Spring Break, But Make It National Parks.
Welcome back to The Travel Edit. Let’s jump right in where we left off last week—this time we’re trading snowy peaks and frozen alpine lakes for wildflowers, sunshine, and new adventures. Spring is one of the most magical seasons to explore America’s national parks. Trails begin to open, wildlife emerges from the quiet of winter, and landscapes burst into color. If you’re looking for the best places to wander this season, here are five national parks that are 100% worth visiting in the spring.
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Arguably one of the most popular parks in the US, spring is one of the best times to experience the Grand Canyon. The South Rim offers cooler, comfortable temperatures for hiking, whether you’re taking in sweeping views along the Rim Trail or venturing below the rim on Bright Angel Trail. With fewer crowds than peak summer, spring is perfect for soaking in the canyon’s vast beauty at sunrise or sunset without feeling rushed. Wildflowers also begin blooming along the rim, adding pops of color to the already dramatic red rock landscape. For something a bit different, join a spring rafting trip on the Colorado River, where cooler weather makes the experience far more enjoyable than the scorching summer months.
Olympic National Park, WA
Olympic’s variety shines in spring, offering beaches, rainforests, and mountains in one trip. The Hoh Rain Forest is at its greenest after months of rain, with moss-draped maples and giant ferns creating a fairytale atmosphere. Sol Duc Falls is a spring highlight, roaring with snowmelt, and the surrounding hot springs resort is perfect for a warm soak after a hike. Along the coast, Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach are excellent for spotting tide pools full of starfish and anemones during low tide. Snow lingers in the high country, so Hurricane Ridge offers both scenic drives and snowshoeing well into spring—a unique chance to see mountains capped in snow while wildflowers start blooming at lower elevations.
Saguaro National Park, AZ
Spring transforms Saguaro into a desert garden. In April and May, the giant saguaros bloom with creamy white flowers—Arizona’s state flower—while desert wildflowers like brittlebush and lupine blanket the desert floor. The Cactus Forest Loop Drive offers easy access to blooming landscapes, while trails like Signal Hill give you a mix of wildflowers and ancient petroglyphs. For panoramic views, hike the Valley View Overlook Trail, where the late-afternoon light is perfect for photography. Birdwatchers will love spring in the park, when migratory species like colorful hummingbirds and cactus wrens are active. If you time it right, you can catch a desert sunset during the bloom season, when the sky glows orange and pink over a sea of cacti.
Everglades National Park, FL
Spring is the dry season in the Everglades, making it the most comfortable time to explore—and the best for wildlife. As water levels drop, animals gather around sloughs and ponds, creating prime viewing at spots like Shark Valley, where you can bike a 15-mile loop past gators and wading birds. Anhinga Trail is another favorite, with boardwalks that bring you close to turtles, herons, and sunbathing alligators. For a quieter adventure, kayak through mangrove tunnels near Flamingo or Nine Mile Pond, where you might spot manatees or even dolphins in nearby Florida Bay. With fewer mosquitoes and cooler nights, spring also makes for excellent camping, especially at Long Pine Key Campground.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC
The Smokies are known as “the Wildflower National Park” for good reason—more than 1,500 species bloom here, with peak wildflower season from March through May. Trails like Porters Creek, Chestnut Top, and Gregory Bald are some of the best for colorful blooms, from trillium to lady slippers. In addition to flowers, spring brings cascading waterfalls fed by snowmelt—don’t miss Laurel Falls or Rainbow Falls for a scenic hike. Cades Cove, a wide valley surrounded by mountains, is a must for wildlife watching, especially in spring when black bears, deer, and turkeys are active. For a unique experience, time your visit to late May or early June, when synchronous fireflies put on an incredible natural light show—a rare phenomenon that draws visitors from around the world.
Happy Travels!
Spring brings a fresh start to America’s national parks, transforming each one with blooming flowers, active wildlife, and landscapes full of energy. From the cactus blossoms of Arizona to the waterfalls of Washington, every park on this list offers a unique way to welcome the season. If you’re ready to trade winter layers for hiking boots and sunshine, these destinations are the perfect places to start. Happy planning, and I’ll see you back here next week on The Travel Edit to dive into the best parks or summer season!
