We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
If you haven't gotten around to planning a spring trip, you're in luck. We've rounded up the best places to visit in April. You can scoop up last-minute deals to amazing locations, including the island where the latest season of White Lotus was filmed! (Pinch us now!)
Good Housekeeping editors, who have started exploring vacation spots for this year's Travel Awards, curated this list with every type of traveler in mind: the couple yearning to get away from it all, the mom who is finally getting the girls' trip out of the group chat and the family with no plans for spring break yet.
Lock in one of our picks pronto, and keep in mind that if you're returning on May 7 or later, you'll need "Real ID" or a passport to fly domestically. A driver's license alone may not cut it, so be sure to check out the new requirements to make your travel as smooth as possible.
Turks & Caicos
Haven't planned your spring-break escape yet? Lucky for you, The Strand, the island's newest property located on the secluded shores of Cooper Jack Bay, still has availability. Since November, it's been wowing eco-conscious families of all sizes with its multi-bedroom, ocean-facing villas and residences. They have their own pool and kitchen, so you really never have to leave your own personal paradise. About 75 percent of the property's energy is solar powered, and it's been designated a "Pollinator Sanctuary" in the Caribbean. If you visit in early April, you might even spy migrating humpback whales—whoa!
Travel Notes: Turks & Caicos is a hop, skip and jump for East Coast families, with direct flights to Providenciales International Airport from 13 U.S. cities. During April, it rains on average only one day in Turks and Caicos, and average high temperatures are in the mid-80s.
Koh Samui, Thailand
If season 3 of 'The White Lotus' has you obsessing about a trip to Thailand, by all means, pack your bags. This season's episodes were mainly filmed at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. While it's divine, you might be able to score more space for the money at another five-star property, Cape Fahn Hotel, which was briefly featured in a few episodes. In April, you can snag a spacious pool villa with breakfast for about $600 per night, a fraction of the Four Seasons' cost.
RELATED: Everything We Know About 'The White Lotus' Season 4
Orlando, Florida
While Spring Break in the Theme Park Capital of the World is a classic choice, you may not be up on the two newer places to stay that provide a lot of space for the money: Evermore Orlando Resort (near Walt Disney World) and Villatel Orlando Resort (near Universal).
Winner of a 2025 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award, the year-old Evermore Orlando Resort's beachfront lagoon gives major Aruba vibes. "My friends thought I was in Caribbean!" says a Good Housekeeping tester, who stayed in a four-bedroom, four-bathroom "flat" with her daughter, nieces and sister-in-law. Bigger groups can rent a house with up to 11 bedrooms and a slide from the second to first level—whee!
The new Villatel Orlando Resort incorporates themed playspaces and game rooms into its four- to nine-bedroom villas; some also have slides and a heated private pool. "My kids didn't even want to leave the villa! It's that good," says a Good Housekeeping tester who recently visited with her mom and two kids. If you can coax the kids outside, the complex's new water park will entertain them with slides, a lazy river and other fun features.
Travel Notes: April flights to Orlando International Airport tend to be pricy, so consider flying into Orlando Sanford International Airport instead. "While it'll take about 30 minutes longer to reach the theme parks, the savings and ease of navigating the much smaller airport is well worth the extra time," says a Good Housekeeping editor.
RELATED: Things to Do in Orlando
Ketchikan, Alaska
Alaskan cruise season starts at the end of the month, and early sailings are usually less crowded and well-priced. You can expect shorter lines on board and at popular ports like Ketchikan, the salmon capital of the world.
"My sister and I took a 7-day Alaska Explorer Cruise on Holland America last year and the seafood was delicious and responsibly sourced thanks to the brand's new seafood programs and certifications," says a Good Housekeeping tester. She also raved about the scenery: "The natural beauty was mesmerizing. We marveled at the ice-capped mountains and lush greenery overlooking the ocean."
Travel Notes: While our tester sailed roundtrip from Seattle, cruises that begin and end in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Alaskan cities and Canada are also available on various cruise lines. No matter where you embark, fly in a day earlier in case there are airline delays. Cruises, famously, don't wait for late passengers.
RELATED: Best Cruises to Alaska, According to Travel Experts
Richmond, Virginia
For a lower-key (and lower-cost) spring break weekend with the kids, roll into Richmond, Virginia's capital city. On your first full day, meander through Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Cap off the trip with a day at Kings Dominion theme park; daredevils will love the new winged roller coaster. Stay at the Omni Richmond, which greets kids with a welcome amenity.
Travel Notes: Richmond is an easy two-hour drive from Washington, DC. Or you can fly direct into Richmond International Airport from more than a dozen U.S. cities, including Philadelphia, Orlando and Dallas.
Boston, Massachusetts
Hey, parents of high schoolers: Checking out colleges during spring break of junior year will give you a leg up on the process. With Berklee College of Music, MIT and more two dozen institutions of higher learning, the Boston area may very well be on your teen's radar.
