Have a spring trip planned to California? It's a top pick for a U.S. vacation spot this season, and it's easy to see why. Everything a traveler could want is right in California. The vast expanse of the Golden State is home to various landscapes, and guests may visit at any time of year and enjoy pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
Enjoy hiking and the breathtaking sunsets over painted cliffs and picturesque beaches, perfect for relaxing. Whether in the market for a tropical vacation, a mountain hideaway, or a city break, visitors will find it all here.
10 Channel Islands National Park
Off the coast of Southern California is a series of eight islands known as the Channel Islands. Seven are uninhabited, and five are under preservation as national parks (the eighth is Catalina Island). To get as far away from society in California as possible, one must take a boat to one of these five national park islands. Bring everything necessary as there are no stores or restaurants, and cell phone connection could be better. The spectacular cliffs and beaches along the coast make up for the limited access.
- Where to stay: Amanzi Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
- Address: 298 South Chestnut Street, Ventura, CA 93001
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Free parking, Business center, Cable or satellite TV
9 City Of Monterey
Monterey is a year-round hotspot for California tourists. The best time to observe killer whales in Monterey Bay is in April and May, but whale watching is magnificent there year-round. The region's grape vines begin to bud in April, and lupines and poppies cover the landscape. From the breathtaking vistas of Big Sur to the quaint cottages of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County has everything a California vacation should have. Also, remember to visit Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- Where to stay: Villa Mara Carmel
- Address: 2408 Bay View Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
- Amenities: Adults only, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Free parking
8 Lake Tahoe
There is no better time to visit Lake Tahoe than in spring, whether to float on snow in the Sierra, have an exciting family adventure, or relax in comfort and luxury. Despite the lack of visitors, many Tahoe ski resorts remain open far into April and sometimes even later so that visitors may still enjoy the spectacular scenery and thrilling winter activities. The presence of snow on the surrounding mountains and lake in the springtime is a sight to behold. Visitors may also enjoy the water and the surroundings by kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
- Where to stay: Tahoe Seasons Resort By Diamond Resorts
- Address: 3901 Saddle Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Fitness center, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Valet parking
7 Solvang
One of the best California springtime getaways is the quaint Danish-themed hamlet of Solvang. The historic district of Solvang is perfect for strolling, with its beautiful façade and overflowing planters of tulips and other spring flowers. One of California's 21 Spanish missions, Old Mission Santa Inés, is rich in history and worth a visit. There is a wide variety of restaurants in Solvang, many of which use farm-fresh, locally-produced products. In addition, visit several beautiful wineries in rural areas.
- Where to stay: Vinland Hotel and Lounge
- Address: 1455 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA 93463
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Restaurant, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Free parking
6 Palm Springs
Weekend trips to Palm Springs from San Diego are fantastic. Hot springs, high-end hotels, golf courses, and spas have made this community in the Sonoran Desert in southern California famous. Palm Springs venues, sights, and hiking places will likely be empty and accessible even though hundreds of thousands of concertgoers will be in town for Coachella and Stagecoach in April. And the desert's stunning flora is at its best in the spring, making it a dream location for photographers.
- Where to stay: Fleur Noire Hotel
- Address: 1555 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Amenities: Adults only, Outdoor pool, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Free parking
5 Napa Valley
One of the most beautiful times to visit Napa Valley is early spring. The vineyards of Northern California, from Napa to Calistoga, are bursting with bright yellow mustard blossoms. Visit the Oxbow Public Market in Napa for some of the best gourmet food in the area. Enjoy the Napa Valley Wine Train, a vintage steam engine turned into a moving restaurant. Yountville is a small town northwest of Napa, California, famous for its high-end restaurants and sparkling wine.
- Where to stay: Archer Hotel Napa
- Address: 1230 First Street, Napa, CA 94559
- Amenities: Spa and wellness center, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Valet parking
4 San Francisco
In the spring, the fog lifts, and San Francisco is at its most picturesque. Visitors will adore the city by the Bay when the weather is mild and the beautiful gardens and hiking paths are in full bloom. To observe cherry blossoms in full color, visit Golden Gate Park's Japanese Tea Garden. Visit the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, where tulips are also blooming. Moreover, San Francisco and its surrounding areas offer excellent trekking opportunities in the spring. For those who want to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, the short downhill stroll to Marshall Beach is the place to go.
- Where to stay: Hotel Emblem San Francisco, A Viceroy Urban Retreat
- Address: 562 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Amenities: Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee shop, Valet parking
3 Joshua Tree National Park
Temperatures rise to the mid-80s in the spring, crowds thin out, there is plenty of sunshine, and the nights are long enough for stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree is famous for its breathtaking desert landscapes, and daytime highs in the summer often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making spring a welcome alternative. In spring, wildflowers are in full bloom along Ryan Mountain Trail. Other locations in Joshua Tree to see wildflowers are Keys View Road and Lost Horse Valley.
- Where to stay: High Desert Motel Joshua Tree National Park
- Address: 61310 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Wi-Fi available in all areas
2 Los Angeles
The greater Los Angeles area is a popular spring break destination in California due to its abundance of gardens, museums, beaches, parks, shopping, and delicious food options. Gardens in Los Angeles are at their peak of beauty in the spring, and roses and many other flowers bloom at Descanso Gardens, the Getty Villa, the Getty Center, and the Huntington in Pasadena. Spring in Los Angeles, the "Entertainment Capital of the World," has opportunities to enjoy everything from live music and amusement parks to stand-up comedy, theater, movies, and sports.
- Where to stay: citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
- Address: 361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Amenities: Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Business center
1 San Diego
San Diego is an excellent choice for a warm and sunny beach vacation in California this spring. There are a ton of fun things to do in the city during the season, from the San Diego Wine Festival and Little Italy Art Walk to a free two-day music festival at venues all along Adams Avenue featuring 150+ musicians. The seaside wildflowers in San Diego are gorgeous in April. Torrey Pines State Park and the coastal trails of La Jolla and Del Mar to the north of the city offer breathtaking vistas of rolling hills covered in wildflowers.
- Where to stay: Omni San Diego Hotel
- Address: 675 L Street, San Diego, CA 92101
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Spa and wellness center, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Valet parking