Spring Awakens: 14 Best Destinations to Travel to This Spring
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Spring is a season of renewal—of longer days, blooming landscapes, and the irresistible urge to shake off the winter blues and set out on an adventure. Whether you crave the thrill of new discoveries, the peace of a quiet retreat, or the indulgence of a luxury escape, this season offers something for every traveler.
But with so many incredible destinations to choose from, how do you decide where to go?
One way to narrow it down is by looking at your travel style. Are you drawn to adrenaline-fueled adventures on rugged mountain trails, or do you prefer slow, scenic escapes? Do you thrive in bustling cities, sipping espresso at a streetside café, or feel most at peace in nature? Perhaps you’re captivated by history’s echoes in ancient ruins, or seek wide-open spaces untouched by time. Knowing what kind of traveler you are can help you pick the perfect spring getaway.
Not sure what kind of traveler you are? Take the Travel Style Quiz and see which of these spring destinations matches your wanderlust! Or simply browse through the list and find the place that calls to you.
Let’s explore the best places to experience spring—tailored for every kind of traveler.
The Reflective Traveler (For those seeking quiet beauty, solitude, and deeper meaning.)
1. Cherry Blossom Hotspots (Washington, D.C., Kyoto, Vancouver)
Best Time to Visit: Late March–April (varies by location)
It’s one thing to see a cherry blossom tree, but it’s another to walk beneath an entire canopy of them, soft petals drifting down like snow. Spring transforms Washington, D.C., Kyoto, and Vancouver into ephemeral pink wonderlands, where time slows down, and the world turns into a painting.
Washington, D.C. – Stroll the Tidal Basin at peak bloom, when thousands of cherry trees create a soft pink halo around the water.
Kyoto, Japan – Walk Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, lined with hundreds of sakura trees, or take in the blooms at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Vancouver, Canada – Find hidden cherry blossom streets in Queen Elizabeth Park and enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony under the trees.
📍 Where to Stay:
D.C.: The Hay-Adams – Luxury with a view of the White House.
Kyoto: Ryokan Yoshida-Sanso – A traditional Japanese inn near temples.
Vancouver: Georgian Court Hotel – Chic and centrally located downtown.
Want to know exactly when and where to see cherry blossoms at their peak? Check out our Cherry Blossom Guide for bloom forecasts, festival dates, and must-visit locations!
2. The Lake District, England – Storybook Scenery & Quiet Trails
Best Time to Visit: Late March–May
There are places so beautiful they seem straight out of a novel—The Lake District is one of them.
Picture rolling green hills, mirror-like lakes, and wild daffodils swaying in the breeze, just as poet William Wordsworth described in his famous works. Spring is the best time to visit—before the summer crowds arrive, when the landscape is at its freshest.
Must-Do Experiences:
Row across Lake Windermere at sunrise, watching the mist rise off the water.
Walk to Tarn Hows, a serene lake surrounded by ancient woodlands and wildflowers.
Visit Dove Cottage, where Wordsworth himself once wrote, inspired by the beauty around him.
📍 Where to Stay:
The Samling Hotel – A luxurious countryside retreat overlooking Windermere.
Haweswater Hotel – A lakeside boutique stay with art deco charm.
Budget Stay: YHA Ambleside – A budget-friendly lakeside hostel with private and shared rooms, plus stunning views of Lake Windermere.
The Cultural Enthusiast (For those who love history, art, and immersive experiences.)
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Tulips & Canal Cruises
Best Time to Visit: Mid-April for peak tulip season
Picture yourself biking along cobblestone streets, the scent of fresh blooms in the air, before stepping onto a boat for a sunset canal cruise—Amsterdam in spring is pure magic.
Keukenhof Gardens – Home to over 7 million tulips in every color imaginable.
Anne Frank House – A must-visit for history lovers, offering a poignant glimpse into WWII.
Jordaan District – Wander through art galleries, cozy cafés, and hidden courtyards in one of Amsterdam’s most picturesque neighborhoods.
📍 Where to Stay:
Pulitzer Amsterdam – A boutique hotel set across 25 historic canal houses.
Hotel Estherea – Classic Dutch charm with canal views.
Budget Stay: Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark – A well-rated, affordable hostel with private rooms next to Vondelpark.
4. Seville, Spain – Orange Blossoms & Flamenco Festivals
Best Time to Visit: April (for Feria de Abril)
Spring in Seville means flamenco in the streets, the scent of orange blossoms in the air, and long afternoons sipping café con leche in sun-drenched plazas.
Must-Do Experiences:
Experience the energy of Feria de Abril, where locals dress in traditional attire, dance, and celebrate into the night.
Walk through the Alcázar of Seville, a Moorish palace with lush gardens and intricate tilework.
Visit the Setas de Sevilla, a massive wooden structure with panoramic views of the city.
