Here Are The 15 Absolute Best Places To Visit In April Across The United States
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Chris Muras
Author
When April rolls around we start to think about the warm days of summer. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Spring can be one of the best times to travel. If you are looking for Spring Break travel destinations or a special place to enjoy blooming cherry blossoms with a refreshing spring breeze, we have some incredible places to explore. Because the best places to visit in the U.S. in April all have one thing in common. They give us something to look forward to and share with those we love.
Best Places to Visit in The USA In April
The best April vacations in the US can be warm tropical destinations or surprising locations you hadn’t even thought about before. Let’s take a look at a few places you should put on your travel bucket list.
Florida Keys, Florida, USA
- Location: Florida Keys, FL
- Why Visit In April: April brings a submersible submarine full of events to enjoy in the Keys. When visiting the Florida Keys in April try some of these fun events – the Viking Yachts Key West Challenge fishing tournament, the Taste of Key West food and wine extravaganza, and the free Florida Keys Ocean Festival & Waterfront Craft Show.
- Where To Stay Nearby: For an affordable family-friendly getaway in Islamorada try the Windley Cottage – it is fully stocked with all of the gear you need for a fun time. Or, splurge a little in Key West with the Southernmost View, a four-bedroom home with room for eight with a swimming pool and beautiful ocean views from the rooftop deck.
Welcome to a tropical paradise in the US! The Florida Keys are a chain of islands between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The main group of islands are Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, the Lower Keys, and Key West. Since it has the third-largest barrier reefs in the world it is a hot spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. In fact, there are a number of shipwrecks to explore – and maybe find buried treasure! Even if you aren't that lucky, this island getaway is truly spectacular with pristine beaches and a cool island vibe.
Atlanta, GA, USA
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Why Visit In April: Visiting Atlanta, Georgia in April will treat you to temps in the 70s, spring flowers, and blooming trees that turn this fun-loving city into a true oasis of spring.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The Backstage Gallery House is a beautiful welcoming home filled with art and music that will make your stay in Atlanta even more memorable.
Say hello to the dogwoods in April - these beautiful flowering trees line many Atlanta streets and add to the charm of this downright cool city that has been named "The City in the Forest." In fact, the dogwood trees are so special that residents have celebrated the Atlanta Dogwood Festival each year since 1936. It is a music and arts festival held in Piedmont Park in mid-April. That isn't the only festival you'll find in April – check out the Atlanta Film Festival, the Georgia Bird Fest, and the SweetWater 420 Festival, a two-day music festival in Centennial Olympic Park around the third week in April.
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Monterey, CA, USA
- Location: Monterey, CA
- Why Visit In April: When visiting Monterey, California in April why not enjoy a little celebrity golf at the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course? Each year in April the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival comes to town so you can enjoy food, wine, and golf in a pretty swanky event featuring 250 wineries and 100 of the best chefs in the region.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The lovely Cottage at Lover’s Point is a charming two-bedroom home with beautiful ocean views right across from the Lover's Point recreation area a little bit north of Monterey.
The April calendar in Monterey is pretty full with lots of activities from spotting humpback whales launch themselves out of the ocean to events at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Course. If you are an avid cycler you might want to partake in, or at least watch, the Sea Otter Classic (there is a pretty big bike expo around that time too). The Big Sur International Marathon is also in town at the end of April. Or, if you are really competitive you could sign up for the Santa Cruz Ducky Derby – a deluge of more than 12,000 rubber duckies over a man-made waterway. The beautiful thing about Monterey is the laid-back vibe, so if you don't want to fill your time with event after event you can simply enjoy the beautiful beaches with a big smile on your face.
Best Attractions To Visit In The USA In April To Avoid Crowds
There are plenty of incredible travel destinations in the US, but many of them get overwhelmed by tourists when spring rolls around. Not these next few travel ideas. You’ll enjoy a relaxing vacation that you don’t need a vacation from when you return.
Finger Lakes, NY, USA
- Location: Finger Lakes, NY
- Why Visit In April: The Finger Lakes region has over 100 wineries so you know you'll be able to find a wine tour or two. In fact, when visiting the Finger Lakes in April you'll want to check out the Spring Wine & Cheese Event hosted by the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Enjoy three wooded acres right on Lake Seneca in this lovely three-bedroom home with room for 12 guests and a dog or two.
