Top 15 Stunning Spring Destinations

1. Rome, Italy

Rome is the perfect place to visit during the spring. The temperatures are mild and there are fewer crowds. Every summer millions of tourists flood into the Eternal City under sweltering heat. Beat the crowds and the heat by visiting between March and May. Here are some tips for your spring visit.

• If you plan on visiting the Vatican, go early. It’s busy throughout the entire year and you can end up spending hours avoid spending an entire day there.
• Make sure to bring an umbrella. While the temperatures are mild in the spring, there can be the occasional rain shower.
• Take a day trip to Villa d’Este in Tivoli, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in the scents and sights of its beautiful Renaissance gardens.

2. Paris, France

Similar to Rome, Paris is a very popular tourist destination during the summer, but the city is even more charming during the spring, as its world-famous gardens are in fresh bloom. They are simply breathtaking this time of year. Some of the best museums in the world can be found in the City of Lights and you’ll have a much better chance at catching all of the ones you want if you aren’t spending hours on end in line at the entrance. During the spring you can easily avoid these lengthy lines, as the majority of tourists haven’t made their way to the city yet. Here are some suggestions for a spring getaway in Paris.

• Visit the Jardin du Luxembourg, a mythical city park, and chase around vintage wooden sailboats in the central basin, as children have been doing since the 1920s. This is the perfect family friendly place to relax and breathe in the fragrances of the Parisian spring.
• Experience the coffee culture. The city is filled with traditional neighborhood cafes. Find the one calling your name and enjoy a café au lait while taking in the magical elegance surrounding you.
• The Musee d’Orsay is a must-see. An extensive collection of Monet’s work will transport you to the gardens of the French countryside.

3.  Washington D.C., USA

The famous cherry blossom trees in Washington D.C., which were gift to the U.S. from Japan, come to life in late March/early April. This is a wonderful time to visit the nation’s capital and see some of its most famed landmarks decorated with the brightly colored flora. Keep the following in mind when planning your trip.

• Most of the museums (and even the zoo!) are free! This is a huge plus.
• The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from late March to the middle of April. There are many special events and tours organized during this time.

4.  The Netherlands

Located in the north of Europe, the temperatures can still be a bit chilly anytime before May in the Netherlands, but taking a visit during the month of May can be a very unforgettable experience. This is when the tulips are in full bloom and you’ll have the best views of the country’s world famous tulip fields. Here are some suggestions for your visit.

• The best way to see the tulip fields is by taking a bicycle down the 19-mile Flower Bulb Route in the northern part of the country.
• The Keukenhof Gardens are open from March to May and a definite must-see if you are in the Netherlands during the spring.

5. The Grand Canyon, USA

During the summer, temperatures in the Grand Canyon can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit – a bit too hot for extensive hiking and exploring. Visit at springtime to experience cooler weather and to see the flora in fresh bloom. Here are some tips for taking in the breathtaking backdrops of this natural wonder.

• If you arrive before sunrise, you may avoid having to pay entry at the toll and you’ll be able to watch the canyon fill with light and color as the sun rises over the horizon. It’s a magnificent site.
• Definitely take a hike down into the canyon to see it from a unique perspective. Many people just go and stop off to take photos at the most popular viewing points and these are some spectacular panoramas, but even a short hike below the rim is a rewarding experience that shouldn’t be missed.

6.  Rio de Janiero, Brazil

Known for its pristine white-sand beaches and lush green mountains, Rio de Janiero is the perfect early spring destination. The weather is warm and the atmosphere is laid-back and relaxed. Wake up from winter with a trip to sunny South America! Here are some things to keep in mind when planning you trip

• The high season for tourism in Rio de Janiero is December – March, so make sure to plan your trip well in advance to avoid overpaying for accommodation.
• Make sure you visit some of the parks. While the city is known for its beaches, the tropical plant life filling its parks is something you can’t miss!

7.  Charleston, SC, USA

The best time to visit Charleston is between March and May, when the temperatures are mild and the humidity isn’t stifling. The blooming magnolia trees are also a spectacular sight. Here are some tips for enjoying the southern charm of Charleston during the springtime.

• Tourism peaks here in May. Keep this in mind when planning your trip, as prices will be higher and availability will be scarcer during this time.
• Ditch the rental car! Charleston is best experienced on foot or bicycle.
• Avoid setting off for the beach at midday on the weekend. Traffic starts to build up around 10am. Head out early in the morning or a bit later in the afternoon to miss the jam.

8.  Havana, Cuba

The recent eases on the U.S. embargo with Cuba have caused the island nation to experience a surge in popularity among tourists and it’s easy to see why! With its beautiful beaches and classic charm, Cuba is one-of-a-kind destination and the perfect place to visit this spring! Consider the following when planning your spring getaway to Havana.

