Planning April travel in the USA? Smart move. Honestly, it's my favorite month for domestic trips – the brutal crowds haven't hit yet, prices stay reasonable, and nature puts on its prettiest show. I learned this after wasting money on a July Yellowstone trip years back. Never again. April gives you breathing room to actually enjoy places without fighting through selfie sticks or sweating through your clothes.
Why April Rocks for US Travel
April weather splits the country perfectly. Snowbirds still catch Florida warmth while avoiding spring break chaos after mid-month. Out west, desert parks like Joshua Tree stop trying to kill you with heat. Up north, cherry blossoms explode in DC while New England shakes off winter. Plus, hotel deals? Much easier unless Easter falls late. Last April I scored Charleston Historic District rooms at 60% peak summer rates – just sayin'.
Top US Regions to Explore in April
Western USA Picks
Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
People think Death Valley in summer is hell. They're right. But April? Pure magic. Daytime temps hover around 85°F (29°C) – tolerable unlike summer's 120°F inferno. Wildflower carpets are insane after wet winters. Zabriskie Point sunrise will ruin you for other sunrises.
Must do: Walk Badwater Basin salt flats (lowest US point), Artists Palette drive, stargazing
Address: CA-190, Death Valley (main visitor center)
Hours: 24/7 but some roads close if flooded
Fee: $30 per vehicle (good 7 days)
My tip: Rent something with AC anyway. Got stuck without it once when temps spiked unexpectedly. Not fun.
Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Seeing that cave entrance swallow daylight never gets old. Underground temps stay 56°F (13°C) year-round – perfect escape if spring gets weirdly hot. April means smaller groups too.
Top sights: Big Room trail (self-guided), King's Palace tour
Address: 727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM
Hours: 8AM-5PM daily
Fee: $15 adults, kids free
| Western Parks Comparison | Weather (April) | Ticket Price | Best For | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Death Valley NP | Highs 80-90°F (27-32°C) | $30 vehicle | Desert landscapes, photography | Moderate |
| Carlsbad Caverns | 56°F (13°C) inside | $15 adult | Unique geology, family trips | Low-Moderate |
| Sedona, AZ | 70°F (21°C) average | Free (parking fees apply) | Hiking, spiritual retreats | High (book early) |
Southern Charm Spots
New Orleans, Louisiana
Skip Mardi Gras madness and hit NOLA in April. French Quarter stays lively but manageable. Jazz Fest dominates late month (April 25-28 & May 2-5, 2024) – massive music blowout worth planning around.
Don't miss: Garden District walking tour, beignets at Café du Monde (800 Decatur St), Preservation Hall jazz
My take: Bourbon Street smells awful by afternoon. Voodoo museums? Tourist traps. Focus on music and food instead.
Charleston, SC & Savannah, GA
Azaleas explode everywhere mid-April. Historic homes decked out in blooms – way better than summer's swampy heat. Bonus: Savannah's St. Patrick's Day crowds gone.
Hidden gems: Charleston's Angel Oak Tree (3688 Angel Oak Rd), Savannah's Bonaventure Cemetery
Tour cost: Walking tours ~$30/person
Eastern US Gems
Washington D.C.
Peak cherry blossoms around April 1-10 near Tidal Basin. Warning: it gets insanely packed but wow those pink canopies. Go early morning or weekdays.
Best freebies: Smithsonian museums (opens 10AM), Lincoln Memorial (24/7)
Pro tip: Skip overpriced waterfront hotels. Metro system works great – stay further out.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia/North Carolina
Wildflower season kicks off here mid-April. Drive sections like Linn Cove Viaduct near Grandfather Mountain. Cabins stay affordable before summer rates hit.
Hike pick: Crabtree Falls Trail (moderate, 3 miles round trip)
Lodging alert: Book cabins 3+ months early. Learned this hard way.
April Festival Guide
| Festival | Location | Dates 2024 | Cost | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Jazz Fest | Fair Grounds, NOLA | Apr 25-28, May 2-5 | Daily $95+ | Buy tickets early, pack rain gear |
| National Cherry Blossom Fest | Washington DC | Mar 20 - Apr 14 | Free | Arrive before 8AM for photos |
| Coachella | Indio, California | Apr 12-14 & 19-21 | $500+ | Book lodging 6+ months ahead |
Road Trip Routes Made for April
Pacific Coast Highway (California): Big Sur landslides usually cleared by April. Stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park ($10 entry) for waterfall-ocean views. Coastal wildflowers popping.
Bluebonnet Trail (Texas): Hill Country explodes in blue flowers late March-early April. Fredericksburg to Willow City Loop best routes. Free roadside viewing.
Parkway Perfection: Combine Skyline Drive (Virginia) and Blue Ridge Parkway (NC). April avoids summer haze. Budget $100/night for decent lodges.
Budget Breakdown: April Travel Costs
| Destination Type | Average Hotel (per night) | Rental Car (wk) | Meal (mid-range) | Total Daily Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Parks | $120-$180 | $350 | $15-$25 | $200/person |
| Major Cities (DC, NOLA) | $180-$250 | Not needed | $25-$40 | $280/person |
| Beach Towns (Florida Keys) | $220-$400 | $400 | $30-$50 | $350/person |
Crowd Calendar Insights
Spring break varies wildly by district. Generally: Early April: Northern states still quiet before summer Mid-April: Peak spring break for many colleges Late April: Sweet spot after Easter crowds clear
Honestly? Monitor airline prices. When flights to Orlando suddenly jump, spring break's hitting.
What to Pack for April Travel
Layers rule everywhere. Mornings in Utah parks? Freezing. Afternoons? T-shirt weather. Essentials: - Waterproof jacket (spring showers!) - Broken-in hiking shoes - Sun hat & SPF 50 (higher elevation = stronger sun) - Portable phone charger - National Park pass ($80 annually saves money)
Regret I've had: Forgetting allergy meds. April pollen is brutal.
Places to Visit April USA: Your Questions Answered
Where's warm in USA during April?
Southern states win: Florida (Key West avg 80°F), Arizona (Phoenix 85°F), Texas Hill Country. Coastal California too (San Diego 67°F).
Are national parks open in April?
Mostly yes! Some high-elevation roads might still close (like Glacier's Going-to-the-Sun Road). Always check nps.gov before heading out. Yellowstone's Lamar Valley opens mid-April – prime wolf spotting!
Is April cheaper for US travel?
Generally yes, except: - During spring break weeks (check local school schedules) - Near major festivals like Coachella Avoid Easter weekend if budget-conscious – prices spike everywhere.
Where to see wildflowers in April USA?
Superblooms vary yearly but typically: - California deserts (Anza-Borrego State Park) - Texas Hill Country bluebonnets - Appalachia along Blue Ridge Parkway - Arizona's Picacho Peak State Park ($7 entry)
Best car-free April destinations?
Washington DC tops my list – Metro system covers everything. New Orleans' streetcars work ($1.25/ride). Savannah's historic district extremely walkable. Skip places like Grand Canyon without wheels.
Final Thoughts
April's that sweet spot where you don't need to mortgage your house for a decent trip. Whether chasing desert blooms in Joshua Tree or jazz vibes in New Orleans, flexibility pays off. Personally? I'd pick Death Valley or Blue Ridge Parkway over crowded cherry blossom fights any day. More space, lower costs, same incredible spring energy. Just remember – book key lodgings 60-90 days out. Spontaneity's great until you're sleeping in your car.
Wherever you pick from these places to visit in April USA, pack those layers and go breathe some spring air. Winter's done.
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