April, as many would agree, is the month that invites travel. The days get longer, the weather gets better, and suddenly, being anywhere but home sounds like a great idea. Cities shake off winter, patios fill up, and everything starts to bloom.
To help you decide where to go, we asked Sonesta staff from around the country for their favorite April spots, not just the popular picks, but the places they’d actually recommend to a friend.
The result: nine standout destinations that capture what April does best, plus the Sonesta hotels that make each stay feel like home.
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Table of Contents
The Heavy Hitters: 3 Most Popular Destinations
When it comes to the best places to visit in April in the USA, these three destinations steal the spotlight with iconic festivals and can’t miss seasonal experiences.
Late afternoon on Bourbon Street, French Quarter, New Orleans
1. New Orleans, LA: Jazz and the French Quarter Festival
We open with New Orleans, where April feels like a celebration waiting to happen. The city is buzzing with live music, street performers, and that unbeatable mix of culture, cuisine, and soul.
The crown jewel of the season? The French Quarter Festival, happening April 16–19, a local favorite and the world’s largest free showcase of Louisiana music. Just picture this: brass bands bouncing down Royal Street and some of the South’s best food stalls lining Jackson Square.
Stick around a little longer and you’ll catch the early buzz of Jazz Fest, which kicks off in late April and keeps the celebration going into May.
The local Sonesta team says: come hungry. From beignets and crawfish Monica to shrimp po’boys, the local food scene is packed with flavors. You’ll find something delicious on nearly every corner, whether it’s a sidewalk stand or a hidden neighborhood favorite.
Where to Stay
Sonesta hotels in New Orleans offer a range of stays for every kind of traveler, combining great locations with modern amenities.
- The Royal Sonesta New Orleans: Located in the French Quarter, on Bourbon Street, with sleek rooms and suites, a lush interior courtyard, a beautiful outdoor pool, and a jazz bar.
- Sonesta ES Suites New Orleans Convention Center: Nestled in the vibrant Warehouse District, with apartment-style suites with full kitchens and essential amenities, great for guests who want a quieter or longer stay.
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Dancing at the music festival, Coachella Valley, California
2. Palm Springs & Coachella Valley, CA: Music’s Biggest Month
Few places capture the spirit of April quite like California’s Coachella Valley.
At the center of it all is the 25th anniversary of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, held over two weekends (April 10–12 and 17–19) at the iconic Empire Polo Club.
The festival is leaning into pop royalty and history-making performances this year. Sabrina Carpenter and Justin Bieber will perform at the main stage, while Karol G will make history as the festival’s first-ever Latina headliner.
The 25th anniversary will feature more interactive sculptures than ever, with new commissioned works and returning icons like the rainbow-hued SPECTRA tower, many doubling as shaded escapes from the desert heat.
Not going to the festival? April is still one of the best times to visit the Coachella Valley, thanks to the rare desert superbloom. This natural phenomenon only happens under the right conditions, and 2026 is shaping up to deliver. According to our local Sonesta team, wildflowers like sand verbena, desert lilies, and dune primrose are expected to blanket parts of Anza–Borrego and Joshua Tree, turning the desert floor into an otherworldly landscape.
And if you’re looking to cool down and switch up the scenery, hop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a local favorite. In just 10 minutes, you’ll rise from the warm desert into the crisp alpine air of Mt. San Jacinto, 8,500 feet up.
Where to Stay
Sonesta provides convenient and comfortable stays across the Coachella Valley and High Desert, great for festival-goers, nature lovers, and road trippers.
- Signature Inn Indio I-10 Coachella Valley: A retro-chic stay near festival grounds, mixing bold design with laid-back desert vibes, great for relaxing between sets or exploring nearby shops and the stunning Coachella Valley landscape.
- Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Joshua Tree National Park: Budget-friendly stay, located in Yucca Valley, just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, great for travelers looking to experience the superbloom.
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Spring desert wildflowers in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California
3. Orlando, FL: Innovation & Blooms
Orlando in April brings together two things we love most: imagination and spring in full bloom.
EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival takes center stage, a seasonal favorite that turns the park into a floral wonderland. The festival runs from March 4 through June 1, but April hits that sweet spot when the weather feels just right, and the flowers look their best.
Guests can stroll through themed gardens and snap photos with dozens of Disney-themed topiaries, some of which tower over 10 feet tall.
A major highlight for 2026 is the new America 250 commemorative display at the American Adventure pavilion, featuring floral sculptures that celebrate the nation’s heritage through a Disney lens.
Our Sonesta staff in Orlando highly recommend checking out something a little different this April: the “Next 250” NASA STEM Showcase. Hosted with support from the Kennedy Space Center and local science museums, this special event celebrates America’s 250th with a look at the future of space travel.
The timing couldn’t be more exciting. It coincides with the launch window for Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years. Visitors can even attend live astronaut Q&A sessions, where they’ll hear firsthand from the crew preparing for this historic journey into space.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re heading to Orlando in April with friends, family, or solo, Sonesta offers convenient stays in favorable locations.
