6 Best Places to Travel in Spring 2023

Spring is the perfect time to book a much-needed vacation. With the weather gradually warming up, the festivals bustling and flowers in full bloom, this could be the ideal time to visit a variety of destinations. In addition, popular tourist spots are usually less crowded and air tickets are cheaper compared to summer.

If you’re not sure where to go next, read on for our list of the best places to travel in spring.

Lisbon, Portugal

Beautiful views, narrow alleys, tiled walkways, stunning twelfth-century architecture, delicious egg tarts, and late-night fado performances are just a few of the tourist attractions that Lisbon, Portugal has become a tourist destination.

One of Lisbon’s many attractions is its observation decks, which are scattered throughout the city. These attractions offer spots to take photos or relax and enjoy the views of Lisbon’s coast and sunset. Popular attractions include Santa Lucia Lookout, Puerta del Sol Lookout and Graça Viewpoint.

In the city center, you’ll find the Elevador de Santa Justa, a roughly 147-foot-tall, Eiffel Tower-like elevator that connects the city’s lowest point to Bairro Alto, a bohemian neighborhood full of bars and art galleries. From there, you can see São Jorge Castle and the center of Lisbon.

Lisbon has more than just beautiful sights. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it’s the perfect destination for history buffs and museum lovers alike – including the Lisbon Cathedral built in the 12th century and the oldest church in the city, the National Pantheon of Santa Engràcia and the Tower of Belém.

If you’re traveling with kids, Lisbon Zoo and Oceanarium are must-sees. You can also visit the puppet museum Museu da Marioneta.

After exploring Lisbon, it’s a 40-minute train ride to Sintra, a popular town known for its impressive palaces, many of which might not look out of place in Game of Thrones episodes. Or, if you want to spend a refreshing day at the beach, you can also head to Cascais.

Visit: Jerónimo Abbey, Edward VII Park, Torrell Gardens, Fado Museum, Antiga National Art Museum, Augusta Arch

Stores: LX Factory、Caza das Vellas Loreto、Santa Clara Market、Ceramics on the Line

Cuisine:Time Out Market、Ramiro Brewery、A Ginjinha Espinheira、Manteigaria Fábrica dos Pasteis de Nata、 Cafeh Tehran 、Augusto Lisboa、The Decadente、Dear Breakfast

Alexandria, Virginia

Located about 7 miles south of Washington, D.C., on the west bank of the Potomac River, Alexandria, Virginia is not only a springboard to visit the nation’s capital, but also a vibrant holiday destination.

With rising temperatures and the arrival of spring, mild weather brings many outdoor festivals with everything from food and wine to music and art. In early spring, visitors can also enjoy the iconic cherry blossoms in the Washington area.

Alexandria’s main attraction is its historic old town, which is home to history, architecture, food and drink. The streets are lined with boutiques and shops, and the area is also considered a gastronomic hub, with numerous bars, cafes and restaurants such as Vermillion and 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood.

A large portion of Kings Street in the Old Town is walkable only, and its cobbled streets and brick buildings entice visitors to stroll and explore the sights. Walking building tours and self-guided tours are available, including the African American Heritage Trail.

Home to temporary public art installations and a torpedo factory art center, the Old Town Waterfront is a must-see if you want to experience the local art scene firsthand. Housed in a 1920s munitions facility, the center houses art studios, galleries, and art union schools.

Another point of interest for history buffs is Mount Vernon, George Washington’s hometown. Although not within the city, it is only 8 miles away, and you can easily book tours and transportation anywhere in Alexandria.

See also: Freedom House Museum, George Washington National Masonic Memorial, Carlisle House

Stores： Red Barn Mercantile、Harambee Books and Artwork、Old Town Shop

Cuisine： Laporta’s Restaurant、Port City Brewing Company、RT’s Restaurant

Humboldt County, California

Located in Northern California, Humboldt County may not be as well-known as Southern California’s tourist destinations, but it makes up for the lack of popularity with stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and plenty of dining options.

Nature lovers will enjoy the bounty of spring. From blooming wildflowers to majestic coastal redwoods in deep green, Humboldt County’s mild climate and diverse ecosystem offer options for a variety of visitors. See native plants at the Humboldt Botanical Garden, take a bird watching walk along the wetlands of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, explore the coastline of Trinidad, or take a beach walk on Agate Beach.

Get off Highway 101 and take the famous Giant’s Avenue through the redwood and Douglas fir groves. For a more immersive experience, head further north to Sequoia National Park and State Park, choosing a hiking trail to see some of the tallest and oldest trees on earth.

Even if you don’t like the outdoors, you can still find places of interest and activities. Eureka, the main city of Humboldt County, has a historic old town and several Victorian-style houses, such as the Pink Girl and the Carson Mansion. Located in the university town of Acta, the square is lined with bookstores, cafes and restaurants. For a feel for a feel for the town’s charm, visit the Victorian village of Ferndale and its beautifully preserved ornate storefronts.

