If You Enjoy Cherry Blossom Season, You’ll Love These Other Spring Bloom Destinations

As winter loosens its grip, there’s nothing quite like the sight of fields of tulips, poppies, bluebonnets, or carpets of columbines to signal spring’s arrival.

The season begins with wildflowers and daffodils that awakens the countryside out of slumber and continues with a kaleidoscope of colors that lead the way to summer. Cherry blossom often takes center stage in spring; its delicate white and pink petals and perfume draw a crowd in towns and cities across the country. And rightly so. For many, seeing blossom is an annual tradition. But there’s so much more to celebrate.

From March, forest floors of national parks are rustling with the first wildflowers, parts of California are blanketed in super blooms and poppies, the Texas Hill Country is painted blue with bluebonnets, and Charleston is draped in wisteria.

Enjoying these stunning displays shouldn’t be a rushed afternoon activity. To get the most out of nature in spring, why not plan a getaway around these blooms? It might end up being one of the most cherished trips you take this year.

The annual blooming schedule of different species is naturally influenced by preceding weather patterns, not only of this season but also the conditions of the preceding autumn and winter. This guide will give you a general idea of when you should travel, but it’s advisable to check in with a national park, other wildlife organization, or a local in the know before you visit.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

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What’s in bloom: The California poppy
When to go: Late March to May

Rolling hills of orange California poppies are one of the most impressive displays of spring blooms in the US. One of the best places in Southern California to experience the delicate flower in all its glory is the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. The California poppy self-seeds, so once there’s an established colony, it can cover a lot of ground. And the natural reserve — 15 miles west of the city of Lancaster — has eight miles of beautiful trails where you can saunter through thousands of poppies. Peak bloom is approximately mid-March through May, depending on rainfall. Check Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve’s website and social media for updated information. There’s also a live poppy cam.

You can base yourself in Lancaster to be close to city amenities, and there’s an impressive range of Airbnbs available, from modest apartments to enormous gated mansions. If you’re happy to add an extra 10-minute drive, check out this listing at Agua Dulce Winery. It’s located around 40 minutes from the park and compliments a day of viewing the poppies beautifully. The four-bedroom home is on a private 90-acre estate, and you can roam the grounds and visit the vineyard’s tasting room and wine cellar during your stay. You might also want to bookmark one of Madador’s favorite Airbnbs to stay in March, this spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the heart of Tehachapi. It is a little more remote, so not only will you have stunning views over the mountains but exceptional stargazing conditions.

Photo: Donna Bollenbach/Shutterstock

What’s in bloom: Wildflowers
When to go: March to June

Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit. The season’s wildflower displays have earned the Smokies the nickname “Wildflower National Park.” There are over 1,500 flowering plant species, with over 80 percent of them wildflowers. This abundance and the mild temperatures make spring an ideal time to explore the park’s trails and witness this natural spectacle.

The park’s varying elevations create a staggered blooming season, extending the wildflower viewing period from March through June. You might, however, want to plan a visit around the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage non-profit event, which offers guided hikes, seminars, and educational programs.

Among the earliest arrivals are the delicate hepaticas, both sharp-lobed and round-lobed, their white, pink, purple, or pale blue blooms often appearing in late winter at lower elevations. Bloodroots grace the forest floor as March progresses, particularly along trails like Porters Creek and Chestnut Top. Violets, with their varied hues, also begin to emerge, adding splashes of color to the early spring landscape. April brings the peak of trillium season, making trails like Middle Prong and Cove Hardwood ideal for wildflower viewing.

Asheville’s friendly, outdoorsy vibe is the perfect landing spot for your Great Smoky Mountains getaway. Asheville is located between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, and you’re under an hour’s drive to the park gates, which will take you past many pull-offs where you can enjoy the views along the way. When it comes to Airbnbs in Asheville, the choice is outstanding. There are woodland glass homes, newly built A-frames, and some of the most beautiful cabins in the US. With so many options, play around with Airbnb’s category features and filter by tiny homes, cabins, or tree houses for a stay that will complement your days of viewing the wildflowers, and check out Matador’s complete guide to the best Airbnbs in Asheville.

Photo: Guangli/Shutterstock

What’s in bloom: Almond blossom
When to go: Mid-February to mid-March

Cherry blossoms get most of our attention in spring, but almond blossoms put on an equally impressive show in California’s Central Valley. In the heart of the almond country, the city of Modesto is surrounded by over 1.5 million acres of almond orchards, and come mid-February to mid-March, people visit from far and wide to witness the white and pink blooms. You can take Modesto Almond Blossom Cruise, a downloadable audio tour that provides turn-by-turn directions to prime blossom viewing locations, stories from Modesto locals, and is narrated by Modesto native Timothy Olyphant. Or you can create your own itinerary, all you need to do is follow the sweet scent of the blossoms.

