The 20 Best Places to Visit in April in the U.S.
People in the United States tend to get excited when April rolls around. After all, they’re finally shaking off the cold temperatures of winter and ushering in a new spring, at least in most places. It’s also the time when a lot of schools hold spring break, meaning that people start itching to go on vacation. The question is, what are some of the best places to visit in the United States during the month of April? As it happens, you’ve come to the right place to find out. Here is a list of the 20 best places to visit in the United States during the month of April.
20. Washington, DC
This is an absolutely beautiful location to visit during many times of the year, but it takes on a special poignancy during the month of April. That’s largely because the cherry blossoms are in full bloom during this time of year and it is truly a sight to behold. They actually hold a Cherry Blossom Festival that starts in the later weeks of March and goes all the way through May. April is the perfect time to see it because that’s when you have the chance of seeing the most cherry blossoms and also enjoying some good weather.
19. New Orleans, Louisiana
If you’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans but you’re concerned about visiting during the summer months because of the excessive heat, April is the perfect time to go. As a matter of fact, they typically have temperatures in the 70s during this time of year. It’s also the time of year when the alligators are most active, so if that’s why you want to go, then it’s a no-brainer that this would be the time to travel. Last but certainly not least, they have a world-famous jazz festival that occurs during the month of April. As always, the food there is nothing short of spectacular, so you have plenty of reasons to visit and enjoy everything that you possibly can.
18. Austin, Texas
During the month of April, Austin holds a festival known as Fusebox. It goes for five days and it celebrates practically every form of art that you can think of. You’ll see performing artists, people who paint, and everything in between. Go take in some poetry readings, listen to a band perform or watch a local theater troupe do a performance. After that, peruse some of the booths and purchase a few pieces of original art. Of course, you have all of the other things that you could choose to do throughout the city just like you would any other time of year. No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to check out Zilker Park. They have all kinds of adventures for outdoor lovers. There truly is something for everyone here.
17. Seattle, Washington
It just so happens that Seattle also has its own cherry blossom festival that occurs during the month of April as well. They’re also famous for other attractions such as the Browns Point Lighthouse or the world famous Pike Place Market. Whatever you decide you’re interested in, you definitely won’t be disappointed when you visit Seattle during April or any other time of the year.
16. Palm Springs, California
It’s usually boiling hot in this part of the world, especially during the summer months. However, the temperatures are actually quite nice during April. That makes it a perfect time to visit and take an extended trip out to Joshua Tree National Park. If festivals are your thing, you can attend the Coachella Festival, an annual event that always is a sure bet when it comes to both inspiration and fun.
15. Big Sur, California
This location is an outdoor lover’s paradise, especially during the month of April. That’s because this portion of California has a tendency to get most of its rainfall between January and March, leaving everything beautiful and green during the month of April. Of course, Big Sur is known for surfing, but that isn’t the only thing you can do there. There are numerous hikes that you can take in the area which are nothing short of breathtaking. Big Sur also has more than its fair share of waterfalls, so if you want some time to simply sit back and take in all that nature has to offer, this place is hard to beat.
14. Williamsburg, Virginia
One of the main reasons you might decide to visit Williamsburg is because of its Colonial Williamsburg section, an entire section of town that has its own historic district. They have. buildings, workshops and everything in between that make it feel like it’s colonial times. Of course, there are also other things to visit such as the Farmers Market on Merchants Square. You’ll find a lot more than just fresh fruits and vegetables here, too. It also serves as one of the largest flea markets in the area.
13. Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii is beautiful any time of year, but they have loads of events in April that just might entice you to choose that time of year to visit. Consider going to the Children’s Film and Music Festival or perhaps you would rather attend the Waikiki Spring Festival. There’s also the Honolulu Fun Fest, not to mention loads of outdoor markets, more local festivals and an endless amount of sightseeing.
12. Skagit Valley, Washington
If you’re being honest, there’s a decent chance you’ve never even so much as heard of Skagit Valley, Washington. Don’t let that persuade you to avoid making a trip there during the month of April. They are well known for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. If you love flowers, this is something that you positively can’t miss, as there are blankets of multicolored tulips as far as the eye can see. Even if you don’t consider yourself particularly fond of flowers, this is a level of beauty that is unrivaled. In reality, it’s something you have to see for yourself to believe. Once you go, you’ll be glad you did.
11. San Diego, California
San Diego doesn’t tend to have a lot of special festivals during April like most of the other locations on this list. However, they have so much natural beauty that it would be a mistake not to visit at least once in your lifetime. After all, you’d be missing out on things like Balboa Park, where they have some of the most pristine botanical gardens in the entire country. There’s also the Torrey Pines Forest Preserve and the Cabrillo National Monument. All the while, you can enjoy endless hikes and picnics on the beach. Who wouldn’t be interested in visiting?
