The Best Places To Visit in the US in April

April has a way of reshaping the US travel map. Desert trails soften with cooler mornings, coastlines shake off winter fog, and cities known for heat or humidity settle into their most comfortable stretch.

It’s the moment when road-trippers start planning scenic drives, when food-focused travelers chase spring markets, and when outdoor types look for places where the snow melts just enough to open high-desert paths and canyon overlooks.

This guide highlights where April feels especially rewarding – places with a seasonal character, comfortable weather, and experiences that are more enjoyable now than in midsummer. You’ll also find a few well-placed suggestions for staying with Wander, which has a strong collection of luxury vacation rentals in North Carolina, Texas, and beyond.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona in April hits the sweet spot: long, dry hiking days without the summer heat. Red rock formations glow especially bright in spring light, and trailheads around Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock, and Fay Canyon are open and accessible before monsoon season. Evenings stay cool enough to linger over dinner in West Sedona.

Things to do

• Hike Soldier Pass early to catch morning color on the arches.

• Book a guided 4x4 route into remote canyon terrain.

• Explore Tlaquepaque’s courtyards for galleries and small-batch ceramics.

• Drive up to Jerome for hillside vineyards and ghost-town history.

• Stargaze – Sedona is a certified Dark Sky Community.

Travel tips

• Parking fills quickly; use the trailhead shuttles where available.

• Mornings can be chilly – layer for temperature swings.

• Midweek hikes are noticeably quieter than weekends.

Where to stay near Sedona

Wander’s luxury vacation rentals in Sedona offer something for everyone:

• Wander Sedona Red Rock – The ultimate getaway for large groups with red rock views, this rental sleeps up to 14 guests and has a heated saltwater pool, spillover spa, 6-person barrel sauna, fire pit, and multiple decks.

• Wander Sedona Seven Canyons – With desert and mountain views, this luxury rental is situated inside a gated community and features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, an outdoor dining space, and a fire pit.

• Wander Sedona Oasis – Blending style with luxury, this is the ideal location for exploring and relaxing. The rental is just minutes away from the Cathedral Rock Trail and has a game room and hot tub.

Expert tip on how to see Sedona’s Red Rocks in April

If you want the red rock viewpoints mostly to yourself, start with the Airport Mesa overlook for sunrise, then move directly to Doe Mountain. Most hikers hit Cathedral Rock first, so reversing the usual order buys you a quieter morning and better soft-light photography.

Asheville, North Carolina

Spring comes early to the Blue Ridge, bringing wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, and clear driving conditions on the Parkway. Asheville’s breweries and music venues stay active, but the city’s best appeal in April is how easy it becomes to combine downtown culture with quick access to Pisgah National Forest. The temperature sweet spot – mid-60s to low 70s – makes April an ideal month for long, leisurely waterfall days.

Things to do

• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for overlooks and trailheads.

• Visit the River Arts District’s studios and small galleries.

• Hike Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove.

• Explore Biltmore’s gardens at spring peak.

• Try cider tastings in West Asheville.

Travel tips

• Parkway sections can still close after heavy rain – check conditions.

• Evening temps drop quickly at elevation.

• Weekday waterfall hikes are far quieter.

Where to stay near Asheville

Wander offers luxury vacation rentals in Asheville to choose from:

• Wander Asheville Meadows – This bungalow property features an outdoor pool, Bryte bed, outdoor dining area and windows with panoramic views that frame the Blue Ridge Mountains.

• Wander Asheville Wilkie – A luxurious mountain retreat with a full gym, outdoor fireplace, and outdoor dining area, so you can enjoy the stunning setting while winding down after a day of mountain exploring.

Austin, Texas

Warm but not hot, Austin in April strikes a balance between outdoor-friendly days and lively festival energy. Barton Springs is swimmable again, Lady Bird Lake fills with kayakers, and live music spreads across the city. Wildflowers bloom along Hill Country roads, making day trips to Dripping Springs or Johnson City especially scenic. Texas is a strong Wander market, offering plenty of modern homes suited to group trips.

Things to do

• Kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake.

• Explore South Congress for boutiques and coffee spots.

• Catch outdoor sets at Zilker or the Mohawk.

• Sample Hill Country wineries on a half-day trip.

• Enjoy food-truck dinners at Meanwhile Brewing.

Travel tips

• Traffic spikes during festival weekends – plan cross-city drives early.

• Evenings stay mild, and outdoor patios are a reliable option.

• Bluebonnet blooms typically peak early to mid-April.

Expert route for a perfect Hill Country tasting day in Austin

If you’re planning a Hill Country tasting day, start west and work your way back toward Austin. Sunset views near Driftwood and Dripping Springs are outstanding, and ending closer to the city shortens your return drive after dark.

Where to stay near Austin

Wander’s luxury vacation rentals in Austin make the perfect April getaway:

• Wander Austin Modern – This sleek property offers an outdoor pool and dining area with panoramic city views. It’s the ideal escape for a touch of tranquillity away from the busy city.

