There are many of the best places to visit in California in April, as spring is the perfect time to visit California. As the weather warms up and the flowers bloom, California has some amazing outdoor scenic things to see in April and some fun cities to visit.
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Where to Stay in California
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Best Places to Visit in California in April: Northern California
San Francisco
By Karen of Forever Karen
April is a great time to visit San Francisco because you’ll miss the summertime crowds and high prices. While the nights are often cool, expect average highs of 63F with little to no rain. Spending three to four days in San Francisco is enough to see all the highlights. The Travelodge by Wyndham by Fisherman’s Wharf provides budget-friendly accommodation.
This West Coast city has an excellent transportation system, so whether you fly or arrive through the port of San Francisco, you’ll find it easy to navigate. Without a car, you can purchase a one- or two-day pass on the hop-on hop-off bus to cover all the major attractions. The pass covers hot spots such as Chinatown, Alamo Square, Haight Ashbury, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Fisherman’s Wharf, which extends to Pier 39, is one of San Francisco’s known attractions. With its noisy sea lions, fun fair attractions, and seafood restaurants, it provides fun for all ages. To the east, Pier 33 provides the jumping point for visiting Alcatraz Island. Run by Alcatraz City Cruises, you can choose from day, night, and behind-the-scenes options. Get your tickets early, as they often sell out weeks in advance.
A trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without seeing the crooked Lombard Street. If you catch the Hyde Street cable car, it will take you right there. The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic San Francisco landmark, can be viewed by land or sea. Should you choose the cruise option, you’ll enjoy the city sights from the water and savor the views sailing under the bridge. Either way, San Francisco is one of the best places to visit in California in April.
Esalen
By Sumeeta of Sumeeta Seeks
The Esalen Institute in Big Sur in Big Sur, California, is one of the best places to visit in California in April. At this time of year, visitors will experience mild coastal weather, wildflowers, and lush greenery. The serene atmosphere, comfortable temperatures, and incredible lineup of transformative workshops make Esalen the perfect destination for a rejuvenating getaway. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, or personal growth workshops you’re seeing, Esalen is an ideal destination for self-discovery.
A stay of three to five days will allow you ample time to immerse yourself in the diverse workshops and wellness activities offered at the center. It will also give you enough time to indulge in one of their world-famous massages and soak in the views from their stunning cliffside outdoor baths.
To reach Esalen, bringing a car will give you the most flexibility to explore the scenic coastline. Alternatively, shuttle services are available from nearby airports. Esalen itself offers various accommodations depending on your budget, from camping to cabins to cliffside hot tubs. There are also nice nearby inns like Ventana Big Sur and Post Ranch Inn if you’re seeking an offsite alternative.
There are plentiful activities there, with workshops covering a range of topics on self-growth. Budgeting $500-$1000 per person per day, including accommodation and meals, is advisable. Essential tips include booking workshops, accommodation, and on-site massages in advance – things book out early. Also, be sure to pack layers for the unpredictable coastal weather and check their site for the latest COVID-19-related guidelines.
Whether you’re seeking personal growth or simply unwinding in nature, a visit to the Esalen Institute in April promises a unique and enriching experience along the breathtaking Big Sur coastline.
Best Places to Visit in California in April: Central California
Yosemite National Park
By; Jamie of Photojeepers
If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in California in April, then Yosemite National Park is an easy pick. After all, April is a quiet month in the park. If you can, visit during the week and have the place to yourself. Taking a self-guided driving tour will ensure you see the main locations!
Another reason April is a great time to visit is that local flora is coming alive. Therefore, visit toward the end of the month if you want to see wildflowers to the west Merced River Canyon.
Waterfalls are also flowing nicely due to snowmelt. So, head to Yosemite Valley to see Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls, as well as iconic rock formations like Half Dome and El Capitan. Hetch Hetchy is another valley that is generally snow-free. It is a great spot to see the intense flow of Wapama and Tueeulala Falls.