The Finger Lakes of New York is a bountiful region of natural beauty, lush vineyards, and plentiful farmland. For this reason, it is a wonderful place to discover stunning waterfalls, awe-inspiring hiking trails, farm-to-table restaurants, and of course, water sports activities on each of the 11 lakes. The scenic drives around Cayuga, Seneca, and Canandaigua Lake make for a wonderful peaceful journey as well.
Skagit Valley, Washington 98284, USA
- Location: Mount Vernon, WA
- Why Visit In April: The entire month of April is a celebration of the simple but beautiful tulip. When visiting Skagit Valley, Washington in April one of the main draws to this region is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and row after row of these early spring flowers.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The Roozengaarde is one of the best tulip farms in the Skagit Valley and the Avon Acres Farmhouse near Mount Vernon sets you up to be right in prime position to enjoy these vibrant fields.
In Northwest Washington, you'll find this fertile valley that is not only filled with tulips in the spring but contains a number of lovely small towns that are all worth visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. These welcoming communities are a joy to walk around when the weather warms up in April. Explore cute waterfront shops or take a scenic drive between vibrant tulip fields. If you are looking for a little more adventure, try a hike on Oyster Dome Trail, or to the Sauk Mountain summit with views of the Skagit River valley and Mount Vernon.
Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Why Visit In April: When visiting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in April make sure you head to Fairmount Park for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in the middle of the month. It's free to attend but donations are welcome (and you get entered into a prize drawing).
- Where To Stay Nearby: This spacious four-bedroom home is in a quiet walkable neighborhood with easy access to shops, restaurants, and the Broad Street Subway line which will take you anywhere you want to go.
Philadelphia in the spring comes alive with cherry blossoms! The history of the city's cherry trees dates back to 1926 when the Japanese government donated 1,600 trees to Philadelphia in honor of the Sesquicentennial of American Independence. In Japanese culture, the cherry tree represents a symbol of friendship. Nearly one hundred years later these trees are a beautiful reminder of that gesture. West Fairmount Park is one of the best places in the city to enjoy these spring blossoms. Even at Independence Hall, the iconic building where the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed, you can find these beautiful trees that stand as a fitting tribute to the birthplace of America.
Best Places To Visit In The US In April For Outdoor Adventure
Wondering where to visit in April in the USA for a little fun in the sun? Get some much-needed physical activity at one of the most beautiful national parks in the country and discover a little hidden gem in Wisconsin that may not be on your radar but should be. Both of these spots are great for outdoor adventures.
Door County, WI, USA
- Location: Door County, WI
- Why Visit In April: When visiting Door County, Wisconsin in April you'll be a little early for its cherry festival in mid-May, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a Spring Blossom Tour on the Door County Trolley. This delightful carriage ride will take you to local wineries, scenic overlooks, and a stop for lunch at a charming English Inn.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Experience Door County the way it was meant to be enjoyed with this cool log cabin in the woods that is perfect for up to eight people.
Door County, Wisconsin is a beautiful area with incredible hiking opportunities, 11 historic lighthouses to explore, and delicious tart cherries. If you are looking for outdoor adventures, start out with a walk along the beaches of Lake Michigan, then you can progress to Peninsula State Park for a bike ride or walk on the limestone trails. Another fun hike in the park is Eagle Trail with lots of stone steps and tree roots to scramble over. For incredible nighttime views head to Newport State Park, a designated Dark Sky Park, with the Lynd Point trail taking you along the shoreline in an enchanted forest.
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Yosemite National Park, California, USA
- Location: Mariposa, Mono, Tuolumne, and Madera Counties, CA
- Why Visit In April: Visiting Yosemite National Park in April is a fantastic time for waterfall chasing because the spring melt gets those cascades roaring. There will most likely be lingering snow to trudge over, so a good pair of waterproof hiking boots will come in handy. (And lots of extra socks)
- Where To Stay Nearby: This cool cabin near the Yosemite Valley is a wonderful spot to hole up for a springtime getaway to Yosemite. It is perfect for a small family or a couple's getaway.
