The 14 Best Places To Travel To In April Near the U.S.

With its mellow vibe, April feels like savoring a steaming cup of hot chocolate while wrapped in a soft blanket on a cool day. It’s that all-embracing vacation month that can be spent diving into the pleasures of a warm and wonderful island getaway. Or, perhaps a quick escape to a location near the US for just a few days? Either way, the cozy warmth this month brings is all the reason you need to take a break and recharge.

The Caribbean shines in April. This makes the destination a prime option for anyone eager to relearn how to relax on vacation. If you head to the islands in April, you can expect warm, sunlit days and gentle breezes that invite you to slow down and savor every moment. Nestled in the heart of the peak season, this low-key month offers some of the best weather of the year—March and April mark the tail end of the dry season, a golden window when rainfall is scarce, skies are clear, and the seas are calm.

Simply because it’s such an incredible time to travel, we’ve taken the liberty of highlighting top April vacation destinations in and out of the US!

The Best Places for a Romantic Island Getaway in April

Springtime in April always feels like a good time to celebrate. Some of the finest blooms make an appearance, the gentle warmth of the sun invites beach days, and the turquoise waters shimmer with unmatched clarity. This month is all about flourishing, and it almost feels tailor-made for outdoor adventures. Throw in the chance to enjoy tranquil beach days, unforgettable sunsets, and uncharted exploration, and what you’ll have is quite possibly your best vacation yet.

1. Jamaica

Picture: Oceanview room at Sandals Dunn's River in Jamaica. The weather is amazing in April!

We’ll start with the “irie” rhythms of Jamaica. With April marking the end of winter, this can be just the right time to turn your hopeful vacation imaginings into reality. With Jamaica in focus, you can absolutely expect a getaway that you’ll be talking about for years to come. This English-speaking Caribbean island appeals to travelers who want that quintessential Caribbean experience. Whether you want to enjoy some blissful beach days, go exploring, or dive into history, culture, or even the culinary arts, you’ll be able to do just that in Jamaica.

April is the best time to visit Jamaica as the shoulder season begins mid-month. For visitors, this can mean better prices and fewer crowds at some of the popular attractions, including the beaches. If you visit Jamaica in April, you might also be right on time for Jamaica Carnival, which begins on Easter Sunday and usually spans one week. The event may be just the introduction you need to lively island tunes. Think upbeat dancehall, reggae, and soca music! If you arrive in time for carnival, you can decide whether you’d like to participate in a costume or just be a spectator at the street parades.

Picture: River rafting down the Martha Brae River in Jamaica.

In search of adventure? There are lots of options for tours and excursions in Jamaica, especially in cities like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril. That list includes visiting the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls, a 600-foot waterfall that’s among the natural wonders of the Caribbean. You can also go biking in the Blue Mountains where the popular Blue Mountain coffee is harvested. Some other locations worth exploring include Mayfield Falls, YS Falls, and Seven Mile Beach.

Expert tip: If you’re traveling as a couple, consider staying at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica for a vacation filled with moments that take your breath away.

2. The Bahamas

Picture: Swim-up room at Sandals Royal Bahamian in The Bahamas.

You can spend many warm and wonderful days exploring The Bahamas, a territory made up of over 700 islands and cays. As there are just so many islands to experience, you’ll be able to add quite a few new destinations to your travel list, all of which you can keep near at heart.

New Providence in The Bahamas is where you’ll find the capital city, Nassau. This island is an excellent place to start your vacation in The Bahamas because it allows convenient access to the other islands and has a large selection of resorts, restaurants, bars, shopping centers and other attractions. Additionally, Nassau, The Bahamas is located just 55 minutes away from Miami, Florida by plane, so it is quite accessible from the US as well.

There's lots of things to do in The Bahamas, including swimming with the famous pigs of Exuma. You can also spend some time on white or pink sand beaches (yes, they exist!), visit the forts of Nassau, or explore the underwater statues at Clifton National Park. Ahead of your vacation, get familiar with some of the other amazing things The Bahamas is known for!

3. Turks & Caicos

Picture: Beaches Turks & Caicos in Providenciales.

Just north of the Dominican Republic, the Turks & Caicos Islands are another vacation destination that calls out to lovers of exploration. There are 40 different islands and cays in this territory, eight of which are inhabited. As April marks the end of the high season, this is the best time to visit Turks & Caicos for a less frenzied island escape. Crowds are usually thinning out around this time, and you’ll have less hassle securing the best beach spots.

Outside of uncovering serene beachfronts like Grace Bay Beach, there’s no shortage of activities to get into during the month of April. There’s often kite flying competitions around Easter and cultural fairs as well. To get a real feel of the islands, check out events like Salt Cay Day, a 3-day festivity held at the end of April to showcase the cuisine and culture of the islands.

Good to know: While in the Turks & Caicos, add value to your vacation by signing up for some exciting tours. You’ll get to know the Turks & Caicos islands on a more intimate level and have a great time doing it.

4. Saint Lucia

Picture: Sandals Grande St. Lucian in Saint Lucia.

