20 Best Places to Travel in April

Looking for an April getaway? The first full month of spring brings flowers to many places around the world, including the world-famous cherry blossoms that paint Japan pink each year. There’s still time for snow sports fans to get in a few runs, but we have suggestions for travelers who are more than ready for sunshine and warm weather, too. Here are the best places to travel this April in the U.S. and around the world.

Colorado

We know that some Travel + Leisure readers don’t want the ski season to end, and there are several great spots for spring skiing in Colorado. Plus, late-season skiing usually means fewer skiers, shorter lift lines, and possibly lower prices. Breckenridge expects to be open through mid-May, and Vail and Aspen are currently scheduled to be open through April 20. Plan your Vail getaway to overlap with the annual Taste of Vail food festival from April 2-5 to enjoy sips and bites from a number of chefs, vintners, and brewers. Of course, Mother Nature ultimately decides how long the ski season will last, but even if she sends sunshine, the mountains will still be beautiful in April.

Where to Stay: In Breckenridge, check out One Ski Hill Place and Gravity Haus. In Vail, choose Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, or Antlers at Vail. In Aspen, The St. Regis Aspen, The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and W Aspen are luxurious picks for a ski getaway. 

Orange County, California

Known as the home of Disneyland, Orange County, about 30 miles south of Los Angeles, is a beautiful spring destination. With 42 miles of Pacific Ocean shoreline, Orange County offers beaches, surfing, charming coastal towns, and luxe resorts. There’s enviable shopping and dining at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach Fashion Island. April is the perfect time to go whale watching in Dana Point, and cruising around Newport Beach in a Duffy Boat is always fun. Golf courses at The Resort at Pelican Hill and the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach offer challenging layouts and water views. Huntington Beach, known as Surf City, features a popular pier and lively downtown. 

Where to Stay: The Pendry Newport Beach, Balboa Bay Resort, Lido House, Autograph Collection, and VEA Newport Beach Resort & Spa are great options for a home base in Orange County. The Ranch at Laguna Beach, set in lush Aliso Canyon, is ideal for a wellness-focused trip. 

Adirondack Mountains, New York

Located in northeastern New York State about 300 miles from Manhattan, the Adirondack Mountains boast late-season skiing until mid-April. Whiteface Mountain, host of the 1980 Winter Olympics, features the highest vertical drop in the eastern U.S., and Gore Mountain offers more than 110 trails for skiing and snowboarding. But there’s plenty to do if you’re not a skier, too, with scenic places for snowmobiling, ice climbing, and winter hiking. In Lake Placid, there’s the Lake Placid Olympic Center, outdoor adventure at NewVida Preserve, and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Winter Olympics memorabilia. 

Where to Stay: Consider a stay at Grand Adirondack Hotel in Lake Placid, The Point on Saranac Lake, or The Lodge at Schroon Lake.  

Napa Valley, California

Fans of wine, gorgeous scenery, and shoulder-season travel will enjoy Napa Valley in April. Summer crowds are still months away, California poppies are in bloom, and you might catch the end of the wild mustard season’s bright yellow flowers. At Silverado Resort, Spring Break Kids Camp (April 14-16) focuses on golf and tennis skills for guests ages 6-12. Choose from a variety of experiences on the Napa Valley Wine Train, or enjoy the scenery with a drive among grapevines and fields of spring flowers. There’s plenty to do in Napa Valley after you’ve visited vineyards and sampled some of the outstanding wines produced there. The northern town of Calistoga’s mud baths and mineral-rich springs have been popular for decades, and most of the town’s resorts offer plush spas for invigorating treatments. 

Where to Stay: Meadowood Napa Valley is a personal favorite for its perfect combination of luxury accommodations and rustic atmosphere; I also recommend Bardessono Hotel & Spa, Hotel Yountville, Carneros Resort & Spa, or Auberge du Soleil for a wine country escape. 

