Best Places to Visit in Spring 2026

Spring (March through May) is shoulder season in most of the world. Hotel prices drop 20-40% from summer, crowds thin at major attractions, and the weather is warm enough for outdoor sightseeing without the heat. Cherry blossoms peak in Japan, tulips bloom in the Netherlands, and Mediterranean cities wake up from winter. Here are 12 destinations that peak in spring.

Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan

Cherry blossom (sakura) season runs late March through mid-April. Tokyo's Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen have the most popular viewing spots. Kyoto's Philosopher's Path is lined with 500 cherry trees along a canal. Flights from the US start at $550 round-trip in early April.

Book hotels 3-4 months ahead because sakura season is Japan's busiest tourism period. Prices are 30% higher than January but still lower than Golden Week in early May. A 7-day Japan Rail Pass costs $280 and covers bullet trains between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tulip season peaks mid-April at Keukenhof Gardens (7 million bulbs across 80 acres). Entry costs $20. The garden is open March 20 through May 11. Flights from New York start at $380 round-trip. Hotels in the Jordaan or De Pijp neighborhoods average $130 per night in April.

Rent a bike ($12 per day) to explore the canal ring. The Anne Frank House ($16, book 6 weeks ahead) and Van Gogh Museum ($20) are must-visits. King's Day on April 27 is the biggest street party in Europe with live music and flea markets across the city.

Barcelona, Spain

Spring in Barcelona brings 65-75F weather, beach days starting in May, and 30% lower hotel prices than summer. Sagrada Familia tickets ($30) are easier to get in April than July. Flights from the US start at $350 round-trip. Park Guell ($12) is best visited at opening time (9:30am) before tour buses arrive.

Washington DC, USA

The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs late March through mid-April. The Tidal Basin has 3,000 cherry trees, and the peak bloom lasts about one week. All Smithsonian museums are free. The National Mall is walkable in 2-3 hours. Hotels in Dupont Circle or Georgetown average $180 per night in spring.

Tuscany, Italy

April and May in Tuscany: rolling green hills, poppies, and 70F days. The summer crowds at Florence's Uffizi Gallery ($25) and Pisa's Leaning Tower ($20) are manageable in spring. Rent a car ($35 per day) and drive between hilltop towns like San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and Montalcino. Agriturismo farmstays cost $80-120 per night with breakfast.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Spring is the best time for Dubrovnik. Summer brings cruise ship crowds that overwhelm the old town walls. April and May have 70F weather, empty restaurants, and hotel prices 40% below August. Walk the city walls ($35) in the morning before day-trippers arrive. Kayak around Lokrum Island for $40.

Morocco

March through May is ideal for Morocco before the summer heat. Marrakech sits at 75F, perfect for exploring the medina souks. Fez is quieter and more authentic. The Sahara desert is comfortable for overnight camping. Flights from the US start at $450 round-trip. Riads with courtyards run $50-80 per night.

National Parks, USA

Spring is peak wildflower season in US national parks. Death Valley blooms in March, Yosemite waterfalls peak in April and May from snowmelt, and Zion's slot canyons are dry enough for hiking. Campsite reservations ($20-35 per night) fill up 6 months ahead. Lodge rooms at Yosemite run $200+ per night.

How to Book Spring Travel for Less

Book 2-3 months ahead for the best spring prices. Avoid Easter week and Golden Week (late April-early May in Japan) when prices spike. Tuesday and Wednesday departures save $30-50 on domestic flights.

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