The Top 26 Spring Destinations: Where to Go This Spring

Spring is coming up fast—so whether you’re looking to sneak in a trip this year or already planning ahead for next, we’ve rounded up our favorite spring destinations, with firsthand intel from our staff, including what to do and where to stay. Domestic countryside escapes, last-minute ski weekends (with current snow forecasts), long weekends in Europe and indulgent Maldives bungalow stays are all on the docket...read on for the full list.

With scenic skiing and hiking, cozy hotels and a boho-chic vibe bolstered by craft breweries and college towns, Vermont offers a picture-perfect escape within driving distance of eastern hotspots. And no place is better to call home for a weekend—or a week—in this area than Twin Farms, an ultra-indulgent retreat set on a 300-acre estate that served as a getaway in the 1930s for literary giants Sinclair Lewis and his wife, journalist Dorothy Thompson. Today, the hotel has a beautifully designed main lodge, suites and 10 stand-alone cottages (three of which are pet-friendly!)—plus eight treehouse accommodations—for ultimate privacy, as well as a world-class culinary program, an enviable art collection and impeccable service.

The massive Hudson Valley region, stretching from northern Westchester County and spanning both sides of the majestic Hudson River, is a wonderful, complex destination for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of art, Americana, history and food, as well as spiritualists and wellness seekers. While exploring all that this peaceful area has to offer, travelers can unwind at bucolic luxury retreats like Glenmere Mansion, Troutbeck and Little Cat Lodge, which has easy access to Catamount Mountain Resort for spring skiing (which may just be good this year, given the more significant east coast snowfall this season).

One of America’s earliest cities, Charleston remains among its most elegant, its cobblestone streets still plied by horse-drawn carriages and lined with live oaks. Charleston encompasses the best of two disparate but equally engaging cultures: the aged hush of European hamlets and the welcoming hospitality of the American South, with an exciting culinary scene and great springtime weather to boot. Plus, a crop of boutique hotels in the past couple years, like The Pinch, have only expanded Charleston’s collection of charming hotels, which already included the picturesque Zero George and The Dewberry.

Less than a one-hour drive away from the charming food capital, lovely Kiawah Island is an ideal add-on or standalone choice for a long weekend of leisure. With 10 miles of beachfront and the Beachwalker County Park, this barrier island is a peaceful nature haven for a southern escape. Our favorite property in the area? The Sanctuary, an oceanfront resort that caters to golfers.

Within the Golden Isles of Georgia, this privately owned hideaway offers warmer temperatures, ocean breezes, a slower pace—and one of the top traditional resorts on the East Coast. If you seek rejuvenation, the 65,000-square-foot spa is sure to satisfy—booking a treatment is worth it for access to the lounge alone, where daybeds seem to float over the rippling pools that fill the atrium. Those suffering from cabin fever will appreciate the three renowned golf courses and a wide array of activities, from dance classes to fishing. The range of accommodations is equally diverse, with secluded oceanfront villas and family-friendly cottages, ideal for private time.

For a much-needed dose of Vitamin D, Miami offers a chic cultural destination and tons of sun. This dynamic city is home not only to the seven-square-mile Miami Beach but also countless luxurious retreats (like 1 Hotel South Beach or The Setai), exciting culinary creations and an ever-evolving contemporary art and design scene.

Palm Beach provides a quieter, more upscale alternative to Miami. Fifteen minutes from town and located on a private stretch of beach, the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach is a prime spot for travelers seeking space—while in town, White Elephant (sister property to the Nantucket mainstay) is a lovely boutique property on the scene. A five-hour drive south, Key West—a former haunt of Ernest Hemingway—is a funky enclave with wonderful snorkeling that feels stylish, yet off-the-beaten-path. Plus: for those who want a “castaway” tropical experience, stateside, Little Palm Island is a lovely add-on option, as it is accessible from Key West only by boat or seaplane.

Just 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, the U.S. Virgin Islands are perfect for a convenient Caribbean getaway, without a passport. The three major islands—St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas—are known for their charming pastel buildings, crystal-clear harbors, white-sand beaches and rich cultural diversity. From the Coral World Aquarium and the sea turtle nesting grounds to the 18th-century sugar mill ruins, there are activities for all ages and interests. Plus: contact us to learn more about arranging your own private yacht charter for an adventure at sea.