Paradise looks a lot like Saint Lucia. This island is one of the most romantic and majestic destinations in the world. Seeking a vacation that’s both sunny and exhilarating, look no further than the “Helen of the West”.

April is one of the best times to visit Saint Lucia as chances of rain are slim, and humidity is usually low as well. The consistently warm temperatures inspire both beach days and waterfall explorations and you’ll likely have a hard time tearing yourself away from the resort pool too!

Picture: The winding Paradise Pool at the all-inclusive Sandals Halcyon Beach in Saint Lucia.

Saint Lucia is just as lush and radiant as many have described, and a vacation here comes with a chance to reset and tune into peace. Sunshine and tranquil moments just might be the theme of your getaway here. While in Saint Lucia, dive and explore the thriving coral reefs, go hiking or biking, or climb the World Heritage Site Pitons in Saint Lucia. Say “yes” to watersports like kayaking and snorkeling and don’t wait until your last day to try these. If you stay at one of the Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia, land and water sports will be included with your vacation package!

Expert tip: Love diving? Stay at an all-inclusive resort with scuba diving and take advantage of the daily dive trips and professional dive equipment also included for certified divers to use during their vacation. Not certified yet? Sign up to become a certified diver during your island escape!

5. Barbados

Picture: Beachfront infinity pool at Sandals Royal Barbados in (you guessed it!) Barbados.

With daytime temperatures averaging 84-86°F and pleasant evenings around 75°F, April is one of the best times to visit Barbados. As the peak season winds down across the Caribbean, you’ll find great travel deals and fewer crowds, especially later in the month.

As April brings minimal rainfall, you can soak up the sun at scenic beaches like those on Carlisle Bay—Brownes Beach, Bayshore Beach, and Pebble Beach—plus Crane Beach and Bottom Bay Beach. Want to add even more excitement to your getaway? Check out these fun things to do in Barbados

If you’ll be visiting Barbados in April, consider spending your vacation at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Barbados. These are among the best in the Caribbean and include just about everything you’ll need for your stay!

Expert tip: Need a little (or a lot!) more sunshine in your life? Take a look at these amazing warm winter getaways to start planning your next vacation!

6. Antigua & Barbuda

Picture: Sandals Grande Antigua on Dickenson Bay in Antigua.

If there’s one destination where beach days can be a guarantee, it would be Antigua & Barbuda. There are over 365 beaches on this island—more than enough to enjoy during your tropical escape! For Antigua, April is still considered the high season, which means it’s a busier time of year to visit Antigua.

Aside from beach lounging, there are lots of things to do in Antigua including visiting historic forts and museums, exploring caves like Darby Dave’s huge sinkhole and Two Foot Bay, going on buggy tours, and the list goes on. You can also spend your vacation at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Antigua that include things like land and water sports in your vacation package.

Other activities you can enjoy in Antigua in April include Antigua’s kite festival on Easter Monday and Antigua’s Sailing Week, a week-long yacht regatta in late April. A day trip to Barbuda is also a possibility. It’ll take about 90 minutes to get to this small island from Antigua by ferry, and the serenity you’ll find there is well worth the journey.

7. Grenada

Picture: Sandals Grenada in Grenada.

Spicy Grenada is a vacationer’s dream. On this island, you can enjoy quintessential Caribbean vacation activities, like snorkeling and scuba diving, hiking, swimming, and exploring waterfalls. You can also cruise to sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique as part of a day trip. If you plan on traveling to Grenada in April, you’ll be able to enjoy these activities with fewer chances of rain interruptions.

As April is still considered high season for this island, its one of the best times to visit Grenada. You can plan your vacation during the first half of the month when the high season ends or the second half where the shoulder season begins. Vacation deals often start popping up in the shoulder season. April is overall a wonderful time to check into one of the beachfront all-inclusive resorts in Grenada.

Good to know: Get more familiar with some of the things Grenada is known for, including its spice production, ahead of your trip!

8. Curaçao

Picture: The double-infinity pool at Sandals Royal Curaçao.

Curaçao is a feisty island full of surprises. Part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), this Dutch-speaking territory is just off the northern coast of Venezuela. There are lots of things Curaçao is known for including the friendly people, the beauty of the island, the all-inclusive resorts, and lively attractions like Mambo Beach.

On this island in the southern Caribbean Sea, temperatures are usually around 87°F in the month of April. This makes April one of the best times to visit Curaçao for sunny skies and infrequent rain. The high season in Curaçao ends around mid-April, so it might be easier to secure accommodation and have first dibs on the best beach spots in the latter half of that month.

Expert Tip: If you find yourself on the island of Curaçao in April, it's worth looking out for the Curaçao Culinair food festival which usually begins in the first week of April.

The Best Places for Sightseeing in the U.S. in April

If you don’t want to venture too far from home on your springtime vacation, but still want to make the most of your getaway, there are quite a few locations you can explore within the U.S. Here are our top picks for the best April vacation destinations in the U.S.:

1. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona inspires exploration and peace. Considered by some to be a ‘spiritual mecca’, this destination can be just the right place to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.