• La HabanVieja, the best-preserved colonial Spanish complex in the Americas, is a must-see.
• You’ll have to keep your ears open! The city is practically made of music. The streets are pulsating with rhythm around the clock.
• Spring is a part of Cuba’s high season for tourism, so the prices of flights and accommodation will be higher.

9.  Kauai, HI, USA

The weather in Kauai is decent year-round, but during the spring there are less tourists and you can enjoy the lower prices on accommodation and airfare and seemingly private beaches, making it the perfect place to plan a spring vacation.

Here are some tips for exploring the Garden Isle.

• If you’re planning to explore much of the island, it’s best to rent a car.
• Parts of the island’s lush interior are only accessible by air, so take a sightseeing sky adventure to make the most of your visit.
• The combination of hiking trails and tranquil beaches make this the perfect spring destination for an adventurer. Take a morning hike and enjoy panoramic views of the island and spend the rest of your day relaxing by the beach.

10. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos Islands

Repeatedly named one of the best beaches in the world, Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos is a dream of a destination at any time of the year, but the spring is a particularly great time to visit. This is just after the peak travel period ends and prices are lower and the beach is less crowded. Visiting in May will allow you to enjoy the sparkling turquoise waters without fighting for a prime spot on the sand and without busting your wallet. Here are some tips for enjoying Grace Bay.

• There’s no need for a car. All of the attractions around Grace Bay are within walking distance.
• A few all-inclusive resorts are located on Grace Bay. It’s worth it to check these out, as many activities such as snorkeling and watersports can be included in the price of your room and food.
• Take a flamingo tour and watch the long legged beauties as they frolic in their natural habitat.

11.  Heidelberg, Germany

Located just an hour south of Frankfurt by train, Heidelberg is the perfect location for a spring weekend getaway. The hills reawaken to a lush green and the temperatures are mild enough to allow you to enjoy the numerous hiking trails that surround the old part of the city. Keep these suggestions in mind when planning your visit.

• A hike on the Philsophenweg (Philosopher’s Way) will give you superb panoramas of the old city and the castle.
• Have a pepino at Casa del Caffe near the Old Bridge. It’s an espresso with a drop of vanilla ice cream and it’s delightful.
• Enjoy a traditional German meal and house-brewed beer at Vetter.

12.  Chicago, IL, USA

Chicago is notorious for having harsh winters, but the city quickly returns to life in the spring and this is a wonderful time to visit. Just before the peak season, you’ll find lower prices and fewer tourists and while Chicago is known for its frigid winter, it can get very hot and humid during the summertime. Enjoy temperatures in the cool 60s-70s if you visit at springtime. Here are some things to do in the Windy City if you are visiting in April or May.

• Chicago is a mecca for comedy and one week every spring the Chicago Improv Festival takes place. This is guaranteed to be an activity filled with laughter. If you don’t find yourself in the city during the festival, take in a regular show at the Second City. The festival is hosted by this school of comedy and a show here will likely be just as entertaining as the festival.
• Take in the American pastime and catch a Cubs or White Sox game.
• Kick off Craft Beer Week in mid-May.
• Rent a bike and go for a ride along Lake Michigan.

13.  Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

If you’re looking for a Spring Break destination, here it is. Popular with college students and A-list celebrities alike, this seaside Mexican city is a guarantee to a good time. Here are some tips for enjoying it.

• Go whale watching. There are many affordable tours providing this opportunity and it’s a great way to see one of nature’s most magnificent creatures.
• Let out your inner-adventurer! Cabo is a great place for surfing, diving, snorkeling, and swimming with dolphins.
• Enjoy the nightlife. There are several clubs and bars in the downtown are to keep the most important Spanish word at the front of your mind: tequila

14. Joshua Tree National Park, CA, USA

Located in the Californian desert, temperatures in Joshua Tree can reach ridiculously high temperatures during the summer and this is a great reason to visit the park during the spring! Keep the following in mind when planning your trip.

• Because of its remote location, the amount of light pollution at Joshua Tree is little to none. Plan an overnight camping trip here for a view of the night sky like you’ve never seen before.
• It’s a desert, so large changes in temperature from day to night are likely. Make sure to bring clothing suitable for both warmer and cooler weather.
• There are no concessions in the park, so make sure to bring everything you need before entering.

15.  Fuji-Hakone-Izo National Park, Japan

The most visited national park in Japan, Fuji-Hakone-Izo is home to the iconic Mount Fuji, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanic islands, deep lakes, and plum and cherry blossom trees. A visit during the spring will allow you to enjoy the park under the fresh full bloom and color of the trees. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit.

• Make this a day trip. The park is breathtaking, but you don’t need more than a day to take it all in and it’s located just outside the excitement of Tokyo.
• Accessibility options vary based on volcanic activity. Make sure you stay up to date on your plans.
• The Hakone Tozan Railway is a mountain railway line that will give you amazing views of the park; check it out!

What is your favorite spring destination? Let us know in the comments below!