Best Spring Weekend Getaways in the United States
I don’t know about you, but by the time March rolls around, I’m practically climbing the walls. After months of gray skies, heavy coats, and watching Netflix under blankets, those first 60-degree days hit different. Spring fever is real, folks, and sometimes the only cure is packing a weekend bag and hitting the road.
What makes spring weekend trips so perfect? For starters, you’re not burning through precious vacation days before summer. Plus, you’ll dodge the tourist crowds, score better rates, and enjoy that sweet-spot weather that’s not too hot, not too cold. Just grab your favorite light jacket and go!
I’ve road-tested these six destinations personally, and they all deliver that perfect spring energy without requiring a week off work. Whether you’re into foodie scenes, outdoor adventures, or just sitting somewhere pretty with a good book, I’ve got you covered.
Savannah, Georgia
If you haven’t experienced Savannah in spring, you’re missing out on one of life’s great pleasures. The historic district literally glows between late February and April, with azaleas popping off in every shade of pink and purple while Spanish moss sways in the breeze like it’s dancing to jazz. And speaking of dancing – the temps hover in the delicious 70s, perfect for exploring before summer’s soupy humidity rolls in.
I spent hours just wandering the historic squares (there are 22!), people-watching and picnicking under flowering dogwoods. Pro tip: time your visit for late March to catch the Savannah Music Festival, which brings incredible musicians to venues all over the city. I still think about the bluegrass jam session I stumbled into last year.
Where to Stay
I splurged on The Perry Lane Hotel last trip and zero regrets – their rooftop pool has ridiculous views of the historic district, and the cocktail game is strong. If you’re channeling southern gothic vibes, The Marshall House (dating back to 1851) gives you all the historic charm with modern bathrooms (crucial) and puts you steps from River Street’s restaurant scene.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona in spring is absolutely magical. The famous red rocks seem to glow even brighter against clear blue skies, and the desert comes alive with surprising bursts of wildflowers. I hit the trails in early May last year, when daytime temps hovered in the perfect low 70s – warm enough for short sleeves during hikes but cool enough to actually enjoy them.
Devil’s Bridge Trail delivers those Instagram-worthy views everyone wants (go early to beat crowds), but my surprise favorite was Oak Creek Canyon, where the spring colors against red rock walls left me speechless. Splurge on a Pink Jeep Tour if you can – yes, they’re touristy, but they get you to views you literally can’t access otherwise.
Where to Stay
L’Auberge de Sedona is bucket-list material with creekside cottages featuring private decks where I literally watched hummingbirds while drinking my morning coffee. But my secret find is Sky Ranch Lodge atop Airport Mesa – more affordable but with panoramic views that made my sunset happy hour feel like a million bucks.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston doesn’t wait around for spring – by early March, the city is already blooming and buzzing. I timed my visit for mid-April last year, right in the sweet spot of the Festival of Houses and Gardens, when you can peek inside those jealousy-inducing historic mansions and their immaculate gardens. The scent of magnolias and wisteria literally follows you everywhere.
Don’t make my rookie mistake – book restaurant reservations WAY in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the Charleston Wine + Food Festival in early March. The food scene lives up to the hype, but the competition for tables is fierce. Between meals, walk the Battery promenade or take the harbor cruise to Fort Sumter for some fascinating history.
Where to Stay
The Dewberry Charleston won my heart with its midcentury modern vibe in a former federal building – not what you expect in Charleston, which makes it all the cooler. The rooftop bar’s gimlet literally changed my life. For ultimate charm factor, Zero George Street connects five historic buildings around a courtyard that’s perfect for morning coffee or evening wine.
Olympic Peninsula, Washington
If you don’t mind packing layers and maybe a rain jacket, the Olympic Peninsula in spring is an absolute feast for the senses. April and May might bring scattered showers, but they also bring waterfalls at peak flow, emerging wildflowers, and that intense green that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy movie. The bonus? Way fewer crowds than summer.
Hurricane Ridge was still partially snow-covered when I visited in late April, creating this surreal spring-meets-winter landscape that photographers dream about. But the real showstopper was the Hoh Rain Forest, where moisture-loving mosses and ferns reach peak lushness. Along the coast, I spent hours mesmerized by tidepools and even spotted gray whales migrating past during their March-May journey.
Where to Stay
Lake Crescent Lodge feels like stepping back into 1916 in the best way, with historic lakefront rooms where I had my morning coffee on an Adirondack chair watching the mist rise off the water. For Pacific Ocean drama, Kalaloch Lodge has simple but comfortable cabins perched right above crashing waves – I literally fell asleep to the sound of the surf.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe in spring feels like the locals’ best-kept secret. While summer brings the tourist crowds, April through early June offers perfect 60s and 70s temps, that famous crystal-clear light that’s drawn artists for generations, and a relaxed vibe that lets you actually get tables at the best restaurants.
The Santa Fe Farmers Market kicks back into full gear in spring, and I scored incredible local chile products and handmade crafts without the summer competition. The surrounding mountains offer perfect hiking before summer heat kicks in – the Dale Ball Trails gave me ridiculous city views without requiring serious climbing skills. Between outdoor adventures, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and countless galleries provide cultural fixes.
Where to Stay
La Fonda on the Plaza feels like the beating heart of Santa Fe, occupying the oldest hotel corner in America with gorgeous hand-painted furniture and authentic southwestern vibes. I stayed in a room overlooking the plaza and felt like I was living inside a piece of history. For something completely different, Ten Thousand Waves combines Japanese-inspired hot springs with mountain views just minutes from downtown – soaking under the stars after a day of exploring was pure magic.
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
The Shenandoah Valley does spring like nowhere else. As the Appalachian forests wake up from winter, the whole landscape transforms from brown to a thousand shades of green, dotted with wildflowers and rushing with waterfalls fed by melting snow. April through early June hits that perfect weather sweet spot before summer humidity arrives.
I drove the entire 105-mile Skyline Drive over a weekend, stopping at countless overlooks where spring views stretch forever. For hiking, the Many trails were manageable even for my moderately fit self, while delivering ridiculous payoffs in terms of views. The valley’s small towns come alive with spring festivals, and local wineries open their patios – I spent a perfect afternoon at Barren Ridge Vineyards sipping Viognier in the spring sunshine.
Where to Stay
The Inn at Little Washington will blow your budget but also your mind – their restaurant has three Michelin stars, and the accommodations make you feel like royalty. I opted for the more affordable but still special Iris Inn, where modern cabins feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the valley. Soaking in my private hot tub under the stars after a day of hiking felt like the ultimate luxury.
Here’s my best advice: book these spring getaways ASAP. As more people catch on to the magic of shoulder-season travel, these perfect-weather weekends get snatched up quick. Whether you’re craving blooming gardens, desert hikes, or coastal breezes, there’s a spring weekend out there with your name on it. What are you waiting for?