Keanu•Dec 9, 2025Back to ArticlesKeanu•Dec 9, 2025
The 8 Best Places to Visit in California in April
Keanu•Dec 9, 2025April is one of California’s most rewarding months for travelers. Winter’s rain gives way to green hillsides, waterfalls reach full volume, and wildflowers stretch across coastal bluffs and rolling valleys. Warm, sunny afternoons make it easy to explore without the intensity of summer heat or crowds.
For anyone choosing the best places to visit in California in April, the season offers a rare blend of comfort, color, and open space.
This guide highlights eight destinations that feel especially alive in April – from Pacific cliffs to desert trails, from wine-country calm to national park vistas – along with Wander homes that set the tone for slow, scenic days.
1. Big Sur
Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in April
April brings Big Sur into full spring mode. Hillsides that turned green in March deepen in color, wildflowers spread across the cliffs, and the ocean often shifts to an impossibly clear blue. Trails dry out, coastal breezes warm slightly, and Highway 1 views become even more dramatic as the light sharpens heading into late spring.
For travelers weighing the best California vacation spots in April for scenic drives and quiet trails, Big Sur is hard to top. The landscape feels refreshed, and the experience is noticeably calmer than in summer.
Things to do
Hike through wildflowers in Garrapata State Park
Visit Partington Cove in soft morning light
Explore Pfeiffer Big Sur’s redwood canyons
Photograph spring surf at McWay Falls
Enjoy coastal dining at Nepenthe
Where to stay
Travel tips
Expect cooler mornings near the water
Trails can still be damp in shaded areas
April sunsets linger, making evenings especially scenic
2. Sonoma (Healdsburg & the Surrounding Valleys)
Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in April
Sonoma hits a peaceful spring stride in April. Vineyards show their first signs of growth, hills remain green from recent rains, and temperatures settle into the 60s and low 70s — perfect for meandering between wineries or exploring forested parks. The crowds stay manageable until late spring, giving April a relaxed, shoulder-season feel.
If you're deciding where to visit in California in April for wine tasting, countryside views, and small-town charm, Sonoma delivers without the bustle of peak harvest.
Things to do
Taste new releases at small-production wineries
Explore Healdsburg’s tasting rooms and cafés
Walk the coastal headlands near Jenner
Visit Armstrong Redwoods for shaded trails
Enjoy farm stands and markets in Sebastopol
Where to stay
Travel tips
Evening temperatures drop quickly
Outdoor reservations fill up on weekends
Spring winds can pick up midday
3. Palm Springs & the Coachella Valley
Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in April
April is warm but still comfortably manageable across the desert, especially in the first half of the month. The skies stay clear, the pool weather is idyllic, and the region’s trails remain open before the real heat arrives. Events animate the valley – from art installations to music festivals – giving the season a lively yet relaxed energy.
For travelers choosing the best places to visit in California in April for sunshine and stylish downtime, Palm Springs is a natural fit.
Things to do
Wander Indian Canyons’ oasis trails
Explore design boutiques and vintage shops downtown
Take an evening ride up the Palm Springs Tramway
Visit Pioneertown at golden hour
Lounge poolside with mountain views as temps peak around the low 80s
Where to stay
Travel tips
Outdoor activities are best early in the day
Festival weekends book far in advance
Bring sunscreen even on cooler mornings
4. Joshua Tree
Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in April
April is one of the most comfortable months in Joshua Tree, with reliably warm days and crisp evenings ideal for stargazing. Depending on the year, wildflowers may still be blooming at the park’s lower elevations, while rock formations glow in soft spring light. Crowds increase slightly, but the park remains spacious enough to absorb them.
If you're looking for the best California vacation spots in April for quiet sunrise hikes, wide horizons, and desert air, Joshua Tree stands out.