📍 Where to Stay:
Hotel Alfonso XIII – A historic palace-turned-hotel in the city center.
Corral del Rey – A boutique stay with rooftop views and Andalusian charm.
Budget Stay: Black Swan Hostel Seville – A charming and stylish hostel with free walking tours, social events, and a great location near the city center.
The City Explorer (For those who thrive in vibrant cities, exploring culture, food, and architecture.)
5. Vienna, Austria – A Classical Spring Escape
Best Time to Visit: April–May
Vienna in the spring feels like stepping into a grand symphony—cobblestone streets lined with blooming magnolias, historic cafés filled with the aroma of fresh pastries, and the sound of Mozart drifting from open windows.
Must-Do Experiences:
Stroll through Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, where tulips and cherry blossoms create a dreamy backdrop to this imperial estate.
Visit Café Central—a historic coffeehouse where Freud, Trotsky, and famous writers once gathered. Order a slice of Sachertorte, Vienna’s iconic chocolate cake.
Enjoy a night at the Vienna State Opera, where spring performances bring classical music to life in its grandest form.
📍 Where to Stay:
Hotel Sacher Wien – Elegant, historic, and home to the original Sachertorte.
The Guesthouse Vienna – A stylish boutique hotel near the Opera House.
Budget Stay: MEININGER Hotel Wien Downtown Franz – A modern and stylish budget-friendly hotel near the historic center.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana – Jazz, Festivals & Springtime Charm
Best Time to Visit: March–May (for French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest)
New Orleans in the spring is alive with music, color, and history. The French Quarter is buzzing, azaleas are in full bloom, and jazz spills onto the streets like a never-ending celebration.
Must-Do Experiences:
Catch live performances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where legendary artists take the stage.
Wander through City Park, home to moss-draped oaks and the Sculpture Garden.
Indulge in café au lait and beignets at Café du Monde, because no trip to NOLA is complete without powdered sugar everywhere.
📍 Where to Stay:
Hotel Monteleone – Home to the famous Carousel Bar.
The Pontchartrain Hotel – Vintage charm in the Garden District.
Budget Stay: The Frenchmen Hotel – A charming yet affordable boutique hotel in the heart of the lively Frenchmen Street music scene, offering a great location without the high price tag.
The Adventure Traveler (For those who crave the outdoors, hiking, and high-energy activities.)
7. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA
Best Time to Visit: April–May
Spring along the Blue Ridge Parkway is like stepping into a watercolor painting—rolling green hills, dogwoods and mountain laurels in full bloom, and endless winding roads leading to breathtaking overlooks.
Must-Do Experiences:
Drive the Linn Cove Viaduct, one of the most scenic stretches of the entire parkway.
Hike to Crabtree Falls, where a 70-foot cascade tumbles down into a misty pool.
Stop at Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots along the parkway, especially in spring when wildflowers surround the historic gristmill.
📍 Where to Stay:
The Omni Grove Park Inn – Historic luxury in Asheville, NC.
Primland Resort – A mountainside retreat with stargazing and outdoor adventure.
Budget Stay: Skyline Village Inn – A rustic, affordable mountain inn with stunning views, located near Linville Falls and other Blue Ridge Parkway highlights.
8. Banff National Park, Canada – Springtime in the Rockies
Best Time to Visit: Late April–June
Picture snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and wildlife waking from winter—Banff in the spring is a playground for adventure seekers. The crowds are fewer, the landscapes are breathtaking, and it’s the perfect time to experience the Canadian Rockies.
Must-Do Experiences:
Canoe across Moraine Lake, its surreal blue waters reflecting the towering peaks.
Take a scenic drive on the Icefields Parkway, stopping for glacier views and hidden hikes.
Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, soaking in the warmth with mountain views all around.
📍 Where to Stay:
Fairmont Banff Springs – A castle in the Rockies.
Baker Creek Mountain Resort – Cozy cabins nestled in the wilderness.
Budget Stay: HI Banff Alpine Centre – A cozy mountain lodge-style hostel with private rooms and dorms, plus an on-site pub with stunning views.
The Relaxation Seeker (For those who just want to unwind, soak up nature, and enjoy slow travel.)
9. Tuscany, Italy
Best Time to Visit: April–May
Rolling vineyards, sun-drenched hills, and leisurely days spent sipping Chianti in a quiet countryside villa—Tuscany in spring is the ultimate escape from the rush of everyday life.
Must-Do Experiences:
Take a wine-tasting tour through Chianti, stopping at family-owned vineyards.
Explore the medieval streets of San Gimignano, where cypress trees line the countryside.
Enjoy a long, slow Italian meal on a terrace in Florence, soaking in the views.
📍 Where to Stay:
Castello di Casole – A restored Tuscan castle in the heart of wine country.
Precise Tale Poggio Alla Sala – Nestled in the heart of the poetic Tuscan landscape.
