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Places Perfect for a Trip in the Month of April
👉 Jump to: Places to Visit in April in USA | International Places to Visit in April
I’ve traveled all across the USA and the world, and I’m here to share ideas for trips in April. This guide covers everything from floral festivals to desert destinations, beaches and other places with incredible weather.
April is perfect for visiting some of the world’s most popular tourist magnets — minus the crowds! I’ve also thrown in a few hidden gems, as well as travel tips to help you make your plans.
Places to Visit in April in the USA
Washington DC
Cherry blossoms, national monuments, and venerable museums make Washington DC an awesome April destination.
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Washington DC is home to many of America’s most famous monuments and museums. Sites such as the Washington and Lincoln memorials need no introduction.
The nation’s capital is also the home of the Smithsonian Museums, covering every subject from ancient history to space travel. Of course, there are other great museums in DC as well.
April is an excellent time to see Washington DC because the cherry trees are in full bloom. The National Cherry Blossom Festival begins in March but lasts until the middle of April. Festivities include concerts, parades, children’s activities, and much more.
Hawaii
Beat the summer heat and crowds in America’s favorite tropical destination.
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Hawaii is many people’s “go-to” tropical paradise in the U.S. Summer sees the most visitors, but April is significantly less crowded. Our guides on where to stay in Honolulu and where to stay in Oahu both include options for travelers hoping for a peaceful visit.
Temperatures hover around 80° F, making it perfect for hikes, swimming, and other outdoor activities. Many hotels and tour groups offer discounted prices in April as well — and who doesn’t like saving money?
Hawaii also has some fun festivals in April, such as the Big Island’s Laupāhoehoe Music Festival. Pearl Harbor is a must for history buffs and families traveling with kids. Meanwhile, Volcanoes National Park features landscapes ranging from tropical paradises to rugged moonscapes and even live lava flows!
Austin, Texas
Saddle up for a good time at the “live music capital of the world.”
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Austin, Texas has long been nicknamed the “live music capital of the world.” Country music may be the traditional genre, but you can find something to suit almost any taste here. Blues is another local favorite, with the annual Austin Blues Festival taking place at the end of the month.
Sixth Street is the best place to start your adventures, being home to many of the most popular clubs, restaurants, and bars.
Austin’s urban attractions may be its most famous draw, but the area surrounding the city has several noteworthy natural wonders. You could take a hike in the hill country, go spelunking at Longhorn Cavern State Park, or go for a dip at the famous Blue Hole near Wimberley, Texas.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is home to an endless array of amusement parks, but has many other attractions as well!
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Orlando is most famous for Disney World and Universal Studios. There are several other excellent amusement parks such as Legoland and SeaWorld here, too. There are other attractions besides amusement parks, though.
Orlando is home to a ton of great restaurants and noteworthy museums, with the nearby Kennedy Space Center being the most famous. Lake Eola is one of the most popular places in the city. It often hosts concerts, festivals, and other activities, but it’s also perfect for a relaxed walk. You can even rent swan-shaped paddle boats here.
The latter part of April is the best time to visit Orlando. The beginning of the month tends to be rainier and the middle weeks see spring break crowds arrive in droves.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
April is a perfect time to explore the interior of Arizona’s most famous attraction.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited sites and national parks in America. Once you’ve seen it, you’ll understand why even “grand” will seem like an understatement.
April is a great time to visit because the summer crowds are still months out. Notorious Arizona temperatures, likewise, remain lower. Some places, especially the South Rim, will even have lingering vestiges of winter. Bring layers just in case, and check out our Grand Canyon packing list to come prepared.
Inside the canyon, it tends to be closer to spring. April is a great time to trek along the paths that lead down to the canyon floor. Kayaking or rafting the Colorado River is another awesome adventure travel opportunity available in April. You will, however, need to have solid experience of Level 4 whitewater.
Charleston, South Carolina
Soak up the rich culture of South Carolina’s most famous city.
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Charleston, South Carolina is one of America’s most charming cities. Colonial architecture, a slower pace of life, and tons of great activities make it one of the most popular tourist destinations on the East Coast.
Charleston has miles of sandy beaches and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water, from sailing to surfing! History buffs know Charleston for Fort Sumter, the starting point of the Civil War.
The city also has a fantastic food scene. The most famous cuisine is the distinctive South Carolina barbecue (which favors hickory-smoked flavors). You can, however, find everything from foreign food to fine dining.
Redwood National Park, California
Stray into an enchanted dreamland beneath the boughs of the tallest trees in the world.
Redwood National Park is one of those places that captures the best of Northern California. Instead of the sunny urban sprawl, there is a rainier, more rural landscape where trees dominate the skyline instead of skyscrapers. Things are quieter here, and the silence is almost palpable.
April is a great month to go on a forest trek. Clear weather is wonderful for peering up to see the tops of these towering trees. Rainy days, though, add an ethereal beauty that nowhere in SoCal can replicate.
The nearby beaches are nowhere near as crowded as their southern counterparts. They can’t be beaten for a peaceful stroll or picnic by the seaside.
