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United States - Things to Do in United States in April

Things to Do in United States in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in United States

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70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

  • Spring weather across most regions means comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration - typically 15-24°C (59-75°F) in northern states, warming to 21-27°C (70-81°F) in the South, perfect for hiking and city walking without summer's intense heat
  • Cherry blossom season peaks in Washington DC and surrounding areas (early to mid-April), plus wildflower blooms across Texas Hill Country and California's deserts create spectacular natural displays that only happen this month
  • Shoulder season pricing in many major cities - you'll find hotel rates 20-30% lower than summer peaks in places like New York, San Francisco, and Boston, with shorter lines at major museums and attractions
  • Baseball season just started (Opening Day is early April), giving you authentic American cultural experiences at stadiums nationwide with tickets typically more available and 15-25% cheaper than summer games

Considerations

  • Weather unpredictability is real - April can swing from 10°C (50°F) to 27°C (81°F) within days in the same city, and late-season cold snaps or early heatwaves make packing genuinely challenging
  • Spring break crowds (first two weeks of April) mean beach destinations like Florida, Southern California, and Hawaii see peak pricing and college-age party scenes that might not suit all travelers
  • Tornado season ramps up across the Midwest and South - while your actual risk is statistically low, severe weather can disrupt travel plans with flight delays and road closures, particularly mid-to-late April

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Best Activities in April

National Park Hiking in the Southwest

April hits the sweet spot for desert parks like Grand Canyon, Zion, and Joshua Tree. Daytime temperatures sit around 18-24°C (64-75°F) - warm enough for comfortable hiking but before the brutal 38°C+ (100°F+) summer heat that makes midday trails genuinely dangerous. Wildflowers bloom across desert landscapes, and you'll find trail crowds about 40% lighter than peak summer. The Colorado River running through Grand Canyon is still cold from snowmelt, creating dramatic temperature contrasts.

Booking Tip: Book accommodations inside popular parks like Zion or Grand Canyon at least 8-12 weeks ahead for April - lodge rooms go fast. Day-use permits for certain trails (Angels Landing, Half Dome) require lottery entries 1-3 months prior. Multi-day guided backpacking trips typically run $800-1,400 per person. Consider staying in gateway towns like Springdale or Tusayan for better availability and prices 30-40% lower.

Washington DC Cherry Blossom Viewing

The Tidal Basin cherry blossoms peak between late March and mid-April (exact timing varies by 10-14 days depending on winter temperatures). This is genuinely the best time to visit DC - trees frame the monuments beautifully, temperatures hover around 13-19°C (55-66°F), and the city puts on free festivals. That said, peak bloom weekends bring massive crowds, so weekday mornings before 9am give you better photo opportunities. The blooms only last 7-10 days once they peak.

Booking Tip: Hotels within 3.2 km (2 miles) of the National Mall book solid for peak bloom weekends and charge 50-80% premiums. Book 10-12 weeks ahead if targeting peak bloom, or wait until 2 weeks before for better rates if you're flexible on exact timing. Walking and bike tours run $35-65 per person. The Metro system is your friend - stay anywhere on the Orange, Blue, or Silver lines for easy access.

New Orleans Jazz and Food Tours

April weather in New Orleans is nearly perfect - 21-27°C (70-81°F) with humidity that's noticeable but not the oppressive 85%+ wall you get in summer. The French Quarter Jazz Fest happens late April (typically last weekend), but honestly the music scene is exceptional all month in clubs along Frenchmen Street. Crawfish season peaks in April, so you're eating them at their best. Spring also means fewer afternoon thunderstorms than summer's daily deluges.

Booking Tip: French Quarter hotels during Jazz Fest weekend (late April) triple their rates and require 3-4 night minimums - book 12+ weeks ahead or stay in the Garden District or Marigny for better value. Walking food tours typically cost $65-95 per person for 3 hours. Jazz club cover charges run $10-25, cash preferred. Avoid booking the week before Jazz Fest if you want to miss the crowds but still get good weather.