10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
There is so much to do in Philadelphia, you’ll probably find it difficult to fit everything in. They don’t have a lot of festivals during this time of year but they have just experienced the rainy season and the spring leaves are coming out in full bloom. Sometimes, you have to contend with some rainy days but the good thing about Philadelphia is that they have so many museums, there is always something to do. Of course, you have to get out and spend some time by the river during the sunny days, perhaps while enjoying a cheesesteak. They also have an Amish market there that includes baked goods, jam, and all kinds of handmade products. It’s truly something that you can’t miss.
9. Denver, Colorado
There is definitely plenty to do here, not the least of which includes the 16th Street Mall. Just as the name implies, it’s basically a mall that runs the length of the entire street. You get free bus service to the area, so you can jump on and off as many times as you want without it costing you a dime. It gives you the chance to purchase some truly unique items that you won’t find anywhere else. When you’re finished, consider hiking a trail near the Rocky Mountains.
8. The Grand Canyon, Arizona
If you’ve always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon but you’re not a fan of the desert heat, April is a great time to go. It gives you a chance to truly enjoy all that the area has to offer without sweltering the entire time you’re there. In addition to breathtaking views, you can also go hiking, ride mules through the canyon, go on a helicopter ride or even take a white water rafting trip. It’s sort of a spring vacation dream for those who are truly adventurous at heart.
7. Boston, Massachusetts
April is the perfect time to get out and simply enjoy the outdoors in Boston. It’s also less crowded during this time of year because you don’t have to deal with the summer crowds. It gives you the perfect chance to walk along the Freedom Trail or spend some time by the Charles River, all while enjoying a fresh slice of handmade pizza. The city is also famous for its gelato, which is the perfect way to cap off a busy day (and that delicious slice of pizza you just enjoyed).
6. Las Vegas, Nevada
Even if you’ve never been to Las Vegas before, everyone knows that there is always something going on in that city during every month of the year. April is certainly no exception. You have all the opportunity in the world to visit a different festival every week, attend loads of concerts, see a dance show, enjoy trips to the casino and experience everything that the city has to offer. Enjoy five-star accommodations, restaurants that you can only eat at in Las Vegas and if you’re really adventurous, ride on a roller coaster that just happens to be on top of a skyscraper. As we said, there is always something to do in Las Vegas.
5. Naples, Florida
Naples is easily one of the most photogenic cities that you will ever lay eyes on. There’s just something about their beaches that pop with color. They also have some of the most beautiful sunsets in the whole world. There is also plenty to do that you can enjoy when you’re in the mood to simply sit back and relax a little bit. Consider visiting Ten Thousand Islands or taking a trip to the Everglades on an airboat. If you’re into golf, they also have the Chubb Classic, a sanctioned PGA event.
4. Fredericksburg, Texas
This is a small town in Texas that has a big reputation. It’s most well-known for its endless field of bluebonnets that bloom during this particular time of year. As a matter of fact, it’s become so well-known for these blooms that people come from all over the world to see it. It truly is a sight to behold. It looks almost as if you’re looking at the ocean, only it’s a field of bluebonnets that sways in the wind. Of course, the town is full of old-world German charm. Take a trip to one of their many museums while you’re there or eat at a few of the dozens of restaurants that are completely unique to the city.
3. Santa Catalina Island, California
There are two reasons that people want to visit the Santa Catalina Islands. One is for the scenery and the second is to get a little bit of privacy, something that you won’t get if you visit during the summer months. April is the perfect time to go because there are far less people to contend with, giving you the chance to relax and take in that scenery you’ve been longing to see so badly. If you’re really lucky, you might even have a section of the island almost entirely to yourself.
2. Sedona, Arizona
People typically come to Sedona because they want to hike through Red Rock State Park. It’s a gorgeous location and many people come there just to get photographs. It’s almost impossible to come here during the summer months because the heat is so extreme that most people simply can’t tolerate it. If you come during the month of April, the temperatures are a lot more agreeable. You can also capture some amazing sunrises and sunsets as the light bounces off the rocks, creating an entire pallet of color in the process.
1. Antelope Valley, California
This is another perfect place to come if you want to see flowers blooming practically everywhere you look. In this particular case, it is the California poppy that is in bloom, giving you the chance to see fields of orange everywhere you look. The town is so proud of the fact that they have California poppies growing in the wild that they even have a springtime poppy festival. If you visit during the month of April, you can catch the festival, complete with a hometown parade, street food and even a carnival.
