Spring holds various meanings for different people. Some loathe it for the allergies it stirs, while others get excited over Reese’s eggs and other seasonal candies. For most, it means warmer weather after a long winter and flowers in bloom.
With that lively turn in the weather comes a strong desire to get out and head somewhere new. If you’re looking for the best spring destinations in the US, you’ve come to the right place. This list ditches the booze-soaked spring break destinations and the long lines of amusement parks to bring you the best and most popular places this country has to offer.
Southern California Desert
While California’s coastal areas are tempting, they’re better left for a summer vacation. Spring happens to be the best time to visit the deserts, especially in the southern part of the state. Palm Springs is the most popular of desert destinations this time of year thanks to temperatures in the mid-80s and plenty of fun activities.
Golf courses, hiking trails, mountain vistas, and sparkling pools at top-tier hotels are just a few of highlights. That’s in addition to spas and shopping sprees galore. You’ll also find the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicking off a slew of fun festivals as well as the Joshua Tree National Park and Anza Borrego Desert State Park.
Washington D.C.
The capitol’s gifted Cherry Blossoms in bloom are a rare sight in the U.S., as is most of D.C. You can walk or paddleboat the Tidal Basin, gander at the various national monuments, or visit any of the exceptional museums like the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
This is a very busy time of year for D.C. as tourists flock to see the Cherry Blossom Festival and congress is in session. It can also be a very expensive stay when opting for a hotel. If you love excitement and haven’t visited the capitol yet, however, this is a fantastic spring trip.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Located in both North Carolina and Tennessee, this park hosts 10 million tourists each year. As a spring destination, you beat the dense summer crowds and enjoy far more bearable weather. Log cabins, streams, waterfalls, forests and mountains await hikers as well as those looking for a scenic drive.
In spring, you’ll also catch an abundance of wildflowers in bloom. Head over to the Tennessee side and you’ll find historic towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, not to mention Dolly Parton’s Dollywood. If you’re ready to reconnect with nature, then this is a top-choice destination.
Holland, Michigan
You don’t have to leave the country to get a taste of the Netherlands. Western Michigan is home to a town called Holland, founded by immigrants from the Netherlands and featuring fine-tuned touches of their home.
Tulip fields of all colors are in bloom this time of year as Holland hosts its Tulip Time Festival, paying tribute to their heritage with all things old-world and traditional. Dancing, parades, food, concerts, costumed reenactors, and more are on the docket. You’ll also find plenty of Dutch-inspired windmills as well as cheese-making demonstrations.
Staying Safe
These are just a few of the most popular and unique spring destinations that the United States has to over. The Oregon Coast, New York City, Hilton Head Island, and Chicago are also worth checking out when planning your trip.
While Spring isn’t as busy as summer, you’ll still need to prepare and stay safe on the road. It’s always worth knowing the contact information of a skilled legal agent, like this San Jose car accident attorney, just to have your bases covered. Have fun on your journey and stay safe.