Spring has sprung!
After the maddening rush of spring breakers, April is a calmer month. Just before the summer, you have many more chances of stumbling upon a good flight and hotel deals. Plus, you don’t have to wait for the summer months for festivals—many destinations start celebrating pleasant weather and sunshine in April with cultural events and activities. We are listing eight of these destinations for you to visit in April if you’re sold on warmer weather, fewer crowds, and attractive deals.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The food and nightlife scene in New Orleans needs no introduction—it’s an exciting, vibrant, and multifaceted city with a full calendar of events all year. In April, the weather is a blessing with sunshine and the city is buzzing with spring events. The French Quarter Festival from April 11-14 is a popular celebration of local music and food in the heart of the city. There is also the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival from April 23 – May 5, which is a playground for music and food lovers.
INSIDER TIPYou can buy a Go City New Orleans pass to get 50% discounts on museums and activities.
Where to stay: The Chloe is a 19th-century mansion that was a Fodor’s Finest pick in 2023. The 14-room hotel is a revelation with surprises like the grand staircase or secret passageways. Stay here seven nights or more and use the code “STAYAWHILE7” to get a 20% discount plus a $50 restaurant gift card and tote (fewer nights also have discounts).
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Related: The Ultimate LGBTQ+ Guide to Visiting New Orleans
San Antonio, Texas
A major celestial event is happening in spring and the residents of San Antonio are luckily at the right place to witness it. On April 8, a total eclipse will pass through Canada, the U.S., and Mexico when the moon completely blocks the sun and darkens the skies. It’s become an important event because the next one in the U.S. won’t be until 2044. This eclipse has become a major tourist draw and Delta is even offering “path of totality flights” to watch it from 30,000 feet.
But that’s not the only attraction of San Antonio. The city delights with its history, culture, museums, nature, and gastronomy. You can have a taste of it during the annual festival of Fiesta San Antonio from April 18-28, which involves parades, cooking events, music events, and a carnival.
Where to stay: Live it up at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa—a great location if you’re flying in with your family. You can combine it with a trip to Six Flags and the River Walk. Booking the Glamping Suite package will get you a glamping-theme suite and glamper gifts.
Related: 15 Places to See in San Antonio That Aren’t the Alamo
Vancouver, Canada
It might too late to book a trip to Japan to see the cherry blossoms, but there’s another destination much closer (and cheaper) where you can experience the pink blooms. Vancouver has 40,000 cherry blossom trees and in April, it will transform into a spring delight at Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Nitobe Memorial Garden.
You also have the additional perk of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival running from March 29-April 25. Write haikus, enroll in pottery workshops, attend tree talks, and enjoy the outdoors with picnics and paintings.
Where to stay: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver—which is celebrating its 85th anniversary in May—is offering 15% off on three-night stays till April 30 if you want to stay downtown.
Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada
While the rest of our suggestions are spring-worthy and sun-inspired, there’s one that may let you hold on to the magic of snow for another couple of weeks. Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec is a ski resort located 30 minutes from Quebec City at an elevation of 803 meters. It ends its season in the third week of April, so you can plan a quick trip to ski, snowboard, or snowshoe.
Where to stay: Chalets Montmorency offers ski-in ski-out chalets as well as apartments and condominiums in the Greater Quebec City area. A quick search for four-night stay in a studio from April 10-14 fetched a price of $77 per night with a 38% discount.
Hawai’i
Hawai’i is a year-round destination, but it’s definitely more expensive to visit in December and June-August. The shoulder month of April, however, may help you find a good deal on hotel and flights.
Another factor that may sway your decision is the whale watching opportunities. Every year, humpback whales race from Alaska to Hawaii between December and May, and the sightings can make your whole year. Buy a pair of binoculars and book yourself a boat tour to watch these mammals ethically and from a distance.
Where to stay: The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club has gotten rid of amenity fees. The boutique hotel has 112 vintage-inspired rooms and an on-site restaurant Mahina and Sun’s that serves local foods. Another draw is its pool where you’ll often meet cool artists and attend hip events. Take your pet along for this vacation and you won’t have to pay for the furry companion either.
Related: 50 Ultimate Things to Do in Hawaii
Amsterdam, Netherlands
It’s not summer-warm in Amsterdam in April, but the weather is mild enough for some days of museum hopping and bicycling. But the biggest draw for crowds in the spring is the famed tulip season. The Tulip Festival is scheduled for March 21-May 12 in Amsterdam when millions of these bright flowers will be in bloom. Go tulip spotting at attractions around the city and attend the flower parade on April 20. You can also visit tulip farms and take a train to the southern town of Lisse which has Keukenhof Gardens and Museum de Zwarte Tulp (Museum of Black Tulip).
Tip: Iceland-based low-cost Play Airlines has cheap flight options from the U.S. to Europe, and you may be able to snag a good last-minute deal.
Where to stay: Kimpton De Witt Hotel in Amsterdam is located in the city centre, so it’s a convenient base if you’re thinking of exploring the Dutch capital this spring. If you’re super quick, you may be able to benefit from the 15% off offer that’s running until March 5.
Related: The Complete Guide to Renting and Riding a Bike in Amsterdam
Negril, Jamaica
The sandy town of Negril is on Fodor’s Go List 2024, and April is a great month to plan this getaway. Beautiful beaches, diving spots, all-inclusive resorts, and a line of bars and restaurants along Seven Mile Beach await once you reach this destination from Montego Bay. A must-visit in Negril is Rick’s Cafe, where you can enjoy sunset views and scratch your adventurous itch with cliffside jumping.
Where to stay: The Cliff Hotel has stunning ocean views from its 33 suites and villas. The boutique hotel has a bar, a restaurant, a spa, a pool, and a fitness center, but the beaches will require a short drive.
Lucca, Italy
Spring in Tuscany brings not just pleasant weather, but a host of events (like Liberation Day on April 25). You’ll completely skip the maddening crowds that descend every summer if you plan a trip in April, and you’ll be able to enjoy some smaller, locally-flavored festivals.
Lucca, a quiet city known for its Renaissance walls, hosts the Lucca Classica Music Festival from April 24-28 with live music in squares, historic buildings, theatres, and churches. On April 27 in the San Frediano Basilica, you might also be able to attend the celebration of Santa Zita, an Italian saint who died in the city in the 13th century.
Where to stay: Within the walled center, Grand Universe La Residenza has a history of over 500 years and now houses travelers in its one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. The hotel will celebrate Santa Zita with flowers in each room.
Related: 20 Things to Eat and Drink in Florence and Tuscany