Spring is built for adventure. Longer days, warmer weather, and a renewed energy to get outside make this time of year feel like its tailor-made for active and memorable trips.
This spring California’s desert is putting on a once-in-a-decade superbloom transforming Death Valley National Park into a wildflower wonderland. As the temperature heats up the wildflowers and the rare Lake Manly will quickly fade away, but you can find flowers in the higher elevations well into summer.
Stay inside the park at The Oasis or The Ranch for easy access. I went in early March and based just outside the park at Shoshone Inn, just 1.5 hours from Las Vegas airport. Before catching my flight, I spend a morning at China Ranch Date Farm, for a new favorite oasis in the Mojave Desert. Their coffee date shake was a sweet treat after a fabulous hike.
For coastal ease, Santa Barbara shines in spring. Families will find plenty to do with its lovely beaches, Sterns Wharf, and Santa Barbara Zoo. For couples and solo travelers, it’s a blend of wine country, coastal trails and relaxed luxury. Spend the morning hiking in the foothills, biking along the waterfront, or on a horseback ride on the beach with Los Padres Outfitters. Spend the afternoon, wine tasting at Grassini, Deep Sea, or my favorite, Margerum. There are over 20 wineries on the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail. A day trip to Channel Islands National Park adds a dose of wild with sea caves and marine life. For a laid-back California oasis, stay at The Milo Hotel. The hacienda-style retreat is steps aways from West Beach and State Street Promenade.
This is the year to get your “kicks on Route 66” with the Mother Road celebrating her 100th anniversary. One of my favorite stretches is from Tulsa to Oklahoma City. Spend a night at the Tulsa Club Hotel, an art deco surprise in the “Capital of Route 66.” Cyrus Avery who created the road lived in Tulsa. Grab a hearty breakfast at Ollie’s Station Restaurant in Tulsa then enjoy a leisurely drive on this short stretch of Route 66 that delivers Americana without the crowds. Don’t miss the Arcadia Round Barn or a fun stop at Pops 66 Soda Ranch famous for its wide array of soda flavors.
Spring means fewer crowds in Iceland and wildly changing weather paired with dramatic landscapes. Icelandair has direct flights from cities like New York, Miami, Nashville, and Denver, making it surprisingly accessible. The Edition makes for a luxurious couple of nights in Reykjavik. Explore the Golden Circle and chase waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss at peak flow. For a memorable countryside stay, Hotel Rangá has an on-site observatory with a chance to still catch the Northern Lights into April. Book a night or two at The Retreat or Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon for a steamy soak and stay to end your adventure.
Slovenia is one of Europe’s best spring surprises. Compact and easy to explore it’s built for active travel. Hike to Velika Planina, the largest shepherds’ settlement in Europe, mountain bike in Kočevje or Gače, and paddle the Kopla River. Enjoy the therapeutic waters at Hotel Balnea Dolenjsk Toplice or go for a luxurious tent stay at Glamping Kopla Resort.
Spend at least a night or two in Ljubljana to wander the streets of the capitol city. It’s everything you want from Europe, without summer crowds.
Spring nudges you out the door. From wildflowers to virgin forest, it’s the season sparking adventure.
Written by: Jennifer Broome
