The Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Spring

By Bri Hand | Mar 11, 2022

View of the cherry blossoms in spring in Washington, D.C.

Spring is nearly upon us, and we’re dreaming about the sweet scent of new blooms, the warmer weather, and refreshing our mindset. If you’re a digital nomad thinking about heading somewhere new to take advantage of all this wonderful season has to offer, check out our 10 favorite places to visit this spring:

1. Park City, Utah

Though spring is technically “off-season” for this charming ski town, Park City is just as picturesque come springtime (and far, far less crowded). Skiers can still enjoy hitting the slopes at Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain, with the added perk of sunnier and warmer weather. Want to leave your ski boots behind? Park City’s mountains can be enjoyed by hiking and biking further into the season.

Adventurers love spending time at this city’s renowned Utah Olympic Park, where you can spend a fun afternoon ziplining, navigating your way through various ropes courses, or zooming down an alpine slide. Want to learn something new? Try your hand at fly fishing on the Provo River!

Cap off your fun-filled spring day by exploring one of Park City’s many outdoor markets or jamming out at one of its beloved spring concerts.

2. Asheville, North Carolina

The craft beer capital of the U.S. really shines this time of year, with residents and visitors alike enjoying Asheville’s vast outdoor brewery scene. There are also plenty of charming wineries to visit in the area.

Whether you have a green thumb yourself or just want to admire greenery you don’t have to keep alive yourself, Asheville is a shining example of the old adage, “April showers bring May flowers.” Check out the stunning gardens at the famous Biltmore Estate, and be sure to visit the North Carolina Arboretum and the Botanical Gardens of Asheville for more floral fun.

Looking to get outdoors? There are hundreds of miles of hiking and walking trails surrounding the city that are fit for people of all experiences and levels. You’ll love admiring the area’s natural beauty, including the many trailside wildflowers that bloom this time of year. If you’ve brought your car with you to Asheville, spring is a fantastic time of year to take a drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most beautiful scenic byways in the U.S.

3. Washington, D.C.

No list of the best places to visit in spring would be complete without our nation’s capital—and for good reason! Every spring, visitors flock to Washington, D.C. to see the area’s stunning cherry blossoms come to life around the last week of March. Attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival or the National Cherry Blossom Parade to get into the floral spirit, or just enjoy the myriad photo opportunities around town—we recommend taking a paddleboat or swan boat out on the Tidal Basin for some top-notch shots!

You can expect the weather to warm up the later you wait to visit, with highs around 56 degrees in March, highs of 67 degrees in April, and highs of 76 degrees in May. Temperatures tend to climb into the high 80s in the summer, making spring a more comfortable time to spend your time outdoors.

Other top spring attractions in Washington, D.C. include exploring the National Botanic Garden, taking a break from the occasional rain shower in one of the city’s many free museums, or catching a Washington Nationals baseball game.

Landing members Ivan and Madison spent the spring in Washington, D.C. and had the time of their life! Check out their recommendations for what to see and do in our blog post, “Tales of a Digital Nomad: Our Favorite Restaurants and Free Activities in Washington, D.C.”

4. Tucson, Arizona

Though Tucson boasts amazing weather the majority of the year, it’s only in the spring that the succulents and cacti really showcase their blossoms. Residents and visitors alike love watching the area’s wildflowers and desert floor start to bloom.

You’ll also find fewer crowds if you choose to visit Tucson in spring, as the area’s famed snowbirds will have already headed home. Plus, you’ll benefit from Tucson’s mild spring weather, when compared to its staggering triple-digit temperatures during the summer months.

Tucson offers plenty of fun things to do, with fantastic hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding trails surrounding the city. And, no visit to Tucson would be complete without a trip to nearby Saguaro National Park, which is chock full of its namesake cacti.

Other ways to enjoy the spring weather in this city include hiking up Tumamoc Hill, exploring the caverns at Colossal Cave, and taking a scenic drive up Mount Lemmon.

