9 of the best places to visit in the USA in spring 2025

26.12.2024 - 18:51 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Springtime in the USA is a varied – and sometimes unpredictable – thing. Depending on where you are, you may experience warm, sunny days and wildflowers, soaking spring showers, or full-on snowstorms. But variety is the spice of life and one thing is universal: the infectious energy springtime brings as the northern hemisphere shakes off the winter chill in favor of the warmer days ahead.

Here are our favorite springtime destinations across the US, whether you’re looking for wildflowers, beaches, or simply good vibes. 

Best for wildflowers

Come April, Texas bluebonnets bloom into a gorgeous wave of indigo that covers acres and acres of fields in the countryside surrounding San Antonio and Austin, through hill country and beyond. And the bluebonnets don’t stand alone – you’ll also see prickly poppies, firewheels, winecups and more, all bringing their vibrant colors to Texas’ wide-open fields. 

Several towns embrace bluebonnet fever: Fredericksburg, Ennis and Chappell Hill are well-known bases for wildflower drives and hold festivals celebrating the flower season. 

While wildflower tourism can be extremely rewarding, it’s also important to be responsible: don’t cross fences onto private property, don’t walk through blooming fields, and of course, don’t pick the flowers! 

Best all-around

While the gorgeous stretch of California coast from Pismo Beach to Monterey is an incredible place to visit year-round, a springtime trip boasts unique rewards – and a lot of them. Visiting in early spring may mean having to dodge a rain shower or two, but you’ll beat the majority of the summer crowd; late spring yields beautiful, balmy weather and a show of wildflowers that ranks among the best in the world. Head to Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo County to see one of California’s famous superblooms, or witness colorful wildflowers among the sand at Oceano Dunes. 

If you turn your eyes oceanward, you may also catch the gray whale migration, which begins in March as the magnificent mammals travel south to Baja California.

Planning tip: Hwy 1 is the main artery through the central California coast, and it serves up one of the best road trips in the country. The road is at risk for landslides, however, so always check conditions on Caltrans before booking your hotel and/or hitting the road.

Best for swimming

Springtime is still a bit early to be hitting the water without a wetsuit in much of the US, but thanks to its relatively shallow depth, the Gulf of Mexico is one of the first places to heat up. If you’re hankering for an ocean dip, make your way to the powdery gulf beaches in Alabama and Florida for maximum fun in the sun.

This shimmering stretch of coastline harbors tons of