11 Colorful Spring Destinations In The United States

Spring is a time of renewal and exploration. The snows melt, the flowers bloom, and people are ready to come out of hibernation. During this time, there are many uniquely colorful destinations to visit throughout the United States. The following is a mix of 11 cities, towns, streets, parks, and other select areas that will inject some beauty into the winter-weary soul. 

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville comes alive in the spring. The soft haze of the Blue Ridge Mountains sits as a perfect backdrop for the renewed green grasses and bountiful blooming flowers. Spring is the perfect time to hike around the outskirts of this North Carolina city, or explore the pretty gardens within. The Biltmore gardens see more than 100,000 flowers bloom throughout the season, starting with daffodils in early April, before being joined by tulips and azaleas shortly after. The well-manicured North Carolina Arboretum is another standout day trip, and en route, visitors will get to drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. 

Augusta, Georgia 

The standout color for this spring destination is green! Green grass, putting greens, and green jackets are in full bloom come springtime in Augusta, Georgia. Specifically, early April (April 7-10 for 2022) is when the PGA TOUR Masters, hosted annually at the Augusta National Golf Club, kicks off. Not only is this an exceptionally verdant place, but it is also an electric environment that overtakes not only the golf course, but the surrounding area. Tickets are notoriously hard to get so plan ahead…years ahead, or try to spectate the pre-tournament Par-3 contest to get a taste of the action. 

San Francisco, California

San Francisco flaunts a pleasing tapestry this time of year and visitors do not have to fight off the summer crowds to see them. Ride a bike across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the red of which contrasts against the deep blue of San Francisco Bay and the Gulf of Farallones. On the way back, cruise by the famous Painted Ladies houses, stop at some of the many city parks, and end in Chinatown, where the sea of red lanterns and other oriental designs will be a bright end to a colorful day. 

Woodstock, New York

Curious about the site that hosted the famed and colorful (in more ways than one) festival that epitomized the hippie revolution? Well…technically that took place in the town of Bethel, but the name and the theme lives on in modern-day Woodstock. This quaint town in New York features live music, vegan culture, and of course, tie-dye, all along Tinker Street. The mom n' pop shops and the residents alike have opened their minds to individual expression, love of art and culture, and show off these sensibilities with a mixture of bright, psychedelic colors, as well as softer pastel exteriors. Let the small town charm and happy hues of Woodstock be the first thing to break the cold, gray monotony of New York winters. 

Texas Hill Country (San Saba to San Antonio), Texas

The bluebonnets (Lupinus Texensis) bloom each spring in Texas Hill Country. This region stretches about 140 miles from San Saba to San Antonio, Texas. These blue and white beauties fully cover fields and pop in bursts along the sides of roads. Bluebonnets are a most soothing sight for all you flower lovers out there. If you are looking to make a proper Texas road trip, consider a tour of the historic downtown of San Saba (i.e. "The Pecan Capital of the World"), remember the colorful past of the Alamo in San Antonio, and cap things off with a side-trip through Austin to catch an eclectic mix of music and a surging stand-up comedy scene. 

Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 

The mild spring weather is a perfect time to visit this magnificent Louisiana city. The neon lights of Bourbon Street will immediately signal the eccentric and happening vibes of this famous stretch. The vivid colors, hoppin' live music, and distinct culinary indulgences will create a synesthetic experience that will not be soon forgotten. For a quieter but equally colorful stroll, the French Quarter does continue beyond Bourbon Street and features many gorgeous historic homes. 

The National Parks Of Utah

You will be seeing red all throughout the national parks of the state of Utah. This desert environment collects the sheer walls of Zion National Park, the curious formations of Arches National Park, the proud buttes of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, the vast and layered landscape of Canyonlands National Park, and the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park - to name a few. These parks immediately conjure the connotation of red rocks, but shades of yellow, pink, and orange will also pop against the often crisp blue skies. Spring is one of the best times to thoroughly explore the wild and otherworldly lands - just after the capricious winters and right before the oppressively hot summers. 

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Oregon

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is like walking into a painting. This giant floral arrangement creates a calming blend of stunning colors. The natural beauty is punctuated by a cute pink tractor and a conspicuous red windmill. The farm, located in Woodburn, Oregon, is in full swing for the annual tulip festival, which runs from mid-late March through to May. Festival attendees may wish to base out of  the state capital of Salem, known for its darker past but pleasant present, which is just over 20-miles South of Woodburn. Alternatively, the culturally colorful city of Portland is a mere 30-miles to the North. 

Morning Glory Pool, Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)

The world's first national park has plenty of aesthetically pleasing features within its 2.2 million acre boundary. However, the Morning Glory Pool is a particular standout in terms of its almost alien colors. This hydrothermal pool sits in the Northwest corner of Wyoming and is home to trillions of microscopic organisms called thermophiles. These adaptive clusters are responsible for the mixture of yellow (hottest water), orange, brown, and green (cooler waters). Unfortunately, this site has experienced heavy vandalism over the years from visitors throwing rocks, logs, coins, and even garbage into the pool, all of which become embedded in the pool. So remember to take only pictures, leave only footprints. And why Spring? Well, as with most US national parks, summer brings the crowds. 

Fairbanks, Alaska (The Aurora Borealis) 

The Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, can be seen in Alaska from about late August to late April. People travel from all over to experience this beautiful and hypnotic phenomenon.  Many such seekers choose to base out of Fairbanks, where established tours provide exciting viewing adventures. Alaska offers the ideal backdrop to see the greens and pinks dance across the sky, thanks to the long and light-pollution-free nights. Spring is a particularly good time to visit, as the worst of winter has passed, yet the snowy landscape generally remains as a stark juxtaposition to the colorful sky.  

National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, DC

Every spring in the nation's capital of Washington, DC, over 3,000 cherry blossoms reveal their tranquil charm. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, scheduled for March 20th - April 17th, 2022, celebrates not only their soft beauty, but also the bond between American and Japanese cultures. The trees were gifted by the Mayor of Tokyo, Yukio Ozaki, back in 1912. Peak bloom is estimated to be around March 22nd - 25th. Outside of the festival there is still lots to see. Washington, DC boasts hundreds of creative street murals that encapsulate a variety of techniques and subjects. And, of course, there are the immortal monuments and world-class museums that wait around every corner. 

So whether you are seeking the aesthetic appeal of nature, or the art and culture or different communities, the United States has something colorful to offer everyone, especially come the springtime. Lace up your walking shoes or hit the road to explore some of the endless spectacles throughout the land.