From Yosemite National Park to New York City, Musement shares ten places in America with exquisite spring scenery.
When the snow starts to melt and the sun puts an extra spring in your step, the flowers start to bloom. There’s nothing better than getting out in nature and taking in some extra rays. Here are some of the best places in North America to admire gorgeous spring scenery.
1. See the Capital’s Cherry Blossom Trees in Bloom
Between mid-March and mid-April, the cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C. blanket the city in pink blooms. Admire Mother Nature’s artistry as you stroll the paths around the Tidal Basin, where the pink flowers contrast prettily with the white granite monuments. Other places to see the trees in full bloom include Dumbarton Oaks in the Georgetown neighborhood, Oxun Run Park in southeast D.C., and the United States National Arboretum in the northeast corner of the city.
2. Go Dutch at Holland, Michigan’s Tulip Time Festival
Head to Holland in early May to see more than six million colorful tulips planted in perfect rows at Veldheer Tulip Gardens, Window on the Waterfront, Nelis’ Dutch Village, and Windmill Island Gardens. The city’s Tulip Time Festival is a week-long celebration of its Dutch heritage, featuring the national flower of the Netherlands. Visitors can try traditional Dutch dishes, watch dance demonstrations, and tiptoe through the tulips at this annual festival.
3. See Why Tony Bennett Loves Spring in Manhattan
Wayne Newton may love New York’s Central Park in fall, but Tony Bennett prefers Washington Square Park in the springtime. One of the best New York City parks is a favorite of Greenwich Village residents. Its wide, tree-lined brick paths, impressive art and architecture, and expansive lawns perfect for impromptu picnics make it a must-see springtime destination.
4. Everything’s Better With Bluebonnets On It
The hills of central Texas are blanketed in bluebonnets each spring. These beauties are the official state flower and the legacy of former first lady Lady Bird Johnson, who made it her mission to make her home state Instagram-worthy long before social media even existed. Although you’ll see bluebonnets all over the Lone Star State between mid-March and the end of April, the epicenter is Ennis. Ennis has over forty miles of Bluebonnet Trails and holds an annual festival in mid-April to celebrate its status as the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.”
5. Get a Bird’s-Eye View of Banff
Banff is beautiful any time of year, but sunny skies and crisp mountain air make spring in this popular resort town especially appealing. For a panoramic view of the snowcapped mountains and gorgeous greenery, take the Banff Gondola up the side of Sulphur Mountain and follow the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak.
6. Celebrate Spring in Sunny Sedona
If you’re looking for summer-like temperatures during the spring, head to sunny Sedona, Arizona. Whether you’re hiking through Red Rock State Park, kayaking down the Verde River, or gliding over the Coconino National Forest in a hot air balloon, you’ll be treated to stunning displays of desert scenery.
7. Fall in Love With Yosemite’s Beauty
The best time to see the iconic waterfalls in Yosemite National Park is in late spring when they roar into action spurred on by melting snow. Several of the falls are only seasonal-only sensations, including Ribbon Falls on the west side of El Capitan, Horsetail Falls on the east side, and Yosemite Falls, visible from the valley and Glacier Point.
8. Gaze at the Northern Lights in Hot Springs
When one thinks of beautiful spring scenery in America, Alaska might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the Chena Hot Springs Resort offers the perfect start to end the cold winter weather. Take a dip in the natural, heated rock lake as you admire the beautiful northern lights display and surrounding glaciers. This hot spring is a fan favorite with plenty of other things to do, from the Aurora Ice Bar to the Aurora Ice Museum. A different “spring” but still one well worth the try.
9. Soak Up the Sun in Southern California
Need a recharge of Vitamin D after spending all winter avoiding the frigid weather? Head to Coachella Valley in southern California. Yes, the same Coachella that hosts the infamous music festival each year. With around 300 days of sunshine per year, it is known as the sunniest place in America. Spring is the perfect time of the year to visit so you can avoid the 100-degree summer days. Each year, numerous festivals are hosted to celebrate the charming landscape in the California desert and its blooming wildflowers.
10. Admire the Views in the Smoky Mountains
Located in the middle of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge becomes even more magical when the flowers start to bloom. Smoky Mountain National Park is especially a popular destination in the spring due to the smaller crowds this time of year. Take a trip around the world without leaving the Smokies at Dollywood’s Festival of Nations. Dive into diverse cultures as you take in the spring scenery that surrounds you. The city is also home to The Island, the state’s most popular attraction.
