The days are longer! And warmer! April is a wonderful month to travel some place wonderful and spend time outdoors. It’s the tail end of winter shoulder season, so you’ll find lower hotel rates and lighter crowds…with one exception. If the destination you desire is a popular spring break getaway, prices will be sky high. Here are ten of the best places to visit in April.
1. Washington, D.C.
If you’re thinking about a visit to the capital of the United States, April is the ideal time to go. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing our country’s historic landmarks framed by over 3,000 blooming cherry blossom trees!
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is held in the springtime every year between mid-March and mid-April. Aside from admiring the gorgeous blooms (second only to the cherry blossoms in Japan!), the weather is perfect for wandering around the city and seeing all its famous sights.
The best place to start is near the Tidal Basin, where you’ll find Washington, D.C.’s most notable landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. Plan to take lots of pictures!
Washington, D.C. has many great sights to explore, and you can easily spend a couple of days wandering around the city and touring some significant landmarks. There are even some great wineries in the area!
Fun Things to Do in Washington, D.C. in April
- Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival
- Go to the U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center
- Visit the wonderful museums of the Smithsonian – they are free!
- Stroll through the United States Botanic Garden – also free!
- Pay your respects at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
- Take a nighttime trolley tour of the city’s monuments including the Lincoln Memorial
- Take a picture in front of the White House
- Sip wine at one of the wineries near Washington D.C.
2. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Located in northern Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park can get incredibly hot during the summer months and freezing cold in the winter, which is why the month of April is one of the best times to visit!
The Grand Canyon is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the USA, and is in fact considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
The Grand Canyon’s North Rim is closed in April due to safety concerns from the snow, so plan on heading to the South Rim. This spot will provide you with the classic National Park experience with ranger talks, free hop-on-hop-off shuttles and concessionaires.
You can experience the Grand Canyon via hiking, biking, helicopter, jeep tour or just peering over the rail at various look-out sights.
Because April is one of the best months of the year to visit Grand Canyon National Park, it can get crowded. To avoid the masses, try not to visit during the week of spring break. Late April is usually pretty relaxed, and it will remain that way through the spring until the school year ends.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Check out this list of the best hotels near the Grand Canyon for families.
Fun Things to Do at Grand Canyon National Park in April
- Visit the Grand Canyon Visitors Center
- Take a boat ride on the Colorado River
- Ride the Grand Canyon Railway
- Challenge yourself on one of many hiking trails
- Walk out on The Skyway
- Go camping
- Take a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon
3. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is one of the best places to visit in April. Spring is the most comfortable time of year to visit Palm Springs. The weather is warm and but not too hot, perfect for hiking, exploring downtown shops and galleries or lounging by the pool at one of the area’s many gorgeous resorts. Music lovers may also love visiting Palm Springs in April for the Coachella Music Festival.
Located 100 miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a haven for people looking to escape the winter blues. It is known for its clear blue skies, abundant sunshine, natural hot springs, world-class golf courses and luxurious hotels and spas.
Palm Springs is also known for its architecture, notably its many mid-century modern homes and buildings.
We love Palm Springs this time of year, before the summer heat sets in, and recommend staying at the new Margaritaville Resort in Palm Springs. This hotel is a sprawling, family-friendly, Caribbean-themed resort in the heart of the California desert.
Fun Things to Do in Palm Springs in April
- Visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
- Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Go hiking or horseback riding in Indian Canyons
- Visit the Palm Springs Air Museum, rated one of the top Air Museums in the World
- Play a round of golf
- Indulge at one of Palm Springs’ many luxurious spas
- Spend time at the pool at your resort
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
April is the perfect time of year to visit Amsterdam. Its famous tulips are in full bloom, the weather is warming up, crowds are low and hotels are more affordable before Europe’s high season arrives.
With its Insta-worthy canals and 17th century architecture, plethora of museums, nightlife and historic sights, Amsterdam has endless options to explore. The mild weather in Europe makes it easy to enjoy strolls through the old streets and the many outdoor activities.
There are several festivals happening in Amsterdam this time of year. You definitely won’t want to miss the Tulip Festival, the King’s Day Festival, and, techno music fans might want to check out the Awakenings Easter Festival in Amsterdam.
Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam in April
- Experience the Tulip Festival
- Visit the Anne Frank House
- Take an Amsterdam Canal Cruise
- Visit the Van Gogh Museum
- Visit the Artis Royal Zoo
- Explore the floating flower market
- Go on an Amsterdam pub crawl
- See the Royal Palace of Amsterdam
5. Miami, Florida
Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, Miami is an exciting destination. Spring is considered the shoulder season for Miami, meaning the snowbirds have left town but the summer crowds have not yet arrived. Also not here yet is the heat and humidity that also comes with summer, so the weather in April will be sunny and warm—perfect for hitting the beach. Temperatures in April hover between 70 and 80 degrees, and rain is scant.
The beach is not the only place to enjoy in Miami. If you love outdoor adventures, you’ll find many great options in Miami and perfect weather to do them in. Go kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding at Oleta River State Park. Visit the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center to see its dunes, mangroves, seagrass and nearly 200 species of birds.
Sail through one of Miami’s natural treasures – Biscayne National Park, which is 95% underwater and includes the Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the United States.
Fun Things to Do in Miami in April
- Visit Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- Go kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding through the mangroves
- Explore Everglades National Park on a tour
- Visit Miami Seaquarium or Zoo Miami for a look at the animals
- Take an art deco tour
- Ride Miami’s free trolleys
- Go to the beach
- Explore Jungle Island
6. Las Vegas
April is the perfect time to visit Las Vegas. While the summer months can be unbearably hot, temperatures in April are pleasantly warm, making it the perfect time of year to walk the Strip, dine at an outdoor café, listen to live music, or spend time at one of the many fabulous pools in Vegas.
