As the days get warmer you might just start to feel some wanderlust starting to kick in. If you’re planning a trip for the spring, you have many options that are especially in their prime from the months of March to early June.
Whether you’re looking for a spring family vacation, a girls’ weekend getaway, or an epic spring break adventure, these places within the United States are perfect to visit during spring!
Here are the best spring getaways in the USA!
86 CANNON HISTORIC INN IN CHARLESTON
Charleston, South Carolina
One of the best places to visit in the spring is the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina. Known for its laid-back city living, its proximity to the coast, and the incredible Southern foods you can find there, Charleston is a can’t-miss spring vacation destination.
Wander through the quaint neighborhoods or rent a bicycle to get around—I found Charleston to be incredibly bike-friendly!
Staying at 86 Cannon Historic Inn & Hotel, they offered complimentary Linus Bike Cruisers which made getting around a breeze.
Charleston is filled with chic and historic hotels so you’ll always have a unique and memorable place to stay. Check out my 3-day guide to Charleston to start planning!
Santa Ynez Valley, California
It’s no secret that California is a prime destination for wine connoisseurs with famous regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma County gaining worldwide acclaim.
But what may not be as well known is the gorgeous Santa Ynez Valley, a hidden gem along California’s central coast.
The valley has a Mediterranean climate so not only is incredible wine produced here but you can also enjoy warm weather that’s not overly hot throughout most of the year.
You can also take a break from wine tasting and visit the nearby town of Solvang, known for its distinct Danish-style architecture.
Whether you’re adding Santa Ynez Valley to your California or just going for a quick trip, it’s a lesser-known destination that shouldn’t be missed!
VIEW FROM SMITH TOWER OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Seattle, Washington
This cozy and eccentric Pacific Northwest destination is the perfect place for anyone who loves music, art, and the great outdoors.
Seattle has fostered artistic and cultural movements throughout its history — most famously, the grunge movement of the 90s spawned bands such as Nirvana or Pearl Jam.
You can drive about an hour outside of the city to see a handful of natural wonders such as the awe-inspiring Snoqualmie Falls.
You can spend your time exploring some of the notable tourist attractions in the city or you can choose a more adventurous itinerary and find unique things to do in Seattle (that aren’t the Space Needle).
Either way, the spring season is a great time to spend a long weekend in Seattle — especially near the tail-end of May.
While you’ll be gambling with the region’s infamous rainy weather, the spring season is when the rain starts to lessen and you may get to experience some sun-filled days before the summer crowds set in.
New York City, New York
For an exciting and fast-paced weekend, set your sights on New York City.
Aptly nicknamed “The City That Never Sleeps” there are always cool things to do in New York when you visit — no matter if it’s your first trip to NYC or you’re practically a New York local.
Even those cheesy tourist magnets like Times Square are worth visiting at least once, because when in Rome…er, New York!
There’s also plenty to do that isn’t quite as well-known but is just as worth seeing—here are some of the most unique (read: best) things to do in NYC.
Because there is so much variety in New York, you can have so many different travel experiences. Whether you’re balling on a budget or you’re treating yourself by staying at the iconic Plaza Hotel, there’s a version of New York City that is perfectly suited for you.
Read here for tips on how to travel New York City on a budget!
New Orleans, Louisiana
While New Orleans may be known for Mardi Gras and being a party city, there are so many more things to do in New Orleans.
You can explore some of the city’s fascinating and occasionally macabre history by touring historic homes and museums. Here’s my ultimate 4-day New Orleans itinerary to start planning your trip!
And…if you’re a serious foodie like me, you’ll love NOLA — you absolutely must try these local foods in New Orleans. Taste the mouthwatering Creole cuisine that the city is famous for and sample sweet treats like fresh beignets and pralines.
Plus, spring is the best time to visit as you get to enjoy warm weather that isn’t overly hot and humid.
Moab, Utah
For a more outdoorsy spring getaway, pack your hiking gear and head to Moab, Utah to spend time enjoying the natural wonders of this region. Its desert climate and dramatic landscape combine to create some spectacular scenery you won’t want to miss.