- Sonesta ES Suites Orlando – Lake Buena Vista: Extended stay hotel with apartment-style suites with full kitchens, just a short drive from the theme parks, ideal for families or longer stays.
- Sonesta ES Suites Orlando – International: All suite hotel situated next to ICON Park Wheel and Universal Orlando®, minutes from Walt Disney World®, great for families or groups.
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The “America 250” Launch: History in the Making
Our Sonesta teams across the country are excited to welcome guests during this once-in-a-generation celebration. America’s 250th birthday kicks off this April, and these cities are leading the way.
Skyline over Rittenhouse Square in Springtime, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4. Philadelphia, PA: The Birthplace Launch
April in Philly feels like past and present moving side by side. Historic streets hum with fresh energy as the city rolls out new cultural programming in honor of America 250.
One event to catch: ArtPhilly, a citywide public art series that brings contemporary installations to some of Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks.
The city also kicks off 250 Weeks of Firsts, a rolling calendar of exhibits, talks, and events that spotlight milestones, both national and local, leading up to July 4th. It’s a great time to walk around the historic district, check out what’s new, and see how Philly blends its deep roots with big ideas.
Where to Stay
Philadelphia in April offers a mix of history and citywide celebrations, and Sonesta has comfortable, convenient stays close to it all.
- Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square: A modern hotel in the heart of Center City, close to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and public transit. Features include spacious rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool, and on-site dining.
- Sonesta Simply Suites Philadelphia Mount Laurel: Located just outside the city in Mount Laurel, NJ, this all-suite hotel offers full kitchens, free parking, and a quieter setting. A smart option for longer stays or travelers who prefer more space.
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5. Washington, D.C.: America in Bloom
April in Washington, D.C. marks the start of a historic celebration, the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary, and there’s no better time to visit.
The season kicks off with the National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20 – April 12), honoring the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Japan and symbolizing enduring friendship. This year, the festival takes on extra significance, with expanded programming that ties into the America 250 themes of unity, history, and the future.
Expect four weeks of parades, kite flying, cultural performances, and waterfront fireworks, all set against the iconic backdrop of the Tidal Basin in full bloom.
Where to Stay
Washington, D.C. is rich with history, iconic museums, and cherry blossoms in spring, and Sonesta has excellent hotel options right in the heart of the city.
- The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle: A stylish, full‑service hotel in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, within easy reach of the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, with thoughtfully designed guest rooms, an on‑site restaurant, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
- The Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Capitol Hill: Located near Union Station and a short walk from the U.S. Capitol and National Archives, the hotel blends contemporary style with quick access to downtown’s historic landmarks and transit lines.
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6. Scottsdale, AZ: Western Heritage 250
You might come to Scottsdale in April for the sunshine, but what will really stay with you are the stories, the history, and the sense of place that’s woven into everything from the museums to the desert trails.
As part of America’s 250th anniversary, Arizona is launching Western Heritage 250, a monthlong celebration of the region’s deep cultural roots.
Events across the Scottsdale area and beyond will highlight Native American traditions, pioneer history, and the diverse communities that shaped the Southwest. Expect live storytelling series, special exhibits at places like the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, and cultural programs at tribal museums and heritage sites throughout the region.
Spring is also peak season in the Sonoran Desert. You’ll find hiking trails lined with blooming desert marigold and lupine, patio dining with mountain views, and plenty of chances to slow down and soak up the desert’s unique rhythm.
Where to Stay
Sonesta offers comfortable, well-located stays for soaking up spring in Scottsdale.
- Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch: Located in one of Scottsdale’s most scenic neighborhoods, this all-suite hotel offers resort-style amenities, a beautiful outdoor pool, and spacious accommodations with kitchenettes.
- Sonesta Select Scottsdale at Mayo Clinic Campus: A convenient choice for travelers looking for a quiet, modern stay near North Scottsdale with comfortable rooms, an on-site café, and easy access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
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3 Hidden Gems: Boutique Experiences for April
Our Sonesta local teams love these three destinations for their charm, beauty, and slower pace.
Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina
7. Asheville, NC: The Biltmore “Luminere” Premiere
Asheville is the kind of place that sneaks up on you in the best way. Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s equal parts laid-back and creative, with fresh air, great food, and something unexpected around every corner.
In April, the city hits peak springtime charm: think of mountain air, blooming gardens, and scenic drives that beg for a pulled-over photo stop. But if there’s one reason people plan their spring trips here, it’s the Biltmore Estate.
Built in the 1890s by George Vanderbilt, the Biltmore is America’s largest privately owned home, a 250-room mansion surrounded by more than 8,000 acres of gardens, forest, and farmland.
It’s part historic house museum, part art destination, part winery, and one of Asheville’s biggest attractions year-round.
In April, the estate comes alive with Biltmore Blooms, a seasonal event that fills the grounds with tulips, azaleas, and vibrant spring flowers.
This spring also marks the debut of something completely new: Luminere, the estate’s first–ever recurring nighttime experience. On select evenings, guests can walk the grounds after dark and take in immersive light displays, digital projections on the mansion facade, and a sweeping musical score by the Asheville Symphony.