For hikers, foodies and design fiends, the blue-toned Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee contain two must-visit sister properties: Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain. Perhaps best enjoyed together—but still amazing on their own—the two hotels encompass a combined nearly 10,000 acres of land for hiking, biking and horseback riding—as well as other entertainments like wheel-thrown pottery, archery, painting, yoga, fishing and, of course, whiskey-tasting. While the location is decidedly country, the décor and atmosphere are decidedly not: at the Mountain, the jewel-toned cocktail bar has an Art-Deco feel and cocktail making classes are available, taking advantage of foraged ingredients; at the Farm, a highlight is meeting the resident truffle-hunting Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, which are bred there and have a five-year waiting list.

Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley wrote of her family trip to Zion, Bryce National Park and the Grand Canyon: “We criss-crossed the Utah-Arizona border, raced along a rocky riverbed and navigated the rim of the Vermillion Cliffs that drop 3,000 feet into the striated canyon in a rainbow of red and orange hues. We stood on towering boulders scanning for California condors and spying the Colorado river snaking its way to Lake Powell. For sheer awe-inspiring natural drama, it ranked up there with the Alps, the Amazon and the Serengeti.” For a getaway full of grounding and gratitude, this region of America should not be overlooked—especially with accommodations at top hotels like Amangiri (and it’s glamping sister Camp Sarika), Open Sky Zion and both ULUM Moab and Sorrel River Ranch near Arches and Canyonlands National Park.

Los Angeles has always been a crucible for new ideas in the arts, design and lifestyle, and with one third of California’s population living in the metropolitan area’s 4,850 square miles, this sprawling, glamorous, change-obsessed place is something to behold. Come spring, you can spend your days immersing yourself in the culture, enjoying attractions, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Avenue of Stars, and strolling through Santa Monica—all with reliably pleasant weather and diminished crowds. Then return to home bases like the posh and private Peninsula Beverly Hills, the glamorous The Maybourne Beverly Hills, the zen Nobu Ryokan and more Indagare favorites.

With temperatures hovering pleasantly in the 70s and the wet season at its end, April is a beautiful time to visit the active volcanoes, blooming tropical flora and pristine beaches of red, black and white sands in Hawaii. Each of the five main islands—Hawaii - Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Oahu and Kauai—offer countless adventures, beautiful vistas and a welcoming aloha spirit. Travelers can re-energize with daily surfing lessons, mountain hikes, bird- and whale-watching, snorkeling, lounging on the beach and dining on fresh fish and fruit, oceanside. For an idyllic home base, some of our favorite properties include: Big Island’s Mauna Lani and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, as well as Andaz Maui.

Skiers seeking a last-minute weekend escape or with spring skiing inclinations should seriously consider Jackson Hole, which has had some of the best luck in the snow department so far this season. Known as “The Big One” for its vast expanses of difficult runs, this resort embodies the spirit of the Wild West, both on the slopes and off. The rustic local ski scene is punctuated by pockets of luxury centered around the top hotels (Caldera House, Four Seasons Jackson Hole and Amangani). Although it has attracted a trendy crowd in the past few years, Jackson Hole continues to maintain a rugged, easygoing atmosphere, which makes it great for families, as well as couples and groups of friends.

If there was ever a year to plan a last minute spring skiing trip to Whistler this would be it. The British Columbia behemoth has been dominating the snow charts since the beginning of the season (when no snow shows in the forecast for the rest of western North America, Whistler is the lone storm magnet). With a buzzy village, an impressive 8,100-plus acres of terrain across levels and exceedingly convenient lodging options like the Four Seasons Resort Whistler and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, it is the best of both worlds for skiing fanatics and aprés loyalists (and yes, aprés here can mean dancing on tables in your ski boots at the base of the gondola). The mountain, village and properties are also highly family friendly, making it a great spring break option.

With designer shops, luxury hotels (top picks include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome and the soon-to-open White Elephant Aspen), high-end restaurants and serious Rocky Mountain terrain, Aspen is the glittering crown jewel of the see-and-be-seen ski destinations. While the four mountains offer a range of terrain for all skill levels, what really shines here is the glamorous aprés ski scene. For a less glitzy but still buzzy option, Vail Mountain has its own following of chic adventurers, setting itself apart from the west’s copious resorts with Vail Village, a European style alpine village, home to shops, restaurants and hotels, including the Four Seasons Vail and Sonnenalp Vail. Beaver Creek, often referred to as Vail’s little sister, is another great option with a charming alpine town and Indagare favorites like the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek and Ritz Carlton.

On Our Radar: Keystone, around 50 minutes from Vail, is about to get its first luxury resort, Kindred, a ski-in/ski-out property in River Run Village.