• Wander Austin Waterfront – This Texas estate is perfect for large group stays, sleeping up to 16 guests and featuring a media room with a shuffleboard area, private gym, and private boat dock.

• Wander Austin Oakhaven – With an outdoor pool and hot tub, this unique stay is one of the best choices for relaxation and entertainment in Austin.

Scottsdale, Arizona

April brings Scottsdale into its most comfortable range: warm desert days with cooler evenings, perfect for golf, spa time, and exploring the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Wildflowers brighten parts of the desert, and patio dining becomes an all-day affair. With a healthy selection of Wander homes across Arizona, it’s easy to settle into a private base close to trail networks and the region’s top restaurants.

Things to do

• Hike the Gateway Loop for sweeping McDowell views.

• Explore Old Town’s galleries and architecture.

• Book a round at Troon North or Grayhawk.

• Visit Taliesin West for desert-inspired design.

• Take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride.

Travel tips

• Trails heat quickly – start before 8 a.m.

• Evenings cool down, making outdoor dining comfortable.

• Spring training season tapers off, but it can still affect weekend traffic.

Where to stay near Scottsdale

• Wander Scottsdale Mirage – With a movie theater, outdoor fireplace, and mountain views, this luxury rental makes the perfect setting for entertaining and enjoying panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert.

• Wander Scottsdale Vista – For the active traveler, this single-story retreat has a putting green, pickleball court, and basketball hoop, making it ideal for socializing.

• Wander Scottsdale Sanctuary – This luxury villa, set in the heart of Scottsdale’s Cactus Corridor, is framed by palm trees and has a heated outdoor pool, making it the ideal retreat for up to 11 guests.

Miami, Florida

Miami settles into breezy, low-humidity weather in April – warm enough for the beach but still comfortable for exploring neighborhoods like Wynwood, Little Havana, and the Design District. The Atlantic stays clear, and Biscayne Bay offers calm conditions for paddleboarding or boating. Florida is a core Wander state, and private homes make beach days and city exploring easy to balance.

Things to do

• Walk South Pointe Park for sunrise.

• Explore Wynwood’s galleries and murals.

• Visit the Vizcaya Museum’s waterfront gardens.

• Book a boat day on Biscayne Bay.

• Try Cuban cafés along Calle Ocho.

Travel tips

• Early mornings are best for walking South Beach.

• Breeze picks up in the afternoon – great for boating.

• Traffic builds on causeways; plan bay trips earlier.

Where to stay near Miami

Wander offers luxury vacation rentals in Miami to suit all tastes:

• Wander North Miami Villa – With a game room and outdoor pool, this North Miami villa offers the quality of a luxury hotel with the comfort of a private vacation home.

• Wander North Miami Beach – This 8-bed property is a luxurious waterfront escape, with a fire pit and outdoor dining area.

• Wander Miami Grace – The perfect choice if you’re looking for an ultra-modern escape, with a pool with in-water loungers, a jacuzzi hot tub, and an outdoor kitchen with bar.

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs hits peak desert comfort in April – warm but manageable days, pool-friendly afternoons, and cooler nights that draw people to open-air restaurants and cocktail bars. The mid-century neighborhoods look especially sharp in spring light, and nearby canyons carry flowing water from late-winter snowmelt. Wander offers several premium homes across greater Palm Springs, many with pools designed for long lounging days.

Things to do

• Hike Tahquitz Canyon to its seasonal waterfall.

• Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for high-elevation views.

• Explore mid-century architecture in the Twin Palms district.

• Wander the shops and galleries in the Uptown Design District.

• Spend a slow afternoon at a mineral pool spa in Desert Hot Springs.

Travel tips

• Desert sun is strong even in spring – hats help on canyon hikes.

• Wind picks up in the late afternoon along the northern corridor.

• Book Aerial Tramway tickets ahead on weekends.

Where to stay near Palm Springs

Experience Wander’s luxury vacation rentals in Palm Springs:

• Wander Palm Springs Oasis – This stunning retreat offers a luxurious desert experience, featuring club access and amenities such as a gym, yoga studio, community pools and spa.

• Wander Palm Springs Haven – Indulge in breathtaking mountain views and an outdoor area, ideal for al fresco dining, an outdoor pool, and BBQ area.

• Wander Palm Springs Summit – Breathtaking panoramic views of the valley set the scene for this stunning 5-bedroom getaway.

Plan the perfect April getaway with Wander

April rewards travelers who want mild weather, outdoor time, and places that feel alive with seasonal energy. Whether you’re drawn to desert trails, wine country drives, or historic cities in bloom, this month opens up a wide range of US destinations that shine before summer crowds arrive.

Choose the region that fits your style, build in a little breathing room for slow mornings or scenic detours, and consider anchoring your trip in a Wander luxury vacation rental in the US.