Allergies aside, spring is one of the best seasons to travel around the United States. As icy conditions thaw and the weather becomes more temperate, the United States welcomes spring with an onset of some of the world’s most beautiful blooms. If you’re ready to come out of hibernation and experience some truly vibrant scenery, here are 10 places to travel to in the US this spring!
12 best places to travel to in the US this spring
Spring weather calls for outdoor adventures. It is one of the best times to be outside, soaking up the gentle sun rays all while enjoying mild temperatures. Whether you’re chasing cascading waterfalls from snowmelt, the rare desert superbloom, or lushly saturated green hillsides, this list will give you plenty of inspiration for where you should head this spring. Starting with…
Coachella Valley, California
Despite the infamous music festival by the same name, the Coachella Valley is one of the best places to travel to in the US this spring. Summer weather makes spending time in the Coachella Valley utterly miserable, and the early sunset of winter doesn’t allow for much exploration time. What’s more, the Coachella Valley is a great place to witness the rare desert superbloom phenomenon. Watch the Anza-Borrego State Park spring to life in various shades of purple, yellow, orange, and white. Needless to say, the Coachella Valley is one of the most instagrammable places to visit this spring. And for the pros, try your hands at astrophotography at nightfall. The large, impressive metal sculptures scattered throughout the park photographed against the night’s sky will make for a dramatic shot.
Located 2 hours away from Los Angeles, the Coachella Valley will make for a perfect day trip from Lala land. However, the Coachella Valley is worth an extended stay since it’s located close to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. And if you’re up for a quirky adventure, visit the Salton Sea, the artist community of East Jesus, and the iconic Salvation Mountain.
Read California’s rules and regulations before your visit.
Death Valley National Park, California
The hottest place on earth isn’t so intimidating in the spring. Although temperatures could soar as high as 120 degrees in the summer, Death Valley isn’t so deathly in the springtime. Explore the national park in temperatures at a low of 67 degrees and a high of 85 degrees. Weather aside, Death Valley boasts ethereal landscapes from sand dunes, colorful mountainsides, and of course–desert blooms.
When planning your trip to Death Valley, plan to stop at iconic landmarks such as Zabriskie Point, Artists Palette, Badwater Basin, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Read California’s rules and regulations before your visit.
Breckenridge, Colorado
For snow bunnies who aren’t quite ready to let go of the last shreds of winter, Breckenridge is the perfect spring destination for you. In fact, March and April boast some of the best skiing this little mountain town has to offer. Although March is the snowiest month of the year, the weather is about 10 degrees warmer compared to conditions in December and January. Best of all, the powder is fresh and soft, making it perfect for beginner skiers and snowboarders alike.
If winter sports aren’t your cup of tea, spend the day exploring Breckenridge’s arts district. Or experience the local beer and spirits scene by taste-testing your way through town.
Read Colorado’s rules and regulations before your visit.
Zion National Park, Utah
Known for its otherworldly rock formations and intense shades of red, Zion National Park is one of the most popular destinations in the United States. However, if you’re looking to beat the crowds and the unbearable summer heat, visiting in the spring is a great idea. Not only is the park a little quieter from the months of March through May, but travelers can enjoy an abundance of flowing waterfalls, springs, and creeks from the melting snow in a landscape where water is normally scarce.
Although temperatures are generally mild during this time of year, it isn’t uncommon for temperatures to climb to 90 degrees. So dress in layers as spring temperatures can jump from lows to highs.
Read Utah’s rules and regulations before your visit.
Arches National Park, Utah
Red sandstone, clear blue skies, and a hint of snow–Arches National Park is a remarkable destination within the United States. And if you’re visiting between the months of March and May, you’re likely to enjoy it all to yourself. With over 2000 natural arches, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore while enjoying the mild spring weather.
Spend a day exploring easy hiking trails and visit the Broken Arch, Double Arch, and Landscape Arch. But the pièce de résistance is the 3-mile long moderate hiking trail to the Delicate Arch.
Read Utah’s rules and regulations before your visit.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
You’ll find Shenandoah National Park topping every best fall destinations list. Although it’s less popular in the spring, a visit to Shenandoah in the spring months is absolutely worth it. Not only is it heavily forested with over 200,000 acres of lush greenery, but the park is home to over 850 species of flowering plants.