Yosemite National Park is an incredible spot for outdoor lovers. Any time of year is beautiful, but spring is really special. Keep in mind that two of the major routes through Yosemite will be closed until May or even June – Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road. In April, wildflowers in the valley start to peek through the last few inches of snow to find the sun. A particularly nice area for wildflower spotting is in the west Merced River canyon. Wildlife also comes out of its winter slumber, so keep an eye out for black bears, foxes, coyotes, mule deer, bobcats, and big horn sheep to name but a few of the 90-plus species of mammals in the park.
Best Places To Visit In April For Events
For many states, April is when spring starts to feel like spring. So it is no surprise that there are a number of festivals and events celebrating warmer weather and blooming spring flowers. Here are a couple of fun destinations to enjoy in April.
Washington, DC, USA
- Location: Washington D.C.
- Why Visit In April: The National Cherry Blossom Festival hits DC in March and April so you'll definitely want to check it out when visiting Washington D.C. in April.
- Where To Stay Nearby: With a 96% walk score this Washington D.C. home gives you easy access to all sorts of restaurants and entertainment in a desirable quiet neighborhood.
Washington D.C. in the spring is truly magical with cherry blossom-lined streets and temps crawling toward the mild and much-appreciated 60s. While the iconic Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington D.C.'s signature event in the spring that isn't the only way to celebrate the changing of the seasons. The Japanese Street Fair happens in early April with music and dance honoring Japanese culture. And the Petalpalooza blossoms in mid-April at the Yards Park. If all of that is just too flowery for you – how about celebrating International Pillow Fight Day on the National Mall with what could be the biggest pillow fight in the country – yes it's really a thing.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
- Location: Fredericksburg, TX
- Why Visit In April: If you plan on visiting Fredericksburg, Texas in April you will be just in time to enjoy the Fredericksburg Bluebonnet Festival! This two-day event in mid-April will treat you to wine tastings, helicopter rides, live music, and of course, the beautiful blooming Texas State Flower – the bluebonnet.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Enjoy the Texas Hill Country in this perfect three-bedroom home that epitomizes the welcoming Texas vibe that flows like a river in Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg, Texas is a charming small town with a rich German heritage and a penchant for a little vino. It is the epicenter of the Texas Wine Country with over 60 wineries in the county, 10 of those right around its walkable Main Street. The beautiful Texas Hill Country as it is called, wakes up in the spring with temps in the upper 70s to low 80s, making it pretty much perfect for outdoor activities and wine tours. If you are looking for one of the best cities to visit in April in the USA for wine tours right here in Texas, Fredericksburg is the obvious choice.
Best Hidden Gems to Visit in the US in April
You know us at OnlyInYourState, we love finding hidden gems, and these destinations are some we have found to be fun and adventurous. If you are looking for the best places to travel in April in the USA that hasn’t been talked about in every travel guide, give these a try.
Roanoke, VA, USA
- Location: Roanoke, VA
- Why Visit In April: When visiting Roanoke, Virginia in April get ready for an epic music festival spread out over nearly a dozen venues (many of which are free!) The Freedom First Down by Downtown Music Festival takes place the same weekend as the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, so you can enjoy a little run during the day and then take in some shows in the evening.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This fantastic four-bedroom cabin is the perfect place to stay as you enjoy all that Roanoke has to offer. Enjoy mountain views from the hot tub or serve up some drinks in the Tiki Bar while the trout you just caught in your private creek is grilling up nicely.
If you ask people why you'd want to visit Roanoke, Virginia you'll get all sorts of answers from the iconic giant light-up star atop Mill Mountain to the beautiful hazy outline of the Blue Ridge Mountains that stand proudly behind the city's skyline. Some might even tell you about the famous Roanoke Weiner Stand that has been creating happy tummies since 1916! Or, maybe you talk to one of those outdoorsy people (yes, we're guilty of that too) who tell you how great mountain biking is or how exceptional kayaking on Carvins Cove surrounded by mountain views can be on a quiet morning with the haunting sound of a loon echoing off the crystalline water. Then again, relaxing with a pint at one of the many breweries on Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail could be a favorite for some. Really, we can't think of many reasons why you'd want to visit Roanoke, Virginia - because we sure would like to keep this hidden gem a secret for a little bit longer.
