9 of the Best Places To Travel in Spring in the US

The post-winter period on California's coast can be quite beautiful, and Monterey is regularly lauded as one of the best places to visit in spring. As an added bonus, you can reach the coastal town by driving the stunning Highway 1 through Big Sur, where you'll find Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, an excellent spot for cliffside hikes.

If you want to take in some wildlife, know that whale-watching season extends well into spring in Monterey Bay, or paddle out to explore the estuary of Elkhorn Slough on a guided kayak tour. If you'd rather stay on land, renting an electric bike and exploring 17-Mile Drive or the Old Coast Road is especially fun on a sunny day.

Many travelers are drawn to Phoenix's warm (but still comfortable) weather during the spring months, but it's baseball that really makes the city a popular destination for early spring trips for US travelers. As for your downtime between games, there's plenty to do beyond the ballparks. You can hike the trails of Camelback Mountain or visit the Desert Botanical Gardens to learn about the area's native plants.

Otherwise, head farther out to explore the Southwestern landscape: Hot-air balloon rides are the perfect way to see the rolling landscape of the Sonoran Desert from above, and you can even use Phoenix as your jumping-off point to explore the Grand Canyon.

Related: Visiting Phoenix for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

If you're seeking a city in bloom to visit this spring, you should head to Portland, Oregon, where it's all about the cherry blossoms and roses. A popular spring travel idea is to visit during the annual Rose Festival in June, when the city is taken over by parades and a variety of celebrations at the International Rose Test Garden.

While in town, you can rent a bike to tool around the cyclist-friendly city in search of cherry blossoms, and then keep exploring the local flora on a day trip to Multnomah Falls, where you can hike the trails to massive waterfalls.

A visit to Austin makes for one of the top spring trips in the US for many reasons, including its warm yet not-too-hot weather that's perfect for enjoying numerous outdoor activities. Biking tours are an especially popular way to take in the city's vibrant street art scene, while ending the day with sunset kayaking on Lady Bird Lake is another local favorite.

Alternatively, if the temps creep up and you need a way to cool off, Barton Springs Pool is the place to take a midday dip.

Related: Visiting Austin for the First Time? Here’s What to See and Do

If you're searching for spring travel deals in the US, keep an eye open for options that will bring you to Denver. The spring shoulder season is an excellent time to head to Colorado's capital city, as you'll find the weather is typically ideal for hiking and other outdoor adventures.

The Denver Botanic Gardens are also a must-visit at this time of year, which is right when the cherry blossoms are in bloom at the Japanese Gardens. To round out your visit, cheer on the home team with a stop at Coors Field to see the Colorado Rockies step up to the plate.

Related: Visiting Denver for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

If you can time your visit to Boise, Idaho, to coincide with the annual Treefort Music Festival, you'll understand why the city is one of the best places to travel in spring. Local and national musicians perform, and you can find smaller, immersive art activities throughout the town.

But before you throw yourself into the art and music scene, fuel up for the festivities by exploring the city on a walking food tour, during which you'll definitely learn about Idaho's history with the humble potato (and beyond). Once you've gotten your fill, head to the Boise Foothills to take in the views on a wildflower hike.

While you might think that New Orleans hits pause once the Mardi Gras festivities are over, really, it's just the beginning of the celebrations. Jazz Fest and the French Quarter Festival draw huge crowds to the city, and you can enjoy the temperate weather throughout the spring months.

A food tour is another must-do in the Crescent City, too, as they're the best way to sample some of the city's most delicious dishes, from jambalaya to po'boys. And to learn about some of the city's macabre history, you can book a ghost tour that takes you through one of the city's famous cemeteries.

Related: Food in New Orleans: 9 Quintessentially New Orleans Dishes and Where To Eat Them

Washington DC regularly tops the list of best spring vacation spots in the US, as that's when you'll find the National Cherry Blossom Festival taking over the capital. Cherry blossom tours are the best way to experience the event, accompanied by a local guide to help you navigate the crowds.

However, if you're also looking for a unique way to see the monuments while you're in town, a night tour is the way to go, as you'll see them all aglow.

Related: Know Before You Go: Experiencing Cherry Blossom Season in Washington DC

If your spring dreams have you thinking about heading to the Caribbean, put San Juan, Puerto Rico on your list. It ranks highly among preferred US spring break destinations, especially as a passport is not required for visits from the US.

Once there, spend a day exploring the history and food of Puerto Rico on a walking tour of Old San Juan. Then, head to the El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest that's part of the National Park Service. The massive park is best navigated on a guided tour, during which you can learn about the native flora and fauna from an expert.

Related: 13 Don’t-Miss Bucket List Experiences in Puerto Rico