Spring Travel Destinations In The Usa For April

where to travel in april in united states

April is a great month to explore the United States, with its vibrant wildflowers, balmy temperatures, and fewer crowds at popular tourist spots. Here are some of the best places to visit in the US in April:

- Washington, D.C. for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs from mid-March to mid-April.

- Adirondack Mountains, New York to see the solar eclipse on April 8 and enjoy late-season skiing.

- Oxnard and Ventura, California for strawberry season and beautiful beaches.

- Napa Valley, California for wine tasting and to see the poppies and wild mustard in bloom.

- Salt Lake City, Utah for spring skiing and lively nightlife.

- Oahu, Hawaii for humpback whale watching, the Waikiki Spam Jam festival, and pleasant weather.

- Antelope Canyon, Arizona to see the mesmerizing light beams in the slot canyon.

- North Umpqua River, Oregon for majestic waterfalls and lush forests.

- Olympic National Park, Washington to spot grey whales during their northern migration.

- Skagit Valley, Washington for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and vibrant tulip fields.

- Carlsbad, California to see orchids, ranunculus, and other flowers in bloom at the Flower Fields.

- Zion National Park, Utah for lush greenery, crystal-clear rivers, and abundant wildlife.

- Door County, Wisconsin for charming Midwestern hospitality and stunning views of Lake Michigan.

- Big Bend National Park, Texas to see fields of bluebonnets and impressive rock formations.

- Nashville, Tennessee for the Cherry Blossom Festival, mild temperatures, and outdoor festivals.

- Nantucket, Massachusetts for quaint coastal charm, daffodils, and lower hotel rates before the summer rush.

- New York, New York for budding trees, flowers, and comfortable walking weather.

Characteristics Values
Best Beach Oahu, Hawai'i
Best City Austin, Texas
Best Festivals Skagit Valley, Washington
Best Flower Blooms Carlsbad, California
Best Outdoors Activities Yellowstone National Park
Best place for wildflowers and nature Texas Hill Country
Best place for spring skiing Salt Lake City, Utah
Best place to see cherry blossoms Washington D.C.
Best place to see tulips Seattle, WA
Best place to spot whales Oahu, Hawai'i

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National Parks: Arches, Zion, Yellowstone, Olympic, and Carlsbad Caverns

The United States is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the world, and April is a great time to visit. Here is some information about five of these natural wonders: Arches, Zion, Yellowstone, Olympic, and Carlsbad Caverns.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park in Utah is extremely popular, receiving over 1.5 million visitors each year. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the better lighting for photography. The park is open 24 hours a day, and late afternoon and evening hours offer beautiful sunsets and naturally dark night skies. During the busy season, which is from March to October, you may experience limited parking at all destinations in the park.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park in Utah is also a very popular destination, especially during spring break. The valley of Zion Canyon is lush with green flora, the Virgin River is rushing, and wildlife is abundant in the warm sun. The biggest benefit of visiting in April is the breathtaking scenery of the red, pink, and cream rocks contrasted against the lush green cottonwoods, junipers, grasses, and other plants. It is also a great time for hiking, as the snow has melted, making trails more accessible. However, be aware that the weather can be unpredictable, and snow at higher elevations may make some trails inaccessible.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, which spans across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is a fantastic place to visit in April. You can witness bison births in Lamar Valley and bears emerging from their dens. The biggest benefit of visiting in April is the wildlife viewing, and the absence of crowds. The temperature is warm during the day, and the lack of crowds lets you enjoy the park without congestion. However, many accommodations and campgrounds don't open until mid-April, so be sure to check before booking your trip.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park in Washington State is a great choice for a spring visit. After a long, wet, sunless winter, spring greets you with an abundance of waterfalls, wildlife, wildflowers, and warmer weather. The park is teeming with life, including Roosevelt elk giving birth to their young in the Hoh and Quinault Rainforests, and whales beginning their migration. Birdwatching is also popular, as spring migration begins in May. Another benefit of visiting in spring is that the crowds have yet to arrive, making the trails nearly empty. However, the biggest drawback is the unpredictable weather, with an average of 15-19 days of precipitation each month during spring.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is a year-round destination, with mild winters and a constant cave temperature of 56°F (13°C). April is a great time to visit as the flow of people decreases after the busy winter season. You can enjoy more intimate programs and have a better chance of getting accommodations inside the park.

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Cities: New York, Austin, and Seattle

New York

The Big Apple is a great choice for a vacation in April. The flowers are blooming, and you can find cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden, and over 30,000 varieties of flowers at the annual Macy's Flower Show. Spring showers are the perfect excuse to catch a Broadway show, go shopping, or visit one of the city's many museums.

Austin

Austin is a great place to visit in April, as it is considered one of the best times to visit the city. You can expect comfortable temperatures in the 70s and 80s (°F), perfect for exploring the city and enjoying the many festivals that take place during this month. In April, you can attend the Art City Austin festival and the Austin Food + Wine Festival, which are sure to keep you entertained and well-fed.

Seattle

While September to October is considered the best time to visit Seattle, spring is also a great option. You can expect lower hotel rates and warmer temperatures, although there is a chance of rain and cooler breezes. You can attend the Moisture Festival in March and April, and the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival in April.

