Howdy travelers! Guess what time of year it is? Springtime is my favorite season! The birds are chirping, flowers blooming, and the sun is shining on most days! Nature’s waking up from its winter nap, and I’ve got the scoop on some seriously spectacular spots that will add a burst of color and fun to your travels. So, let’s ditch the touristy routes and dive into lesser-known gardens, chase some epic waterfalls, and take in some incredible spring festivals worldwide. Ready, Set, Let’s Go!
Blossoming Beauties
Spring turns the Lone Star state of Texas into a wildflower wonderland, and I’m not just talking about any flowers…It’s all about the iconic Bluebonnets. Skip the usual hotspots and venture off the path to find meadows blanketed in blue. Small-town Texans know how to celebrate their precious state flower, too. Take in the over 40 miles of mapped bluebonnet trails in the bluebonnet capital, Ennis, Texas or visit the Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, the largest wildflower farm in the US, with over 200 acres of blooms to take in. Also, lots of wineries to go along with the flower peeping! 😉 Can’t get to Texas? Stop in Oklahoma City to see the gorgeous blue blooms, along with Indian Paintbrush, Canola flowers, and Indian Blanket flowers, making a drive through the state a journey through rich and vibrant color.
Cherry blossoms are a familiar sight in Washington, D.C. The mayor of Tokyo gifted 300 Cherry trees to the city as a gesture of friendship in 1912, but there are many other places where you can witness these beautiful flowers that represent the arrival of Spring. The Japanese Garden in the Washington Park Arboretum offers the Pacific NorthWest a glimpse of the pretty pink blossoms. How about a bike tour for a view and some exercise?
Check out the Rose Garden in Spokane or Portland for some seriously Insta-worthy spring vibes. Trust me; it’s like stepping into a floral dream. To get a little wild, visit St. Francois State Park in Missouri or the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, CA., for springtime scents and colors that will amaze and delight the whole family.
Chasing Waterfalls
Spring is not all about flowers; it’s also about majestic waterfalls showing off in the most jaw-dropping way. In March, Iceland is amazing with some of its wild landscapes and a waterfall paradise. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are 2 of the most famous, but seriously, we saw waterfalls around every corner on the picturesque Ring Road drive. Definitely add Iceland to your bucket list.
Closer to home, Multnomah Falls in Oregon is like nature’s own masterpiece. Surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers, it’s a photographer’s playground. What about my favorite state, Alaska? Remote waterfalls are abundant in Alaska! Thunderbird Falls near Anchorage, Nugget Falls near Juneau, or near Valdez, the Bridal Veil Falls, and Horsetail Falls are all worth a visit and are all easily accessible.
If you’re on the East Coast, don’t despair! Perhaps the most famous waterfall worldwide, Niagara Falls on the New York/Canadian border, is a springtime favorite, but it’s only one of many. Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan is the second largest springtime waterfall in the Eastern US and sits right on the Canadian border as well. If height is your thing, rather than volume, check out Dry Falls in North Carolina. At 75 feet, this is a popular destination, so avoid the middle of the day if you can, or be prepared to wait in line.
If you’re capturing these springtime wonders, here’s a pro tip: sunrise or sunset lighting is your best friend. Yes, the golden hour is my personal favorite! Plus, try some long-exposure shots for that dreamy effect. (see my Iceland waterfall picture as an example) Oh, and don’t forget a waterproof camera…mist happens.
Spring Festivals and Events
Springtime means plenty of outdoor festivals to attend. The Netherlands knows how to throw a tulip festival that’ll blow your mind. It’s on my list! One of the most famous fields is Keukenhof Gardens, a breathtaking site. The other Holland, Michigan, celebrates a tulip festival of its own with Tulip Time, a spring festival that has been running for 95 years and is still going strong!
Beautiful Boulder, Colorado, hosts a spring festival for young and old with their Tulip Fairy and Elf Festival, or if you’re in the South, check out the Dallas Blooms Festival, the largest floral festival in the Southwest, where you can see tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and cherry blossoms in abundance.
If nature and landscapes aren’t your thing, maybe a parade or a performance? Whether you’re in the Netherlands, your local area, or anywhere else around the globe, these events let you dive deep into the local culture.
Holi Festival in India? Colorful chaos at its best. A sunrise ceremony at Stonehenge for some mystical vibes. How about a Spring Fling Music Festival in Mobile, Alabama for some good ol’ Southern soul, blues and R&B?
As winter waves goodbye, spring invites us to explore and uncover those beautiful hidden gems. From secret gardens bursting with blooms, to majestic waterfalls hidden off the radar, to cultural festivals celebrating the season, spring is a total game-changer. Forget the usual, step into the unknown, and let springtime be your guide to uncovering cool spots you never knew existed. Happy “springing”!