All within an hour of one another and the Salt Lake City airport, there are few skiing destinations as convenient as Utah’s. For a pampering and private experience, Deer Valley’s top hotels (St. Regis Deer Valley, Montage Deer Valley and Stein Eriksen Lodge), provide prime access to skiers-only terrain and a great ski school. Plus, Deer Valley East is officially open, offering new terrain and a growing village to explore.

Those seeking sprawling and more variable terrain, should head to Park City Mountain and Canyons where accommodations include the ski-in ski-out Pendry Park City (both mountains are also accessible to Deer Valley resorts via a 10-minute shuttle ride). Meanwhile, snow-seekers and adventure-addicts may want to spend their trip (or a few days of it) at Snowpine Lodge at Alta, where surprise snow dumps can happen well into March or even April—something everyone is crossing their fingers for after a relatively disappointing start to the snow season in the American West.

Alaska is an ecological wonderland, encompassing three distinct vegetation zones and bordering the Arctic Circle and three bodies of ocean. Though not a pampering destination, it wows with wild landscapes and adventure. The spring season is a fantastic time for enjoying winter sports (like heli-skiing, hiking, snowmobiling and more) in the mountains, with fewer crowds and longer days. For an outdoorsy pod, consider taking over the Sheldon Chalet, a five-bedroom haven that sits on the only privately-owned land in the mountains of Denali National Park (a highlight: unmatched views of Mount Denali’s summit from the comfort of your bed). Or for a one-stop-shop on Lake Judd, head to Tordrillo Mountain Lodge—their “Kings and Corn” program allows guests to heli-ski and King salmon fish in one day and is only available in June.

Mexico’s treasures are as diverse as they are diverting—adored for its dreamy beach resorts, colorful cuisine, playful atmosphere and vibrant art scene, this destination balances cultural activity and indulgent relaxation. And whether you opt for a beachy getaway to the Riviera Maya (Hotel Esencia or the Maroma) or Los Cabos (One&Only Palmilla and Las Ventanas al Paraiso), or a culture-, art- and food-focused escape to the central city of San Miguel de Allende, this spring break destination is a classic for good reason.

In March and April, the Caribbean beckons with its powdery white-sand beaches, warm turquoise waters and pampering resorts. Just a three-and-a-half-hour direct flight from New York, travelers looking for a romantic, secluded atmosphere should visit Turks & Caicos. A top family-friendly option, also accessible via direct flights from the U.S., is Antigua, where the all-inclusive Jumby Bay offers a private island location, friendly atmosphere and top-notch amenities on a spectacular beachfront. Other Indagare favorites include the Dominican Republic’s Amanera, Harbour Island in the Bahamas, Saint Lucia’s Sugar Beach resort and Necker Island—Richard Branson’s exclusive hideaway in the British Virgin Islands.

The country of pura vida, Costa Rica champions health, wellness and nature (and it’s home to one of the world’s seven Blue Zones, where the longest-living populations reside). Come for outdoor yoga, meditation on pristine beaches, excellent surfing and snorkeling, wildlife-viewing and jungle adventures by ATV, horseback and zipline—all while unwinding at an eco-friendly resort like Kasiiya Papagayo. The pampering Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo is perfect for families or couples looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, while the Andaz Papagayo remains a tried-and-true favorite for a spectacular beach at a lower price point. For those looking for the hottest, newest stay, check out the highly anticipated Nekajui, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, which opened in 2025 (read Indagare’s Claire Gelalich’s report for the full scoop).

Cartagena is top of mind in the luxury sphere this year with the upcoming opening of the Four Seasons Cartagena, expected in early 2026. With an old town surrounded by colonial-era fortifications built by the Spanish (and a Miami-esque skyline as well), this coastal escape is both a stunning time capsule on the shores of the Caribbean Sea and a contemporary mecca for sun-seekers. Blessed with abundant tropical fruits and fresh fish, cuisine in Cartagena is often a delicious fusion of Caribbean, Mediterranean and international influences, and the slew of new modern restaurants have brought the food scene to the next level. And with world-class music, a strong cultural focus on film and literature (Nobel Prize-winning Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez kept a home here) and chic shops and hotels like Casa San Agustín and Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, the lure of this seaside city is undeniable.

