Are you thinking of planning a trip to the US in Spring but aren’t sure where to go? Keep scrolling to check out my top 9 best US cities to visit in April this spring season!
This list of the best US cities to visit in April was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Even though summer is when most people choose to travel, exploring cities during the springtime brings in a whole new layer to places you may already know well. Spring tends to bring in lower prices, fewer crowds, and milder weather, all of which create the perfect recipe for traveling to the best cities to visit in April.
Moreover, this time of the year tends to be magical, with blooming flowers, festivals taking place, and locals feeling generally happy now that winter blues are gone.
Whether it’s admiring cherry blossoms in New York City and Chicago, exploring the historic streets of St. Augustine, or taking in the stunning views along the California Coast, spring is the best time to explore before summer crowds arrive.
If you want to plan an escape somewhere new but don’t know where to go yet, here’s a list of some of the best places to visit in the US in spring.
The Best US Cities to Visit in April
1. New York City, New York
Even though it likely won’t be that warm, the Big Apple is another great city in the USA to visit in spring.
For one, you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s major attractions without dealing with the summer crowds. We recently spent a week in NYC, and it was incredible!
Walking around Central Park during the spring has a much more local feel.
Plus, museums are significantly quieter at this time of the year. My top picks include the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa), The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met), and others.
Aside from that, cherry blossoms bloom all over the city once spring creeps in early April.
Lovely places to see them include Central Park, Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, New York Botanical Garden, Roosevelt Island, Sakura Park, Washington Square Park, and Green-Wood Cemetery, to name just a few!
If you’re considering going on a family trip, here are our top kid-friendly NYC hotels!
2. Portland, Oregon
As the largest city in Oregon, Portland is one of the most unique cities in the United States and an excellent spring destination if you don’t mind somewhat chilly temperatures.
Located right between the Willamette and Columbia rivers, Portland is where you’ll find culture all over.
The city is known for its incredible coffee culture, delicious craft beer, artsy vibes, and quirky establishments. It’s also a symbol of eco-friendly and sustainable cities.
Moreover, Portland is a fantastic hub to explore some of the best Oregon offers in terms of nature, making it a wonderful place to visit if you want to mix nature and city for your next getaway.
Spring in Oregon also means it’s a great time for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy hikes through grassy hills and spot blooming wildflowers across the landscape.
It’s a great jumping-off point to see some small towns in Oregon, the Seven Wonders of Oregon, or even some amazing Oregon Coast towns!
3. Chicago, Illinois
Warm weather shouldn’t be expected on a spring getaway to Chicago. But it’s the biggest city in the Midwest and the third largest in the United States. It’s glorious to visit if you love humongous concrete jungles.
Famed for its skyscraper-lined skyline, baseball, and delicious food, the Windy City has much more to offer visitors on its menu. There are tons of Chicago tours for families!
A couple of days should be enough to experience the main highlights if you only have a weekend to spend, but if you have more time, you’ll never really run out of things to do during your visit! There are tons of kid-friendly things to do in Chicago!
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom all over Jackson Park, colorful tulips blanket Michigan Avenue and the entire city seems to turn green.
Outdoor restaurants and parks start seeing life again, and the entire vibe around the city bursts to life now that sunny days are back.
Chicago is also a fantastic spot for art lovers and history buffs, with plenty of museums and cultural institutions to explore.
4. Monterey, California
Warm weather, beautiful parks, beach goodness, and a lot of marine life are the staples of this stunning tourist destination in Central California.
Located on the Pacific Coast, Monterey is a city known for its relaxing vibes. It’s pretty much the capital of marine life in the United States, thanks to the vibrant ecosystems that live under its waves.
It’s also home to an incredible aquarium (Monterey Bay Aquarium). This is where thousands of species live. Visitors can enjoy educational opportunities through exhibits and fun interactive activities.
Moreover, Monterey is also a wonderful place to explore some of the best places the California coast offers, with plenty of easy day trips.
Spring is also a great time for whale watching season, as gray whales and humpback whales migrate along the coast.
For a quiet day exploring quaint streets, head over to Carmel-by-the-Sea to enjoy its charming small towns with a European feel.
Or, if you want nature, you can drive over to Point Lobos State Park or Pfeiffer Beach State Park to get a taste of the best the natural wonders that the Big Sur area offers in terms of scenery!
5. St. Augustine, Florida
This is the oldest city in the United States and a true gem to visit any time of the year, thanks to its year-round warm temperatures.