Hop in a car and cruise down the 105-mile road known as Skyline Drive. Here, you’ll be treated to glorious views of the many wildflowers that are scattered across the park. And if you time your visit just right, you might spot fields of vibrantly pink azaleas that bloom along the forest road.
Read Virginia’s rules and regulations before your visit.
Antelope Valley, California
This slightly controversial destination is worth a mention on any “best places to travel in the US this spring” list. Yes, Antelope Valley is where you’ll find the popular orange poppies that seem to grace every California-based influencer’s feed each spring. Located in Lancaster just 80 miles north of Los Angeles, it’s easy to understand why hundreds of people flock to this sprawling SoCal valley.
From afar, these hills look like they’re covered in Cheeto dust. But as you get closer, you’ll notice these rolling hills are actually covered in California poppies. Needless to say, it’s a beautiful sight. But no matter how tempted you are, you must resist frolicking through the poppies. Even for the gram. Be a responsible traveler and stick to the dirt trails free of flowers, preserving this beautiful destination for everyone else.
Read California’s rules and regulations before your visit.
Yosemite National Park, California
If waterfalls are what you’re after, Yosemite National Park is sure to deliver. The waterfalls flow abundantly as the snow thaws and the park comes to life. But don’t be fooled, it isn’t uncommon for you to find yourself still surrounded by inches of snow in certain areas. In fact, some of the most popular routes remain closed in the spring due to icy roads and hazardous driving conditions.
Don’t worry–there’s still plenty to explore. Visit Bridalveil Falls, Ribbon Falls, Horsetail Falls, and the namesake Yosemite Falls.
Read California’s rules and regulations before your visit.
Texas Hill Country, Texas
Alexa, play “The Sound of Music” by Julie Andrews. And you’d be lying didn’t think the same as your eyes feasted upon these rolling hills covered in bluebonnets. Located between Austin and San Antonio the Texas Hill Country area is one of the best places to spend the season in.
Participate in water sports by kayaking in Castell, or go paddleboarding on Boerne Lake. Or simply take in the vibrant hues of blues, yellows, and whites of the wildflowers that pepper the side of the road. And if you tire of the view, stop by sleepy cowboy towns, rivers, and swimming holes all along the way.
Read Texas’ rules and regulations before your visit.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden, New York
Japan is not the only place that boasts cherry blossoms in the springtime. If these delicate, baby pink blossoms are what you’re craving, consider taking a trip to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. The botanical garden is located less than an hour away from New York City, but it’s absolutely worth the day trip. In fact, prior to the pandemic, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden hosted an annual Cherry Blossom Festival every spring. These powdery pink trees are worth the trip and dare I saw, these Cherry Blossom trees are more gorgeous than the ones you’ll find in Washing DC.
Read New York’s rules and regulations before your visit.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a botanical marvel in the springtime. In addition to gushing waterfalls and impressive ridges, the wildflowers that scatter throughout the park are an astonishing spectacle.
Some of the best hiking trails for spotting these wildflowers include the Little River Trail, the Kanata Fork Trail, Porters Creek Trail, and Chestnut Top Trail.
Read North Carolina’s rules and regulations before your visit.
But don’t forget to read Tennessee’s rules as well.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Last but not least, Santa Fe is the perfect springtime destination for travelers who can’t choose between spring blossoms and ski season. And if you’re traveling with kids, take advantage of Santa Fe’s spring break perks where kids travel for free.
One of the best ways to explore the area is by participating in art walks and checking out the local arts scene. Or smell the lilacs in the historic town of Taos. If you’re missing the snow, however, hit the slopes in the mountains above Santa Fe. Here, the powder lasts through early spring, making it the perfect destination for snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding.
Read New Mexico’s rules and regulations before your visit.
The Best Places to Ring in Spring in the United States
The best spring travel destinations provide endless reasons for you to remain outdoors. It’s no wonder so many of us will brave sneezes and seasonal allergies just to immerse ourselves in nature. These 12 places are some of the best travel destinations in the US to visit this spring. Best of all, their outdoor locations make it easy to social distance and stay safe. So pack your bags, don your mask, and grab your camera. Your spring adventure awaits!
Visiting Yosemite next month and can’t wait to explore!! 🙂
Have a great time, Imani! 🙂
I am elated to read this blog. If the opportunity falls into my lap, I will definitely pick the Death Valley National Park to enjoy outing during the spring.