5. Palm Springs, California

Similar to Tucson, Palm Springs is another area that’s best enjoyed before the summer’s overbearing heat hits town. You can expect the area to be relatively busy, with other people having the same idea as you, but the trade-off is well worth the crowds.

Spend your spring days in Palm Springs relaxing poolside with a cool glass of wine, soaking all your worries away in its wealth of hot springs, or practicing your swing at one of the area’s many golf courses. In the mood for a workout? The surrounding Coachella Valley is perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Speaking of Coachella, spring is when the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival comes to town! Palm Springs is just 30 minutes from this renowned music festival, so if you happen to be in the area come April, it may be worth snagging a ticket or two.

6. New York City

Traveling to New York City in the spring means missing out on horrendous winter weather (score!) and watching this snow-covered city come back to life. The weather is warm and pleasant, the city isn’t overrun with tourists, and flowers are blooming everywhere you turn.

Be sure to check out the cherry blossom trees at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (we recommend checking out the Sakura Matsuri festival!), or swing by the New York Botanical Garden or the annual Macy’s Flower Show.

There is no shortage of things to do in New York City this time of year. Grab a pint in one of the city’s many beer gardens, admire the skyline view from a rooftop bar, or catch a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. You’ll also love basking in the warm weather as you explore Central Park and meander along the Highline.

7. New Orleans, Louisiana

Even if you’ve missed the craziness that is Mardi Gras in New Orleans, there’s still plenty to do in this southern city during the spring. NOLA’s weather is a major draw for visitors, with warm temperatures in the low 70s and mid-90s in the spring.

Festivals are the name of the game here this time of year, between the French Quarter Festival, the Freret Street Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. You can also observe the fun with a cocktail in hand from a rooftop or patio, or settle into the grass in a local park for a picnic.

Feeling hungry? Spring marks the beginning of crawfish season in New Orleans, so be sure to try this local staple—among other delicious delicacies!—while you’re in town.

8. San Diego, California

Let’s be honest—San Diego is well known for being an amazing destination no matter what time of year you visit. This city never gets too hot or too cold, making for the perfect mild-weather spring getaway. Take the opportunity while you’re in town to try your hand at surfing, or admire the ocean views from above at La Jolla and other cliffside hiking trails in the area.

The San Diego Zoo is also a must-visit, whether you have kids of your own or are a kid at heart. This world-famous zoo even has fantastic botanic gardens to explore, especially in the spring!

Plus, have we mentioned the sunsets? Set up a fire pit on the beach, listen to the sound of crashing waves, and watch the smoldering sun disappear over the Pacific—trust us, it’s what dreams are made of.

9. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Another stunning desert landscape, Santa Fe is a great area to spend the spring due to its mild temperatures, numerous opportunities for hiking, and gorgeous natural landscapes full of blooming lilacs against the area’s famed adobe buildings.

If you want a break from the sunshine, take the time to explore Santa Fe’s “Museum Hill,” home to museums such as the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, the Museum of Indian Art and Culture, the Museum of International Folk Art, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, and the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens.

Still not over your favorite winter activities? Squeeze in some more skiing at Sangre de Cristos, even during the springtime!

10. Other popular places to visit in the spring

Beyond popular U.S. cities, there are particular attractions throughout the country that are well worth a visit during springtime. Some of our favorites include:

Kick-start your springtime adventure with Landing

Looking to head somewhere new? Landing offers fully furnished apartments in over 375 cites throughout the U.S., all with flexible lease terms that let you stay in town for as long as you’d like. Browse Landing’s apartments today, and learn more about how you can take your spring to the next level by exploring the best the U.S. has to offer.

Bri Hand

Bri Hand is Landing's Content Marketing Manager. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts, with her partner and dog, Arlo, but relishes any opportunity she can to travel so she can try new foods, see gorgeous sights, and daydream about living somewhere new after visiting there for less than 24 hours.