Even if you don’t gamble, you’ll never be bored in Las Vegas. The city is packed with restaurants, shows, attractions and unique entertainment venues. There are even some great museums, such as the Mob Museum in Downtown Las Vegas or Bodies: The Exhibit at the Luxor Hotel & Casino.
Venture off the Strip, and you can experience the beauty of nearby Red Rock Canyon or hike to the hot springs.
There are an endless array of hotels in Las Vegas. We love to stay on the Strip at the Bellagio, as it has an amazing pool and great views of its famous fountains from the room. Off the Strip, Red Rock Casino & Resort is a beautiful resort located near the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas in April
- Walk along the Las Vegas Strip
- Hike or climb at Red Rock Canyon
- Visit the Mob Museum in Downtown Las Vegas
- Soak in the nearby hot springs
- Take a gondola ride at the Venetian
- Sample Italian food at Eataly Las Vegas
- Smell the flowers at the Bellagio Conservatory
- Take a spin on the High Roller Observation Wheel
7. Hilton Head, South Carolina
Located in South Carolina only about 30 miles away from Savannah, Georgia, is
April is a beautiful time to visit
Hilton Head boasts 12 miles of white sandy beaches offering amenities such as playgrounds, parking and beach rentals. You can also take part in many activities on the water, such as kayaking, surfing, sailing or taking a boat excursion to spot dolphins. Truly the best beaches in the south!
If you are traveling with kids (or are a Disney fan yourself) a stay at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is a must. The resort offers plenty of fun activities, including pools with a water slide, games, campfires, outdoor Disney movies, character breakfasts and beach access. The spacious villas come with fully equipped kitchens and dining areas, making this resort a perfect home base for families visiting
Fun Things to Do in Hilton Head in April
- Enjoy world-class golf
- Enjoy hiking and biking at the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Take a zipline canopy tour
- Spend time at the beach
- Take a pirate boat cruise
- Go kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, sailing or waterskiing
- Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum
- Visit the Harbour Town Lighthouse & Museum
8. Moab, Utah
The state of Utah has some of the best U.S. National Parks, and April is the perfect time of year to visit them. Zion, Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands National Parks are just some of the great destinations where you can go camping or visit on a day trip to hike, bike and explore these natural wonders.
Our favorite national park in Utah is Arches National Park, located in the small town of Moab hear the border of Colorado. Arches National Park features an extensive network of trails for outdoor adventure lovers, as well as one of the most gorgeous landscapes you’ll ever see!
When you’re ready for a break from the outdoors, you can visit the Museum of Moab to learn about the region’s geology and history. Another great spot to visit is the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park, where you can see life-size dinosaur replicas and watch a movie about the prehistoric world of dinosaurs.
This area of the country is beautiful year-round, but the weather in April is delightful, with average temperatures in the 70s during the day. It does however get chilly at night, so keep that in mind if you are planning to camp! But if you are game for outdoor adventures, the warm weather and breathtaking scenery make Moab one of the best places to travel in April.
Fun Things to Do in Moab in April
- See the famous Corona Arch in Arches National Park
- Take a river rafting tour
- Go hiking or biking
- Visit the Museum of Moab
- Go stargazing with RedRock Astronomy
- Take a Hummer tour
- Go canyoneering, rock climbing or zip lining
9. Mexico
April is a great time to visit Mexico. The weather is dry and hot, as the rainy season has not yet started.
If you go to the coast, April is a great time to enjoy the beach, go snorkeling, swimming, and other activities on the water. Beaches in Cancun, the Yucatán Peninsula and along the Pacific Coast, such as Puerto Vallarta and Cabo, are amazing. If you visit during spring break, keep in mind there will be a crowds and a lively party scene at bars and other local hot spots.
Mexico is also home to some amazing archaeological sites and Mayan ruins. You can combine a few destinations across this beautiful country to truly experience all the things Mexico has to offer.
Fun Things to Do in Mexico in April
- Marvel at the Tulum archeological site
- Hit the beach
- Go zip lining in the jungle
- Swim in a cenote
- Eat authentic Mexican food
- Shop, eat and stroll through Mexico City
- Explore the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens
- Snorkel near El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the “Arch” in Cabo San Lucas
- Drink tequila or sample margaritas
10. Boston, Massachusetts
As one of the oldest cities in the USA, Boston is seeped in history. It is a wonderful destination to visit if you love American history, but it is also a modern city with lots of great things to do.
April is a great time of year for a Boston getaway. After a long northeastern winter, the weather is warming up. Stroll along the Charles River or walk Boston’s famous Freedom Trail in the pleasant weather. Whale watching season runs from April to October, so you can take a cruise out of Boston Harbor and enjoy the weather on the water, as well.
Visit Boston’s North End for pizza or gelato. Rooted in its Italian heritage, the North End is the city’s oldest neighborhood and it is packed with pubs, cafes, bakeries, shops and more.
April is the start of baseball season, so be sure to catch a game at Fenway Park. April is also when the Boston Marathon happens. You don’t have to be a runner to take part in the event. You can join the thousands of spectators cheering on the participants.
Things To Do in Boston in April
- Walk the Freedom Trail
- Climb aboard the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum
- Visit the Boston Public Garden, the first public botanical garden in the USA
- Catch a Red Sox game or special event at Fenway Park
- Visit the New England Aquarium
- Stroll through the grounds at Harvard University
- Grab a bite at one of Boston’s food halls