Intersperse college tours with sightseeing, walking the Freedom Trail and eating your way through Quincy Market. Stay at the Verb, a retro hotel that won't break the bank (the college tuition will do that!). With a record-player in all rooms, 1,800 vinyls you can borrow and a temperature-controlled outdoor pool, it will pass your teen's vibe check.
Travel Notes: Road work in Boston typically resumes in April so it's best to research public transit stops before your trip.
RELATED: Unique High School Graduation Gifts to Celebrate That Huge Milestone
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
While there's never a bad time to vacation at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, a culinary adventure awaits during the Festival of Flavors on April 24-26. The special event features two celebrity chefs: Adam Sobel (a familiar face from Food Network's Chopped and Guy's Grocery Games) and restauranteur Michael Mina, whose flagship San Francisco location has a Michelin star. Exclusive pairings, tastings and more are in store for guests who book the Culinary Adventure Package.
Travel Notes: The resort is about a 30-minute drive from San José del Cabo International Airport.
Venice, Italy
The seasonally operated hotels in Venice typically re-open in April and visiting early in the season will save you money and long lines. The Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort got a glow-up during winter break and will debut its newly renovated suites and wine-tasting experience on April 21. Hotel guests can lounge on the beach under spectacular private cabanas or take a dip in the heated pool. Dreamy!
Travel Notes: "The most fun way to get to your hotel from the Marco Polo Airport in Venice is by water taxi," says a Good Housekeeping tester.
Chicago, Illinois
Baseball is back at Chicago's famed Wrigley Field on April 4 when the Cubs take on the San Diego Padres. Catch the stadium's season opener and sightsee the rest of the weekend. If you want to stay close to Wrigley, make Hotel Zachery your, well, home base. Its sensational stadium views and baseball memorabilia wow fans of all ages.
While you're in the Windy City, check out Navy Pier! Flyover, a sensory attraction that might remind you of Disney's Soarin'. You could also book tickets to Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which is playing in the city's Broadway district from April 2-20. The Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, located next to each other, both have new exhibits.
Travel Notes: If you don't make it to the Field Museum, check out the replica of a Brachiosaurus skeleton in Terminal 1, Concourse B of O'Hare International Airport.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Welcome back, whales! In mid-April, these beloved creatures start migrating to the summer feeding grounds off the coast of Cape Cod. Be among the first to see them by spending an afternoon aboard the Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch cruise, which resumes on April 19.
The cruise is guided by a naturalist who takes part in yearly training to be up-to-date on the ever-changing marine habitat. Other fun stops on a Cape Cod weekend include the Whydah Pirate Museum, Atlantic White Shark Center and Cape Cod’s Children’s Museum.
Stay at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, which has heated indoor pools and direct access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, ideal for hiking and biking.
Travel Notes: If you don't plan to drive to the Cape, fly into Boston Logan International Airport and take bus service to Hyannis. The ride is typically a little over an hour.
New York City
While NYC may be on your radar for Thanksgiving, it's also egg-cellent for Easter festivities. Book Brunchin’ with PEEPS, a special event at restaurant Serendipity 3 that runs through Easter (April 20). The Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival, travels from 49th to 57th Street and a great viewing spot is St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. Stay at the Lotte New York Palace where the bunny will be in the lobby on Easter morning.
Travel Notes: If you're staying in midtown, it's best just to walk to the parade. From further distances, take the subway rather than rideshare because the streets along the parade route will be blocked.
London, England
Thinking about taking the kids to London this summer? Going over their April break instead may save you a bundle. Roundtrip flights in April cost a few hundred dollars less than summer options—and, for a family of four, the airfare savings alone could amount to more than a grand.
Hotel prices are usually lower as well compared to peak summer times. While many European hotels only sleep two per room, the reasonably priced London Marriott Hotel County Hall, in a prime location near Big Ben, offers double family rooms that fit four guests and various child-oriented packages, such as Kids Stay + Eat Free and a special Roald Dahl-themed afternoon tea running through the end of the month.
Travel Notes: If you're departing from New York City, Boston or Baltimore, you might be able to score a good deal on airfare from PLAY Airlines. The lower-cost carries flies direct from these cities to London's Stansted airport.
North Lake Tahoe, California
It's prime fishing season at the largest mountain lake in North America! Fish tend to be more active in in spring and early summer, making it easier for you to reel in trout. Plus, you won't have as many crowds to contend with in April. Book a guide or charter who can help you sort through the regulations and direct you to the best fishing spots. Stay at the recently renovated Cedar Glen Lodge Resort, which is in a convenient location for hiking, stargazing, and, of course, fishing.
Travel Notes: Fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which offers direct routes from 20 destinations, including Atlanta, Denver and Oakland.