California Coast Road Trips

Highway 1 from San Francisco to Big Sur (and beyond to LA) shines in April. Coastal temperatures stay mild at 15-21°C (59-70°F), morning fog burns off by midday most days, and wildflowers blanket the hillsides - especially after wet winters. Whale watching peaks as gray whales migrate north (best mid-March through April). Summer's dense fog hasn't settled in yet, giving you clearer coastal views. State beaches are quiet compared to summer madness.

Booking Tip: Book coastal accommodations in Big Sur, Carmel, or Monterey at least 6-8 weeks ahead for April weekends - options are limited and fill fast. Rental cars should be reserved 4-6 weeks out (expect $400-700 per week for a compact). Whale watching tours from Monterey Bay run $50-80 per person for 3-4 hours. Budget extra time - the 193 km (120 mile) Big Sur stretch takes 4-5 hours with photo stops, not the 2.5 hours GPS suggests.

Texas Hill Country Wildflower Drives

Central Texas explodes with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and wine cups in April - this is THE month for wildflowers, peaking mid-to-late April most years. Temperatures sit comfortably at 18-26°C (64-79°F). The scenic drive from Austin through Fredericksburg to Enchanted Rock covers about 177 km (110 miles) of rolling hills covered in blooms. Local wineries offer tastings, and small German-heritage towns add cultural interest beyond just flower photos.

Booking Tip: Fredericksburg B&Bs and hotels book 8-10 weeks ahead for peak wildflower weekends. Enchanted Rock State Park requires advance reservations for day use ($7 per person) - weekends sell out 4-6 weeks ahead in April. Self-drive is best here - rental cars from Austin run $250-450 per week. Winery tastings typically cost $15-30 per person. Check Texas Department of Transportation wildflower reports starting late March to time your visit right.

Baseball Stadium Tours and Games

Opening Day happens early April, and the season's first month offers the most authentic ballpark experience. Weather varies wildly - you might need a jacket at Wrigley Field in Chicago (10-16°C / 50-61°F) but shorts at Dodger Stadium in LA (18-24°C / 64-75°F). April games have better ticket availability than summer, prices run 15-25% lower, and the crowds are actual fans rather than summer tourists. Historic parks like Fenway (Boston), Wrigley (Chicago), and Yankee Stadium (New York) offer behind-the-scenes tours on non-game days.

Booking Tip: Buy tickets directly from team websites 2-4 weeks before your visit for best selection. Bleacher seats run $20-45, while lower bowl seats cost $60-150 depending on the team and opponent. Stadium tours cost $15-30 per person and should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead. Evening games (7pm starts) are warmer than day games in northern cities. Bring layers - stadium temperatures drop 5-8°C (9-14°F) once the sun sets.

April Events & Festivals

Late March through mid-April (peak bloom typically early-to-mid April)

National Cherry Blossom Festival (Washington DC)

Runs for about 4 weeks from late March through mid-April, celebrating the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Japan. The actual peak bloom (when 70% of blossoms open) typically happens in early-to-mid April but varies by up to 2 weeks depending on winter temperatures. Free events include the Blossom Kite Festival, cultural performances, and fireworks. The parade happens on a Saturday in early April. Sunrise at the Tidal Basin offers the most peaceful viewing experience before tour groups arrive.

Late April (typically last weekend of the month)

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

Usually the last weekend of April through first weekend of May (spans 2 weekends, 7 days total). Features 500+ musicians across 12 stages - jazz, blues, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, and more. Equally important is the food - 70+ vendors serving authentic Louisiana cuisine. This is a locals' festival that welcomes visitors, not a tourist event. Fair Grounds Race Course hosts it. Tickets for single days run $75-95, but the real music scene happens nightly in clubs citywide during this period.