In total, plan to spend between two and four days in the area so that you can see Mariposa Grove, Tunnel Overlook, and hike Mirror Lake Trail and the Lower Yosemite Falls Loop to admire the area’s incredible granite domes. However, it’s worth noting that Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are both closed. They won’t open until the end of May or early June, and that causes a lot of traffic. But you should still bring a car. Although, if you want to spend all your time in Yosemite Valley then you could easily use public transportation to get around.
Finally, spend the night at The Wawona Hotel. It’s a low-key, Victorian-style home that was first established in 1856. Just budget around $450 for two people for a four-day trip. However, this will vary depending on what you want to do and where you want to stay.
Bridgeport
By Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
If you’re looking for an under-the-radar spot and one of the best places to visit in California in April, Bridgeport, tucked in the eastern Sierras, is the perfect place for a springtime getaway.
During this month, spring has arrived in the High Sierra, with temperatures warming up and beautiful wildflowers blooming at lower elevations. However, you’ll still get to enjoy the epic scenery of the surrounding snow-capped mountains—and can even ski at the nearby June Mountain or Mammoth Mountain if you’re trying to squeeze in a few last runs for the year.
Bridgeport is a teeny town that’s perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway to the mountains and is a much more affordable (and uncrowded) alternative to its more popular neighbor, Mammoth Lakes. For example, consider getting some fresh air by hitting some of the hiking trails around Bridgeport, like Twin Lakes or Convict Lake—just be ready to bust out the snowshoes or microspikes if the trails at higher elevations still have snow remaining!
Afterward, relax in Travertine Hot Springs, one of the town’s natural (and free!) geothermal springs with incredible views of the surrounding mountain peaks. During your stay, make Bridgeport’s Ruby Inn your home base, with a friendly staff and an excellent location right in the middle of town.
The best way to get to Bridgeport is from either the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (less than two hours away) or the Sacramento Airport (less than three and a half hours away). You’ll definitely want a rental car to get to and around Bridgeport’s stunning natural surroundings.
Best Places to Visit in California in April: Southern California
Joshua Tree
By Megge of Parks Family Travel
Located in California’s Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park is best places to visit in California in April. With daily high temperatures typically in the high 70s to low 80s and minimal rainfall, April makes for a great time to hike and explore this unique national park.
While one day can be sufficient for touring the park, those with a keen interest in rock climbing, bouldering, and/or hiking might want to extend their trip to 2 to 3 days to get a more extensive experience. Because of its proximity to many larger cities in Southern California, Joshua Tree can even be tagged on as a day trip from other destinations such as Orange County (2-3 hrs.), Los Angeles (2-3 hours), and Palm Springs (45 minutes).
If you like to take your time and have more control over your schedule, you will need a car to explore all that Joshua Tree has to offer. If you are staying in nearby Palm Springs or Palm Desert and don’t want to rent a car, consider a group tour that will take care of all the driving for you.
When visiting Joshua Tree, make sure to stop at the aptly named Skull Rock, the baby Cholla cactus garden, and plan at least one hike amongst the other-worldly landscape. Kids and adventurers will love all the large boulders to scramble across, and astronomy enthusiasts should make sure to stay past dark – Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky park, and star-filled skies are a rarity in Southern California.
Joshua Tree is a great destination for any budget. Tagging it on as a day trip will only cost you the expense of gas and the park entry fee (currently $30). Those who want to have a more immersive experience can rent from one of several unique, upscale vacation rentals and participate in guided hikes, rock climbing excursions, or jeep adventures.
Always keep in mind that Joshua Tree is a desert environment with little shade and water. Pack plenty of liquids, sunscreen, and snacks to ensure a comfortable and safe trip.
Long Beach
By Layla of Layla’s Lens
Long Beach is one of the most affordable vacation destinations in Southern California and one of the best places to visit in California in April. This city has beautiful marinas, clean beaches, and is very walkable. During spring, the weather is perfect, and you can enjoy the beaches without crowds. The best area to stay in Long Beach is the waterfront, which has the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and Shoreline Village.
The Queen Mary is a large retired British WWII cruise ship that you can tour or book an interesting overnight stay in their hotel. Tours of the Queen Mary start at $40 for adults and $30 for children. The Aquarium of the Pacific is the largest aquarium in California and another place you won’t want to miss visiting. Entry to the aquarium costs $44.95 for adults and $29.95 for children.
