The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve was in full color this month \u2014 rolling hills of vivid orange poppies and wildflowers, with rangers mentioning that peak bloom tends to hit around late March to early April<\/a>.<\/p>\n In mid-March, I checked the PoppyCam<\/a>, then made the two-hour drive north from Los Angeles to the nearby Hampton Inn & Suites Lancaster<\/a>. I spent a long weekend hiking the beautiful Poppy Trail South Loop and the rugged Antelope Butte Trail up to Kitanemuk Vista Point (which had wide-open views across the Antelope Valley), and also dropped into the Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center<\/a> \u2014 the hand-painted postcards were a standout!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Southern California<\/a>, Southwest USA | Vibe:<\/b> Insta-worthy, floral, and peaceful | Avg temp:<\/b> 18\u00b0C to 21\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This month hit just right, letting me enjoy this lively, history-filled city at its best! With Mardi Gras Day just behind me, New Orleans felt vibrant but relaxed \u2014 warm weather, blooming spring flowers, cheaper hotel rates, and a more local vibe I couldn\u2019t get enough of!<\/p>\n Flying in for ten days, I joined the electrifying Super Sunday (Mardi Gras Indians) in Central City and spent the rest of my days cruising the Mississippi on Steamboat Natchez, wandering City Park\u2019s oak-lined paths, and indulging in veggie gumbo and powdered-sugar-dusted beignets at the iconic Caf\u00e9 du Monde<\/a>.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Southeastern Louisiana<\/a>, Southern USA | Vibe:<\/b> Festive, historic and soulful | Avg temp:<\/b> 21\u00b0C to 24\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights\u2026<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n I timed my trip here for early spring and got it just right \u2014 sunny, comfortable days for biking and beach-combing, dolphins playing offshore, wildflowers in bloom, and that dreamy off-season calm (with hotel deals to match!).<\/p>\n After landing at Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK), I made the hour-long drive to the charming Jekyll Ocean Club Resort<\/a>, where I spent a serene week wandering the otherworldly Driftwood Beach (via Beachview Dr. N & Clam Creek access), tackling the 20-mile Jekyll Island Trail System and meeting the rescued residents at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center<\/a>! The colorful Jekyll Island Arts Festival<\/a> added a creative buzz and catching the St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parade on St. Simons Island was fun too! <\/p>\n Location: <\/b><\/span>Southeast Georgia<\/a>, Southeastern USA<\/a>| Vibe:<\/b> Coastal, tranquil, charming | Avg temp:<\/b> 18\u00b0C to 24\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Take it from me \u2014 Philly really knows how to shine this month! I enjoyed mild weather perfect for sightseeing, cherry blossoms blooming in Fairmount Park, a laid-back local vibe, and great hotel rates before the summer rush!<\/p>\n After landing at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), I spent five lively days at the trendy 4-star Sonder The Heid<\/a> and lucked out catching both the Philadelphia Flower Show<\/a> and East Passyunk Restaurant Week<\/a>, with its irresistible tasting menus. I sipped on Kenzinger craft beer in the spring sunshine in the hip Fishtown neighborhood, watched artists in the shipping-container studios of Cherry Street Pier, and ended my nights at the buzzy waterfront bars \u2014 the funky Morgan\u2019s Pier quickly became my favorite hangout!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Eastern Pennsylvania<\/a>, Northeastern USA<\/span>| Vibe:<\/b> Cultural, creative, historic | Avg temp:<\/b> 10\u00b0C to 14\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This month was an incredible time to visit this remote northern Alaskan city \u2014 dark, crystal-clear nights made for spectacular Northern Lights viewing (I\u2019d learned that the peak season runs from late August<\/a> to mid-April<\/a>), while longer daylight hours and milder winter temperatures kept the snow perfect for outdoor adventures. <\/p>\n After flying into Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), I spent a memorable week at the cozy lakefront Pike’s Waterfront Lodge<\/a>. I soaked in the 41\u00b0C outdoor pool in Chena Hot Springs as snowflakes drifted around me, raced snowmobiles through the pristine Chena River State Recreation Area but the dazzling World Ice Art Championships<\/a> were truly the icing on the cake! The roads were icy and the nights bitterly cold though, so I was grateful I\u2019d packed proper winter gear!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Central Alaska<\/a>, Far North USA<\/span>| Vibe:<\/b> Remote, wintry, magical | Avg temp:<\/b> -9\u00b0C to -1\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I was seriously blown away by this scenic central Texas region on my early spring break \u2014 warm, sunny weather and blooming bluebonnets made the rolling hills glow, and it was the perfect time to hike, and tour wineries before the summer crowds arrived.<\/p>\n Touching down at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), I drove two hours into the Hill Country and spent ten days soaking it all in, including the music-filled Texas Independence Day Celebration<\/a> at Garrison Brothers Distillery, hiking up Enchanted Rock, driving Willow City Loop counter-clockwise at 9am (as the roads were much quieter), and sampling an aromatic Becker Vineyards Riesling in German-inspired Fredericksburg!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Central Texas<\/a>, South Central USA <\/span>| Vibe:<\/b> Scenic, rustic-luxe, relaxed | Avg temp:<\/b> 18-24\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I arrived at Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) and took the two-hour Hy-Line ferry from Hyannis for a wonderfully quiet week. I wandered deserted via Surfside Rd lot and Madaket beaches, photographed historic lighthouses, browsed early-season galleries, and dined on a roasted seasonal-vegetable tart at the Corner Table Caf\u00e9. Although I did find that a few restaurants and shops were still closed for the season, so choice was a little limited.