Adrian Berlutti
There’s something about that first warm breeze after a long winter that makes everything feel possible again. The coats come off, the days get longer, and suddenly the world looks a little brighter. If you’re in the U.S., spring brings more than allergy season: it’s the perfect excuse to do stuff you’ve been putting off or didn’t even know you needed.
Visit The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
From mid-March to early May, this reserve in Lancaster, California, typically hosts vivid displays of blooming poppies. In low-rain years like 2025, the bloom may be sparse, so check conditions before visiting. Trails stretch for eight miles, and visitors are asked to remain on paths to protect the delicate hillside habitat.
Immerse Yourself In Music And Art At The Coachella Valley Festival
Held from April 11 to 13 and April 18 to 20 in Indio, California, Coachella features headliners like Travis Scott, Lady Gaga, Post Malone, and Green Day in 2025. The festival combines live music, interactive art, and curated food stalls across the Empire Polo Club. With over 100,000 daily attendees, early lodging and ticket planning are absolutely necessary.
Drive The Willow City Loop In Texas For Wildflowers
This scenic 13-mile drive outside Fredericksburg weaves through canyons and private ranchland. In wetter years, spring brings bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush. In 2025, the bloom is below average, but the drive remains picturesque. Visitors must stay in their vehicles; stopping or stepping off-road damages fragile habitats and is strongly discouraged.
Hike The Great Smoky Mountains For Spring Wildflowers
Mid-April through May, the Smokies come alive with trilliums, violets, and bloodroot. The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, running April 23 to 26, offers guided hikes through popular trails like Porters Creek and Cove Hardwood. With over 1,500 flowering plant species, this is one of the richest wildflower regions in the US every spring.
Celebrate The Portland Rose Festival In Oregon
Portland’s Rose Festival starts in late May, with flagship events like the Grand Floral Parade scheduled for June 7 in 2025. Visitors can explore the International Rose Test Garden and attend floral shows, dragon boat races, and community celebrations that reflect the city’s century-long connection to its gardening legacy.
Watch Gray Whales Along California’s Coastline
Each spring, gray whales migrate north past California’s coast from Baja to Alaska. Look for mothers and calves near Big Sur, Point Reyes, or the Channel Islands. Sightings peak March through May, though recent concerns over gray whale health may affect visibility. Some towns offer charter tours with onboard guides.
Explore The National Mall During Cherry Blossom Season
Washington, DC’s cherry blossoms peak between late March and early April, masking the Tidal Basin with clouds of soft pink. The 2025 Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 to April 13, featuring kite shows, performances, and historical tours. Bloom timing varies, so watch forecasts for the best viewing window.
Experience The Savannah Music Festival
From March 27 to April 12, the Savannah Music Festival returns with classical, jazz, world music, and Americana across downtown venues. Performances are held in theaters and churches—even courtyards. International acts join local talent, and the festival hosts educational programs for students, preserving Savannah’s musical traditions while showcasing new voices.
Attend The Tulip Time Festival In Holland, Michigan
From May 2 to 11, Tulip Time takes over Holland with millions of tulips blooming across parks and gardens. The festival celebrates the town’s Dutch heritage with parades, klompen dancers, historic tours, and a Dutch market. It draws thousands annually and remains one of the Midwest’s most beloved spring events.
Canoe The Ozark National Scenic Riverways In Missouri
The Current and Jacks Fork Rivers offer spring-fed clarity and scenic solitude in the Ozarks. April and May bring mild weather, rising water levels, and blooming dogwoods along the limestone bluffs. Canoeing here offers an easy rhythm. Just pack a lunch and paddle into peace and quiet.
Tour Historic Homes At The Charleston Festival
From mid-March to mid-April, Charleston’s Historic Festival offers rare access to private homes and gardens across the city. Docents explain architectural details, preservation efforts, and local history. Visitors can also enjoy lectures and walking tours, making it a must-see for anyone curious about Charleston’s antebellum past.
Visit The Desert Botanical Garden In Phoenix, Arizona
Spring brings flowering cacti and desert wildflowers to this 50-acre garden in Phoenix. March and April feature blooming ocotillo, saguaro, and barrel cactus. The 2025 season includes “Orchid Fever” and evening events. With trails winding through desert plants from around the world, it’s a colorful, climate-friendly escape from the city.
Bike The Cades Cove Loop In Tennessee
Cades Cove’s 11-mile loop offers scenic rides past log cabins and open meadows with blooming dogwoods. While spring weekdays still allow biking, vehicle-free Wednesdays resume in May 2025. Rentals are available nearby, and early morning is best for spotting wildlife like deer and wild turkeys before the traffic increases.
Join The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival In Virginia
Winchester’s Apple Blossom Festival runs April 25 to May 4 this year, combining small-town traditions with spring flair. Expect a full week of parades, a carnival, firework shows, and music. The event honors the Shenandoah Valley’s apple-growing history and blends agricultural pride with lighthearted, family-friendly celebration.
Attend Biltmore Blooms In Asheville, North Carolina
Tulips and azaleas explode across the Biltmore Estate’s formal gardens from late March through mid-May. Biltmore Blooms includes access to Olmsted-designed terrain, the Conservatory, and spring-only floral installations. Each year’s bloom schedule shifts slightly with the weather, but the estate’s sweeping views and manicured gardens are always worth it.
Take A hike Up Dog Mountain In The Columbia River Gorge
Dog Mountain’s 6.9-mile loop is a steep, wildflower-covered challenge each May. Yellow balsamroot and purple lupine frame panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge. Permits are required on weekends through mid-June to protect the trail. Expect a 2,800-foot elevation gain and bring layers—spring weather changes quickly up here.
Explore The Chicago Botanic Garden
Just north of the city in Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden bursts into bloom from March through May. Cherry blossoms, tulips, and magnolias fill its 27 themed gardens and natural areas. Spring events include orchid exhibitions and garden walks. Admission is free, but you’ll need timed-entry parking reservations on weekends.
Experience The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
Held June 5 to 9, this annual event celebrates Southern cuisine with seminars and curated dinners across the French Quarter and Warehouse District. Guests can sip, stroll, and sample while supporting culinary education and local nonprofits. Events range from walk-around wine tastings to upscale pairings with award-winning chefs.
Volunteer In A Local Park Or Garden
Spring is ideal for hands-on service like planting natives or clearing invasive brush. Many city parks, land trusts, and gardens offer volunteer days tied to Earth Month or National Volunteer Week (April 20–26). It’s a rewarding way to connect with a new place—boots on, gloves on, pitch in.
Camp Or Hike In A National Park Before Summer Crowds
Spring in parks like Zion or Acadia means cooler temps and fewer visitors. Wildflowers line lower trails, though high-altitude passes may still be snow-covered. Check beforehand, as some roads open late; Tioga Pass in Yosemite often stays closed into June. Book your campsite early; those permits start selling out fast.
