13 Best Places to Visit in April in the USA Before the Summer Crowds Arrive
April is one of the best times to explore the US. The weather is just right, flowers are blooming everywhere, and outdoor adventures feel even better without the summer crowds.
Whether you’re in the mood for a scenic road trip, a fun spring festival, or just soaking up the sunshine, there are plenty of amazing places to check out this month.
Not sure where to go? Here are 13 of the best places to visit in April in the USA to get you inspired!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
- 2. Holland, Michigan
- 3. Washington D.C
- 4. Zion National Park, Utah
- 5. Naples, Florida
- 6. Yosemite National Park, California
- 7. Oahu, Hawaii
- 8. Nashville, Tennessee
- 9. San Antonio, Texas
- 10. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
- 11. Big Sur, California
- 12. New Orleans, Louisiana
- 13. Bisti Badlands, New Mexico
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
April is when the Great Smoky Mountains shake off winter and burst into life.
Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border near Gatlinburg, TN, the park is covered in blooming wildflowers, and waterfalls are at their strongest after spring rains.
The weather is just right for hiking—cool but not freezing, warm but not humid. Plus, the crowds are still light, so you can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and peaceful trails without the summer rush.
🌤️ Weather: April temperatures range from 5 to 20°C (41-68°F), with crisp mornings and mild afternoons.
🎡 Best experience: Drive through Cades Cove early in the morning for misty mountain views and a great chance to see black bears.
💡 Tip: Waterproof hiking boots are a must—spring rain means muddy trails, but the lush greenery makes it worth it.
2. Holland, Michigan
Holland, located on the shores of Lake Michigan about 30 minutes from Grand Rapids, bursts into color in April as tulip fields start blooming ahead of the famous Tulip Time Festival in May.
The weather is crisp but pleasant, making it a great time to explore Windmill Island Gardens and stroll through downtown before peak-season crowds arrive.
April offers a quieter, more relaxed way to experience the town’s Dutch heritage and scenic beauty.
🌤️ Weather: April temperatures range from 3 to 14°C (38-57°F), with cool mornings and mild afternoons.
🎡 Best experience: Walk through Windmill Island Gardens to see thousands of tulips blooming with an authentic Dutch windmill in the background.
💡 Tip: Visit in mid-to-late April for the best chance to see the tulips at peak bloom before the festival crowds roll in.
3. Washington D.C
April in Washington, D.C. is pure magic as cherry blossoms burst into full bloom, covering the city in pink and white.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival brings parades, performances, and celebrations, making it an unforgettable time to visit.
Spring temperatures are perfect for exploring the National Mall, walking along the Tidal Basin, and enjoying the city’s outdoor spaces. With longer days and lighter crowds than summer, it’s the best season to take in D.C.’s beauty.
🌤️ Weather: April temperatures range from 8 to 20°C (46-68°F), with mild afternoons and occasional spring showers.
🎡 Best experience: Stroll around the Tidal Basin for breathtaking cherry blossom views with the Jefferson Memorial in the background.
💡 Tip: Arrive at sunrise for the most peaceful experience and the best cherry blossom photos without crowds.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
April is the sweet spot for visiting Zion National Park in southern Utah, about 45 minutes from St. George. The weather is warm but not scorching, making hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows far more enjoyable.
Snowmelt keeps waterfalls flowing, and the park’s red rock landscapes look even more stunning against the spring greenery.
Crowds start picking up, but they’re still lighter than the summer rush, giving you space to explore Zion’s dramatic canyons and scenic trails.
🌤️ Weather: April temperatures range from 6 to 24°C (43-75°F), with sunny days and cool mornings.
🎡 Best experience: Hike The Narrows, where you’ll wade through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls.
💡 Tip: Start your hikes early—April brings more visitors, and parking fills up fast inside the park.
5. Naples, Florida
Naples shines in April with perfect beach weather and fewer crowds before summer travelers arrive.
The Gulf waters are warm for swimming, and the city’s waterfront restaurants and outdoor activities are in full swing. It’s also the ideal month for exploring Everglades National Park, just a short drive away, before the humidity and rainy season set in.
Whether you’re relaxing on white-sand beaches or spotting dolphins on a boat tour, April is all about enjoying Naples at its best!
🌤️ Weather: April temperatures range from 18 to 29°C (65-84°F), with warm days and low humidity.
🎡 Best experience: Catch a sunset at Naples Pier, where the golden hour views over the Gulf are unforgettable.
💡 Tip: Visit the Everglades in the morning for cooler temperatures and better chances of spotting alligators and wading birds.
6. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park, located in central California about 3.5 hours from San Francisco, is incredible in April as waterfalls reach their peak flow from melting snow.
Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and Vernal Fall roar to life, making it the best time to see them. Wildflowers bloom in the valley, and the crowds are lighter compared to summer.
Some higher-elevation areas may still have snow, but the lower trails and iconic spots like Tunnel View are perfect for exploring.
🌤️ Weather: April temperatures range from 3 to 18°C (37-64°F), with cool mornings and warm afternoons.
🎡 Best experience: Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, where spring runoff creates a powerful and misty experience.
💡 Tip: Bring a rain jacket—waterfall spray can soak you on trails like the Mist Trail in April.
7. Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is a dream in April, with warm weather, fewer tourists, and lower hotel prices before the summer rush.
The winter swells have calmed, making the North Shore’s beaches perfect for swimming while still great for surfing. It’s also a fantastic time for snorkeling at Hanauma Bay with clear, calm waters.
With fewer crowds at hotspots like Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, April gives you the best mix of adventure and relaxation on the island.
🌤️ Weather: April temperatures range from 21 to 28°C (70-82°F), with warm days and refreshing trade winds.
🎡 Best experience: Hike Diamond Head early in the morning for stunning sunrise views over Honolulu.
💡 Tip: Rent a car to explore the island’s less crowded spots, like Lanikai Beach and the scenic North Shore.
8. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is at its best in April, with warm spring weather and live music filling the city. Outdoor patios and rooftop bars come alive, making it the perfect time to enjoy Broadway’s honky-tonks without the summer heat.
April also brings Tin Pan South, the largest songwriter festival in the U.S., where you can hear incredible artists in intimate venues.
With blooming cherry blossoms in Centennial Park and comfortable temps for exploring, it’s a great month to visit.
🌤️ Weather: April temperatures range from 10 to 22°C (50-72°F), with mild days and cool nights.
🎡 Best experience: Catch live music at The Bluebird Café, where legendary and up-and-coming songwriters perform in an intimate setting.
💡 Tip: Book tickets early for Tin Pan South—shows sell out fast, but it’s the best way to experience Nashville’s songwriting scene.
9. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is at its most exciting in April when Fiesta San Antonio takes over the city with parades, live music, and colorful celebrations.
The weather is warm but not too hot, making it perfect for strolling along the River Walk or exploring historic sites like The Alamo.
Spring flowers add extra charm to the city’s parks and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re here for Fiesta or just to soak up the culture, April is the time to visit.
🌤️ Weather: April temperatures range from 15 to 27°C (59-81°F), with warm days and breezy evenings.
🎡 Best experience: Join the Fiesta San Antonio festivities, a multi-day citywide celebration filled with parades, music, and food.
💡 Tip: Book your hotel early—Fiesta draws huge crowds, and the best spots along the River Walk fill up fast.
10. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
Spring in the Garden of the Gods means crisp air, colorful wildflowers, and snow-dusted mountain views in the distance.
Located in Colorado Springs, about an hour south of Denver, this red rock wonderland is especially peaceful in April, before the summer crowds arrive.
The cooler weather makes hiking and rock climbing more enjoyable, while the clear skies give you unbeatable views of Pikes Peak towering in the background.
🌤️ Weather: April temperatures range from 2 to 16°C (36-61°F), with crisp mornings and warm afternoons.
🎡 Best experience: Walk the Perkins Central Garden Trail for incredible rock formations and photo-worthy scenery.
💡 Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for stunning golden-hour lighting on the red rock formations and fewer crowds on the trails.
11. Big Sur, California
April brings Big Sur to life, with rolling green hills, wildflowers blooming along the cliffs, and waterfalls like McWay Falls flowing at full force.
The cooler spring air makes hiking more enjoyable, and the famous Pacific Coast Highway drive is even more stunning with fewer cars on the road.
With lighter crowds than summer, you’ll have more space to soak in the dramatic coastal views and peaceful redwood forests.
🌤️ Weather: April temperatures range from 8 to 18°C (46-65°F), with cool mornings and refreshing ocean breezes.
🎡 Best experience: Stop at Bixby Bridge for breathtaking ocean views and one of the most photographed spots in California.
💡 Tip: Fill up on gas before driving through Big Sur—stations are scarce, and prices are steep.
12. New Orleans, Louisiana
Warm breezes, lively festivals, and a city buzzing with energy make New Orleans in spring something special.
April brings French Quarter Festival, a massive free music event showcasing the best of local jazz, blues, and brass bands. The city’s patios and rooftop bars are perfect for enjoying Creole flavors, and the weather is still comfortable for exploring Jackson Square or taking a steamboat ride on the Mississippi.
It is the sweet spot before the summer heat kicks in.
🌤️ Weather: April temperatures range from 17 to 26°C (63-79°F), with warm days and occasional rain showers.
🎡 Best experience: Listen to live jazz while strolling through the French Quarter Festival, where music spills into every corner.
💡 Tip: Afternoon showers can pop up unexpectedly, so carry a small umbrella to avoid getting caught in the rain.
13. Bisti Badlands, New Mexico
The Bisti Badlands, located in northwestern New Mexico about 40 miles south of Farmington, are otherworldly in April.
The cooler spring temperatures make hiking through the alien-like rock formations much more comfortable before the intense summer heat arrives.
The unique hoodoos, petrified wood, and surreal landscapes are best explored in the morning or late afternoon when the soft light enhances their dramatic shapes. The silence of the desert, broken only by the wind, makes the experience feel like stepping onto another planet.
🌤️ Weather: April temperatures range from 3 to 20°C (37-68°F), with cool mornings and warm, dry afternoons.
🎡 Best experience: Hike to the Egg Factory, an area filled with bizarre, rounded rock formations that look like something from another planet.
💡 Tip: Bring a GPS or download offline maps—there are no official trails, and it’s easy to get turned around in the vast landscape.
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