If you’re hoping to get a bit lost in the world after months shut up for winter, Panama’s Islas Secas may be the place for you. Indagare contributor, Simone Girner, who scouted the property when it first opened its doors in 2018, describes the property as such: “Some 15 miles off the mainland, 14 densely forested islands rise from the sea like ancient creatures—majestic and pristine. Frigate birds soar overhead, pelicans glide beside the boat, and every now and then a fish or stingray cuts through the turquoise-blue waters, as if they, too, were leaping for joy, aware of the privilege of being in such a special place.” The experience here is akin to a nautical version of an African safari lodge, with minimal human impact in the wild.

The limited crowds, blossoming flowers and milder temperatures are the primary draw of European cities in the spring. Paris, for one, is absolutely dreamy between late March and early April, as flower shows, festivals and street fairs crop back up after a gloomy winter, and blooming cherry blossom bring a pop of color to famous sites like the Eiffel Tower. (Our favorite hotels include the Ritz Paris, Le Bristol Paris or La Réserve, to name only a few). For a bump in temperature perfect for seeing the sites, head to Hotel Eden or Hotel de Russie in Rome where gelato season begins the day the sun starts shining and artichokes reach their peak freshness in time for the Easter feasts. Meanwhile, carnival season has begun in Lisbon, with Brazilian parades swarming the streets and top hotels like Bairro Alto and the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz showing their spring colors.

With otherworldly terrain ripe for expeditions like glacier walking, descending into a volcano, and cruising to see whales, fjords and puffins, Iceland is an adventure traveler’s dream. And when spring hits, days grow longer and sunnier, migrating birds return and more hiking trails become accessible, while snow on the mountain peaks still allow for winter activities like heli-skiing and snowmobiling. And of course, Iceland is a prime destination for viewing the magical Northern Lights, which are expected to be especially vibrant this year. In the fascinating capital of Reykjavik, your home base might take the form of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland (built into Iceland’s volcanic frontier) or the Canopy, while for a pampering, adventure-centric haven, we recommend heading to the always popular Eleven Deplar Farm.

“The country of lakes and volcanoes” indeed. Central America’s largest and least densely populated country is home to 28 volcanos (six of which are still active), eight crater lakes and hundreds of beaches along 650 miles of untouched coastline. Nicaragua’s stunning tropical landscape and lush flora and fauna are the perfect complement to vibrant Spanish colonial cities like Granada, with its colorful facades, cobblestone streets, luxury hotels (including Hotel Plaza Colon and Tribal Hotel), wealth of cafés and charming old churches that help to tell the history of one of the oldest cities in the Americas. We suggest beginning or ending your trip with a venture on the coast, where the beachfront villas and rum tasting room make the secluded and ultra-luxe resort Mukul Resort practically a destination of its own.

With sunny (but not stifling) days and refreshing nights, plus the verdant gardens at properties like La Mamounia in Marrakech, springtime is a lovely season in Morocco. While Marrakech offers history, romance and atmosphere, with gorgeous architecture and an extravagant shopping scene, the beauty of this indulgent spring getaway doesn’t end with the cities. In the Atlas Mountains, travelers can enjoy a range of outdoor adventure activities, including hiking and horseback riding. Further afield, in the remote desert oasis of Skoura, a 14-room restored kasbah named “the House of Dreams”—Dar Ahlam—is an exquisite hideaway that offers indulgence and authentic cultural connection. Favorite activities include treks through the Valley of Roses, ending with a picnic by a river and sunset cocktails arranged on an isolated hilltop, furnished with cushions and carpets.

As the summer rains have just passed, the spring is the best time to see tons of water surging over the otherworldly Victoria Falls in Zambia. March in Ngorongoro Crater in the Serengeti sees spectacular wildlife viewing (the Great Migration is in the Serengeti from January to March) and lush scenery brought out by the wet season. And since the calving period takes place in February, the plains will be crawling with baby zebras and wildebeest. “Botswana can also be a good option in April and May,” says trip designer Paxton Zweifel. “It’s shoulder season there so it can be a great time to snag lower rates in what’s normally a pricier safari destination.” East Africa is best avoided come April when the wet season is in full swing, but lodges like Singita Lebombo and Royal Malewane in South Africa will still have the jaw-dropping safari experience you’ll be gushing about for years.

This nation of more than one thousand tiny islands contains a water world to satisfy the tropical fantasies of surfers, scuba divers, beach lovers and honeymooners. For an extended spring break vacation that is truly far-flung—with five-star service and amenities—escape to one of the many luxurious overwater bungalows and beachfront villas available at properties like One&Only Reethi Rah, Cheval Blanc Randheli or Como Maalifushi Maldives.