10 of the Best Outdoorsy Destinations in the USA This Spring
Looking to get outdoors this spring? These spring vacations to national parks, lakes, and beaches will fill you with inspiration for planning your trip.
Snow melting into gushing waterfalls, wildlife awakening from winter slumber, hiking trails warmed by perfect temperatures — these are just a few of the reasons to get outdoors this spring with a vacation to some of the best parks, lakes and islands in the United States.
These nature-fueled escapes buzz with activity come summer, but spring typically means fewer crowds and lower prices that come with the shoulder season.
Whether it’s a national park road trip, family camping for spring break, or desert canyon hikes in the perfect weather, these outdoorsy destinations top our spring vacation bucket list!
Best Outdoorsy Destinations in the USA for Spring Vacation
These outdoorsy spring vacation destinations have gorgeous weather, sun-soaked beaches, and adventurous hiking trails.
Arches National Park, Utah
By Jarrod of Ramble Around the World
During much of the year, Arches National Park can be filled with tourists, covered in snow or scorching under Utah’s desert sun. But in spring, it transforms into an oasis with flowing streams and blossoming flower beds sprouting at the heels of its 2,000-plus sandstone arches.
While the park never seems overcrowded, spring is the perfect time of year to visit because of the fewer visitors and better weather. Sitting 5,600 feet above sea level, springtime temperatures are typically mild in the mornings and evenings with a perfectly warm setting during the midday sun.
Along with its famous named arches that you can hike to (and the hundreds more that are easily spotted), the park is paved with miles of beautifully scenic roads. Without leaving your vehicle, you can pass by ancient natural rock formations like the petrified dunes, naturally formed stone-columned skyscrapers, the 128-foot-tall Balanced Rock and Ute Indian petroglyphs, rock art dating back hundreds of years.
But hiking is truly recommended in this beautiful park, especially to Delicate Arch, which is arguably the most famous arch in the U.S. and is used on Utah license plates. From beginners to experienced day hikers, there are trails for all ages and skill levels.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
By Ann of While We Were Wandering
Mount Rainier is an American icon. With its snow-capped peaks, beautiful wildflowers and amazing hiking trails, its no surprise that it receives about two million visitors a year. Obviously, Mount Rainier should be on everybody’s bucket list, but to experience the best this national park has to offer, consider making your trip during the spring.
What is so special about Mount Rainier in spring? Well first and foremost, you beat the summer rush. While beautiful, Mount Rainier is by no means a secret destination. Travelers from around the world come here, and summer is by far the most crowded. While the chances of being completely alone are slim to none regardless of when you visit, spring is considerably less crowded than summer.
Another reason to come in spring are the wildflowers that bloom during this time of year. Avalanche lilies, lupines, and Sitka valerian cover the landscape in the most picturesque colors.
Not only can we thank the seasonal rainfall and snowmelt for the wildflowers, but also for the waterfalls within the region flowing at their strongest. There are more than 100 waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park, and spring is by far the best time to see them.
Maui, Hawaii
By Michelle of Harbors and Havens
A dream destination for outdoorsy types, the Hawaiian island of Maui brims with epic hikes, snorkeling spots, stunning beaches and more. The second busiest of the Hawaiian islands behind Oahu and it’s capital of Honolulu, Maui in spring is ideal for vacations, as the rainy season tapers off come April and the summer crowds don’t start peaking until June.
It’s a brief window of ultra-pleasant conditions, sure, but Maui’s natural beauty is hard to beat, even if you do bump into a few more tourists than you tend to prefer. It’s easy to escape the bustle by trading the most popular sandy swaths for more hidden beach coves past the resorts and condos or a trek along the trails of Haleakala National Park, the island’s shield volcano.
The tail end of the rainy season also means that waterfalls around the island will still be gushing and beautiful, as you can discover with a drive on the Road to Hana, a winding road trip past bamboo forests, black-sand beaches and dramatic cliffs to a remote town on the eastern end of the island that retains a retro feel.
You can expect spring crowds to surge around school break times in March and again past Memorial Day into June as summer vacations come into full swing. Opt for April or early to mid-May (or September/October for fall visits) for the best chance of lower prices and fewer bodies on the beach.
Use this guide to find the best locations and deals for hotels on Maui
Big Bend National Park, Texas
By Zach and Julie of Ruhls of the Road
Big Bend National Park is the perfect place to visit in spring. The mild weather, lack of crowds and incredible hikes and sites are what sets Big Bend apart from every other destination you can visit around the United States.
Big Bend is located in western Texas, where summer temperatures can get extremely high. Also, since it’s in a desert, Big Bend is extra dry and can feel much hotter in the sun. Therefore, the best time to visit is spring. Early in the season, daytime temps may still be in the 70s, building into the 80s and 90s by June, so you'll be able to sport a t-shirt and shorts without feeling uncomfortably warm.
Another reason to see Big Bend in spring is to avoid some of the busiest times of the year. You'll be able to see the South Rim viewpoint and swim in the hot springs without a huge line of people.
Since hiking Big Bend in spring is much more comfortable, head to paths like the Window Trail, Lost Mine Trail and South Rim. Plan your trip to Big Bend for this spring and be ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California
By Christina of Travel2Next
Although Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination, one of the best times to visit is in spring. Between March and May, Lake Tahoe transforms from a winter wonderland to a fabulous beach destination.
There are plenty of amazing things to do in Lake Tahoe in spring. Time your visit to squeeze in a few days skiing or snowboarding at the end of the winter season, then end your vacation by chilling out by the pool.