Utah

Looking for another spring skiing option? Consider Salt Lake City your starting point, and spend a few days in Utah’s capital before you head for the slopes. Less than 40 miles away, ski at Alta, Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, or Park City, where there are snowy slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. April is Dark Sky Month in Utah, highlighting the state’s 24 Dark Sky International-designated Dark Sky Places, including national and state parks. Near Arches National Park in Moab, visitors can stay at Under Canvas Moab or ULUM for a glamping adventure. Goblin Valley State Park offers camping for tents and RVs along with two climate-controlled Glamping Getaway Yurts — ideal for experiencing the fascinating landscape. 

Where to Stay: In Salt Lake City, we recommend staying at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City or Kimpton Hotel Monaco. I recently stayed at the new Black Desert Resort in southwestern Utah, where there’s an impressive golf course, stunning views, and family-friendly accommodations and activities. 

Tampa, Florida

Sunny weather with temperatures in the low 80s makes April an ideal time to visit Tampa. Spring also brings the Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival (April 8-12), with a Chef Showdown competition, tasting events, and celebrity guests. Stroll along the river, explore Water Street, and take a boat ride along the Hillsborough River to get a taste of what we call Florida’s new “it” city. A personal favorite is the Ybor City Historic Walking Tour, where you can learn about Tampa’s role as a center of cigar production.

Where to Stay: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street features Beacon, a rooftop lounge with panoramic views. The Tampa Edition is a five-star hotel downtown, and the boutique Hotel Haya is a great option in Ybor City.

Fort Worth, Texas

The Fort Worth Food & Wine Festival is set for April 3-6, with chefs, craft brewers, and vintners taking part in a series of culinary events benefitting local grant programs and culinary scholarships. Now in its 38th year, the Main Street Arts Festival (April 10-13) is the state’s largest arts festival, featuring music and food along with art in downtown Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Zoo, founded in 1909, is highlighting their preservation of the rare Louisiana pine snake in honor of the Year of the Snake. A trip to Fort Worth must include some time at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District to see the longhorn steers and learn about the history of “Cowtown.” If there’s time, drop into Billy Bob’s honky-tonk or check out a rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum.

Where to Stay: The Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection is in the heart of the Stockyards District, so staying here means you’re never far from the city’s top attractions. 

New York, New York

April showers are the perfect excuse to see a Broadway show, go shopping, or visit one of the best museums in New York City. There are also plenty of free things to do in NYC — stroll through Central Park, walk along the High Line, ride on the Staten Island Ferry, or enjoy the sights from the Brooklyn Bridge. Looking for more spectacular views? Check out The Edge at Hudson Yards, One World Observatory, Top of the Rock, and, of course, the Empire State Building. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the place to see cherry blossoms in spring, and the annual Macy’s Flower Show is another floral festival worth checking out. 

Where to Stay: We’ve rounded up 22 of the best hotels in New York City, including Aman New York, The Wall Street Hotel, and The Greenwich Hotel. 

Kauai, Hawaii

Between winter visitors escaping the cold and summer vacationers arriving in June, the shoulder season in April is a sweet spot for saving a few dollars on a trip to the “Garden Island.” You might score a deal on flights or accommodations, and you can still catch the tail end (pun intended) of whale-watching season. Kauai’s weather is wetter than the other islands, so you might have a shower or two, but the rewards for waiting out those showers are waterfalls and rainforests with lush vegetation. From relaxing on Kauai’s gorgeous beaches to tubing along mountaintop canals, there are many ways to enjoy the island. 

Where to Stay: The luxe 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Ko’a Kea Resort on Po’ipu Beach, and Waimea Plantation Cottages are among the best hotels in Kauai. 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The state’s capital and largest city, Oklahoma City offers mild weather and much to do in April. Baseball fans will enjoy hometown-style play in Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark with the Oklahoma City Comets, a Triple-A affiliate of the L.A. Dodgers. At the First Americans Museum, visitors learn about Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations’ history, culture, art, and cuisine. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum offers Western art, interactive exhibits, a current show on Cowboy Boots, and stories of cattlemen, a reminder of Oklahoma City’s large livestock market. A water taxi cruise along the Bricktown Canal is an entertaining way to learn about Oklahoma City from another perspective.

