Are you planning a trip Best Places to Travel in April? Many locations worldwide experience flower displays during the first full month of spring, including the renowned cherry blossoms that annually turn Washington, D.C., pink. While snow sports enthusiasts still have time to go in a few runs, we also have recommendations for those eager for sunlight and warm temperatures. It would help if you started making plans to see this astronomical event as soon as possible because a total solar eclipse will also be visible from several locations in North America. These are the top destinations in the United States and abroad for April 2024 travel.
best places to go in april
Adirondack Mountains, New York
The Adirondack Mountains, around 300 miles from Manhattan in northeastern New York State, will be among the best places in the Northeast to witness the solar eclipse on April 8. According to Matthew Wheeler, general manager of High Peaks Resort, “Tourists in the Lake Placid region will enjoy spectacular views of the eclipse over the Adirondack Mountains as day turns into night for a brief three minutes.” Activities in the interim include skiing in the latter part of the season, visiting the recently renovated Lake Placid Olympic Center, going on an outdoor adventure at New Vida Preserve, and seeing the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, which houses one of the biggest collections of Winter Olympics memorabilia in the world.
Washington, D.C.
One annual event is the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Annually in the nation’s capital from March 20 to April 14, elevating the already beautiful springtime there. A few years ago, I had the good fortune to visit Washington during the bloom. I still remember the tourists’ amazement at the delicate petals that covered the ground beneath us and hung overhead. Walking along Union Market, The Wharf, and the National Mall is encouraged during mild weather. In addition to providing something for every interest, D.C.’s numerous excellent museums make ideal locations to take cover on a gloomy or wet day.
Oxnard and Ventura, California
Less than 100 miles from Los Angeles, these seaside cities are perfect for a spring (or summer) getaway from the big city. Strawberries are a specialty of Oxnard, and they ripen starting in April and last all year. A third of the state’s strawberry production comes from this region, attracting many tourists who select their own fruit and indulge in strawberry shortcakes, pies, ice cream, and drinks. Later in the year, on May 18–19, at Ventura County Fairgrounds, there will be the California Strawberry Festival. Ventura is a nearby town with beaches, hiking trails, and ferries to Channel Islands National Park.
Napa Valley, California
April is the best time to visit Napa Valley if you love wine, breathtaking landscapes, and shoulder season tourism. California poppies are in bloom, summer crowds are still months away, and you might see the last of the season’s brilliant yellow wild mustard blossoms. There are open tasting rooms, and Merlot Mastery, an immersive educational experience, is available at Sullivan Rutherford Estate, a gorgeous winery I visited last year. Guests at Silverado Resort can play golf or improve their racquet skills with Pickleball Camp (April 20–21) and Tennis Camp (April 25–27). Drive through fields of springtime flowers and grapevines, or take in the sights from the Napa Valley Wine Train.
Salt Lake City, Utah
In search of skiing in the spring? Before heading for the mountains, consider Utah’s capital your starting point and stay there for a few days. To heighten your anticipation, there is a bustling nightlife, dining options, breweries, bars, and vistas of snow-capped mountains. There are snowy slopes for all skill levels of skiers, snowboarders, and winter sports enthusiasts in Alta, Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, and Park City, all of which are less than 40 miles distant. I didn’t ski, but I still had a great time during my winter vacation in Park City, where I tried snowshoeing, which I enjoyed, and I appreciated the quaint downtown and top-notch dining options.
Tampa, Florida
In April, temperatures in the mid-80s are great for visiting Tampa because of bright days and chilly evenings. The Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival, which takes place in the spring from April 9–13, features celebrity visitors, tasting events, and a Chef Showdown competition. The Straz Center on Tampa’s Riverwalk hosts the yearly Taste at The Straz on April 27 to raise money for its exceptional operas, concerts, and theater events. Stroll beside the river, visit Water Street, and enjoy a boat ride (you can also rent one, like I did on a vacation last year, and float around in something that looked like my old ’57 Chevy). The Ybor City Historical Walking Tour, which teaches visitors about Tampa’s history as a hub for cigar production, is another one of my favorites.
New York
The city that never sleeps is filled with blooms. Visitors may see more than 30,000 different kinds of flowers at the yearly Macy’s Flower Show, the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden, and cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. There will be talks, exhibits, and more during the free event. A trip to one of New York City’s top museums, a Broadway play, or some shopping is made possible by the arrival of spring showers. In addition, there are many free activities to do in New York City, such as taking a stroll in Central Park, hiking the High Line, or taking in the scenery from the Brooklyn Bridge.
Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii’s oldest and northernmost island is known as “Garden Island.” Though Kauai experiences more rainfall than neighboring islands, those willing to endure the downpours will be rewarded with waterfalls and lush rainforests. As April falls inside the island’s shoulder season, you can still catch the end of the whale-watching season and find a deal on travel or lodging. There are many ways to enjoy Kauai, from tubing down canals above mountains to unwinding on the island’s stunning beaches.
London, England
Because April falls after the coldest days of winter and before summer visitors arrive, it’s one of the best times to visit London. One of the most well-known marathons in the world takes place every year on April 21 in London, and it passes by iconic locations, including Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf. After the fun, unwind with delicious and sweet sweets while sipping afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, The Dorchester, or Brown’s. The city’s hotels provide luxurious lounges and inventive menus if you’re more of a cocktail person. We’ve compiled a list of London’s best cocktail bars so you can locate the greatest places to sip.
Western Australia
There are many ways for visitors to experience Western Australia, from the beaches of Rottnest Island to the ancient port town of Fremantle and Perth’s sophisticated metropolitan ambiance. April brings warmer weather, sandy beaches, and breathtaking sunsets along Perth’s Indian Ocean coastline. A thirty-minute ferry ride from Fremantle takes you to car-free Rottnest Island, which has beaches, walking paths, adorable quokkas, and the Wadjemup Museum, which offers information on the history of the island and its Aboriginal population. Take a seaplane ride to see the region from above, or venture along the untamed shoreline on Seabourn’s Kimberley cruise. Approximately 100 wineries in the Margaret River region provide tours and tastings to guests.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is well-known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include historic temples and shrines. When the springtime cherry blossoms bloom, Kyoto is particularly lovely. Festivals, parades, and nighttime illumination are held in honor of the pink and white sakura, which symbolizes rebirth following the winter season. The weather in April is ideal for enjoying traditional kaiseki dining and touring Kyoto’s gardens, teahouses, and historical monuments. Tokyo can be reached quickly by bullet train from Kyoto, which visitors may experience on a private excursion, small group tour, or self-guided adventure with InsideJapan Tours.
Lake Como, Italy
The antique homes, resorts, and quaint towns that adorn the shores of this lake in northern Italy are largely responsible for its reputation. However, James Bond and George Clooney also have a hand in it. Shoulder season begins in April when guests come, and the hotels reopen. Naturally, summer is the most popular season, but spring also has lovely weather. The beautiful houses with meticulous landscaping are best viewed from a boat cruise; few are accessible for public visits. A few years ago, I had a tour of Villa del Balbianello and was astounded by the grounds, the structure, the artwork, and the history. Italy’s most popular resorts are those around Lake Como.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver offers a handy late-season ski trip and a visit to a beautiful city with various neighborhoods, amazing restaurants, and pleasant weather. Grouse Mountain, only 15 minutes from Vancouver’s downtown, has a skating pond, restaurants, and more, in addition to skiing and snowboarding through early May. With over 200 slopes spread across 8,000 acres of terrain, Whistler Blackcomb offers world-class snow activities approximately two hours north. Nearby Richmond, home to Vancouver International Airport, has an authentic fishing village, art, history, and an indoor multi-sport venue called the Richmond Olympic Oval.
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Virgin Gorda is the third biggest of the more than sixty islands that comprise the British Virgin Islands. It features immaculate beaches, opulent resorts, and national parks. Activities include boating, diving, snorkeling, swimming, and hiking. Hikers can take in the view from the summit of Gorda Peak. “The crystal blue waters and temperate weather, along with fewer crowds compared to earlier in the year, make April a lovely time to visit our beautiful island,” says Emily Oakes, vice president at Oil Nut Bay for business. To experience the island the most, visitors can arrange trips to view Devil’s Bay National Park, The Baths, and even the Wreck of the Chikuzen through scuba diving. Flying from Miami, St. Thomas, and now San Juan, visitors can arrive in a semi-private jet. Popular BVI locations include Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, and a few private island resorts.
River Cruise in France
The European river cruise season opens in the spring, with most companies opening mid-March. April is a particularly lovely month in France, and sailing is a great way to explore many major cities and smaller towns along the nation’s rivers. Beginning in Paris, passengers on the AmaWaterways Paris and Normandy cruise go down the Seine to Le Havre, the famed Normandy Beaches, historic Rouen, and Giverny, the home of Claude Monet, before ending their journey back in Paris. There are several cruise options on the French rivers with Vikings, one being a beautiful voyage through Lyon and Provence. Additionally, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises offers river cruises across France, with the Ultimate France itinerary available on voyages lasting up to 22 days.