Budget Stay: Agriturismo il Rigo – A charming farmhouse stay with sweeping countryside views and home-cooked meals.
10. Provence, France
Best Time to Visit: Late April–June
Spring in Provence is a symphony of color and scent—fields of lavender, quaint villages draped in wisteria, and markets overflowing with fresh herbs and flowers.
Must-Do Experiences:
Take a scenic drive through the Luberon Valley, stopping at hilltop villages like Gordes and Roussillon.
Wander the lavender fields of Valensole, where early blooms begin in late spring.
Enjoy a picnic with fresh-baked baguettes, local cheese, and a glass of rosé, overlooking the vineyards.
📍 Where to Stay:
La Bastide de Gordes – A luxurious château with views over the valley.
Domaine de Manville – A country house hotel in the heart of the Provence with 5-star service.
Budget Stay: Ibis Budget Avignon Centre – A simple yet comfortable budget hotel near Avignon’s historic center, offering easy access to Provence’s charming villages and lavender fields.
The Family Traveler (For those exploring the world with kids in tow—balancing adventure, fun, and practicality.)
11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA – A Springtime Family Getaway
Best Time to Visit: April–June
Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains is pure magic for families—wildflowers are in bloom, waterfalls are at their fullest, and wildlife is everywhere. With scenic drives, easy-to-moderate hikes, and plenty of kid-friendly activities, it’s the ultimate outdoor classroom and playground all in one.
Must-Do Experiences:
Take the kids on the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, an easy, stroller-friendly walk through lush forest.
Climb Clingmans Dome—Tennessee’s highest peak—for breathtaking 360° views.
Go on a family-friendly wildlife safari in Cades Cove, where you might spot black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.
📍 Where to Stay:
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort – A family-favorite with a Dolly Parton twist.
Under Canvas Smoky Mountains – A luxury glamping experience perfect for kids and adults alike.
Budget Stay: The Appy Lodge – A family-friendly hotel in Gatlinburg with easy access to hiking, scenic drives, and local attractions like Anakeesta and Ripley’s Aquarium.
12. San Diego, California
Best Time to Visit: March–May
San Diego is springtime paradise for families—beaches, world-class attractions, and endless sunshine make it a perfect warm-weather escape.
Must-Do Experiences:
Visit the San Diego Zoo, one of the best in the world, where you can see pandas, giraffes, and koalas.
Spend the day at Balboa Park, home to museums, gardens, and kid-friendly hiking trails.
Enjoy a beach day at La Jolla Cove, where kids can spot sea lions sunbathing on the rocks.
📍 Where to Stay:
Hotel del Coronado – A beachfront icon perfect for families.
Paradise Point Resort – A laid-back island escape in Mission Bay.
Budget Stay: Old Town Inn – A family-friendly hotel near major attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.
The Luxury Traveler (For those who seek refinement, indulgence, and high-end experiences.)
13. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Best Time to Visit: April–June
Cliffside villages, cerulean waters, and lemon groves bursting with spring blooms—the Amalfi Coast is the definition of Mediterranean luxury.
Must-Do Experiences:
Charter a private boat tour along the coast, stopping in Positano and Capri.
Stay in a cliffside villa, waking up to panoramic sea views.
Dine at La Sponda, a Michelin-starred restaurant where candlelight flickers against the cliffs.
📍 Where to Stay:
Le Sirenuse – A five-star escape with world-famous views.
Caruso, A Belmond Hotel – A former palace turned ultra-luxury retreat.
Budget Stay: Hotel Il Nido– A highly rated budget hotel with incredible sea views just outside Sorrento.
14. Luxury Traveler – Dubai, UAE
Best Time to Visit: March–May
Dubai in spring is a playground of luxury and innovation—opulent hotels, desert safaris, world-class shopping, and cutting-edge experiences await.
Must-Do Experiences:
Experience a desert safari followed by Michelin-starred fine dining under the stars..
Take a private hot air balloon ride over the desert at sunrise, followed by a gourmet Bedouin breakfast.
Dine at At.mosphere, the highest restaurant in the world, perched atop the Burj Khalifa.
📍 Where to Stay:
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – The world’s only 7-star hotel.
One&Only The Palm – A secluded beachfront sanctuary.
Budget Stay: Rove Downtown Dubai – A modern, stylish budget hotel within walking distance of the Burj Khalifa.
Bringing Your Spring Adventure to Life
Spring is the perfect time to shake off the winter blues and embrace new experiences. Whether you're chasing wildflowers, exploring historic streets, or soaking up the sun by the sea, there's no shortage of incredible places to visit this season.
No matter your travel style, spring offers the chance to refresh, explore, and make memories that last far beyond the season itself. So, where will your next adventure take you?
Drop a comment and share your spring travel plans!
Travel Well,