If food and drink are your thing, there are plenty of options, from simple pub fare to fine dining. However, Humboldt Bay produces world-famous oysters, and you can take a boat trip to learn about the history of the bay and oyster fishing techniques. What’s more, you can also sample delicious food at several local restaurants and bars such as Humboldt Bay Provisions.

See also: Morris Graves Art Museum, Carson Building, Shrine driving through trees

Stores： Eureka Books、Golden Gait Mercantile、Trinidad Art Gallery

Cuisine： Redwood Curtain Brewing Company、Septentrio Winery、Brick & Fire

Nagano, Japan

Known for its stunning natural beauty, Nagano is located in the mountains two hours west of Tokyo.

It offers visitors everything they need for a spring trip to Japan – blooming cherry blossoms, hot springs, and the chance to see Japanese macaques (aka snow monkeys).

Any spring trip to Nagano must visit the Takato Cherry Blossom Festival in Ina City. Held every April in Takato Castle Park, this festival is a great place to experience Japanese flowers while enjoying a meal from one of the many stalls surrounding the park.

You can also see cherry blossoms in Matsumoto City, especially around Matsumoto Castle, a 16th-century structure with the oldest surviving castle tower in Japan. You can also explore the city’s many shops and restaurants, but be sure to head to the castle grounds at night when the trees are lit up.

Visit one of Nagano’s hot springs (Onsen) to round off your trip. While hot springs are found throughout Nagano Prefecture if you choose hot springs in the Yamanouchi area, you can combine relaxing hot springs with a ski day trip or a visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Visits: Zenko-ji Temple, Hokusai Museum (Obuse), Takato Cherry Blossom Festival, Matsumoto Castle, Jigokudani Monkey Park, Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Matsushiro (Samurai Town)

Shops: Zenkoji Nakamise Street (Nagano City), Nawate Street (Matsumoto), MIDORI Nagano Shopping Mall

Cuisine: Sobatei Aburaya, Misoya (ramen), Suyakame (miso ice cream), Okawa No Sho Daimon (fried dumplings), Miyasaka Brewery (sake), Hirano Coffee, Enza Cafe (near Jigokudani Monkey Park)

Rincón, Puerto Rico

Rincón is a charming corner of Puerto Rico’s west coast where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean to form some of the best beaches on the island. Its shores are ideal for snorkeling, paddleboarding, diving, fishing or just basking in the sun. They are also the perfect place to watch the amazing sunset, as Rincón is known as “El pueblo de los bellos atardeceres”, the city of beautiful sunsets.

Also known as the surfing capital of the Caribbean, Rincón is probably one of the best surfing destinations in the world and regularly hosts world championships and other professional competitions. But even beginners can try their luck as you can find several surf instructors who offer group or individual lessons.

Once you’re ready to get off the water, head to the city center, where you’ll find cozy restaurants, unique shops, and an overall laid-back (and pet-friendly) vibe. Many places prepare organic food harvested from nearby farms and sell goods made by local artists. On Thursday night, the square was packed with vendors selling handmade decorations, jewelry, paintings, food and more, turning the night into an impromptu mini-festival.

Keep in mind that the Rincon is quite small; It takes about 15 minutes by car to drive through town. You won’t find any bustling nightclubs or luxury resorts. Instead, Rincón allows you to get in touch with local nature and enjoy countless outdoor experiences in nearby towns less than an hour away.

Visits: Punta Igoueira Lighthouse, Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, Dome Beach, sandy beach

Stores： Rincón Art Walk、Ocean State of Mind、Isla Made、The Trove

Cuisine: Sana Farm to Table、Bakku、Gylro、Rincon Beer Company、Tamboo、Estela、Rincon Boricua

Salt Lake City, Utah

Bordered to the east of Salt Lake City, the lush Wasatch Mountains transform from a skier’s wonderland to a hiker’s paradise in the spring. There are countless peaks and trails to choose from, and some popular destinations include Big Clover Canyon and Flag Peak, from where you can enjoy great views of the city and much more.

But there’s plenty to do after returning from the mountains, especially for history and architecture lovers. You can visit Temple Square, This Is The Place Site, Natural History Museum, or Clark Planetarium. There is no shortage of historical sights and experiences in Salt Lake City.

If you venture a little further north, you’ll also find Lagoon Amusement Park, home to the so-called White Roller Coaster, the seventh oldest roller coaster in the world (steeped in history!), and the ogre (Cannibal), which drops sharply at an angle of 116 degrees.

Tours: Great Salt Lake, Flag Peak, Temple Square, Great Clover Canyon

Stores： The Gateway、City Creek Center、The King’s English Bookshop、Sugarhouse 区

Cuisine： Red Iguana、Garage on Beck、Penny Ann’s Cafe、SLC Eatery