Spring is a fabulous time to travel, with so many places filled with brilliant blooms, not to mention those off-season rates that can make your trip more affordable too. From the scenic Mackinac Island to the flower-filled Skagit Valley and the coastal gem of Amelia Island, these destinations are ideal destinations for budget-savvy travelers. These fabulous destinations in the spring are the best cheap spring vacations in North America.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Early spring is an exciting time on Mackinac Island, located an hour south of the Canadian border in Lake Huron. This is when eagles and hawks pass through on their migration route, the flowers and trees begin to bloom; the horses return, and the boats begin sailing through the surrounding waters. Visit this top-rated Michigan vacation destination in late spring, however, and you can enjoy the Mackinac Lilac Festival.
Skagit Valley, Washington
Thousands come to Skagit Valley in the spring each year to attend the famous tulip festival. This popular annual event takes place during the entire month of April when the valley is transformed into a brilliant kaleidoscope of color in practically every shade imaginable. Hundreds and hundreds of acres of tulips are scattered across the valley, with much of the festival designed as a driving/walking tour. It also features art shows with local and international artists, entertainment, farm tours, historic home tours, and even boat tours. In between, you’ll find all sorts of other things to do, including winery visits, food stands selling fresh seafood along with locally-grown organic fruits and vegetables, and more. Nearby, Deception Pass State Park offers a breathtakingly rugged shoreline where you can search through tide pools and watch for whales and porpoises that swim by.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Not everyone is into the outdoor/nature scene, and if you’re more in the mood to party, Atlantic City offers an inexpensive option, especially for those who already happen to live on or near the east coast. The gaming and casino scene alone is enough to keep you busy for hours. The boardwalk offers a host of nightclubs and live music shows – and, if you do want to mix in some recreational activity, you might want to try learning to surf with Atlantic City Surf School, or standup paddleboarding, a more relaxing sport where you can enjoy fabulous views of Gardner’s Basin. Steel Pier is a great spot to bring the kids or to indulge your inner child, with a swing carousel, arcade-style games, and the thrilling slingshot ride.
Amelia Island, Florida
Amelia Island is a barrier island off the northern coast of Florida that is home to 13 miles of beautiful beaches that tend to be pretty quiet, especially during the off-season, for those that want to indulge in some peaceful relaxation. It offers the chance to escape the usual spring break crowds and enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities, including riding bicycles on the miles of trails and sidewalks, golfing, horseback riding on the sand, sailing, or paddling in the tidal creeks and marshes. The island’s largest state park, Fort Clinch State Park, is home to one of the best-preserved 19th-century forts in the nation as well as a fishing pier, hiking, and biking trails, campgrounds, and more. History lovers will also appreciate the historic downtown of Fernandina Beach, where you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride and hear about historic points of interest. Stay at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, and you can take advantage of the splash park with a huge pool as well as a nature preserve center that offers classes on turtle nesting and shark tooth hunting.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Spring is considered by many to be the very best time of year to visit Victoria, the capital of the British Columbia province. Winter frosts give way to gorgeous cherry blossoms and azaleas in this garden city, where some 37,000 cherry trees burst into full bloom at springtime, lighting up the streets with their bright bursts of pink. You’ll see spectacular colors almost everywhere you look. And, of course, the world-renowned Butchart Gardens is at its best this season, coming alive with some of nature’s finest displays on the planet. Plus, the city’s fantastic farmers markets open in April and May, featuring an amazing selection of produce, baked goods, homemade jams, delectable sweets, and more.
Portland, Oregon
If you travel to Portland in the spring, you’ll find out just why it was nicknamed the “City of Roses.” The climate here is ideal for growing roses, which begin to bloom in April and peak in June. You can see, and smell, thousands of the magnificent flowers at the International Rose Test Garden, just one of the dozens of beautiful parks and gardens spread throughout Portland. In addition to roses, beautiful azaleas, rhododendrons, and cherry trees bloom across the city. Spring visitors have the chance to take part in a myriad of adventures too, including Portland’s signature event, the Portland Rose Festival, which runs from late May through early June. Marked by three parades over three weekends, the festival features activities and events throughout the city, mainly in the Waterfront District, where you’ll find the CityFair with rides, live music, carnival games, and even deep-fried rose petals. While there may be a few spring showers, sun breaks and dry days are common.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is famous for its striking scenery, a vibrant mix of Anglo, Hispanic, and Native American cultures, and its assortment of artists, artisans, and counterculture refugees, making for an especially interesting escape – and, spring means warmer weather that’s ideal for hiking the surrounding mountains and blooming wildflowers. If you visit early in the season, there’s a good chance for outstanding spring skiing too. Of course, you can always enjoy those glorious sunsets that seem designed to entice both artists and lovers. Plus, Taos’ blend of cultural traditions keeps it constantly evolving, including everything from the arts to food, with an especially impressive array of eateries that range from mom-and-pop cantinas to creative upscale dining. Be sure to visit Taos Pueblo, a multi-story adobe village that has been continuously inhabited since pre-Columbian times. While many of the living spaces have been converted into shops for Pueblo Indian craftspeople, the Pueblo Indians have managed to diligently protect and preserve their culture.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans offers a year-round party and everything else you need for a spring getaway you won’t soon forget. The city is renowned for its charming cobblestone streets, incredible cuisine, trendy nightclubs, fantastic music, and, nearly an endless number of bars to choose from when you’re looking for a cocktail. Plus, springtime in NOLA means festivals just about every weekend, from the French Quarter Fest and the Jazz Fest to Bayou Boogaloo. New Orleans is famous for its magnificent European architecture and all-around mysticism, and other than Mardi Gras, its music is probably the best reason to visit – even if you aren’t here during a festival, you’ll find jazz, blues, rock, and Zydeco tunes oozing from every corner and crevice.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head may not be sizzling hot during the spring, but it’s certainly a hot destination – and temperatures this season average a very pleasant 69 degrees, while brilliant blue skies and azaleas in multiple vibrant hues are scattered across the landscape. This is an ideal time for activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, horseback riding, parasailing, and zip-lining.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Although it’s just a little over an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park gets only a fraction of the visitors of the region’s two other parks, which means you’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous spring scenery that includes lush mountain vistas and cascading waterfalls practically all to yourself. If the outdoors is your thing, you’ll find plenty to do to fill up your holiday, with more than 500 miles of hiking trails as well as nearly 200,000 acres of backcountry for camping. Enjoy wildlife viewing, bird watching, rock climbing, fly fishing, and more.
