Road trips are a big part of American travel culture. The idea of loading up a car and driving across the country, from Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway, seems like it will never go out of style. April is one of the best months to hit the road, especially. Winter is starting to let go, summer crowds haven’t fully arrived yet, and the country’s landscapes are bursting with color.
This guide to the best U.S. road trips to take in April is meant to be a long-lasting resource. If you’re planning your first drive across state lines or looking for a new spring itinerary, you’ll find useful routes, seasonal highlights, and expert advice that stays useful year after year.
Why April Is One of the Best Months in the US for Road Trips
April is a month that is hard to find in other months. Weather, prices, and how easy it is to get to places all work in travelers’ favor.
Mild and Comfortable Weather
In many parts of the country, April brings warm days that are great for driving, sightseeing, and stopping outside.
- Desert roads cool off after winter
- Southern states stay cool during the hottest parts of summer
- Northern areas start to thaw without getting too crowded
Springtime Landscapes at Their Best
In many places, April is the best month for flowers to bloom.
- Wildflowers cover deserts and hills
- Cherry blossoms fill cities
- Mountain valleys turn green again
Scenic drives in the US often look very different in April than they do in the summer or fall.
Less Crowded, More Value
April is still a shoulder season for most places, except for Easter week and a few short spring break periods.
- Easier hotel bookings
- Fewer cars on scenic highways
- More relaxed visits to national parks
Great for Families and Flexible Travelers
April is a great time for families and couples because of school breaks and the ability to work from home.
- Travel at a slower pace
- Avoid summer traffic
What Makes a Great Road Trip in April?
Not every road trip is great in the spring. Most of the best road trips in the US in April have some things in common:
- Seasonal views (flowers, waterfalls, and green valleys)
- Driving conditions that are good for the weather
- Things to do outside that don’t need the hottest summer weather
- Routes that don’t go through areas with extreme heat, snow closures, or hurricane risks
The following travel plans are organized by region and include a mix of famous highways and lesser-known scenic drives.
1. The Pacific Coast Highway in California
Route: San Diego → Los Angeles → Big Sur → San Francisco
Distance: about 650 miles
Best Length: 7 to 10 days
The Pacific Coast Highway is famous, but it really shines in April. There is less fog along the coast than in the summer, wildflowers bloom along cliffside pullouts, and traffic is noticeably less busy.
April Highlights
- Flowers that grow wild in Big Sur and Garrapata Bluff
- Gray whales move along the coast
- Nice coastal temperatures for hiking and walking on the beach
Stops You Have to Make
- La Jolla Cove
- Santa Barbara and Big Sur
- Monterey
- Bay of Half Moon
April’s cooler air makes scenic overlooks and coastal trails more fun, which is why this is one of the most scenic drives people from the US love to take in April.
2. The Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
Route: From Shenandoah National Park to Asheville
Distance: about 469 miles
Best Length: 5–7 Days
The Blue Ridge Parkway, which is often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” changes in April as spring slowly climbs the mountains.
April Highlights
- Wildflowers blooming early and trees starting to grow
- Waterfalls flowing from melting snow
- Clear mountain air and fewer visitors in the summer
Stops You Have to Make
- Skyline Drive
- Linville Falls
- Mount Mitchell
- National Park in the Great Smoky Mountains
April may not yet bring full fall colors, but the new greens and foggy ridgelines make this road feel calm and almost like a movie.
3. The Wildflower Loop in Texas Hill Country
Route: Austin → Fredericksburg → Llano → Wimberley
Distance: about 250 miles
Best Length: 4–6 Days
In Texas, April means bluebonnets. This area is one of the most photographed spring landscapes in the U.S.
April’s Best Parts
- Fields of bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and primrose
- Temperatures that are warm but not too hot
- Spring fairs and markets in the area
Stops You Have to Make
- The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Rock of Enchantment
- Wineries in Fredericksburg
- Hamilton Pool Preserve
This route has bright colors and easy driving, making it a great choice for people who want to take a classic spring road trip in the US.
4. The Mighty 5 National Parks Loop in Utah
Route: Las Vegas → Zion → Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef → Arches → Canyonlands
Distance: about 1,000 miles
Best Length: 10 to 14 days
Utah’s desert parks are beautiful all year long, but April is one of the best times to visit.
Things to Do in April
- Comfortable hiking temperatures
- Bryce Canyon has snow-capped peaks that stand out
- Fewer people than in late spring and summer
Stops You Have to Make
- Scenic Drive through Zion Canyon
- Bryce Amphitheater
- Byway 12 with a view
- Sunset over Delicate Arch
This loop is always one of the best road trips in the US in April for people who want beautiful scenery without the heat.