Reno, Nevada
Explore the best of northern Nevada at the “biggest little city in the world.”
Nevada, like California, is a state where the southern regions tend to steal the spotlight from the north. That, though, is part of the charm!
Reno is much more chill than Las Vegas, and has many of the same attractions, if on a smaller scale. Neon lights up the downtown area, complete with casinos, clubs, and restaurants.
The area outside town is where Reno really shines though. Many hiking trails command panoramic views of the valley. The mountains are still snowy, so skiing is an excellent option. The most famous locale in the greater Reno area, though, is Lake Tahoe, an hour’s drive out of town.
Atlanta, Georgia
Amble about Atlanta’s unique neighborhoods, uncovering a treasure trove of urban delights.
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Atlanta is one of the largest cities in the American South and has endless opportunities for fun. The city is well-known for its diverse and unique neighborhoods featuring everything from colonial architecture to funky, modern street art.
Of course, the city is most famous for its carbonated libation, and the World of Coca-Cola is the place to learn all about it. Later on, take a stroll in Piedmont Park and enjoy dinner at one of the city’s many amazing restaurants.
These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg, though. Atlanta has tons of theaters and venues for everything from musicals to rock concerts. The Georgia Aquarium is a must-see for families traveling with children. Zoo Atlanta is a great follow-up.
Zion National Park, Utah
Wander winding canyons or ascend to angelic heights at Zion National Park.
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Zion National Park features several of Southern Utah’s most spectacular canyons and geological formations. Spring brings local flora to life and the growing green contrasts beautifully with the rugged reds and earth tones of the stones.
Rainfall may make the Narrows inaccessible, but the breathtaking Angels Landing is usually accessible by April. You need a permit to visit this part of the park, so book in advance.
Zion Canyon itself is off-limits to private vehicles in April, but shuttle buses make regular runs from the parking lot. The Kolob Canyons (also on park territory) are open, so if you fancy a drive, head here.
Places Abroad to Visit in April
Paris, France
April is the perfect month to fall in love with the City of Love.
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Spring in Paris has an undeniable charm. April tends to be uncrowded, and the weather is growing warmer. But what could be more romantic than passing a rainy day in a cafe followed by a jazz club at night?
The Eiffel Tower offers panoramic views of the City of Love, but expect longer lines, even in April. Other unforgettable landmarks, like the Arc de Triomphe, also live up to the hype.
And what trip would be complete without perusing Paris’ culinary scene? You don’t need to spend a ton at the city’s best restaurants, either. Compare croissants from boutique bakeries. Check out the wares at local cheese shops. Wander around town in search of the perfect glass of wine. Magnifique!
Tokyo, Japan
Visit the Land of the Rising Sun to witness the falling cherry blossoms.
Cherry trees grow around the world, but nowhere is more famous for them than Japan. Tokyo is the best place to see the elegant sakura in bloom in April, especially at the many parks and pagodas across the city. There’s a whole world of other attractions in Tokyo, too.
There are many other floral festivals around town, celebrating a wide variety of flowers. Restaurants offer traditional favorites such as ramen, sushi, and more.
You’ll also have no problem finding entertaining spectacles, whether traditional or contemporary, at theaters and clubs across Tokyo.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tulips, art museums, and bicycle-friendly streets make Amsterdam a quintessentially European city.
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April in Amsterdam means tulips. The brilliant blossoms adorn gardens all around the city. Entire fields further outside the city paint the countryside with colorful hues.
Speaking of painters, Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum houses works of art from some of Holland’s finest. Van Gogh even has a separate museum dedicated to his works (along with those of his contemporaries). Follow Amber’s 5-day itinerary if you’d like to see and explore the best museums and sights.
Biking is one of the most popular ways to see the city, with hundreds of miles of bike paths across the town. You could also cruise the canals on a tour boat.
Australia
Head down to the land down under in April to see Australia at its best!
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April is a great time to visit Australia. Temperatures are moderate, but tending towards cooler. You could spend time in Sydney or Melbourne, but this is also a great time to visit some of Australia’s other iconic destinations.
You can see fall colors in places like the Blue Mountains (seasons are “reversed” in the Southern Hemisphere). It’s still warm enough for seaside activities along the Gold Coast and there might not be a better time of year to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Take a peak at our Australia packing list to know exactly what to bring for that particular excursion.
This is a great time to visit the interior of the island to see sites like Ayers Rock. Food and wine enthusiasts will want to add Barossa Valley to their itinerary — it’s Australia’s premier wine region. You could also head further down to Tasmania to experience its cozy towns and epic landscapes.
Rome, Italy
Timeless architecture, delicious cuisine, and winding backstreets make the Eternal City a must-see for any April adventure.
The Eternal City has long been one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It’s best to visit in the off-season before the “barbarian hordes” descend on the capital of Italy in summer (it’s not that bad, but it can feel like it!).
Lines for timeless landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican City will be shorter in April. Rome’s charm isn’t limited to grandiose architecture, though.
