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By Becky Mahan, Content Editor
1. Philadelphia
by: Elvira Vanag – Courtesy: Trip.com
Take the opportunity to see the Declaration of Independence and Constitution at Independence Hall, plus the cracked Liberty Bell and the colonial homes down cobblestoned streets, but don’t forget the nightlife, thriving restaurant scene (there’s more than cheesesteak here, folks), and abundance of open green spaces. Philly is mild and pleasant in the spring, and you won’t have be bumping shoulders with everyone else at the oft-visited tourist spots.
2. Grand Canyon
by: B Rosen flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
You’ll likely find yourself alone (or with family) along the South Rim: most family vacationers won’t be here until the summertime. Take advantage of low crowds and discounts on lodging, plus mild temperatures instead of the summer’s intense heat.
3. Washington D.C.
by: Ron Cogswell flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Mild sunshine and rising temperatures in the spring means cherry blossoms galore, and millions flock to the nation’s capital each year to see the ubiquitous pink flower. Plus, the free museums and art galleries offer a prime opportunity to learn about the country’s history before picnicking in one of the many parks.
4. California Coast
by: laura padgett flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Depending on your starting point, you can road-trip the whole coast in a couple days if you just want to hit the road with few stops. For a more intimate experience, linger around Santa Cruz and the Slow Coast, or soak up the warm sun in SoCal between San Diego and Los Angeles, or play around between these two regions in beautiful towns like Morro Bay, Carmel, and Monterey.
5. Nashville
by: Travel + Leisure – Courtesy: Trip.com
Modest, down-to-earth, and an expert blend of Southern charm and cosmopolitan glitz, Nashville is a perfect destination to visit any time of year. With hipster bars, an abundance of music venues, and an energetic collegiate crowd, it’s perfect for trendy, music-loving millennials on spring break seeking something other than cheap booze and late nights.
6. Austin
by: StuSeeger flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Eclectic, funky, and sometimes considered the “Portland of the South,” Austin might surprise you. Live music (in bar, music clubs, and grandstands alike) is a favorite pastime, but springtime also begs hiking and biking in the hills, as well as swimming, tanning, and kayaking on Barton Creek. And of course, don’t miss the food: you can’t leave Texas without trying food stall brisket.
7. Phoenix
by: seantoyer flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Most pleasant in the shoulder season of spring, Phoenix offers In a city whose summertime average is a whopping 104 degrees (no, really), spring is the veritable dry sauna that snow-hating Americans seek. Not only does the city offer the perfect getaway, complete with golf courses, fine dining, art exhibits and museums, but the Sonoran Desert on the border is stunning in spring. Get out into the desert garden to see wildflowers and waterfalls after the rains.
8. Miami Beach
by: Alan Light flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
People flock to “America’s Riviera” year-round, but springtime will see fewer crowds and lower rates (though spring breakers will flood the tourist areas.) Find kid-friendly beaches and accommodations in North Miami Beach, or chic metropolitan nightlife and art deco in South Beach.
9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
by: Phil Horton flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Springtime is when this family-favorite spot really shines: bunches of wildflowers positively explode along the mountainsides and valleys, baby animals frolic in the growing grass, and it’s all yours for the taking. Spring is the least crowded time, offering a reprieve from the saturated crowds of fall leaf peepers and summer campers.
10. New Orleans
by: Celeny Da Silva – Courtesy: Gogobot
Visit after Mardi Gras, when the streets are more or less empty, and Lent has taken over the city to offer balance from February’s indulgence. Stroll down blissfully quiet ivy-lined streets in March, enjoy a cup of chicory coffee and beignets in the sunshine, and catch the French Quarter Festival in April.
Trip.com makes planning adventures less work and more fun. Download the free app to point you in the direction of locals’ recommendations wherever you decide to take a spring trip.
Source: gogobot.com