5. The Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)
Route: Lake Itasca → New Orleans
Distance: about 3,000 miles (with flexible segments)
Best Length: 7 to 14 days (partial routes recommended)
This route follows the Mississippi River and has a lot of cultural and regional variety.
April Highlights
- Spring thaw shows river towns and wetlands
- Migratory birds along the river corridor
- Warm weather in the southern parts
Stops You Have to Make
- Minnesota’s Red Wing
- St. Louis Gateway Arch
- Memphis blues landmarks
- Natchez historic district
April is particularly good for southern segments, where summer heat hasn’t yet arrived.
6. Florida Keys Overseas Highway
Route: Miami → Key West
Distance: ~113 miles
Ideal Duration: 3–5 days
Few drives feel as relaxing as cruising over turquoise water with the windows down.
Highlights in April
- Dry season weather
- Clear water for snorkeling
- Lively but not overcrowded atmosphere
Must-See Stops
- Key Largo reefs
- Islamorada
- Bahia Honda State Park
- Key West historic district
Spring road trips USA travelers often overlook short routes, but this drive proves that distance doesn’t define impact.
7. Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway (Oregon & Washington)
Route: Portland → Hood River → The Dalles
Distance: ~75 miles
Ideal Duration: 2–4 days
April brings waterfalls to life along the Columbia River Gorge.
Highlights in April
- Peak waterfall flow
- Blooming orchards
- Snow-dusted Mount Hood views
Must-See Stops
- Multnomah Falls
- Latourell Falls
- Rowena Crest Viewpoint
This is one of the most compact yet rewarding scenic drives April USA has to offer.
8. New England Coastal Drive (Massachusetts & Maine)
Route: Boston → Cape Ann → Portland → Acadia National Park
Distance: ~300 miles
Ideal Duration: 5–7 days
Before summer crowds descend, April offers a quieter, more intimate coastal New England experience.
Highlights in April
- Fewer tourists in historic towns
- Coastal fog and dramatic seascapes
- Early spring seafood season
Must-See Stops
- Rockport, MA
- Kennebunkport
- Portland Head Light
- Acadia National Park (lower altitudes)
The weather can change, but that makes the drive more interesting.
9. The Arizona Desert Bloom Route
Route: Phoenix → Tucson → Saguaro National Park → Sedona
Distance: about 400 miles
Best Length: 5 to 7 days
April changes the desert into a surprisingly colorful place.
Things to Do in April
- Wildflowers in the desert
- Temperatures good for hiking
- Clear skies and beautiful sunsets
Stops You Have to Make
- Mountains of Superstition
- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
- The red rocks of Sedona
This route shows why many people who travel in the spring choose the Southwest.
10. The Smoky Mountains Loop (Tennessee and North Carolina)
Route: Knoxville → Gatlinburg → Cherokee → Asheville
Distance: about 300 miles
Best Length: 5 to 7 Days
The Smokies come back to life in April.
Best Things to Do in April
- Flowering redbuds and dogwoods
- Misty mornings in the mountains
- Wildlife that is active after winter
Must-See Places
- Cades Cove
- Road to Clingmans Dome
- Links to the Blue Ridge Parkway
This loop is great for people who like to drive slowly through beautiful scenery and then go for short hikes.
Useful Tips for Planning Road Trips in April
Check Seasonal Road Conditions
There may still be late snowstorms on mountain roads. Always check to see if the park roads are open before you leave.
Pack for Changes in Temperature
The weather in April can change quickly. Layers are very important, especially at higher elevations.
Make National Park Lodging Reservations Early
Even in the shoulder season, parks that are popular fill up quickly during spring break.
Make Plans That Can Change
Travelers who leave room for unexpected stops and different routes in the spring are rewarded.
Why These Routes Will Always Be Popular
The best road trips in the U.S. in April aren’t based on what’s popular. They are shaped by geography, climate patterns, and seasonal rhythms that happen every year.
These routes still give:
- Reliable scenic value
- Safe and easy driving conditions
- Even crowd levels
- Rich cultural and natural experiences
Last Thoughts
April is a great time to travel in the US. The country feels open, new, and ready to explore this month. The best road trips in April USA include famous highways and lesser-known regional loops. They combine beauty, comfort, and freedom in a way that few other months can.
April is the perfect time to pack up the car and hit the road again, whether you’re looking for wildflowers, waterfalls, coastlines, or canyon views.