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>eastern Massachusetts<\/a>, Northeastern USA <\/span>| Vibe:<\/b> Coastal, quaint, peaceful | Avg temp:<\/b> 5\u00b0C – 8\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n My highlights…<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This month was ideal for a quiet spring break here \u2014 I soaked up serene views from Stout\u2019s Point, hiked in comfortable temperatures, saw Cedar Falls at its thundering best, spotted wildlife coming out of hiding, and caught the first wildflowers of the season.<\/p>\n I flew into Little Rock National Airport (LIT), made the easy hour-long drive, and spent a long weekend hiking the magical Seven Hollows clockwise to Grotto spur, spotting ancient pictographs inside Rock House Cave, joining ranger-led Spring Break Week programs, and soaking in the park\u2019s peaceful early-spring vibe!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b><\/span>Central Arkansas<\/a>, Southern USA<\/a> | Vibe:<\/b> Natural, peaceful, historic | Avg temp: <\/b><\/span>10\u00b0C to 18\u00b0C<\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This was when D.C. really showed off \u2014 the Tidal Basin burst into clouds of pink and white cherry blossoms, a breathtaking gift from Japan. Guides told me peak bloom usually lands in late March to early April<\/a>, and standing beneath the petals near the Japanese Lantern along the Tidal Basin Loop was a truly Insta-worthy moment!<\/p>\n I flew into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), checked into the elegant 4-star Hamilton Hotel<\/a> for a short early spring break, and timed it perfectly for the National Cherry Blossom Festival<\/a>, a whirlwind of colorful parades and cultural performances. I also hopped on a Capital Bikeshare to wander Georgetown\u2019s charming cobblestones and couldn\u2019t resist stopping at the iconic Exorcist<\/a> Steps \u2014 a great little movie-fan moment!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Mid-Atlantic<\/a>, Northeast USA<\/span> | Vibe:<\/b> Majestic, floral, patriotic | Avg temp: <\/b>11\u00b0C – 16\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n March was my golden ticket to a peaceful island escape \u2014 brief rain showers gave way to brilliant sunshine, waterfalls thundered at their fullest, and the island glowed at its lush green peak. It was warm enough to swim, the beaches were blissfully quiet, humpback whales breached offshore, and flight and hotel deals sealed the deal!<\/p>\n After landing at Lihue Airport (LIH), I spent ten idyllic days catching the Prince K\u016bhi\u014d Festival<\/a>, with its lively hula performances and cultural displays, and the E Kanikapila Kakou program<\/a> \u2014 a Monday-night celebration of live Hawaiian music that ran from mid-January<\/a> to this month. I also took the Awa\u02bbawapuhi Trail to Awa\u02bbawapuhi Lookout, lounged on golden Poipu Beach and ended the trip with a hula show at Smith Family Garden Luau!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Northernmost island of Hawaii,<\/a> Central Pacific, USA<\/span> | Vibe:<\/b> Tropical, lush, and rejuvenating | Avg temp: <\/b>21-27\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The beginning of spring was a wonderful off-peak time to visit this 2,800-acre park on Lake Pontchartrain\u2019s north shore \u2014 mild, pleasant weather made it perfect for biking, hiking, and spotting migratory birds from the marsh boardwalks, with peaceful lakeside views before the summer crowds arrived.<\/p>\n My trip began at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) \u2014 I drove 45 minutes across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and checked into the charming Guesthouse on Girod<\/a> in Mandeville, waking each morning to the sound of lake waves outside. I biked the scenic Tammany Trace from the Mandeville Trailhead, wandered beneath moss-draped oaks in Fontainebleau State Park, and paddled Bayou Cane from the Nature Trail canoe launch, drifting through hauntingly beautiful cypress swamps filled with bird calls!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>North shore of Lake Pontchartrain<\/a>, Southern USA<\/span> | Vibe:<\/b> Lakeside, peaceful, nature-filled | Avg temp: <\/b>16-24\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I found March to be the sweet spot for soaking up Atlanta\u2019s energy and charm \u2014 warm but comfortable weather, early spring blooms in Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden<\/a>, lighter crowds, and great hotel rates before the summer kicked in.<\/p>\n Flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), I spent five fun days at the quirky 4-star Hotel Clermont<\/a> and caught both the interactive Atlanta Science Festival<\/a> and the colorful St. Patrick\u2019s Parade<\/a>. I dove straight into Atlanta\u2019s soul \u2014 exploring the moving Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, sipping on a Peach Smash at the quirky Sister Louisa\u2019s Church,<\/a> and gorging on bourbon pecan pie at Mary Mac\u2019s Tea Room<\/a>!<\/p>\n Location:<\/b><\/span> Northern Georgia<\/a>, Southeastern USA<\/a> | Vibe:<\/b> Urban, artistic, buzzing | Avg temp: <\/b>15-21\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Saguaro National Park wowed me during this month \u2014 the warm but comfortable weather made hiking safe and enjoyable, the desert was alive with colorful wildflowers and blooming cholla and prickly pear cacti, and I experienced clear skies, active wildlife, and striking mountain views without the summer tourists.<\/p>\n I flew into Tucson, drove 30 minutes to the Catalina Foothills, and spent four days at the gorgeous Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort<\/a> \u2014 handily located just a half-hour from the park. I hiked the Valley View Overlook Trail (accessed from the Bajada Loop), stopped at the Javelina Rocks pullouts along the Cactus Forest Loop Drive, and explored both the rugged Rincon Mountain District and the wilder Tucson Mountain District, surrounded by towering saguaros glowing in the golden desert light.