Besides being able to catch some sun, spring is also far less crowded, and Lake Tahoe spring vacation prices are much more reasonable than during the height of summer. Since Lake Tahoe straddles both California and Nevada, you can choose from waterfront towns and villages in both states to base yourself.
Spring at Lake Tahoe is a fun time to visit for festivals. There’s a vibrant atmosphere during the South Lake Tahoe Earth Day celebrations in April, when the community of this Californian city gets together to celebrate the region’s natural beauty while focusing on the environment. Other spring festivals to mark on the calendar are the WinterWonderGrass California Music, with lively bluegrass concerts, and the Alpine Meadows Annual Snow Golf Tournament, a nine-hole golf tournament on a snowy course at a nearby ski resort.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
By Megan of Red Around the World
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is stunning at any time of year, but spring means you can avoid the big crowds and still see all the wildlife. If you visit in late spring, bears will be coming out of hibernation, so you might be able to see them, along with moose, coyotes, wolves, and bison. A wildlife safari is a must-do activity if you want to spot lots of animals, since the guides know just where to look for what and when.
In early spring, you may still be able to snowshoe your way around Grand Teton National Park. If not, then you can hike instead. Access to the park will be more limited, though, because the main scenic road doesn’t open to motor vehicles until May 1. While it’s closed, you can still walk, bike or ski on the road, depending on its condition.
Make sure to leave time to stroll around downtown Jackson and see the shops and galleries. Midday temps will likely be warm enough for walking around outside no matter if you're in town or the park. You'll find some of the best scenery in the country here and the Tetons will still be snowcapped, making it even better.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
By Laura of Adrift Aesthetic
Traveling in the spring can mean questionable weather, depending on where you decide to venture in the United States. One place that's a perfect spring destination is Mesa Verde National Park, located in the southwest corner of Colorado.
This national park is known for its impressive collection of archeological sites. As you drive and hike along the edge of the canyons, you'll see historic dwellings built into the sandstone cliffs, created by the Ancestral Pueblo people hundreds of years ago. These are such unique buildings and homes, some of which could house over 100 people.
The park is located on top of multiple mesas, making the heat harder to bear in the dead of summer. By visiting in spring, hiking in the sun will be much more enjoyable, with light breezes to cool you off.
To get the most out of your trip, make sure you book a guided park ranger tour for a nominal fee. These excursions allow you to walk through the actual cliff dwellings and experience the sites up close. Tickets can only be purchased on-site or in the nearby town of Durango, Colorado, up to two days in advance, so they fill up quickly. However, traveling in the spring also means fewer visitors and a better chance of securing the tour you want.
Acadia National Park, Maine
By Lily of Imperfect Idealist
Acadia National Park is located along the coast of Maine, primarily on Mount Desert Island. It offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking to camping to fishing. Use this guide to plan a Boston to Acadia road trip.
The national park attracts millions of visitors each year, mostly from June to September. While Acadia is open year-round, many hotels, shops, visitor centers and attractions are closed in the winter months. To take better advantage of the park's offerings while beating the crowds, aim to visit from mid-April through May. While some shops may still be closed, most accommodations and park attractions will be open, and there will be fewer people on the hiking trails. Another bonus is that you may be able to get better views from the mountains, as some trees will still not have leaves yet.
Some highlights of the park include Cadillac Mountain, with a gorgeous summit view of the surrounding mountains and lakes at sunrise or sunset, and Beehive Trail, a near-vertical, thrilling hike.
In the park, you can also find the famous and elusive New England popovers (a light, puffy roll made from an egg batter) in Jordan Pond House, a restaurant with a panoramic view of the nearby pond and mountains.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
By Kelsey of Sights Better Seen
You’ll find the Grand Canyon on many a bucket list, and for good reason. If you’re eager to visit, consider planning your trip to the Grand Canyon in the spring, when crowds and temperatures are both lower than the popular summer months.
The weather will most likely be pretty mild in the spring — perfect for hiking! It can get quite cold in the winter and is often extremely hot in the summer. You should still keep an eye on the weather as conditions can vary, even from the rim, where it snows in winter, to the canyon floor, where temperatures can be 20 degrees warmer. Monsoon season also hasn’t hit yet in the spring, with most of the rainfall occurring in the summer months.
Cacti and desert wildflowers are stunning here, and most bloom in the spring. April may be the best month to go to witness the blossoms up on the rim and down in the canyon. They typically bloom at the rim from late April to May.
Spring is still the shoulder season, too, so there aren’t as many visitors as compared to the summer months. Just keep an eye on the school calendar and try to avoid spring break crowds.
Do note that the North Rim may still be closed in early spring (it opens mid-May), but you can still visit the more popular South Rim, which offers the most viewpoints, trails, hotels and services of the two.
Denali National Park, Alaska
By Michelle of Harbors and Havens
Summer is by far the busiest season to visit Alaska’s Denali National Park, given the locale’s blustery winter conditions that often span six months of the year or more. But a sliver in time when the snow begins to melt, the animals begin to creep out from their snowy naps, and park crews begin plowing the roads falls in the magical season of spring.
Arrive too early, say in March or early April, and you’ll likely find access extremely limited, even to reach Denali from Anchorage if conditions happen to be icy. But a trip later in April or early May in a temperate year means you can drive farther down Denali Park Road than allowed in summer when the tour buses are running.
Speaking of tours, those begin around mid-May and are the best way to see remote parts of the park without having to trek on foot, so aim for late spring to book sightseeing before the summer bustle sets in.
Keep in mind that while the park is open year-round (with a special winter visitor center housed in the Murie Science and Learning Center), most hotels and tourist services nearby don’t come to life until mid-May. The park does, however, have a campground at the entrance with free use in early spring.