For an Airbnb with personality, check out this redwood and glass treehouse a few minutes from downtown. It’s close to everything you need from Modesto but feels secluded, elevated among the trees. Or if you’d prefer to be out of town, this top one-percent listing is situated in the middle of 20 acres of walnut trees just north of the city.

Photo: Edmund Lowe Photography/Shutterstock

What’s in bloom: Daffodils and tulips
When to go: March to early April

As temperatures begin to rise in the Pacific Northwest, the fertile soil of the Skagit Valley erupts with millions of tulips and daffodils. The Skagit Valley, between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, provides the ideal conditions for these spring blooms. Its mild maritime climate and rich soil are ideal for bulb cultivation, making it one of the premier flower-growing regions in the United States. The floral display begins with the daffodils, typically in late March and early April. From early to mid-April, the valley explodes in a kaleidoscope of colors, with fields of tulips stretching as far as the eye can see. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, a celebrated annual event, coincides with the peak tulip bloom. Several growers open their farms to the public, offering opportunities to walk among the tulips, learn about bulb cultivation, and purchase bouquets to take home.

Located roughly midway between Seattle and Vancouver, the valley is easily accessible by car. However, it’s so beautiful you might want to stay local, especially if you can snag yourself a waterfront Airbnb near the festival grounds, such as this glass-fronted cabin near the town of La Conner or this beachfront house with panoramic views of the Saratoga Passage.

Photo: Jodi E/Shutterstock

What’s in bloom: Azaleas and wisteria
When to go: Mid-March to early April

Come spring, you’ll smell the clove-scented perfume of azaleas in many parks and gardens in Charleston. Azaleas come in various colors, from white to light pink, deep rose, vibrant fuchsia, and lavender. You can enjoy the display at White Point Garden, Hampton Park, and the Magnolia Plantation. But perhaps the star of the show at this time of year is the city’s wisteria. The fragrant, cascading vines drape over fences, porches, and trees, transforming the city into a lavender-hued paradise. Experiencing this floral spectacle requires understanding the timing of the blooms, which is pretty limited to two to three weeks in mid to late March. The historic streets of the city’s downtown area, particularly in neighborhoods like the French Quarter, South of Broad, and Harleston Village, are prime locations for wisteria viewing. And you can do so on foot thanks to Charleston’s narrow streets and gardens. You’ll often find the most spectacular wisteria displays tucked away in unexpected corners, so give yourself time to explore and enjoy the city in bloom.

Due to Charleston being such a popular destination for bachelorettes, plenty of properties are available with ample outdoor space and amenities such as pools and grills. But of course, if you’re a solo traveler or couple, there are many options, too, from cozy condos to guest suites in historic homes. Consider filtering your search by the design category in Airbnb, as you’ll tend to find properties that are not only beautiful but have retained elements of the past, which is part of the experience of staying in the Lowcountry.

Photo: JWCohen/Shutterstock

What’s in bloom: Lilacs
When to go: Mid-May

Mid-May in Rochester, New York, is a spectacular time to visit as the city bursts into color with the fragrant bloom of lilacs. Highland Park, home to the largest collection of lilacs in North America, becomes a floral paradise with over 500 varieties showcasing shades of purple, pink, and white. This annual bloom coincides with the Rochester Lilac Festival, the largest free festival of its kind in the country, drawing visitors to enjoy live music, art vendors, delicious local food, and family-friendly activities. The sight of thousands of lilacs in full bloom, paired with the festival’s lively atmosphere, makes for a unique alternative to cherry blossoms — and it’s easy to access from both New York City and Boston.

Upstate New York is home to many highly rated Airbnbs, including a slew of romantic mountain cabins. If you don’t mind staying outside the city, you can find a cool A-frame cabin to rent, but if walkability is top of mind for you, then check out Airbnb rentals in the city’s urban core. Rochester is known for the Garbage Plate, which is basically the kitchen sink of what the chef has in the kitchen and the city’s most famous dish — so in your accommodations considerations, consider nearby restaurants like Nick Tahou Hots.

Photo: Carolyn Franks/Shutterstock

What’s in bloom: Dogwood blossom
When to go: Mid-April to early May

Mid to late spring in Shenandoah National Park welcomes the delicate white and pink blossoms of the flowering dogwood (Virginia’s state tree) blanketing the park’s scenic landscapes. Winding along Skyline Drive, visitors can witness these elegant blooms dotting the forests, creating a stunning contrast against the fresh green foliage and distant Blue Ridge Mountains. This season offers ideal hiking conditions, with mild temperatures and vibrant wildflowers carpeting the trails. While the park itself does not host a specific dogwood festival, nearby towns like Charlottesville and Winchester celebrate spring with the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, featuring parades, concerts, and outdoor festivities. The combination of natural beauty and seasonal celebrations makes spring an unforgettable time to explore Shenandoah.