The Shoreline Village is a charming shopping center tucked along the marina with gift shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the Queen Mary. When it comes to food, you’ll find some of the best Thai restaurants and seafood in the downtown area as well. Another fun activity is doing a boat harbor ecotour.
The ideal amount of time to stay in Long Beach is two days, which will give you plenty of time to explore the city. Stroll along Junipero Beach or Alamitos Beach Park to catch the sunset while watching boats in the harbor. Or, head to Mother’s Beach or Rosie’s Beach if you’re traveling with family. Mother’s Beach is a popular kid-friendly beach with a playground, and Rosie’s Dog Beach is a dog-friendly beach that allows dogs to roam off-leash.
Overall, Long Beach has many free parks and beaches to visit, so it’s easy to keep vacation costs low. Just remember to be diligent when paying for parking meters around the city to avoid a citation. You could also take a day trip to Catalina Island from Long Beach!
Carlsbad
By Paula of Paula Gaston
Every spring, thousands of colorful flowers take over the city of Carlsbad in Southern California. The Flower Fields are amazingly beautiful, and they make a great destination for a day visit. They typically open at the beginning of March, and the best bloom is between the middle of March and the middle of April.
The Flower Fields have over 50 acres of 13 different ranunculus flowers. You can walk between the fields and stop at some of the fun photo spots they have created, or you can hop on a tractor wagon and take a ride around the fields. They also have a poinsettia display and an Orchid Greenhouse. One of the most popular activities is blueberry picking, and for kids, the sweet pea maze.
Note that the tickets to Carlsbad Flower Fields must be purchased beforehand online, and they are only valid for the time slot you choose. Admission is $23 per adult and $12 per kid (3-10 years old).
Carlsbad is located on the coast of California along Interstate 5 and very close to San Diego. Therefore, a visit to Carlsbad Flower Fields is easy to combine with a trip to this famous surf city. Also, right by the Flower Fields is the Legoland Resort, which is popular among families with smaller kids. If you are a movie fan, you can always check out the Top Gun filming locations close by.
The easiest way to get to Carlsbad Flower Fields is by car. They have a big parking lot, and parking is free. There are also several nice hotels within walking distance and a beautiful beach to enjoy. Carlsbad makes for one of the best places to visit in California in April.
Los Angeles
By Mayuri of Fernwehrahee
Los Angeles is one of the best places to visit in California in April. To get to Los Angeles, you can fly to LA International Airport or can drive to the city. You can reach downtown LA via Metro. Los Angeles is famous for its traffic! So, it is recommended to use public transport options like bus or Metro rail services. For further away destinations from LA, you can opt for Uber or Lyft!
Los Angeles experiences mild and pleasant weather in April, which is the perfect time to visit during spring. The daytime temperatures range from mid-60s to 70s, which is perfect for sightseeing in LA. There are so many places to visit in Los Angeles that you may need a week in LA but you can visit most of the top sightseeing places in Los Angeles in 3-4 days. Also, during April, you can visit nearby almond blossom fields, which are perfect for a day trip.
Any trip to Los Angeles is not complete without visiting the Hollywood area. Take the Hollywood Walk of Fame walk and spot your famous stars. Later, take Uber/Lyft to the Hollywood sign and end the day at Griffith Observatory. Next day, you can spend a day visiting Downtown Los Angeles. Visit famous attractions like Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the historic Olvera Street.
If you are an art lover, pay a visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the evening window shop at Rodeo Drive. It’s worth checking out one of the most expensive streets in California! If you are visiting with kids, you can visit Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland for a day, and you can spend a leisurely day at Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier. It’s worth visiting the Venice canals without visiting Italy!
Final Thoughts on Best Places to Visit in California in April
There are many spectacular and best places to visit in California in April. Aside from the ones listed above, make sure to check out the Central Coast, the Channel Islands, Santa Barbara, and Los Olivos. April is also a great time to spend a week in Central California.