Things to do
Hike Ryan Mountain or Warren Peak
Explore Jumbo Rocks at dusk
Visit Keys View for clear panoramic vistas
Browse local artist studios in Joshua Tree Village
Picnic among Joshua trees in Queen Valley
Where to stay
Travel tips
Temperatures rise quickly by midday
Parking fills early at Hidden Valley and Barker Dam
Nights stay cool despite warm days
5. Yosemite National Park
Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in April
April brings Yosemite’s waterfalls to life. Snowmelt surges across the valley walls, meadows turn vibrant green, and sunny days offer perfect conditions for photography. Trails at lower elevations typically open by this point, while higher elevations remain snow-covered, creating dramatic contrasts throughout the park.
For travelers asking where to visit in California in April for big-scenery days, Yosemite is unmatched.
Things to do
Walk to Yosemite Falls when flow is strongest
Explore valley trails like Cook’s Meadow Loop
Visit Mirror Lake before water levels recede
Photograph Tunnel View in early morning light
Watch moonbows if timing aligns with full moon conditions
Where to stay
Travel tips
Weekend entry can feel busy – aim for midweek
Snow may still linger on shaded trails
Glacier Point and Tioga Pass remain closed until early summer
6. Monterey & Carmel
Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in April
April brings clarity to the Central Coast: bright water, migrating whales, and wildflowers along cliff trails. Temperatures hover in the high 50s to mid-60s — ideal for coastal hikes or browsing Monterey’s waterfront without summer crowds. Carmel’s boutiques and courtyards feel lively, and Point Lobos often offers exceptional wildlife viewing.
Among the best places to visit in California in April, Monterey shines for travelers who enjoy slower mornings, scenic drives, and breezy coastal beauty.
Things to do
Explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Walk Carmel Beach at sunset
Watch for whales along the Pacific Grove shoreline
Kayak Elkhorn Slough among sea otters
Drive 17-Mile Drive early in the day
Where to stay
Travel tips
Expect cool ocean breezes
Morning fog is common but usually clears
Parking at popular lookouts is easier on weekdays
7. San Diego
Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in April
San Diego softens into its spring rhythm in April. Beaches warm up, wildflowers bloom inland, and the city’s parks and neighborhoods feel energized without summer’s rush. For families, couples, and solo travelers alike, it’s a breezy, flexible month to enjoy the coast.
For travelers sorting through where to visit in California in April with reliable weather and diverse activities, San Diego is always a safe bet.
Things to do
Hike Torrey Pines’ coastal trails
Explore Balboa Park’s gardens
Visit La Jolla’s sea caves and marine life
Spend a quiet afternoon on Coronado Beach
Take a day trip to the Anza-Borrego wildflowers
Where to stay
Travel tips
Early mornings can be cool near the water
Parking fills in La Jolla by late morning
Inland areas warm considerably faster than the coast
8. Malibu
Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in April
Malibu feels especially inviting in April. The hills stay green, trails dry out from winter rains, and beaches glow beneath longer, warmer days. Surf conditions mellow, and coastal drives become an easy pleasure with fewer visitors than summer.
If you're choosing the best California vacation spots in April for coastal relaxation with dramatic scenery, Malibu is a refined, low-key option.
Things to do
Explore El Matador Beach’s sea arches
Hike Solstice Canyon under spring shade
Surf gentle breaks at Zuma
Visit local wineries in the Santa Monica Mountains
Enjoy sunset along the Malibu Pier
Where to stay
Travel tips
Bring layers — the breeze stays cool even on sunny days
Parking is easiest before late morning
Trails may still have muddy patches after early-spring storms
Plan Your California April Escape With Wander
April opens the state in a way few months can match – bright coastlines, warm desert days, and national parks in full spring motion. It’s a month built for scenic drives, trail time, and long afternoons outdoors.
Wander’s California vacation rentals pair beautifully with this season, offering spaces designed for connection, calm, and a deeper experience of each destination.
Choose your corner of California, then let a Wander home elevate the way you explore it.
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