Fall Back, Spring Forward: Where to Travel in April for Every Type of Traveler

Around the world, spring and autumn are seasons of transition and renewal. Squarely in the middle of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere sits the month of April — a fantastic time of year to visit bucket-list destinations near and far.

These places celebrate the emerging beauty of April with a variety of experiences that showcase the best of the spring and autumn seasons. Whether your travels tend to focus on arts and culture, food and drink, sports, wellness, outdoor adventure or something else, there’s a destination for everyone to love on this list.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

The Outdoor Enthusiast

Moab, Utah

April brings the perfect T-shirt weather for exploring the buttes, mesas and epic rock formations of Moab. But evenings are cool, so bring a jacket.

Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are on every visitor’s to-do list. It’s prime time for the parks, so it’s recommended that you make a reservation for Arches National Park in advance.

Once you’ve checked those off, consider experiencing some other highlights: Mountain bike the famous Slickrock Trail or raft the Colorado River. Kick it up a notch by booking a thrilling off-road tour on the Hell’s Revenge Trail.

Sunsets in Moab are stunning — head to Dead Horse State Park for one of the best views.

Seychelles

April is an ideal month to visit the African archipelago paradise of the Seychelles. The trade winds drop off after March, creating prime conditions for scuba diving and snorkeling in the warm turquoise waters.

Island-hopping between the five main islands is a good way to experience a variety of land and water options. And since much of the country is protected by nature reserves, there’s a lot to see. Hike along lush rainforest trails cascading with waterfalls for a glimpse of the endemic birds and animals. Afterward, relax on white sand beaches and go for a swim.

Make sure to learn about how regenerative travel has positively impacted the Seychelles.

The Food and Drinks Lover

Melbourne, Australia

In Melbourne, expect crisp Autumn weather in April and arrive hungry. Its reputation as Australia’s “culinary city” is reason enough to treat yourself to the variety of multicultural food experiences on offer.

One convenient way to get a sampling of different types of national cuisines is to start with a pilgrimage to the Queen Victoria Market, a vast open-air market operating since 1878. Here you can try a range of dishes, including samosas and curries from 3 Brothersss Indian Restaurant and Spanish tapas from El Rincón. When you’re ready for a hearty meal, consider stopping by one of the many Vietnamese restaurants in the area. Pho Thin is a popular option known for its noodle soups.

Coffee culture is a serious art form here, so you won’t have to search far to find good brew — there’s a coffee café on just about every block in the city.

Lima, Peru

Lima, Peru, is known as the culinary capital of South America. April is right before the start of the peak season, which means fewer crowds and better chances of grabbing a table at popular dining spots.

Foodies will appreciate a modern take on traditional dishes with flavors influenced by the Spanish, Inca and Asian cultures. Tasty fare like Peru’s national dish, ceviche, can be found throughout the city.

Head to the Miraflores District for some of the best restaurants. Sip the national cocktail, the pisco sour. Try it at the celebrated Huaringas Bar, where the menu offers 40 versions of the drink.

The Sports Fan

Augusta, Georgia

In springtime, golf is king in this pretty Southern city that’s alive with colorful azaleas and lush green lawns. It’s where the best golf players in the world gather every April to compete in the Masters Tournament, the first major golf tournament of the year.

Besides watching the big names at the tournament, golf fans can swing their clubs and play a round at one of the area’s challenging public and semiprivate courses.

Alternatively, there’s another type of golf that gets a lot of play in Augusta: disc golf, otherwise known as frisbee golf. You will find several local park courses where you can test your skills.

Madrid, Spain

Fútbol, also known as soccer, is the national sport of Spain — and you should easily find a match to watch in Madrid, home to five powerhouse teams, in April.

With daytime temperatures typically in the 60s and plenty of sunshine, it’s the perfect time to see a game. You’ll want to buy tickets in advance to see Real Madrid C.F., one of the world’s best teams, or Club Atlético de Madrid, another big-league team that’s part of La Liga.

If tickets are sold out, follow the locals and head to a sports bar for a true fútbol fanatic experience: watching matches on big-screen TVs. Or go on a guided big-league stadium tour for a coveted insider’s view.

The Wellness Buff

St. Lucia

Book a dreamworthy escape to this eastern Caribbean island in April before the rainy season begins.

Enjoy hiking or sailing around St. Lucia’s famous landmarks, the Pitons, two dormant volcanoes rising up from the sea. Indulge in some island nature therapy: Start your wellness adventure with a forest bathing hike. Make sure to take a dip in the mud pools of Sulphur Springs in Soufrière. End with a relaxing rinse under a waterfall.

The Arts and Culture Seeker

Kyoto, Japan

April is peak cherry blossom season in Kyoto. A profusion of pink blooms color the city’s ancient neighborhoods, from temples, shrines and royal residences to parks, gardens and museums.

Walk the Philosopher’s Path along a cherry-tree-lined canal that links two famous temples, Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji. Take an evening stroll in Gion’s geisha district under lantern-lit streets.

Definitely find time to visit one of the many teahouses for an authentic tea ceremony, and make sure to try wagashi, traditional Japanese confections.

Vancouver, Canada

April brings warmer weather and more outdoor events to Vancouver, along with flowering trees and the annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. The three-week event celebrates the beauty of the city’s 43,000 blooming cherry trees with a variety of accessible arts and culture events.

The cosmopolitan city has a rich arts and culture scene, with many options for enjoying a day at a museum or seeing a play, concert, ballet or the opera. Spend an afternoon walking or biking the waterfront to view public artworks like the First Nations carved totem poles in Stanley Park.

Charleston, South Carolina

April is an amazing time to visit the charming coastal city of Charleston. The weather is lovely, the flowers are prolific and there’s an abundance of festivals.

One of the most anticipated festivals of the year is the annual Festival of Houses and Gardens Tour, which celebrates local architecture and arts. More than 100 private historic homes and gardens in the city are on view to the public.

Explore the art exhibitions at the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, and take a self-guided tour to learn about its archives and history. While in Charleston, add a tour to your visit to learn more about the culture of the Gullah people in the region.

Best Places to Travel by Month — See All 12

January | February | March | April | May | June

July | August | September | October | November | December