When the first blooms of spring begin to appear, many of us feel that strong desire to get outside and explore. If you live somewhere with a cold winter, you are likely itching to feel the sun on your face again. Spring is a sweet spot for travel: smaller crowds before summer, bright and colorful scenery, and comfortable temperatures.
For us at Adventures in Good Company, spring isn’t just the start of warmer weather; it marks the beginning of our active adventure season. It’s when trails become lush, waterfalls run full, and historic towns and coastlines feel alive with local life. It’s also one of the best times of year to experience some of the world’s most beloved destinations without the summer rush.
Here are our top picks for places to travel in spring, both internationally and within the U.S., and why this season is the perfect time to go.
Top International Spring Travel Destinations
Italy — Sicily & the Amalfi Coast + Cinque Terre
There’s something special about Italy in the springtime. The sun warms the pastel-colored buildings along the coast, lemon groves bloom, and the cliffside trails of the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre are lined with wildflowers.
This is shoulder season in Italy, meaning you can enjoy the charm of seaside villages and breathtaking hikes without the summer crowds. Whether wandering through medieval hilltop towns, tasting fresh seafood by the sea, or walking along centuries-old footpaths overlooking the water, spring is when Italy feels vibrant yet not rushed.
Why spring: Warm sunshine, blooming wildflowers, fewer tourists, and prime hiking conditions.
AGC Trips: Sicily & the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera
Greece — Island Hopping the Greek Islands
The Greek Islands are famous for their turquoise waters, whitewashed buildings, and incredible hospitality, but spring reveals a softer, quieter side of the islands. In April and May, the air is warm, the wildflowers are in bloom, and local life moves at a leisurely pace before the summer crowds arrive.
Spring is also ideal for active exploration, hiking coastal trails, wandering through charming villages, and enjoying island-to-island travel without the heat of July or August. It’s a time when the landscapes are green and alive, and the Aegean feels welcoming.
Why spring: Shoulder season warmth, crystal-clear waters, lively but uncrowded villages.
AGC Trip: Island Hopping the Greek Islands
Portugal — Hiking, Kayaking & Culture
Portugal in spring is a feast for the senses. Along the famed Fisherman’s Trail, cliffs are covered in wildflowers, seabirds nest along the coast, and the Atlantic breeze feels fresh and cool. This time of year offers perfect hiking temperatures and long, sunlit days.
Spring also means fewer visitors, making it a great time to wander cobblestone streets, explore castles and monasteries, and discover coastal towns.
Why spring: Mild weather, vibrant wildflowers, ideal for hiking and cultural immersion.
AGC Trip: Portugal: Hiking, Kayaking & Culture
Costa Rica Tropical Tranquility
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise year-round, but spring marks the end of the dry season, when the landscape is lush, rivers run clear, and wildlife is active. This is the perfect season to kayak or paddleboard through calm waters and walk through rainforest trails that lead to cascading waterfalls.
Warm days, starry nights, and the chance to see sloths, monkeys, or sea turtles make Costa Rica a beautiful mix of relaxation and adventure.
Why spring: Lush greenery, active wildlife, warm and dry conditions.
AGC Trip: Tropical Tranquility: Costa Rica’s Coast
Bulgaria — Mountains, Monasteries & Birding
For travelers who love discovering places off the typical tourist path, Bulgaria is a springtime gem. Nestled in Southeastern Europe, the Balkan Mountains come alive with blooming meadows and fresh air. It’s also region with many unique birds, making it a dream for nature lovers.
For travelers who love going off the beaten track, Bulgaria in spring and summer is a quieter treasure. Nestled in Southeastern Europe, the Balkan Mountains come alive with blooming meadows and fresh air. You’ll journey through misty Balkan peaks, forested gorges, limestone valleys, and karst wetlands; it’s a mosaic of habitats that supports a dazzling variety of birds.
You’ll find historic monasteries tucked into green hillsides, charming villages with local hospitality, and scenic trails. It’s a destination that feels timeless and refreshing.
Why spring: Blooming meadows, migratory birds, cultural and natural beauty without the crowds.
AGC Trips: Bulgaria’s Mountains and Monasteries
Top U.S. Spring Travel Destinations
Utah National Parks — Bryce, Zion & Beyond
Spring is hands-down one of the best times to experience Utah. Temperatures are mild, wildflowers dot the trails, and the redrock cliffs and hoodoos of Bryce and Zion National Parks seem to glow in the spring light.
By visiting before the height of summer, you can experience some of the most iconic landscapes in the U.S. with more comfortable conditions, not having to worry about crowds lining up at trail heads.
Why spring: Mild temperatures, bright desert colors, clear skies, fewer crowds
AGC Trips: Hiking Bryce and Zion National Parks, Hiking Utah’s Majestic Parks
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
When it comes to wildflowers, it’s hard to top the Smokies in spring. Trillium, dogwoods, and violets blanket the forest floor in a beautiful array of color, while waterfalls rush with melting snow. The cool temperatures make it ideal for hiking, and the misty ridgelines that give the Smokies their name are particularly stunning this time of year.
Spring is also a quieter time to explore these trails, letting you enjoy the views, sounds, and serenity of one of America’s most beloved national parks.
Why spring: Peak wildflower season, waterfalls in full flow, peaceful trails.
AGC Trip: Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies
Death Valley & Joshua Tree, California
Spring is the perfect time to visit the California desert. Days are warm, nights are cool, and the landscapes are extraordinary. Some years bring a rare desert superbloom, but even in more typical seasons, the contrast of wildflowers against stark desert rock is breathtaking.
A trip to these two National Parks feels both otherworldly and grounding. Their wide open spaces, starry skies, and vast desert landscapes offer ample opportunities to hike and explore.
Why spring: Comfortable temperatures, desert blooms, starry skies.
AGC Trip: Desert Oasis Adventure: From Death Valley to Joshua Tree and Death Valley Delights
Redwoods, California
If peaceful, forested trails call to you, there’s no place quite like the Redwoods in spring. This is shoulder season, so the trails are quiet, and mist often weaves through the towering trees, creating a sense of stillness and wonder.
A trip to Redwood National and State Parks is as much about reconnection as it is about exploration. With more than 200 miles of winding trails, travelers can fully immerse themselves in a world of towering trees and lush, green forest. Time in the woods offers a rare kind of quiet, an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and find restorative peace.
Why spring: Quiet shoulder season, lush greenery, forests.
AGC Trip: Wonder and Wellness in the Redwoods
North Georgia — Blue Ridge Mountains
North Georgia is one of the country’s most underrated spring destinations. From March to May, vibrant wildflowers and flowering shrubs paint the forest in pinks and whites, waterfalls surge with spring runoff, and the foothills of the Southern Appalachians are alive with birdsong.
Scenic towns, like Dahlonega, add a layer of charm, with local farmers' markets, spring festivals, and plenty of good food and wine. For travelers who love a balance of nature and local culture, this is a perfect fit.
Why spring: Mild hiking weather, blooming wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, small-town charm.
AGC Trip: Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries
Why Spring Travel is Special with AGC
For many of us, spring is a time of transition, a natural moment to step into something new. It’s when trails feel fresh with new life, locals are welcoming, and destinations haven’t yet been overtaken by summer’s rush.
At Adventures in Good Company, our spring itineraries are designed for women who want to experience that sense of renewal. Whether it’s hiking along the Amalfi Coast, standing beneath the towering redwoods, or island hopping in Greece, each of our spring trips blends meaningful movement, memorable places, and good company.
Whether you're craving a bucket-list trip or a closer-to-home hiking getaway, spring is the perfect time to say yes to adventure.