Where to Stay: The National, Autograph Collection is located in a historic landmark building. The new OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark features an indoor and outdoor water park (the outdoor area opens Memorial Day Weekend), spa, fitness center, 13 eateries, and a variety of rooms for solo travelers, groups, and families, all with views of the Oklahoma River, downtown skyline, or outdoor lagoon.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Always changing and reinventing itself, Las Vegas is a year-round, 24-hour destination with something for everyone. The Sphere will host The Eagles and Dead and Company this April, plus an immersive film experience during the daytime. Though it’s primarily known as a playground for adults, Las Vegas welcomes younger guests with plenty of things to do for families, too. Just outside the city, visitors can find scenic hiking trails and panoramic views at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. 

Where to Stay: On The Strip, the Fontainebleau, Bellagio, Wynn, and Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas are among the best Vegas hotels. The Venetian Resort recently opened Gjelina, one of my favorite Los Angeles restaurants. Durango Casino & Resort, a few miles away from the Strip, is a great alternative with outstanding restaurants and an expansive sports book area and lounge. 

London, England

April is one of the best times to visit London — before the arrival of summer’s visitors and after the chilliest days of winter. A rainy day is the perfect time to head to a West End theater or museum, or you can relax with afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, The Dorchester, or Brown’s and indulge in savory and sweet treats. If a cocktail is more your style, the city’s hotels offer plush lounges and creative menus — and we’ve rounded up the top cocktail bars in London so you can find the best sips. The annual London Marathon, happening on April 27, is one of the world’s most popular, with Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf along the route. 

Where to Stay: T+L readers voted for their favorite London hotels in the 2024 World’s Best Awards, giving Flemings Mayfair the top spot. The charming Beaverbrook Town House, The Mayfair Townhouse, and the Chelsea Townhouse are lovely boutique options. 

Kyoto and Osaka, Japan

Early April is the time for hanami in Japan, the tradition of admiring the transient beauty of flowers. The pink and white sakura, reminders of rebirth after winter, are celebrated with festivals, parades, and nightly illumination. Renowned for UNESCO World Heritage Sites including ancient temples and shrines, Kyoto is especially beautiful during spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. In Osaka, visitors can admire the blossoms in Osaka Castle Park where they can picnic among 3,000 cherry trees. April weather is pleasant for exploring gardens, teahouses, and historical sites and for savoring traditional kaiseki cuisine. The only downside of visiting Japan in April is the crowds, so we recommend planning as soon as possible. 

Where to Stay: In Kyoto, choose Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto located next to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or five-star Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto. In Osaka, be one of the first to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Osaka, opening in April.

Western Australia

Warm weather continues into April (autumn in the Southern Hemisphere), and Perth’s Indian Ocean shores feature sandy beaches and stunning sunsets. Explore the area’s incredible natural beauty on a hike, or explore Fremantle’s historic buildings, shops, breweries, and narrow streets. Rottnest Island, a 30-minute ferry trip from Fremantle, is car-free with beaches, walking trails, cute quokkas, and an opportunity to learn about the island’s history and Aboriginal people with a visit to the Wadjemup Museum. In the Margaret River region, nearly 100 wineries welcome visitors with tours and tastings. 

Where to Stay: In the Margaret River region, Chambré Estate is a renovated lodge with cozy suites and cabins, and adults-only Edge Luxury Villas are built over a lake in a forested area. In Fremantle, stay at the historic Warders Hotel.

Loreto, Mexico

Loreto is located on Baja California’s eastern coast along the Sea of Cortez. April’s weather is warm and dry, ideal for hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and strolling through the charming, walkable downtown. Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as the “Galápagos of Mexico” for its abundant marine life that includes dolphins, whales, fish, sea lions, and more. The park consists of five islands off the coast of Loreto, and boat tours for diving and snorkeling are popular ways to explore the park. Loreto is just 10 minutes from the airport, with direct flights to Los Angeles and Tijuana throughout the year. 

