As the weather warms up, flowers start to bloom, and trees start to green up with new leaves, travelers across the country are itching to hit the road and shake off the winter doldrums.
If that's you, and you're in the mood to rejuvenate with some fresh air, fun activities, and delicious food, know that you don't have to travel thousands of miles in order to find the ideal location (although, there are some pretty fabulous places to travel internationally this spring if that's more your style). In fact, there are 9 places right here in the U.S. that really blossom in springtime. When searching for your own travel destination this spring, consider one of these popular spots.
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1 | Gulf Shores, Ala.
ShutterstockNot just for spring break, the beach continues to be a popular hot spot for travel all spring long, and Gulf Shores on the Alabama Gulf Coast offers plenty for travelers of all ages. With 32 miles of white-sand beaches, you'll find plenty of water sports including parasailing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, and more. Of course, there also are opportunities for biking along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, playing with the animals at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, or learning history at Fort Morgan State Historic Site.
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2 | Washington, D.C.
ShutterstockAs the cherry blossoms bring a burst of color to this historic city, visitors can take advantage of many outdoor activities to enjoy the spring weather. In fact, according to Premier Inn, a United Kingdom hotel chain, Washington, D.C. is one of the top 10 spots to visit in spring based on Instagram users. Not surprisingly, spring is a great time to wander the National Mall and enjoy the city's many memorials and monuments (the heat and humidity of summer is still weeks away). Of course, you can also take in some action on the baseball diamond with a Washington Nationals game.
3 | Grand Canyon National Park
EliteCustomAdventures.com/ShutterstockThe Grand Canyon remains a popular travel destination, and spring is especially popular because the temperatures are much milder than summer. Last spring, more than 4.5 million visitors explored the Grand Canyon, according to the National Park Service.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, canyon tours, camping, whitewater rafting, biking along Hermit Road, and so much more. Keep in mind the South Rim of the park is open year-round, while the North Rim closes during winter. The North Rim usually opens in mid-May for the season.
4 | New Orleans, La.
ShutterstockVisiting New Orleans in spring means you get to enjoy all of the outdoor activities the city has to offer without the heat and humidity. From exploring the culture, music, and food of the French Quarter to taking a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River and perusing the city's many museums, there's a lot to see and do. Plus, don't forget the city's many spring festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival.
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5 | Pittsburgh, Pa.
iStockPittsburgh landed in Premier Inn's top 20 most popular U.S. cities for spring based on Instagram user data, which shouldn't surprise anyone. Start your visit with a cruise on the three rivers, during which you can take in the city's skyline from multiple angles. Another great way to see the city is by taking one of the bike or hop-on, hop-off bus tours, which takes you by some of the city's notable public art, parks, churches, and bridges.
Other not-to-miss spots include The Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
6 | Bryson City, N.C.
ShutterstockThis small North Carolina city offers big entertainment during the spring. It sits just outside the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you can be hiking and picnicking in a matter of minutes. Another great way to see the countryside is by taking a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which offers a variety of train rides for all ages.
Downtown Bryson City is filled with local shops and restaurants where you can pick up some great mementos of your trip and satisfy your taste buds along the way.
7 | New York, N.Y.
ShutterstockNot surprisingly, New York leads all U.S. cities as the most popular city in the United States for springtime Instagramming, according to Premier Inn's research. With the improved weather, visitors are flocking to the Big Apple to stroll through Central Park and see the blooms at the New York Botanical Garden. Other outdoor attractions that are ideal during spring include the Vessel at Hudson Yards, Little Island on the West Side, and the High Line, where you can stroll, study public art, and enjoy the blooms in the many gardens.
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8 | Colorado Springs, Colo.
ShutterstockWith a wealth of attractions including parks, museums, trains, a zoo, and more, Colorado Springs provides plenty of entertainment in the spring. According to international luggage delivery company MyBaggage, which published a list of the top 10 U.S. places to visit this spring based on TikTok views, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is the No. 7 spot to visit. Here, you can take in postcard-worthy views of 300-foot sandstone rock formations against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. You also can go hiking, rock climbing, biking, or sign up for a Jeep or Segway tour.
9 | Palm Springs, Calif.
ShutterstockAlso featured on MyBaggage's top 10 list of U.S. cities to visit this spring, Palm Springs welcomes visitors to come to stay and play awhile. A notorious destination for the rich and famous, Palm Springs actually has a lot to offer all visitors. For instance, head to Indian Canyons, where you can go hiking in Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Murray Canyon all with one admission fee. You also can take a variety of tours to explore the city, including architecture tours, history tours, and food tours.