As you walk its charming streets, you’ll feel as though you’re walking amid a city in Europe. This is all thanks to its lovely colonial architecture and historical landmarks that date back 500 years to when settlers founded St. Augustine.
Aside from simply gawking at its architecture, there’s much more to do here, including lounging at the beach, enjoying water activities, visiting its incredible zoo, tasting craft beer, and much more.
You may also want to join an annual event around the city like their celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and the Old Town Art Show.
Spring is an ideal time to check out St. Augustine because the weather is often in perfect conditions this time of they year because it isn’t as hot as summer.
Moreover, you’ll see significantly fewer crowds just as long as you don’t visit during Spring Break!
6. Miami, Florida
Another glorious spring destination if beaches and beautiful weather are what you’re after is Miami.
This is where you’ll enjoy golden beaches, shallow waters, multicolored neighborhoods, a plethora of nature and outdoor activities, and some of the most exciting parties in the country.
Miami has something to offer everyone, regardless of their travel styles and interests.
Here, you can spend days lounging by the beach, enjoying water sports, exploring streets lined by Art Deco buildings and striking murals.
Or spend the day enjoying the variety of multicultural gastronomy you’ll find all over the city, infused by Caribbean influences.
Heading out to nature is also an option, with places like Everglades National Park being just a stone’s throw away.
Granted, if you’re not into crowds and big parties, you may want to avoid visiting Miami during the week of Spring Break. Any other time, though, you should be treated to emptier streets than in summer!
7. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Commonly known as the Steel City, Pittsburgh is another wonderful spring destination if getting warmth isn’t at the top of your priorities.
The city was made famous for its steel production, but these days, you’ll find it’s actually a pretty interesting place to visit.
A lively nightlife, plenty of shopping options, and a huge variety of museums make Pittsburgh an amazing choice.
The Andy Warhol Museum, the Cathedral of Learning, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Museum of Natural History are all places you don’t want to miss out on visiting while in Pittsburgh.
Spring also means plenty of colors start popping up all over the city. Cherry blossoms blanket the streets of Pittsburgh, and tons of vibrant wildflowers blooming start appearing at the top of Mount Washington this time of the year!
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is another gorgeous spring destination if art lovers and history buffs.
The city is filled with some of the most important historical landmarks in the United States. There are also plenty of incredible museums and some of the most iconic buildings in the country, such as Independence Hall.
The best part of Philly lies in its Historic District, which played an important role in the history of the United States as an independent country.
These historic landmarks and incredible museums are perfect for respite if the weather gets too chilly. Other wonderful things to do include checking out the Drexel University Academy of Natural Sciences, Sesame Place, and the Philadelphia Zoo.
Walking tours of Philadelphia are a great way to explore its rich history, from the Liberty Bell to Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest residential street in the United States.
For those looking to explore beyond the city, a scenic drive to the Blue Ridge Mountains offers breathtaking stunning views, blooming wildflowers, and a peaceful escape into nature
As a tip, you can combine a spring trip to Philadelphia with a visit to New York City since they’re just a short train ride away and can easily be combined into a single visit!
9. San Juan, Puerto Rico
The United States covers so much territory that visiting the Caribbean on a quick getaway is possible without even needing a passport!
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is as colorful as it gets and a wonderful spring destination for sun-worshippers who don’t want to deal with the crowds of winter and summer.
Moreover, temperatures are milder at this time of the year and are perfect for walking around Old San Juan’s multicolored streets.
Enjoying drinks at beach clubs, snorkeling in crystal clear waters, visiting historical sites that date back to the Spanish colonization, and tasting Caribbean food as delicious as it gets are all part of what makes a trip to San Juan an absolute dream.
There are also lots of things to do in Puerto Rico with kids!
If you’re into nature, you can also take a day trip to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States.
Best US Cities to Visit in April Wrap-Up
Spring is the perfect time to explore the best places to visit in the U.S., whether you’re into history, food, nature, or simply looking for a new adventure. From the colorful streets of San Juan to the historic charm of Philadelphia, there are so many best places to experience during this season
Not to mention, spring is also whale watching season in some coastal areas, the start of festival season in major cities, and the best chance to see blooming wildflowers before the summer heat kicks in. If you love outdoor activities, it’s a excellent time to go hiking, take a walking tour, or just relax and enjoy the stunning views.
Have you been to any of these best places to visit in the spring? Do you have a favorite city to visit this time of year? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your recommendations!