Wandering the narrow back streets is one of the best ways to find hidden-gem restaurants, cafes, and gelato shops. You might even find clothing ateliers selling sharp threads at surprisingly low prices.
Mexico
Mexico has an unrivaled mix of ancient and modern architecture, manmade and natural wonders, and diverse culture and history to be explored.
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April is the last month of Mexico’s dry season and, as such, is a great time to visit. The weather will be warm and dry, making for perfect beach vacations. You’ll want to plan around spring break to avoid crowds, especially if you want to visit the more popular beaches.
For an uncrowded aquatic activity, go diving in an underground river or a cenote (a sinkhole — the water is actually crystal clear and may even be teeming with fish). Valladolid is close to some of the best cenotes, and there are plenty of great hotels to choose from if you stay here.
Mexico’s cities also have plenty to see, especially Mexico City. If Easter falls in April, it’s a great chance to see the pageantry of Holy Week celebrations. There’s no shortage of places to stay in CDMX and there will be plenty to do in every neighborhood.
Chichen Itza’s ancient stone pyramids are also a must-see when traveling in Mexico. For something a little less solemn (ok, a lot less), you could check out a lucha libre (Mexican pro wrestling) match.
Namibia
Safaris, sandboarding, and surreal landscapes make Namibia a place like no other.
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Namibia is one of Africa’s best hidden gems. This nation in the southwestern part of Africa has incredible deserts, with some (like the one pictured above) looking like surrealist paintings.
You can even “surf” down sand dunes in some places. Namibia is one of the few places where the sand dunes come right up to the sea.
You may want to think twice about surfing the seas here, though. The aptly named Skeleton Coast is the final resting place of many ships that ran afoul of strong tides and hidden rocks.
Safaris give you an up-close look at famous African wildlife, and the cities offer all the creature comforts you could want. Namibia is also a popular place for dark skies tourism, with the desert skies offering unparalleled clarity for stargazing.
New Zealand
April is a perfect month to begin your quest to see the best of New Zealand.
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Everyone knows about New Zealand’s epic landscapes thanks to the Lord of the Rings movies. You could set out on your own quest to find the famous shooting locations. The easiest is the Hobbiton set, but it’s hard to match the splendor of more rugged locales.
Tackle the Tongariro Northern Circuit, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, to see Mt. Ngauruhoe (it plays Mt. Doom in the movies). Just keep in mind that New Zealand’s Great Walks are only open from October through April, so you’ll want to plan to do these toward the early part of the month.
Of course, there’s more to New Zealand’s islands than that. Cities offer sophisticated eateries, fascinating museums, and cozy accommodations. You can also learn about Maori culture in numerous places across the country, but it’s very prevalent on the North Island.
📚 Related Reading: 3-Day Queenstown Itinerary
Qatar
April is an oasis of cooler weather, perfect for catching the best of Qatar.
Qatar is a great alternative to Dubai if you want a similar experience, but a bit more off the beaten path. It’s still a popular place, but is a little more affordable, if less glitzy than its UAE counterpart.
Doha’s Corniche gives you a great view of the city’s skyline. An even better view awaits aboard a dhow, the traditional boat of the region. Doha is also home to unique museums, such as the intriguing Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar.
Note, though, that you can’t import alcohol into the country. Factor that in if you plan to spend a few days in Qatar between destinations. The last thing you want is for that extra special bottle of wine or spirits to be confiscated!
Greece
Ancient history, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals make visiting Greece a top priority for April travels!
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Greece is less crowded in April, so this is a sweet spot for visiting famous landmarks like the Parthenon in Athens.
Some seasonal attractions in the Greek islands may not be fully open yet, but you’ve still got seaside options. Crete has tons of great beaches that are open year-round (and our Greece packing list has everything you’ll want to bring for a beach-focused trip).
Speaking of sweet spots, check out the ubiquitous bakeries for authentic baklava and much more. Every city also has sit-down restaurants where you can explore the legendary world of Greek cuisine.
The slower pace in April is also suitable for a beloved Greek pastime: talking with friends and drinking coffee. If Orthodox Easter falls during April, you’ll also be treated to the sound of ringing bells and the haunting majesty of Byzantine chant thundering from local churches.
Argentina
From epic landscapes to urban sophistication, Argentina is home to adventure of every kind!
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Argentina is a large country, but still bursts at the seams with opportunities for adventure! Patagonia is world-famous for its breathtaking landscapes, and April is the best time to see it decked out in fiery fall colors.
Further north, in central Argentina, the vast plains of the Pampas hold adventures all their own. It’s a great place to sip on some yerba mate from a traditional vessel made from a gourd. This region is home to the Gauchos, Argentina’s cowboys famous for their rugged independence.
Argentina is also home to some excellent wines, especially malbecs. The province of Mendoza is the premier winemaking region. Wine is not the only “sophisticated” aspect of Argentine culture, though — far from it!
What trip to Argentina would be complete without experiencing tango dancing and music? Watching a tango performance is one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires, after all.
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