Where to Stay: Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay is near the national park, and the resort features golf at TPC Danzante Bay, named the World Golf Awards’ Best Golf Course in Mexico in 2024.

Lake Como, Italy

April is shoulder season in Lake Como, when the hotels reopen and visitors begin to arrive. And really, spring is the ideal time to visit, with beautiful weather and far fewer crowds than the busy summer months. A boat ride is the best way to see the historic villas and charming towns bordering the huge lake. I toured Villa del Balbianello a few years ago and marveled at the grounds, the building, the art, and the history. Villa Carlotta offers stunning gardens and a museum. Stroll through the lovely town of Bellagio, with its cobblestone streets, hills, villas, and views of the lake. While you’re there, relax at a local restaurant and simply take in the atmosphere of the historic lakeside town. 

Where to Stay: The Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo placed in the top 10 list of T+L readers’ favorite resorts in Italy. Other elegant places to stay are Passalacqua, Il Sereno, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, and Villa D’Este. 

Vancouver, British Columbia

If late-season skiing is still on your mind, consider Vancouver, where you can get the best of both worlds. Enjoy the city’s diverse neighborhoods, fabulous restaurants, and mild weather, and then head just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver to Grouse Mountain, which offers skiing and snowboarding until early May as well as a skating pond, dining, and more. About two hours north, world-class snow sports await at Whistler Blackcomb with more than 200 runs over 8,000 acres of terrain. Home to Vancouver International Airport, nearby Richmond offers history, art, an authentic fishing village, and the Richmond Olympic Oval, an indoor multi-sport center. 

Where to Stay: In the heart of Vancouver, Rosewood Hotel Georgia and Fairmont Pacific Rim are luxurious options. For an airport hotel with a spa, afternoon tea, and restaurants with runway views, stay at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport.

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Virgin Gorda offers pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and national parks all in one island getaway. The Baths, a collection of massive granite boulders, is a popular place for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling, and Devil’s Bay offers a quiet white-sand beach. Hikers can enjoy the view from the top of Gorda Peak National Park, the island’s highest point. At North Sound, there’s sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and diving. Visitors can arrive by air from Miami, St. Thomas, and now from San Juan via a semi-private jet. Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, and several private island resorts are also popular BVI destinations. 

Where to Stay: Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Bitter End Yacht Club, and Oil Nut Bay are among the best resorts in the British Virgin Islands, with luxe accommodations and ocean views. 

Singapore

One of the world’s most fascinating destinations, Singapore is an island, a city, and a country. A visit to Singapore begins with your arrival at award-winning Changi Airport, a showcase of shops and dining venues with the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a mirror maze, a hedge maze, and a rooftop pool. The modern Marina Bay area, topped by the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel, can be explored by boat, and shoppers will enjoy browsing and buying on Orchard Road. Singapore’s varied neighborhoods take visitors on an ethnic and cultural tour, and the world-famous hawker centers offer delicious food along with unique experiences. Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanic Gardens were among my favorite attractions when I visited a few years ago.

Where to Stay: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, set in Mandai Wildlife Reserve, is set to open in April. Raffles Sentosa Singapore, an all-villa resort, debuts in March. The Conrad Singapore Orchard and Marina Bay Sands are excellent options, too. 

River Cruise in France

You can see a variety of cities without planning transfers, finding restaurants, or packing and unpacking between stops — just a few of the benefits of exploring Europe via river cruise. Spring begins the European river cruise season, with most lines starting in mid-March. Guests aboard AmaWaterways Paris & Normandy Cruise begin in Paris and cruise the Seine to Le Havre, the historic Normandy Beaches, medieval Rouen, and Monet’s home in Giverny before returning to Paris. Viking offers a variety of ways to cruise the rivers of France, including a scenic Lyon and Provence cruise. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises also features cruises along France’s rivers, including trips as long as 22 days with the Ultimate France itinerary. 

Where to Stay: No need to worry about finding hotels — unless you extend your trip at either end of your cruise. Check out our guide to where to stay in Paris for hotel inspiration.