April can be a good time to visit Sedona as the temperatures are not yet too hot (around 72°F during the day, 40°F at night). The colorful desert flowers are usually in full bloom during this time of year as well, their luminous hues creating a breathtaking contrast against the desert backdrop. The hints of purple, yellow, and orange invite visitors to dig a little deeper in this destination. As you look around, you might find yourself captivated by the striking red rocks and other stand-out rock formations that truly are a sight to behold. If you’re in the mood for some more exploring after Sedona, you can take a short drive to the Grand Canyon (about 2.5 hours).

2. Big Sur, California

If achieving a deeper connection with nature is your objective, then Big Sur in California can be a good option for an April vacation. This mountainous region along the central coastline of California is known for its redwood forests and beaches. It is also well known for its skiing and hiking opportunities and the possibility of visiting wineries. The two-lane coastal highway in Big Sur is quite famous too.

Peak season for Big Sur begins in April and this is one of the best times of year to visit. With low rainfall and temperatures around 60°F during the day, you’ll be able to comfortably explore while letting the ease that comes with this destination sink in. During your April vacation, consider visiting the Henry Miller Library, Point Sur Lighthouse, and the Limekiln State Park.

3. Acadia, Maine

In search of a national park to visit during the month of April? If so, definitely give Acadia in Maine some consideration. This national park is on the central coast of Maine, and it is truly scenic. The striking rocky coastline, the islands, the hiking trails, and the presence of Cadillac Mountain (the tallest on the east coast) are part of the allure of this national park. This is one of the most-visited national parks in the US and visiting in April means you’ll be able to arrive before the crowds. This can lead to a more peaceful and engaging experience.

Good to know: You’re likely to still see a bit of snow, and as a result, mud if you’re visiting Acadia, Maine in April. Keep this in mind when planning hiking excursions.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

The wildflowers of the desert are in full bloom in April. You can see this for yourself with a visit to Zion National Park in Utah. Add this to your list of possible April vacation destinations if you’re looking for adventure. In early April, the crowds at this spot tend to be smaller, which will give you more room to enjoy the attraction. While at the Zion National Park, try to fit in some time for stargazing; it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

The nightlife in Las Vegas can be hard to resist, and why should you if you’ve got some vacation time on the horizon? As Las Vegas is the ultimate bucket list destination, you can expect to find lots of crowds there on a regular basis. If you want to go to Las Vegas at a time when things are a little quieter, you should consider an April vacation as the last week of that month tends to have the least crowds.

While in Vegas, aside from going to the casinos or live music events and concerts, you can visit places like the Neon Museum, or spend some time on Freemont Street, where you’ll find the Slotzilla Zipline. The Stratosphere Observation Tower and the High Roller Ferris Wheel (one of the largest in the world) are not to be missed!

Good to know: If you decide to head out on a road trip while in Las Vegas, the Zion National Park is about 2.5 hours away, while the Ute Mountains in Colorado are 7 hours away.

6. Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. can be a go-to destination if you’re looking for an outdoorsy April vacation. This city on the east coast is stunning to see around this time of year as the cherry blossoms are usually in full bloom. The vibrant ambiance in the capital sets the tone for your D.C. vacation as you explore museums, go sightseeing, attend concerts and drop in on cultural events. Adding tours to your Washington vacation itinerary can also be worthwhile.

Good to know: Head to Alexandria, Virginia to scope intricate colonial architecture during your trip. It takes around 20 minutes to get to this location from D.C. by car.

Where to Stay in the Caribbean in April

Golden hour at the all-inclusive Sandals Grande Antigua.

Once the cold winter months are over, chances are, you’ll be ready to jet off to a new, warmer locale. The is no short supply of options in the Caribbean, and as we often say, your choice of destination should depend on the kinds of activities you like to engage in during your stay.

When it comes to accommodation, going all-inclusive in the Caribbean is a sure pathway to a worry-free vacation. Sandals' all-inclusive resorts offer a range of quality inclusions such as themed dining in multiple restaurants, day and night entertainment, land and water sports, and a world of romance for couples in love. It’s more than just a vacation, it’s a chance to reconnect in mesmerizing destinations made for recalibration!

Spring into a Memorable April Vacation!

Picture: Sandals South Coast vacation perspective in Jamaica. All you need for your stay is included with your vacation package!

April is just the right time to travel to a destination that’s enticingly warm and whimsical. The flora and fauna of many destinations spring into full bloom at this time of year, so sightseeing can be a dream. If you’re leaning toward a trip to the Caribbean, there’s much in store! The attractions, events, and even simply the warmth of the people add that sprinkle of island magic that every vacation deserves.

And when it comes to the islands, optional are plentiful in April. Head to Jamaica for a lively and colorful escape, or participte in a sailing regatta in Antigua. Savor bold island flavors at a food festival in Curaçao or jam down at the Reggae Music Festival in Barbados! Whatever you decide, your April vacation memories will be there to stay!

Good to know: Your island vacation is less likely to be interrupted by rain with an April vacation. Look out for Sandals Resorts vacation specials and start planning your next escape!

Picture: For views that inspire calm and simply lingering in the moment, a beach vacation at the all-inclusive Sandals Grande Saint Lucian is hard to beat!