Best Springtime Destinations

When you’ve had a long winter season indoors and Spring has finally arrived, you might be yearning to get out and take a vacation. It’s a great time to beat the summer tourist crowds and to get great prices on airfare and lodging. Here are the best places in the U.S. to visit in the springtime.

#1 Washington, D.C.
Spring is a great time to visit our nation’s capital when the cherry trees blossom. It is also a budget-friendly trip as most attractions don’t cost anything. Visit the Capitol building, the Library of Congress, the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. There are numerous museums and art galleries and springtime sporting and art events. Consider attending free concerts each evening at Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center.
#2 Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is one of the most popular travel destinations. Consider visiting in the Spring as it provides more moderate weather with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Vegas also gets fewer visitors during these months, making it easier to get better room accommodations and for a better price.  Springtime there are a variety of special events including NASCAR weekend, Viva Las Vegas, Academy of Country Music Awards and Vegas Uncork’d.
#3 New Orleans, Louisiana
Louisiana kicks off the Spring with more festivals than ever. You’ll find a wide variety of food, music and heritage festivals during the week and every weekend. The Blues Fest is one of the oldest blues festivals in the nation, first held in 1981. The festival features Louisiana’s own blues artists and their music,  known as swamp blues. In May, the annual Louisiana Pirate Festival happens, with all pirate-themed music, food, games, and contests.
#4 San Diego, California

You’ll avoid the rush of crowds if you go to San Diego in the Spring (but you have to avoid the week of Spring Break). You’ll still have enough traffic where there is a lot to do and see. Local theme parks will be open longer and there are more events and activities. Stroll the streets, listen to live music, peruse local art and taste delicious food during any one of its festivals. Weather should be clear and sunny.

#5 Phoenix, Arizona

While it’s a year-round destination, early Spring in Phoenix is the best time to visit. The temperature is mild, usually in the 70s and because early Spring is the end of prime time to visit, you may be able to score better pricing on things. It is also a pleasant time to visit Phoenix with the added attraction of blooming cacti and wildflowers. Explore the Sonoran Desert by hiking, biking, or kayaking. Don’t forget Phoenix’s famous golf courses.

#6 Portland, Maine

Spring is a great time to visit the Greater Portland region of Maine. Usually held the last Sunday in March, maple syrup farms welcome the public to learn more about tapping maple trees, making and sampling syrup. The Portland Flower Show and the Maine Boatbuilders Show are wonderful excursions. Get outside for walks on the Boulevard or in the Maine Wildlife Park, take a canoe or kayak ride through the Scarborough Marsh or a cruise on the Bay or in the Harbor.

#7 Naples, Florida

Naples is not a popular Spring Break destination so it is a relaxing place to vacation. Daytime temperatures this time of year hover in the 80s which is perfect beach or golf weather. Festivals include the Old Florida Festival and the Great Dock Canoe Race.

#8 Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is beautiful this time of year with vibrant colors of azaleas, dogwoods and other flowers in bloom. Visit one of Charleston’s area beaches for a beautiful walk in the warm sand. Temperatures are mild in the 60s to 70s this time of year, perfect for outdoor activities. The Piccolo Spoleto is a huge art festival with plenty of events that are either low cost or free. Walking tours, museums and shopping all are wonderful activities to do.

#9 New York City, New York

New York has so much to offer year-round but Spring is great as the weather is usually in the 60s to 70s. Shop, site see, walk the parks and attend the flea markets and festivals, like the Macy’s Flower Show. TheFrieze New York is an annual art fair that happens in May. The best Broadway shows tend to come out this time of year as well.

#10 Chicago Illinois

The ideal time to visit Chicago is April through May. Temperatures are warm and walking the city is comfortable. Bring a jacket as sometimes there is rain and temperatures can fall a little on the cool side. There are a variety of festivals that take place and crowds are manageable. Check out the Chicago Improv fesival.