Third Monday in April (Patriots' Day)

Boston Marathon

Always held on Patriots' Day (third Monday in April). The world's oldest annual marathon runs 42.2 km (26.2 miles) from Hopkinton to downtown Boston. Even if you're not running, the city energy is electric - locals line the entire route, especially the famous Heartbreak Hill in Newton and the finish on Boylston Street. Arrive early for viewing spots near the finish (by 11am for elite runners, noon for general field). The Red Sox always play a morning game at Fenway on Marathon Monday, creating a uniquely Boston double-feature day.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering pieces are non-negotiable - April temperatures can swing 11-17°C (20-30°F) in a single day. Pack a light down jacket or fleece, long-sleeve shirts, and t-shirts so you can adjust throughout the day
Waterproof jacket with hood - spring rain happens across most regions, often as quick showers rather than all-day drizzle. A packable rain shell weighs 225-340 grams (8-12 oz) and saves you from overpriced tourist ponchos
Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - you'll walk 8-16 km (5-10 miles) daily in cities, and spring trails can be muddy from snowmelt or rain. Break them in before your trip
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index hits 8 in southern states and at high altitudes (mountains, desert parks). Spring sun is deceptively strong, especially with cool temperatures masking burn risk
Refillable water bottle - tap water is safe everywhere in the US, and you'll pay $2-4 for bottled water at tourist sites. Staying hydrated matters more than you'd think when walking all day
Power adapter if coming from outside North America - US uses Type A/B plugs (120V). Most hotels have limited outlets, so a multi-plug adapter is worth it
Casual dressy outfit - Americans dress casually, but nicer restaurants in major cities expect long pants and closed-toe shoes (not shorts and flip-flops). One versatile outfit covers you
Daypack (20-30 liter) - for carrying layers, water, snacks, and camera during day trips. Many attractions have bag size limits (roughly 40x30x20 cm / 16x12x8 inches), so avoid large backpacks
Prescription medications in original containers - bring 25-30% extra supply in case of travel delays. US pharmacies require local prescriptions and won't fill foreign ones easily
Cash in small bills - while cards work everywhere, farmers markets, food trucks, and tips run smoother with $1, $5, and $10 bills. ATMs are everywhere but often charge $3-5 fees for foreign cards

Insider Knowledge

April weather forecasts beyond 3-4 days out are basically guesses - check again 48 hours before outdoor plans. That 'sunny week' predicted 10 days out might turn into thunderstorms, especially in the South and Midwest where spring weather systems move fast
Spring break timing matters more than you'd think. The first two weeks of April see college students flooding beach towns (Florida, California, Texas coast) and ski resorts (Colorado, Utah). If you're over 25 and want to avoid party scenes, visit these places after April 15th when crowds drop 40-50% and prices fall accordingly
National Park passes pay for themselves fast - the America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 and covers entry to all federal parks, forests, and monuments for a year. If you're hitting 3+ parks (most charge $25-35 per vehicle), buy the pass at your first stop
Tipping is mandatory, not optional - 18-20% at restaurants, $2-5 per day for hotel housekeeping, $1-2 per drink at bars. Servers earn $2-5 per hour base wage and genuinely depend on tips. Yes, it's built into pricing expectations. Budget an extra 20% beyond menu prices for meals
Americans book domestic travel closer to dates than international visitors expect - you'll often find better last-minute deals 2-3 weeks out than booking 4-6 months ahead, except for peak bloom weekends (DC cherry blossoms), major events (Jazz Fest, Boston Marathon), or popular park lodges. That said, rental car prices do climb as availability drops
Free museum days exist but come with massive crowds - many major museums offer free entry one evening per month or certain days. You'll wait 45-90 minutes to enter and navigate shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Paying $20-30 for a normal day gives you a vastly better experience

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating distances between destinations - the US is genuinely huge. Tourists routinely plan 'quick drives' like San Francisco to Los Angeles (615 km / 382 miles, actually 6-7 hours with traffic) or Boston to New York (346 km / 215 miles, 4-5 hours) thinking they'll take 2-3 hours. Google Maps timing assumes no stops, no traffic, and highway speed limits you might not be comfortable with
Packing only for the forecast high temperature - April mornings might be 8°C (46°F) while afternoons hit 21°C (70°F). Tourists wearing shorts at 9am because it'll be warm later end up miserable. Similarly, evening temperatures drop fast after sunset, especially in desert areas where it might swing from 24°C (75°F) at 6pm to 10°C (50°F) by 9pm
Assuming public transportation works like European or Asian cities - outside of New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington DC, you really need a rental car. Cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, Miami, and most of Texas have minimal public transit. Even cities with decent systems (Seattle, Denver) require 2-3x longer travel times than driving

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