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Nature: Antelope Valley, Texas Hill Country, and the North Umpqua River

Antelope Valley, California

Antelope Valley is a unique high desert region in northern Los Angeles County. The area boasts extraordinary scenery, with rolling desert hills and striking rock formations. The valley is most famous for the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, where, from mid-March to early May, the landscapes are covered in a sea of colourful poppies and wildflowers. The Antelope Valley Poppy Festival, held in nearby Lancaster, is also well worth a visit. The vibrant festival includes poppy-themed activities such as the North and South Poppy Loop Trails, where you can photograph the poppies mid-morning when they're at their most florally flamboyant.

Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country, located just west of Austin, is filled with unique limestone and granite hills, winding rivers, and peaceful nature. Late March and April are the best times to visit, as the area comes alive with wildflowers, including Texas' state flower, the bluebonnet, as well as primroses and Indian paintbrush. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, from hiking and biking to kayaking. Texas Hill Country is also known for its charming towns, with a strong German heritage, awesome craft breweries, and excellent food influenced by German and Texan traditions.

North Umpqua River, Oregon

After the winter ice in Oregon melts, the rivers and streams fill up, and the area's waterfalls are more majestic than ever. April is a great time to visit the North Umpqua River area, as the summer crowds have yet to arrive, so you can enjoy the cliffs, waterfalls, forests, and canyons without bumping into too many other hikers.

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Events: Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and the Waikiki Spam Jam

If you're looking for events to attend in April in the United States, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and the Waikiki Spam Jam are two unique and exciting options.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is held annually in April in Washington State and celebrates the region's vibrant tulip fields. With the largest tulip festival in the USA by acreage, number of farms, and days of blooms, it's a sight not to be missed. The festival features four farms: RoozenGaarde, Tulip Town, Tulip Valley Farms, and Garden Rosalyn, each offering its own unique experiences and attractions. From display gardens and tulip fields to food trucks, beer gardens, and art shows, there's something for everyone. The festival also includes a vibrant street fair, a pickleball tournament, and a tulip parade. The Skagit Valley is also a significant agricultural hub, producing millions of tulips and other crops and providing habitat for thousands of migratory birds.

Waikiki Spam Jam

For something a little different, head to Hawaii for the Waikiki Spam Jam, a unique cultural tradition and one of the top annual food festivals in the state. This festival celebrates SPAM®, a local staple that is enjoyed across Hawaii for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The event features a block party along Kalakaua Avenue, with vendors selling SPAM®-themed goods, locally crafted gifts, and more. There's also a Dine-In SPAM® event, where participating restaurants create unique SPAM® dishes for a limited time. The Waikiki Spam Jam is not just about food—it's also a fundraiser for the Hawai'i Foodbank, the Waikīkī Community Center, and the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai'i.

Both the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and the Waikiki Spam Jam offer a chance to immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy springtime in the United States. Whether you're looking for stunning floral displays or unique culinary experiences, these events have something for everyone.

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Beach: Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu, Hawaii is a great choice for a beach vacation in April. With an average temperature of 78-80°F (25-27°C), the weather is ideal for sunbathing and water sports. The nights can get a little chilly, so it's advisable to pack a light sweater or jacket for the evenings.

April is a great month to visit Oahu as it marks the beginning of the festival season. The Waikiki Spam Jam is a quirky way to celebrate Hawaii's love for spam-filled dishes. It's also the shoulder season, so you can expect lower prices for flights and accommodation, and there will be fewer tourists.

  • Go whale watching. February to May is the peak season for whale watching in Oahu, as humpback whales migrate to the Pacific waters for breeding.
  • Visit the North Shore. The drive from Waikiki to the North Shore offers scenic views of mountainous terrain, open land, and spectacular coastal scenery. The North Shore is also known for its surfing and garlic shrimp.
  • Hike the Diamond Head Trail. This trail offers stunning views of the southeastern coast of Oahu and the Pacific Ocean. It's an easy hike, but it involves steep steps, so bring plenty of water and wear sun protection.
  • Explore Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden. This 400-acre garden features a blend of native and tropical plants and is especially lush in February due to the rainy season.
  • Visit the Byodo-In Temple. This temple is a replica of the 950-year-old Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan, and it offers a serene and tranquil experience.
  • Take a catamaran cruise from Waikiki Beach. From December to May, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters around Oahu, so a catamaran cruise is a great way to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
  • Explore Pearl Harbor. April is a great time to visit Pearl Harbor as the weather is perfect, and it's less crowded than during the summer or holiday season.
  • Hike the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail. This challenging hike offers incredible views of the Ko'olau Mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. The pleasant weather in April makes the steady climb more manageable.
  • Go surfing on Waikiki Beach. The gentle winter waves on Waikiki Beach are ideal for beginners, and there are plenty of surf schools to choose from.
  • Go kayaking to the Mokulua Islands. February is a perfect time to kayak to these islands as the bay's protected waters make for a calm journey.

Frequently asked questions

There are many places in the US known for their beautiful flowers in April. Some top spots include Carlsbad, California; Skagit Valley, Washington; Antelope Valley, California; and Washington, D.C., where you can enjoy the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Austin, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and New York City are all great US cities to explore in April. You can take advantage of the mild spring weather and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and festivals.

There are several US national parks that are ideal to visit in April due to milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Some options include Arches National Park in Utah; Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho; Zion National Park in Utah; and Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

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