CATALYST PLANET - 10 Best Places to Travel in the US this Spring

A guide to the most beautiful spots to experience in the springtime.

Cherry blossoms across from the Jefferson Memorial. Ron Cogswell. CC BY 2.0.

As the winter comes to a close, all of nature begins to bloom, bringing with it many opportunities to explore the different landscapes of the U.S. Spring is the perfect time for a regenerative getaway, a break from the cold weather, and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of work. Travel this spring to some of the most beautiful spots in America, listed below.

1. Washington D.C.

Cherry blossom trees line the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C.’s springtime. Nicolas Raymond. CC BY 2.0.

Known for its bursts of cherry blossom trees, Washington D.C. is a must-see location this spring. The nation’s capital blooms every year with its crisp, cool air and vibrant natural beauty. Visit the many monumental treasures of D.C. like the Library of Congress, Capitol, and the Lincoln Memorial. For those who don’t want to get caught up in the flood of tourists, Georgetown – the oldest neighborhood in D.C. – presents a colorful alternative with its many-hued houses and fine eateries. Travelers can cruise down the Potomac River, attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival, visit the Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market, and experience the cherry blossom first-hand at The Tidal Basin.

This year the cherry blossoms can be celebrated from March 19-April 16, with the peak forecasted to be between March 23 and March 26, 2024.

2. Cape Ann, Massachusetts

Rockport on the Cape Ann peninsula houses a scenic harbor with a red fish shack, the most-painted building in the country. Sunset Noir. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

For travelers looking to find refuge from the city life, Cape Ann provides a quaint retreat away from the city. Cape Ann may be lesser known than its sister-cape, Cape Cod, but this seaside peninsula has its own treasures. Seafood lovers gather at Cape Ann to taste its fresh fish, lobster, and original fried clam recipe, and to gaze at the beautiful Rockport harbors. History lovers may recognize that this slice of the past is named after Queen Anne of England. And generally, for all those searching for a small town aura will find solace in Bearskin Neck, a village at the tip of Cape Ann with locally owned stores, ice cream, and book shops.

3. Vail, Colorado

Skier in Vail, Colorado skiing through the fresh powder. Connor Walberg. CC BY-ND 2.0.

Vail, Colorado provides a fun alternative to the traditionally warm spring getaway. Find a snowy escape from your day-to-day life with Vail’s powder days fit for skiing and snowboarding. Vail also offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature on its hiking trails, white water rafting journeys, and mountain biking passes in the Vail Valley. Regardless of which outdoor activity you partake in, you can finish the day off with a warm cup of hot chocolate.

This year, fresh powder lasts through late April.

4. San Diego, California

The entrance to Balboa Park, San Diego. Harold Litwiler. CC BY 2.0.

San Diego is a perfect spring destination for water and photography enthusiasts, as well as the travelers who want to spend their spring in a warm, sunny landscape. San Diego offers a bit of everything –a bit of nature with the beautiful Balboa Park, a bit of , snorkeling, and sea lion- watching, and general seaside fun at La Jolla Cove, a bit of city life with Downtown San Diego and its infamous Gaslamp Quarter, and of course, more than a bit of delicious food down the streets of Little Italy.

5. Asheville, North Carolina

George Washington Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Ken Lane. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Known for its arts and music district, Asheville brings its distinct cultural experience to the table as one of the best national spring break spots. The River Arts District in Asheville consists of scores of working art studios in which travelers can watch artists create their pieces or take part in live exhibits. Asheville’s music scene lives on in the city’s music halls, jazz clubs, and bars where live music plays nightly. If this artsy scene is not for you, Asheville is also known for its preservation of the Gilded Age estates. Among many options travelers can visit Biltmore, art collector George W. Vanderbilt’s winter chateaux.

6. Key West, Florida

A beautiful Key West Sunset from the coast. Joe Parks. CC BY-NC 2.0.

As the southernmost city in the continental United States, Key West gives visitors an excellent taste of early summer with its balmy, pleasant sunshine, making it an excellent getaway from brisk Northern cities. Beautiful shores – like Smathers Beach or Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park – line the coast of this island and are frequent destinations for families both tourist and local. Go swimming in the blue waters, snorkeling with manatees, and scuba diving around the coral reefs. Finish the day off with consistently fresh fish, available at most seaside eateries.

7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The beautiful view of the Grand Tetons from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Kim Olson. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

The national park and nature lover might choose to travel to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a valley which borders two of America’s greatest natural treasures. Build a bond with nature at Grand Teton National Park near the Teton mountain range, and Yellowstone National Park with its famous gushing geysers. The valley holds tantalizing prospects for wildlife encounters, especially with roaming deer, elk, and moose. The nearby mountains also provide great opportunities for mountain biking, road biking, hiking, and mountaineering alongside the beautiful expansive scenery of the mountains.

This year, the snow season spans from October through May.

8. Santa Fe, New Mexico

The Palace of Governors in Sante Fe, the original capital of New Mexico. Rennet Stowe. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Santa Fe’s strong suit is its preservation of history and sustained artistic legacy. For architecture buffs, making a springtime visit to Sante Fe means exploring Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the San Miguel Chapel, and the Palace of Governors - the original capital of New Mexico and the site of the Pueblo Revolt in 1680. The city’s community revolves around its central plaza, which is the perfect spot for markets and meet-ups. The Canyon Road Arts District also provides a charming corner filled with artist studios, shops, and restaurants.

9. Oahu, Hawaii

Beaches along the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Pet_r. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

For those who prefer a more traditionally tropical spring getaway, Oahu might be the destination for you. This colorful city is filled to the brim with water activities: go kayaking off of Kailua Beach, surf the big waves on the North Shore and Haleiwa Beach Park, snorkel with green sea turtles at Turtle Canyon, and even spy on whales from afar. The water activities don’t seem to end! Some travelers even prefer to traverse waterfalls in the island’s interior, such as Lulumahu Falls and Waimea Falls, both of which can only be reached via scenic hike. But don’t miss out on the streets of Oahu which are home to dozens of pieces of street art.

10. Charleston, South Carolina

Houses along the Rainbow Row in Charleston.

This charming spring town exhibits a bit of the traditional southern lifestyle. Beautiful old mansions surround the city, and together with colorful houses along the famous Rainbow Row build a picturesque view for travelers. Of course, culture is everywhere in this city. Travelers can take a picture or two near the art galleries located around every corner and pass through the Charleston City Market, overflowing as it is with souvenirs and food vendors. There one can also find Charleston’s renowned basket ladies, Gullah artisans whose basket weaving craft originated across the Atlantic in West Africa.