Salt Plains State Park, 23280 S Spillway Dr, Jet, OK 73749, USA
- Location: Jet, OK
- Why Visit In April: A unique activity you can enjoy when visiting the Great Salt Plains State Park in April is hunting for selenite crystals in the salt plains. These rare hourglass-shaped crystals are only found here in Oklahoma at this one spot. Digging season starts in April and lasts until October.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you want a step up from camping at the state park, how about this spacious updated farmhouse near Jet, Oklahoma? It is only about 12 miles from the salt plains or hiking around Gloss Mountain.
The Great Salt Plains State Park in Oklahoma is a unique part of the state that is like stepping into the salt flats in Utah. It is a wide-open dry ocean that covered Oklahoma in prehistoric times, now it looks like an otherworldly barren landscape covered in salt crystals. But that isn't all that you'll find here. There is still a saltwater lake where you can swim and fish, hiking trails to explore, horse trails and camping, kayaking, and bird-watching - all in an area that used to be completely underwater. If you are looking for unique places to go in April in the USA this is definitely it.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Dell City, TX 79847, USA
- Location: Dell City, TX
- Why Visit In April: When visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park in April keep an eye out for fossils! It is now a vast desert but it was once a vast ocean – now the remains of ancient saline can sometimes be found fossilized in the rock.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Enjoy views of the Guadalupe Mountains in your own little desert cabin hideaway perfect for a couple's weekend getaway. It even has air conditioning!
Another interesting salt basin can be found in Texas around the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It is part of the Chihuahuan Desert in western Texas. This beautiful dry desert has surprising pockets of life as you climb to the highest point in Texas – Guadalupe Peak. When you reach the summit you'll be able to see El Capitan to the south. At its base, you'll find tall coniferous forests with fantastic hiking trails like the 25-mile-long McKittrick Canyon Trail. If you haven't spent much time here, or this is the first you've ever heard about it, you'll definitely want to add it to your outdoor adventure bucket list.
Missoula, MT, USA
- Location: Missoula, MT
- Why Visit In April: Plan on visiting Missoula, Montana in April if you enjoy fly fishing. You'll find plenty of hungry trout on the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Blackfoot, and Missouri Rivers.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you are looking for the ultimate fly fishing lodge in Missoula right on the Bitterroot River this is it. Gather a bunch of buddies or take multiple families on an outdoor adventure to Montana.
After a long Montana winter Missoula starts to show signs of new life in April. And with that new life, the city celebrates with music. Each night you can expect to hear live music from your favorite restaurant, bar, nightclub, or even brewery. Chalk it up to a spillover from the University of Montana, or simply admit Missoula knows how to have fun. Either way, this is a fun town to visit. If you enjoy the outdoors, you have a wide oasis of outdoor adventures from paddle boarding on the Clark Fork River, hiking to the top of Mount Sentinel, or river rafting on the Alberton Gorge – in the spring it can get pretty fierce. Or, try your hand at surfing. Surfing in Montana? Yup, Brennan's Wave is a man-made surf spot right here in downtown Missoula.
Omaha, NE, USA
- Location: Omaha, NE
- Why Visit In April: One of the coolest spots to explore when visiting Omaha, Nebraska in April is the Old Market. It's a historic district with cobblestone streets, antique street lamps, art galleries, cute shops, and plenty of delicious places to eat.
- Where To Stay Nearby: One of the most popular spots in Omaha is the Big Blue – a beautifully renovated early 1900s home with modern upgrades located in Omaha's Little Italy neighborhood.
You may not realize it, but Omaha is a fun family-friendly place to visit. In April, look forward to Easter Egg hunts, Earth Day festivities, science festivals, and Arbor Day events. You may want to head to the Lauritzen Gardens for the beautiful blooming daffodils and tulips or go on a wild safari at the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park. For history buffs or train enthusiasts try checking out the Durham Museum which is located in an old train station. If you enjoy a little hiking, lace up your boots and head to the Fontenelle forest – a 2,000-acre forest with lots of hiking trails, wildflowers to identify, and wildlife to encounter.
We all talk about going on more vacations, but it can be hard to actually follow through and make plans. Hopefully, now you have a few places that inspire you to go on a much-needed spring vacation. When you think about the best places to visit in the U.S. in April what vacation memories come to mind? Share a few ideas with us in the comments.
If you don’t have the opportunity to travel in April, we have you covered with travel ideas for every month of the year. How about some of the best travel destinations you can enjoy in May?
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