There are two gorgeous national parks near Moab: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, and you can spend at least a few days exploring each one.
This is a great option for any traveler who wants to recharge and reconnect with nature and themselves; in fact, it’s a great spot to host a wellness retreat with your friends.
San Diego, California
Located just under 20 miles away from the border of Mexico, San Diego is a fantastic spring break destination along California’s southernmost coast.
While I generally think San Diego is pretty darn charming year-round (I mean, I do live here!), April and May are generally regarded as some of the best times to explore San Diego!
You’ll be met with a mix of sunny days and some “May Gray,” but the weather is overall pleasant and it’s not yet busy with summer tourism!
There are plenty of things to do, from museums to surfing to nightlife hotspots and a ton of history. Here’s my go-to one-week San Diego itinerary!
You can also head across the San Diego Bay and stay at Hotel del Coronado, an iconic historic hotel that you might recognize from the Marilyn Monroe classic, Some Like It Hot.
The food in San Diego is also fantastic.
Whether you’re after authentic tacos, yummy Italian, or want endless options to choose from, here are some of the best restaurants in San Diego. I’m particularly keen on how many of the city’s restaurants emphasize local ingredients which make for some of the best-tasting food you’ll ever try.
Plus, for those who love a boozy brunch or are serious about their breakfast options, options abound! Here are the best breakfast and brunch places in San Diego.
Bonus: Make sure to see when the ranunculus flowers are in bloom at the Carlsbad Flower Fields — the fields are typically open from the beginning of March to the first week of May!
The peak time to see the flowers is usually in April, however, that’s subject to change as the blooms could be earlier or later depending on weather conditions.
Hawaii
Although Hawaii is part of the United States, it existed throughout most of its history as an independent nation. This is why Hawaii has such an incredible culture and history, unlike any other American state.
As Hawaii is made of multiple islands, you can decide if you want to spend all your time in a place like Maui or Kauai, or choose to go Hawaiian island hopping!
Not sure which Hawaiian Island to visit? Check out my guide and take your pick!
In between experiencing some of the state’s unique culture, you can spend your time in Hawaii hiking, enjoying the beautiful beaches of the islands, and savoring the delicious local Hawaiian cuisine.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Santa Fe is a city known for its Pueblo-style architecture and Spanish influences.
It’s also a hub for artists — visit the iconic Santa Fe Plaza to browse a huge selection of locally made works of art and buy a unique piece of decor to hang up in your home after your vacation.
Spring is one of the best times to visit Santa Fe as you’ll get to experience some of the best weather you can get here before the summer months get scorching hot.
The warm but milder weather means you can also spend time outside without getting overwhelmed by the heat.
When it comes to things to do in Santa Fe, you’ll find everything from natural springs, ghost towns, hiking trails, and the Bandelier National Monument.
Read More:
Texas Hill Country, Texas
Although you may not have Texas Hill Country on your list of prime vacation destinations, it’s actually a perfect place to spend your spring break!
Spend a night under the stars in Dripping Springs or check into a cottage in the sleepy town of Fredericksburg.
Or for a more upbeat adventure check out the eccentricities of Austin. Its vibrant and modern culture shines in its shopping districts, restaurants, and artistic events such as the famous South by Southwest Film Festival which takes place every spring.
For the full scoop, see my Austin travel guide as you start planning!
If you’re planning a long weekend or even a week-long vacation for your spring break, you can spend time in multiple towns and cities as well.
And, if you time it just right — you may just be able to see all the gorgeous bluebonnet hills and meadows the area is known for! From mid-March to mid-April places like Georgetown, Fredericksburg, Austin, and Washington County are completely covered and are quite impressive!
Going on a road trip? The Ennis Bluebonnet Trail is 40-miles of brilliant florals.
From the beginning of April to the end of April, Ennis showcases miles and miles of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails. Tens of thousands of visitors visit the wildflower show and for good reason!
Read More:
There you have it — some of the best spring weekend getaways in the USA!
Let me know which one you would like to visit and what your favorite spring break destinations are down in the comments below!
I love the Spring of Arizona, it is my fav. place.
Every place look so nice in Spring! I would particularly love to visit Charleston.