You know what they say about spring in the US: April showers bring May flowers. But May also brings its fair share of tourists and price hikes. April is considered early spring, and only the savviest travelers will know that this is the best time to enjoy the sweet spot of fewer tourists, favorable weather, and wallet-friendly prices.
From coast to coast, U.S. cities come to life with unique events and spring blooms in April. After a long winter, there is an undeniable energy of excitement and anticipation for summer.
If you’re willing to trade (a few) rainy days for a trip to one of North America’s top cities without screaming kids and inflated prices, April is the time to go. Check out the 12 best U.S. cities to visit in April – no three-week reservation waitlist required.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., in spring, is synonymous with cherry blossoms. It might not be the most groundbreaking spring activity, but it is absolutely worth the hype. Every year, around the beginning of April, the city transforms into a sea of pink for only two short weeks.
Washington’s iconic cherry blossoms, of which there are over 3000 trees, were a gift from Japan in 1912. During the peak blossoming period, the city hosts the National Cherry Blossom Festival around the Tidal Basin. The festival celebrates the beginning of spring with kite flying, cultural performances, and parades.
Portland, Oregon
Like Washington is famous for cherry blossoms, Portland is famous for its tulips. The city’s motto is ‘Keep Portland Weird,’ and it sure does embrace its quirky charm with the annual Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. Visitors are encouraged to don their traditional clogs and go for a stroll through the tulip fields.
But the city is more than just an ocean of spring bulbs. It’s a hub for outdoor adventure, including activities like cycling, boating, and hiking through the city’s surrounding mountains. While tulips might be the main event, Portland also has prime growing conditions for rhododendrons, azaleas, and cherry blossoms.
San Antonio, Texas
When April comes around, the fields of Central Texas bloom with waves of bluebonnets, poppies, and firewheels.
April brings warm and breezy weather to San Antonio, but the city really lets loose with the Fiesta San Antonio. Taking place over ten days, this event features music, parades, parties, and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. The River Walk is decorated with colorful umbrellas and becomes even livelier than usual. What started as a way to honor the defenders of the Texas Battles is now a city-wide party of Mariachi bands and food-centric events.
Nashville, Tennesee
Nashville has marketed itself as the ‘City of Music’ for decades. And while lively year-round, this Tennessee city really comes to life in April. As spring rears its head, Nashville hosts the Nashville Comedy Festival, East Nashville Beer Fest, and Cherry Blossom Festival. Concerts pop up in unlikely venues, and it’s an excellent time to explore Nashville’s outdoorsy-side.
The city dates back to 1779, and its rich musical heritage is evident at every corner. Broadway’s honky-tonk bars offer live music daily, rooftop bars serve delicious cocktails, and mild spring temperatures make it easy to explore the city without breaking a sweat.
Phoenix, Arizona
In April, the Sonoran Desert transforms into a sea of color, with cacti bursting into bloom, proving the desert is anything but barren. The city welcomes warm spring weather, with daytime averages in the 80s. It’s a welcome respite from the scorching summers and is undoubtedly the best time for outdoor activities.
April in Arizona brings all sorts of events and festivals. The Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair, a 50-year-old tradition, brings hundreds of vendors, artisans, and entertainers to the streets. There are also culinary festivals, Easter pageants, and the iconic Desert Storm boat parade.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville is a little natural haven nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This little city has a big heart and a rich history, having been home to three U.S. presidents. It’s one of those places worth visiting year-round, but there is no better time to visit than in April.
When you aren’t exploring the city’s historic downtown mall and countless boutiques and eateries, this city is an outdoorsy heaven. Fishing, cycling the Rivanna Trail, hiking at local parks, and even visiting Shenandoah National Park are all good options for a day in nature.
Sacramento, California
California’s capital city somehow manages to maintain a balmy warmth in April, even being located between the cool Bay Area and the snowy Tahoe region. In April, the city celebrates the beginning of summer with Sacramento Beer Week, highlighting the city’s growing craft beer scene.
April usually coincides with the Farm-to-Fork Festival, which brings together California’s top farms and local producers in a frenzy of food and drink.
After being cooped up indoors for winter, there is nothing better than strolling the American River Parkway, whether on a bike or on foot. Wildflowers dot the banks of the river, and some adventurous locals even take to the water on kayaks.
Louisville, Kentucky
Located along the Ohio River, Louisville, Kentucky isn’t a city you’d might expect to find on this list. It’s a city that feels a bit more like a small town and is best known for bourbon distilleries, baseball, and its horse racing heritage.
Spring is all about one thing here – the Kentucky Derby. While the event usually takes place in early May, April is one big lead-up to the main event.
In anticipation of the most famous horse racing event in the U.S., Kentucky comes alive with bluegrass festivals and backyard barbeques. Two well-known events include Thunder Over Louisville, one of the biggest fireworks shows in the country, and the Great Balloon Race.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Like Louisville, Raleigh doesn’t always top spring travel lists – but it really should. This southern city is a delightful mix of history and nature. It’s nicknamed the ‘City of Oaks’ for its abundance of oak trees, so you can only imagine what things look like after a winter of rainfall. Raleigh’s parks, like Pullen Park and Dorothea Dix Park, explode in greenery.
Gardens aside, April in Raleigh is a time of live music, festivals, and plenty of outdoor activities. The hip-hop Dreamville Music Festival, held in the park, is one of the biggest. Other events include a spring festival called Brewgaloo and the Raleigh Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & Half Marathon
Las Vegas, Nevada
Right in the heart of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas is known for its unbearably hot summers. This is why the best time to visit the city is early spring, when it’s warm enough not to layer up but not so hot that you gasp for air when you leave your air-conditioned hotel.
Events in Sin City are pretty consistent throughout the year, with plenty of shows, music performances, and a nightlife scene to be reckoned with. But when April rolls around, the door opens for outdoor adventures. Mount Charleston and Red Rock Canyon’s hiking trails are two of the best places to spend time outdoors before the sun becomes unbearable.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder in April is a beautiful convergence of winter and spring. You might still have snow-capped peaks in the distance and be able to jet off for some late-season skiing. But the hiking trails are also turning from white to green, tulips are in full bloom, and patio season is back in full force.
The Rocky Mountains are a dream location for outdoor lovers, and when the weather warms up in April, hiking, cycling, and kayaking slowly start taking over from snowsports. When you aren’t climbing rock faces or spring skiing, there are countless breweries and eateries to experience.
Miami, Florida
If Miami’s weather was always as moderate as it is in April, the city would be too good to be true. The humidity hasn’t fully kicked in yet, hurricane season is still months away, and the city buzzes with energy. Miami beaches, from South Beach to Key Biscayne, are at their absolute best: sunny, warm, and less crowded.
Beyond the beach, April in Miami means one thing: Miami Beach Pride. Already one of America’s most diverse and inclusive areas, this pride event celebrates love and LGBTQI+ pride. It brings countless parades, concerts, and parties to the city, making the already exciting city feel even more alive.
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