Best places to explore in the US this spring
These exceptional locations across the United States offer one-of-a-kind ways to stay for travelers looking to make the most out of their next spring trip.
By Shayla Martin | March 20, 2025
Shayla Martin
Shayla Martin is an award-winning travel and culture journalist based in Washington, D.C. Find her work in outlets including The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Coastal Living, Hemispheres, Veranda Magazine and many more. She specializes in content about Black history and culture, luxury travel, historic preservation, wellness, interior design and personal narrative topics. She is also the founder of The Road We Trod, a bi-weekly newsletter that explores travel destinations through the Black gaze.
From lounging on the beach to spending your day exploring nature, there are many ways to craft the ideal spring vacation. Whether you’re planning a polished outdoorsy trip, a college reunion, or a serene beachside stay, these top U.S. destinations can easily cater to your style for a perfect spring getaway.
For the outdoor adventurer
Spring is the perfect season to experience the magic of the great outdoors, but sleeping under the stars doesn’t necessarily require pitching a tent. Enter AutoCamp, a revolutionary way to rest your head in nature without sacrificing the comforts of a hotel stay. Take your pick between fully outfitted Airstreams, premium cabins, or spacious canvas tents all set within beautifully rugged American destinations like the Catskills in New York or Zion National Park. AutoCamp Joshua Tree is particularly enchanting thanks to the otherworldly Californian desertscape and fantastic amenities like the year-round outdoor pool, a seasonally inspired restaurant, and live music by the campfire. If you’d rather whip up your own meals after days spent hiking and rock climbing in nearby Joshua Tree National Park, pop by the on-site General Store for a grill kit.
Relive college memories
May and June herald college reunion season, and whether you have one to attend or are just feeling nostalgic, there’s a spring vacation perfect for you. Head to Princeton, New Jersey, or Ann Arbor, Michigan, this spring and explore two towns known for their passionate alumni networks and large annual reunions. At Graduate by Hilton Princeton, school colors of black and orange tastefully accent the rich, dark wood-lined lobby café, while the booths at Ye Tavern Restaurant are the perfect place to reminisce with classmates. Meanwhile, rooms at Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor overlook the University of Michigan’s leafy locale, and you can make new college memories by sipping old-school tipples at Alley Rumsey Cocktail Lounge.
Boutique beach vibes
One of the hardest parts of planning a relaxing beach vacation this time of year is finding a locale that won’t be swamped with revelers. When you want to work on your tan lines and soak in the ocean waves in peace, avoid the raucous party resorts. Instead, try a boutique retreat like Lennox Miami Beach, an SLH Hotel. While Miami is one of the most popular spring destinations, Lennox Miami Beach is an art deco sanctuary with a peaceful Mediterranean-style pool courtyard tucked away from the bustle of Ocean Drive, but still close enough to enjoy its array of bars and restaurants whenever you’d like. A complimentary shuttle will take you to a private beach area so you can enjoy the sand and sun without the crowds.
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