Shenandoah National Park is surrounded by a collection of beautiful Airbnbs, which offer both privacy and remoteness coupled with a short commute to Skyline Drive. Staying in nearby Charlottesville allows you to rent an Airbnb within walking distance to restaurants and nightlife, which could be a good idea as a toast is all but appropriate after a day of hiking through fields of wildflowers.

Photo: Sean Xu/Shutterstock

What’s in bloom: Columbines
When to go: Mid-May to early June

Late spring and early summer in Colorado Springs is a magical time as the Rocky Mountain columbine, Colorado’s state flower, begins to bloom across the region’s stunning landscapes. These delicate, blue-and-white wildflowers thrive in the foothills and alpine meadows, adding vibrant splashes of color to scenic spots like Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and North Cheyenne Cañon Park. The mild weather and clear mountain views make this an ideal season for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting. Hiking is aplenty around Colorado Springs, though you can also drive to the top of Pikes Peak and see the flowers along the route.

Colorado Springs is a big city but hits like a small town, with quaint neighborhoods offering cute Airbnb homes that you can rent for the duration of your stay. If you’d rather stay up in the high country, the state offers everything from mountain cabins to cannabis-friendly Airbnbs to choose from. Or go all-in and stay at the foot of Pikes Peak itself.

Photo: SNEHIT PHOTO/Shutterstock

What’s in bloom: Wildflowers
When to go: March

Springtime in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park can be an unforgettable experience, especially during a superbloom, when vast fields of wildflowers blanket the desert floor in a breathtaking display of color. In particular, visit the Anza-Borrego Wildflower Fields just outside Borrego Springs. After a wet winter, especially, the park bursts to life with golden desert sunflowers, vibrant sand verbena, and delicate purple phacelia, transforming the arid landscape into a painter’s palette of vivid hues. The best time to witness this natural spectacle is typically from March to April, depending on rainfall. Visitors can enhance their experience by taking a guided nature walk with a naturalist in the park, offered at various times, and educational talks hosted by the Anza-Borrego Foundation. With mild temperatures, stunning floral displays, and seasonal festivities, spring is the perfect time to explore this desert oasis in full bloom.

The park itself is rather remote, so your best option to stay nearby is to book an Airbnb in Borrego Springs. The town is small but has several resorts and spas, and the hiking in the area is fantastic. Another option is to add a trip to Joshua Tree National Park to your itinerary and book an Airbnb nearby.

Photo: John McCormick/Shutterstock

What’s in bloom: Tulips
When to go: Mid-May

You don’t need to go to the Netherlands to see tulips on mass or experience Dutch culture. Thanks to Michigan’s European heritage, the city of Holland draws visitors from around the world to view the colorful flowers bloom. This annual spectacle, known as Tulip Time, is celebrated with a yearly festival that runs for about ten days in early to mid-May. There are many locations around the city where you can see the flowers, the most iconic being the Windmill Island Gardens. Here, amidst the backdrop of a 250-year-old working windmill, De Zwaan, thousands of tulips bloom in meticulously designed beds. There are designated walking paths that wind through the various locations, or you could hop on a narrated trolley tour or hire a bike and explore the city at your own pace. And it’s not all about flowers; the festival also offers a calendar of performances by Dutch dancers and musicians and parades led by Dutch-costumed locals.

You won’t be the only flower fan planning a trip to Holland this spring, so you’ll need to move quickly to book somewhere lovely nearby. But you don’t need to limit yourself to Holland. There are many beaches with stunning properties, such as this two-bedroom A-Frame or this jaw-dropping cabin on the shore of Lake Michigan. From both properties, it’s 10 minutes to Saugatuck and Holland, so you can pop into the festival and retreat to your haven on the shore.

Photo: Christy berry/Shutterstock

What’s in bloom: Texas bluebonnets
When to go: Mid-March to early April

Spring in Ennis and Texas Hill Country is a spectacular time to visit as the rolling landscapes become blanketed in bluebonnets, Texas’ beloved state flower. From mid-March to late April, these vibrant blue wildflowers transform fields, highways, and meadows into breathtaking seas of color, making for some of the most picturesque drives in the state. Ennis, the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas,” hosts the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails and Festival each April, featuring scenic driving routes, guided wildflower walks, live music, and local artisan markets. Meanwhile, the Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg and areas around Burnet, the “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas,” offer some of the best wildflower viewing in the Hill Country.

Fredericksburg has many beautiful Airbnbs to rent, some in town while others are closer to nature. The perk of staying here is that you’re also in wine country. Or you could head over to Marfa and stay at the artsy-and-retro-yet-somehow-futuristic El Cosmico. Airbnbs near Ennis are also available if you’d like the easiest access to the festival and the trails.