Negril, Jamaica
April is Autism Awareness Month, and families with neurodivergent children will find a warm welcome at Beaches Resorts. The brand is the world's first resort company to earn autism certifications for its kids' clubs.
A Good Housekeeping tester visited the location in Negril, Jamaica, and reported that the camp's staff were patient and attentive to her neurodivergent daughter. "The food, facilities and service for everyone in our family was great too," she noted.
As part of the brand's Sesame Street programming, kids can have meet-and-greets with Julia, the character who has autism. Beaches also has locations in Turks & Caicos (which is opening a new section, Treasure Beach Village, next March) and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Travel Notes: Fly into Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Beaches can arrange a transfer to the resort. If your child has special needs, sign up for the Sunflower Lanyard Program to make your airport experience better, no matter where you're traveling.
RELATED: Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families to Visit Right Now
San Diego, California
Can't decide to head to a city or a beach for the kids' spring break? Get the best of both worlds in San Diego. Stay right on the beach in neighboring Coronado at the legendary Hotel del Coronado, and carve out a day or two to hit the multitude of fun museums at Balboa Park.
You can opt for a newly renovated room the original, 135-year-old hotel, a beach villa, or the Shore House, a past winner of a Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award. With a full kitchen featuring high-end appliances, wrap-around porch and multi-bedroom options, the Shore House "is tailor-made for a fantastic vacation with the grandparents," says a Good Housekeeping tester who visited with three generations.
Travel Notes: The San Diego International Airport is just 9 miles from the Hotel del Coronado. and recent improvements in Terminal 1 earned it a national sustainability award.
Dallas, Texas
Springtime in this part of The Lone Star State is spectacular, especially for art lovers. April is Dallas Art Month, which means the city is teeming with activities that appeal to those with a thirst for creativity and culture. Visitors can check out the Dallas Art Fair and view a robust selection of contemporary artworks presented by leading national and international galleries.
When it’s time to turn in, check into HALL Arts Hotel for an artfully luxurious stay. As the first hotel in the Dallas Arts District, the property is home to a diverse collection of compelling works of art including floral artwork by Clare Woods and Nekisha Durrett.
Travel Notes: The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is currently under construction to make way for a new terminal, so be sure to arrive early for your flight home.
Santa Barbara, California
This So Cal spot hosts one of longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country—it's been going strong since 1970. This year's festivities, taking place on April 26-27, feature live music, an eco marketplace, Kids Corner and even a green car show. Stay at The Steward, a newish hotel on five acres of land that embraces green initiatives. such as not utilizing single-use plastics, and has a historic fitness barn.
Travel Notes: Even though the Santa Barbara Airport is on the smaller side, it offers nonstop flights to 12 U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Salk Lake City and Seattle.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tulips make a trip to Amsterdam even more appealing. This month, millions of the colorful perennial flowers pop up in the city, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for exploration. Must-see sites include the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House and, for tulips in particular, Keukenhof Gardens.
Stay at the Pulitzer Amsterdam, which is nestled among the city’s canal. The hotel is a cluster of more than two dozen restored and modernized 17th and 18th century houses, offering uniquely designed guest rooms with a focus on Dutch craftsmanship.
Travel Notes: Delta Air Lines extended its seasonal route from Tampa to Amsterdam through May.
Los Angeles, California
Hey queens, Beyoncé is kicking off her Cowboy Carter tour on April 28 at LA's SoFi Stadium and there are still tickets! Grab a pair and stay with your bestie or boo at the stunning Pendry West Hollywood. "My family dined at the hotel's restaurant, Merois, last fall and spotted several celebrities," says a Good Housekeeping tester. "Even without the celeb factor, the ambiance and food were well worth it!"
Travel Notes: Although the hotel is only 12 miles from Los Angeles International Airport, the ride could take an hour in traffic, so be sure to leave in plenty of time for your return flight.
Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina
If your child was hyped for the Solar Eclipse last year, head to the Cape Lookout National Seashore, a barrier island accessible by ferry, for International Dark Sky Week from April 21-28. It's one of the few places on Earth where the pinwheel-shaped Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye! Plenty of special programming will ensure an out-of-this-world experience for all ages! If you don't want to camp out, stay at the Beaufort Hotel.
Travel Notes: The Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, about 43 miles away, offers direct flights from Miami, Baltimore, Nashville and more.
Karen is a seasoned journalist who specializes in travel, book, lifestyle and food coverage. Cicero has visited almost every state with her family (look out Wyoming, she’s coming for you next!). She has spoken at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA and the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and was previously the senior editor at Parents. A mom who goes overboard for all the holidays, Cicero lives in the Christmas city itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
The Best Places to Visit in July
The Best Family Vacation Ideas
40 Underrated Summer Destinations in the U.S.
The Best Beach Vacations for Families
