don’t miss a walk around the Tidal Basin with spring in full swing.
2) New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana is a wonderful city to visit, but spring brings the best weather and lots to do!
The best time to visit New Orleans is after the Mardi Gras crowd has left town, and before summer arrives. Summer heat in New Orleans is thick and punishing. A visit in spring brings more moderate weather with daytime high temperatures from the low 70s to the high 80s.
A springtime visit to New Orleans will also offer of events to enjoy. There are many local festivals and parades that take place in the spring in the city. Many come to experience the spirit of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the city. Other favorite events include the French Quarter Festival in April and the Jazz & Heritage festival in May.
3) Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is a U.S travel gem, and exploring in spring can help you visit without the crowds. The Grand Canyon is very popular and can be overrun with tourists during peak season.
Early spring is a great time to visit The Grand Canyon before peak busy season hits. Overall, The Grand Canyon is the second most visited national park in America. During early to mid-summer, the crowds can be overwhelming. Consider visiting in early to mid spring for smaller crowds.
Additionally, comfortable weather is another benefit to visiting in spring season. Travelers can expect daily high temperatures ranging from 60 and 80 degrees. The moderate weather is perfect for hiking the trails around the Grand Canyon.
On a budget? Consider a trip during National Park Week in late April. Not only is the weather nice, but all National Parks offer free admission. Just note that the North Rim is closed until May 15 of each year, so be sure to plan.
4) Moab, Utah
Moab is becoming one of America’s favorite travel destinations, and spring is a perfect time to visit. Moab is an outdoor lover’s paradise; the entire landscape a work of art. A visit to Moab is best enjoyed outdoors. With so much outdoor beauty to explore, visiting at the right time of year is key to a great trip.
Moab is very much the great wide open with shockingly little shade. As a result, summer can feel downright miserable at times. Spring brings delightful weather for those like me who melt in the scorching summer heat. Spring mornings in Moab can be on the cooler side, so visitors should prepare for variety in the weather. By afternoons, the weather is often comfortable if not ideal. Daytime temps are typically between 60-80 between March and April.
Spring is a wonderful season to enjoy Moab’s nearby parks such as Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point State Park. Each offers many pretty trails perfect for exploring in springtime.
Due to the weather, spring tends to be the busiest time to visit Moab. If you want a spring visit without the crowds, plan your trip for early March into April before tourism peaks.
5) Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is one of my favorite places in America, and it is just coming to life in spring. During spring, the winter snow is melting and the area’s wildlife is coming out to play.
Spring is considered shoulder season in Jackson Hole. As a result, visitors can enjoy the perks of the city in spring without the crowds or high season prices. Jackson Home is in close proximity to two of America’s most beloved national parks: Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. Consider a mid to late spring visit to avoid the craziness of the park’s summer tourism. Also, spring is the perfect time to scout bears emerging from hibernation in the parks!
Jackson Hole weather is still on the chilly side with daytime temps between 40 to 60 degrees. Visitors should be prepared for some unpredictable weather as the city thaws out from winter. Weather swings and occasional snow does occur in spring.
Please note, most park roads are closed until late April or early May, so plan accordingly.
6) Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is another perfect city to visit in spring, offering comfortable weather, blooming flowers and tons of events to enjoy. In my opinion, the best time to visit Atlanta is during the springtime in the months of March through May. I recommend visiting between March and May, as the summers in Atlanta can be scorching hot and humid, with the added risk of heavy rains during hurricane season. Atlanta is home to some breathtaking parks and gardens that come to life in the early spring months. Visitors can expect daily temperatures to average between 65 and 80 degrees, making it the perfect weather to explore the city. If you’re visiting in early April, don’t miss out on the Dogwood Festival, which is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the country.
7) Door County, Wisconsin
I wouldn’t be a good blogger or Wisconsinite if I kept the secret of springtime in Door County to myself. If you’re a fan of cherry blossoms, smaller crowds, and great prices, then this is the place for you. Summer is high season in Door County, with crowds and prices reaching their peak throughout the peninsula. But visiting in the spring will allow you to experience Door County in relative quiet, with milder weather and discounted rates at some of the most charming Bed & Breakfasts you’ll ever find. The best reason to visit Door County in spring however is to witness cherry blossom season in mid-May, when gorgeous bursts of white adorn the area for approximately two weeks. While crowds flock to see the cherry blossoms in the other D.C. or elsewhere, Door County remains a relatively well-kept secret. Expect breezy weather with average daily temperatures between 45 and 65 degrees in April and May.
8) Holland, Michigan
Calling all flower enthusiasts! If you love spring flowers like I do, consider a springtime trip to Holland, Michigan. This little-known stop in Michigan is famous for one thing: tulips! From April-mid May, millions of colorful tulips are in full bloom to welcome visitors to the Tulip Time festival. Tulips aside, there is much to experience in Holland. Established in the mid-19th century by settlers from the Netherlands, Holland is one of the most European-inspired cities in the United States. Visitors will love exploring the Dutch influence of the Windmill Island Gardens, the Nelis Dutch Village or exploring Dutch treats at the local Farmers Market. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the soft beaches of Holland State Park, with stunning sunsets and views of the Big Red Lighthouse. Spring visitors to Holland should be prepared for slightly breezy and unpredictable weather, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees during the day. So, pack a light jacket and come explore a little piece of Europe right here in the U.S.
9) Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a city that has something to offer every kind of traveler, with tons to enjoy in the springtime. Spring visitors to Asheville will experience pleasant hiking weather, open patios and blooming wildflowers. While the north is slowly thawing from winter, Mother Nature paints Asheville with vibrant colors. Asheville is a perfect place to visit to get a jumpstart on enjoying the gorgeous weather outdoors with a hike in the Pisgah National Forest. In addition, floral enthusiasts will love strolling the gardens of the Biltmore Mansion in spring. After a busy day exploring, enjoy a locally crafted beer on the patio at one of many nearby breweries. Asheville offers gorgeous weather from March until May, with average daily temperatures in the upper 50s through mid 70s.
10) Las Vegas, Nevada
I normally avoid high season travel, but the spring weather in Las Vegas is too good to ignore. For many, the scorching Las Vegas summers are intolerable, with daily temps soaring above 100 degrees. Winter brings milder weather, but many of the famed Vegas pools are closed which puts a damper on the fun. In spring, travelers can expect near-perfect weather with averages of 69 to 80 degrees during the day. Whether taking in the sights along the strip or lounging by one of the grand pools, the weather is ideal. The downside is that spring is peak season in Vegas, so the spring break crowds are out, and prices go up. To best avoid this, steer clear of March and aim to visit during the last week of April or the first half of May. When planning, be sure to check the convention schedule; when big conventions are in town, prices skyrocket.
What do you think of this list of places to travel to in spring? Leave me a comment about your favorite places to visit in spring!