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b><\/span>Southern Arizona<\/a>, Southwestern USA | Vibe:<\/b> Wild, scenic, sun-soaked | Avg temp: <\/b>16\u00b0C to 27\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n My early spring visit to this surreal, arid landscape was unforgettable \u2014 cooler temperatures made hiking a breeze, wildflowers sprinkled the prairie, wildlife was everywhere, and the chalk formations gleamed under the crisp spring sky. Best of all, I had the seemingly endless grasslands almost entirely to myself! <\/p>\n I landed in Wichita, rented a car, and drove four hours west along I-70 to Oakley, staying at the quirky Kansas Country Inn<\/a> \u2014 ideally located just 30 minutes from Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park for my quick spring escape. I bought a day permit and walked the Life on the Rocks Trail to Overlook #2, which had the best exposed chalk layers \u2014 I just stood there gawking at the towering Niobrara formations and the seemingly endless High Plains stretching out beyond them!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b><\/span>Western Kansas<\/a>, Midwestern USA | \n
2. New Orleans, Louisiana<\/h2>\n
![\"New](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/New-Orleans.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"French](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-shot-of-French-Quarter-in-New-Orleans.jpg?resize=1024%2C684&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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3. Golden Isles, Georgia<\/h2>\n
![\"Driftwood](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-photograph-of-Driftwood-Beach-on-Jekyll-Island-1.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-snap-of-Jekyll-Island-Beach-Village.webp)
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4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania<\/h2>\n
![\"Philadelphia](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Philadelphia-Spring.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Philadelphia](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-snap-of-Philadelphia-Museum-of-Art-in-Philadelphia.webp)
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5. Fairbanks, Alaska<\/h2>\n
![\"Fairbanks,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Fairbanks-Alaska.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Fairbanks,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Fairbanks-Alaska-April.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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6. Texas Hill Country<\/h2>\n
![\"Texas](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Texas-Hill-Country-Photo.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Texas](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Texas-Hill-Country.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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7. Nantucket, Massachusetts<\/h2>\n
![\"Nantucket](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Nantucket.jpg?resize=1000%2C710&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Martha's](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Marthas-Vineyard.jpg?resize=1000%2C609&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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8. Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas<\/h2>\n
![\"Petit](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Petit-Jean-State-Park.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Petit](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Petit-Jean-State-Park.jpg?resize=1000%2C662&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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9. The Tidal Basin and Washington D.C.<\/h2>\n
![\"Best](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Best-places-to-visit-in-April-USA.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"U.S.](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-photo-of-U.S.-Capitol-Building-in-Washington-D.C.webp)
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10. Kauai, Hawaii<\/h2>\n
![\"Kauai](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Kauai-Hawaii-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-photo-of-Waimea-Canyon-Kauai-in-Hawaii.webp)
<\/picture>\n
11. Fontainebleau State Park, Louisiana<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-snap-of-Fontainebleau-State-Park-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C806&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
![\"A](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-shot-of-a-croc-in-Fontainebleau-State-Park.webp)
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12. Atlanta, Georgia<\/h2>\n
![\"Atlanta](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Atlanta-City-USA.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-shot-of-Wild-Heaven-Beer-%E2%80%93-West-End-Brewery-Gardens-in-Atlanta-Georgia.jpg?resize=890%2C528&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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13. Saguaro National Park, Arizona<\/h2>\n
![\"Saguaro](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Saguaro-National-Park.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Saguaro](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Saguaro-National-Park-Arizona.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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14. Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, Kansas<\/h2>\n
![\"Little](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Little-Jerusalem-Badlands-State-Park.jpg?resize=1000%2C632&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Little](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Little-Jerusalem-Badlands-State-Park.jpg?resize=1000%2C665&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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![\"Antelope](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Antelope-Valley-California.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Antelope](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Antelope-Valley-California-Poppy-Reserve.webp)
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