15 Best Spring Travel Destinations in the US
Spring’s rolling out the green carpet across America, and we’ve rounded up 15 spots that are perfection during this season.
Skip the summer crowds and catch these destinations at their absolute best – think perfect temps, blooming flowers, and sweet deals on hotels!
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1. Pensacola Beach, FL
Pensacola Beach offers the perfect spring welcome with temperatures in the mid-70s and crystal-clear Gulf waters just warm enough for a dip.
Spring break here keeps things chill and family-friendly, unlike other Florida hotspots that go wild in March.
The beach town comes alive with festivals, live music, and good old-fashioned beach fun.
Where to Stay: Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel stands out as Pensacola’s first fully sustainable property, with personalized service and locally-driven authenticity.
2. Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad brings spring to life with its famous Flower Fields, where 50 acres of Giant Ranunculus flowers paint the hillsides in rainbow hues from March to May.
The coastal town offers a more relaxed vibe than its buzzing neighbors San Diego and LA, making it perfect for those seeking a laid-back spring escape.
Insider Tip: Visit the Flower Fields right when they open to avoid crowds and catch the best morning light for photos. Book a food and wine tour to sample local flavors and enjoy award winning wines while you’re at it!
Where to Stay: Beach Terrace Inn is the only hotel sitting directly on the sand in Carlsbad, offering stunning Pacific views and a quirky 1960s boutique vibe.
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3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Smokies burst into bloom come springtime, with over 1,500 flowering plants dotting the landscape.
March through May brings mild temperatures perfect for hiking, while waterfalls roar at full force from spring rainfall.
The park’s diverse wildlife welcomes new additions – spot elk calves in Cataloochee and bear cubs in Cades Cove.
Insider Tip: Join the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in May for guided walks and expert insights into the park’s natural wonders.
Where to Stay: LeConte Lodge, the only accommodation inside the park, requires a lottery entry but rewards lucky winners with an authentic mountain experience.
4. Seattle, WA
Seattle shakes off its rainy reputation in spring as cherry blossoms paint the city pink and temperatures climb into the comfortable 60s.
The Emerald City truly earns its nickname as gardens and parks burst with fresh greenery.
Spring brings the famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival just north of the city, where millions of tulips create stunning photo ops.
Insider Tip: Head to Angle Lake Park for the best cherry blossom viewing combined with Mount Rainier vistas.
Where to Stay: Thompson Hotel offers sleek design with water views, farm-to-table dining, and a trendy rooftop bar called ‘The Nest’ – perfect for sunset cocktails.
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5. Brockway Mountain, MI
Brockway Mountain Drive awakens in spring as the highest scenic roadway between the Rockies and Alleghenies.
This 9.5-mile drive serves up jaw-dropping 360-degree views of Lake Superior and becomes a prime spot for watching the spring bird migration.
From mid-April to mid-June, countless birds of prey soar past at eye level, making it the Midwest’s top spot for raptor watching.
Insider Tip: Visit on a clear spring day to spot Isle Royale National Park floating on Lake Superior’s horizon.
Where to Stay: Keweenaw Mountain Lodge offers historic charm in cozy log cabins nestled among pine trees, complete with a golf course and wilderness trails.
6. Savannah, GA
Savannah sweeps you into its dreamy world of Spanish moss-draped squares and historic mansions that feel frozen in time.
Wander down Jones Street, dubbed the prettiest street in town, where historic homes will have you dreaming of moving south.
The vibrant City Market buzzes with art galleries and sweet shops where you can sample classic Southern pralines.
Insider Tip: Visit the Starland District early morning for amazing mural photos with zero crowds.
Where to Stay: Hotel Bardo offers luxury with a quirky twist, featuring a stunning art collection and cooking classes in its marble-clad kitchen.
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7. Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs rocks the perfect blend of desert cool and mid-century modern magic, serving everything from world-class art galleries to epic hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.
The city really shines with its architecture tours showcasing those famous butterfly roofs and breeze-block walls that define desert modernism. Book a golf cart tour and discover some hidden gems.
Insider Tip: Hit the Thursday night VillageFest, where Palm Canyon Drive transforms into a buzzing street fair with local artists and food vendors.
Where to Stay: The Ace Hotel & Swim Club turns a former Howard Johnson’s into the desert’s hippest hangout, complete with vintage photo booths and starlit movie nights.
8. Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe sits pretty at 7,000 feet, where ancient adobe architecture meets world-class art galleries.
The Plaza, buzzing since the 1600s, anchors this creative hub where Native American, Spanish, and modern American cultures blend seamlessly.
Canyon Road’s art scene will blow your mind with over 100 galleries packed into a charming historic district.
Insider Tip: Eat your way through downtown Santa Fe by booking a food and wine tour with some history sprinkled in between.
Where to Stay: Hotel Santa Fe stands out as the only Native American-owned hotel downtown, offering free shuttle service and authentic cultural experiences.
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9. Red Cliffs, UT
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area wows with its 44,700 acres of crimson cliffs and hidden canyons just north of St. George.
The park’s 130 miles of trails lead adventurers past ancient petroglyphs and surprising desert waterfalls.
The Red Reef Trail steals the show with its fun scrambles and refreshing swimming holes.
Where to Stay: Red Cliffs Campground puts you right in the heart of the action, with easy access to the best trails and stunning sunrise views.
10. Garden of the Gods, CO
Garden of the Gods dazzles with its towering red rock formations that seem to pierce the Colorado sky.
This free park serves up 15 miles of trails that wind between spectacular rock spires, with Pikes Peak creating an epic backdrop.
The paved Perkins Central Garden Trail offers the perfect intro to the park’s greatest hits.
Insider Tip: Visit the Garden of the Gods Trading Post for local art and grab lunch at Balanced Rock Cafe with amazing views.
Where to Stay: Garden of the Gods Campground sits just a mile from the park, offering the perfect base with mountain views and family-friendly amenities.
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11. Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
Lake Tahoe rocks a special spring vibe where you can ski and paddleboard on the same day.
Spring brings smaller crowds and lower hotel prices, plus the waterfalls are at their most spectacular when the snow starts melting.
Hit up Chickadee Ridge for a magical snowshoe session where friendly mountain birds might land right in your palm.
Insider Tip: Book a clear-bottom kayak tour for epic views of the crystal-clear waters without peak season crowds.
Where to Stay: The Edgewood Tahoe Resort offers a breathtaking lakefront escape, featuring direct lake access, golf, and stunning mountain views.
12. Yellowstone National Park, WY
Yellowstone National Park bursts with new life in spring as baby bison wobble across the valleys and bears emerge from their winter snooze. April brings way fewer crowds and more affordable lodging options.
Just pack smart – the weather loves to play tricks, switching from sunny and warm to snowy in a snap.
Insider Tip: Visit after April 21 when more park roads open up for better access to iconic spots like Old Faithful.
Where to Stay: Old Faithful Inn offers historic charm right next to the famous geyser, with prime wildlife-watching opportunities at dawn and dusk.
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13. Chicago, IL
Chicago comes alive as tulips paint Michigan Avenue in rainbow colors and cherry blossoms pop up in Jackson Park.
Spring brings perfect temps for exploring the 18-mile Lakefront Trail, where bikers and walkers soak in those stunning skyline views.
The Chicago River turns emerald green for St. Patrick’s Day, kicking off a season of outdoor festivals and baseball at historic Wrigley Field.
Insider Tip: Hit Cindy’s Rooftop early for brunch with epic views of Millennium Park and The Bean.
Where to Stay: Thompson Chicago puts you steps from the best spring action with killer city views and a trendy rooftop scene.
14. Lake City, FL
Lake City serves up a perfect springtime weather with its crystal-clear springs staying at a refreshing 72 degrees year-round.
The Suwannee River flows through town, creating a perfect backdrop for spring adventures. Watertown Lake’s 46 acres teem with bass and bluegill, making it a fisher’s dream.
Insider Tip: Visit Ichetucknee Springs early morning for the best chance of spotting wildlife.
Where to Stay: Comfort Suites Lake City is a modern all-suite that offers a refreshing outdoor pool, relaxing suites, and complimentary hot breakfast.
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15. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco in spring is when the fog takes a vacation and clear skies showcase those stunning bay views.
The city bursts with blooms – from magnolias at the Botanical Gardens to tulips filling Union Square.
Golden Gate Park becomes an outdoor playground with its 1,017 acres of gardens, museums, and even a herd of wild bison.
Where to Stay: The Palace Hotel stands as San Francisco’s crown jewel, where gilded history and modern luxury blend beneath soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers.