Our team at Americas Best Value Inn Asheville recommends starting your day early at the Biltmore to catch the gardens in the morning light, then heading downtown for local bites and live music before returning in the evening for Luminere.
Where to Stay
For travelers looking to stay close without breaking the budget, Americas Best Value Inn Asheville offers comfortable accommodations just a short drive from both the Biltmore and downtown Asheville.
8. Charlotte, NC: Charlotte SHOUT!
Charlotte has big city energy with a creative streak, and in April, that creativity takes over the streets. With warm spring weather and trees in bloom, it’s the perfect time to explore Queen City’s parks, breweries, and vibrant neighborhoods.
The city’s signature April event is Charlotte SHOUT!, a 17-day festival running April 3–19 that turns Uptown into a walkable showcase of interactive art, live music, food trucks, light installations, and surprise pop-up performances.
Our front desk team at Sonesta Charlotte Lower South End recommends starting your SHOUT! experience at the Light Factory or The Green around 6PM. There’s usually live music nearby, and you’ll have time to explore the art before the light installations come on after sunset.
Where to Stay
Sonesta welcoming hotels in Charlotte make it easy to enjoy the city’s spring festivals, local neighborhoods, and everything in between.
- Sonesta Charlotte Lower South End: A modern, full-service hotel located near South End’s breweries, galleries, and shops with spacious rooms, an indoor/outdoor pool, on-site dining, and free parking.
- Sonesta Select Charlotte University Research Park: Modern hotel with easy access to UNC Charlotte and I-85, with comfortable rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, and flexible spaces for relaxing.
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Field of vivid bluebonnets, Texas
9. Fredericksburg, TX: The Bluebonnet Wine Trail
Fredericksburg in April is Hill Country at its best. Originally settled by German immigrants, the town still reflects that heritage with biergartens, bakeries, and 19th-century architecture lining Main Street.
April is bluebonnet season, and the hills around Fredericksburg turn into a painter’s palette of wildflowers. It’s also one of the best months to explore the Bluebonnet Wine Trail, where local wineries pair wildflower views with tastings of Texas reds, whites, and rosés.
From casual picnic tables overlooking vineyards to polished tasting rooms, the trail offers a relaxed way to sip and explore.
Our front desk team at Sonesta Bee Cave Austin Hill Country recommends timing your drive in the late afternoon. The wildflowers glow in the golden hour light, and many wineries stay open just long enough to catch sunset views over the hills.
Where to Stay
Sonesta Bee Cave Austin Hill Country is a great home base for exploring Fredericksburg and the wider Hill Country. Located about an hour’s drive from downtown Fredericksburg, the hotel offers stylish rooms, a rooftop bar with sweeping views, and quick access to wineries, scenic drives, and hiking trails.
Honorable Mentions: More April Adventures Worth the Trip
Looking to squeeze a little more into your spring travel plans?
These honorable mentions might not have made the main list, but they offer great experiences, from beachside concerts and blooming tulip fields to cultural parades and iconic sporting events.
- Tortuga Music Festival (April 10–12), Fort Lauderdale, FL: This massive beach-side bash blends music with ocean conservation. The 2026 lineup features headliners like Post Malone and Kenny Chesney, with a dedicated “Conservation Village” on-site to educate fans between sets.
- Fiesta San Antonio (April 16–26), San Antonio, TX: This 11-day “Party with a Purpose” features over 100 events, including the famous Battle of Flowers Parade (April 24). It’s a vibrant celebration of Texan and Mexican heritage filled with music, food, and the local tradition of cracking confetti-filled cascarones.
- Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (April 1–30), Mount Vernon, WA: Millions of tulips create a “floral sea” against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains. For the best experience, visit during the Street Fair (April 17–19) to enjoy local crafts and food alongside the peak bloom.
- The 130th Boston Marathon (April 20), Boston, MA: Experience the electric atmosphere of the world’s oldest annual marathon on Patriots’ Day. As a centerpiece of the 2026 “America 250” spring events, the race draws over 30,000 runners to the iconic finish line on Boylston Street.
Travel Smarter with Sonesta Travel Pass
As you explore the best places to travel in April, make every stay count with Sonesta Travel Pass. Our free rewards program lets you earn points on every trip, whether you’re staying for a weekend festival, a family getaway, or an extended work trip.
Members enjoy exclusive perks like free nights, room upgrades, late checkout, and discounted rates at over 1,100 Sonesta locations across the U.S.
Join Sonesta Travel Pass today and start earning rewards on your next spring getaway.
Disclaimer: The suggested itinerary and points of interest are provided for informational and planning purposes only. Guests are encouraged to independently verify opening hours, availability, travel times, and any potential changes prior to visiting. The inclusion of any businesses, attractions, or destinations does not imply affiliation with or endorsement by Sonesta or its affiliates. Sonesta makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided and assumes no responsibility for any inconvenience or loss arising from the use of this information.
