Spring in California is when the weather begins warming up, flowers start to bloom, and the summer crowds have yet to arrive. It’s a lovely time to visit California, whether you’re heading to the mountains or running to the beaches for some sunshine.

After winter, some regions may still be covered in snow, while others have already started heating up and feel like summer. From snowy mountains to hot deserts to lush forests, California in spring has lots to offer.

If you’re looking for places to visit in California in spring, I’ve curated this list of the best spots after experiencing a lifetime of springs throughout the state!

Napa Valley

California’s most famous wine region isn’t just a place to drink wine. It also has some of the most beautiful landscapes in California (that aren’t coastal)! With undulating hills covered in perfect rows of vineyards, visiting Napa Valley feels like being transported to Tuscany.

The Napa Valley consists of Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville (my favorite), Napa, and American Canyon. Each town has its own activities and personality, with Yountville and Calistoga being the best for relaxation and luxury.

Spring in Napa Valley has warm weather with some days of rain, green hillsides from winter rains, blooming wildflowers, and budding vineyards. It’s a lovely time to visit for a laid-back getaway with fewer crowds and less heat than the busy summer season.

Things To Do in Napa Valley

Drink bubbly at Domaine Carneros Winery
Get a treat at Bouchon Bakery
Take a ride on the Wine Train or Wine Trolley

Where To Stay in Napa Valley

Bardessono Hotel & Spa (Yountville)
Maison Fleurie, A Four Sisters Inn (Yountville)
Inn St Helena (St. Helena)

Point Reyes

Point Reyes is a small coastal area north of San Francisco, comprising the Point Reyes National Seashore and Point Reyes Station. It sits on a part of the coast that juts out into the sea, creating a unique coastline.

Though the views along the coast are a highlight of Point Reyes, it also has a Cypress Tree tunnel, a charming lighthouse, and a picturesque boat wreck on the beach. It’s rich with natural beauty along the rugged coast.

Spring in Point Reyes brings the rain, which in turn creates vivid green hillsides and a range of wildflowers. The cooler temperatures still feel a bit wintery, with the ocean breeze blowing along the coast.

Things To Do in Point Reyes

Look at the Elephant Seals at Drake’s Beach
Visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse
Walk through the Cypress Tree Tunnel
Take photos at the boat wreck

Where To Stay in Point Reyes

Olema House: Cozy, modern accommodations in a historic town just south of Point Reyes, set on a large property complete with gardens and lounge chairs for a relaxing stay.
Tomales Bay Lodge: Enjoy a comfortable room with a view of the beautiful bay, close to Point Reyes, with a pool and sun terrace.
Bungalow-Style Home: Stay in the heart of Point Reyes Station in a cute red bungalow with two bedrooms, a cozy fireplace, and a backyard patio.

San Francisco

Spring in San Francisco is a time of renewal as the cold winter has passed and flowers start popping up across the city. The city also plays host to a variety of festivals and events to celebrate the season.

Early spring gets more rain, May experiences “May Gray” as summer fog starts to roll in, and April tends to be the driest and sunniest spring month. April is also the best time to visit San Francisco for spring blooms!

San Francisco is lovely year-round, in my opinion, but April tends to be one of the best months to visit out of the entire year (though September/October are best overall).

I love seeing all the spring flowers around the city in the various parks and gardens. Spring in San Francisco can get a few days of rain each month — luckily, there are plenty of museums to visit!

If you’re visiting California and want to explore, San Francisco is a perfect place to stay as a base, and then take weekend trips around Northern California.

Things To Do in San Francisco

Visit the tulips at Queen Wilhelmina Garden
See the Cherry Blossoms at the Japanese Tea Garden
Attend Flower Bulb Day at Union Square

Where To Stay in San Francisco

The Grove Inn: This charming inn is located in one of my favorite SF neighborhoods, Hayes Valley. It’s close to the Painted Ladies, nice restaurants, and trendy coffee shops.
The Westin St. Francis: Enjoy a luxurious stay in the heart of Union Square, offering a range of room styles to choose from, as well as an on-site coffee shop, a restaurant, and a bar.
Fairmont San Francisco: Stay in Nob Hill at this luxurious hotel with rooms boasting views of iconic San Francisco sights, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Filoli Historic House & Garden

If you’re looking for a wide variety of spring flowers, head to Filoli Historic House & Garden in the Bay Area.

It was previously a private estate, but it was opened to the public in the 1970s. Filoli has a historic mansion, manicured gardens, forested hiking trails, and seasonal events.

The gardens at Filoli change constantly as the seasons change, with an abundance of flowers throughout spring (the most popular time to visit). Be sure to book your date and time slot in advance, as tickets sell out in spring, especially on weekends.

Things To Do at Filoli

Explore the flower-filled gardens
Tour the historic estate
Walk the trail to the Natural Lands and visit the Thomas Dambo troll

Where To Stay Near Filoli

The areas around Filoli aren’t quite tourist destinations. I recommend staying in Half Moon Bay and taking a day trip to Filoli.

Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay: The most luxurious hotel in the area, the Ritz-Carlton offers upscale rooms, multiple on-site fine dining restaurants, and views of the Pacific Ocean.
Oceano Hotel and Spa: Stay right on the coast in a centrally located area just steps away from the harbor, restaurants, and the world-famous Mavericks Beach.
Harbor View Inn: For a more budget-friendly option, this inn is within walking distance of the harbor with clean and bright rooms in a charming blue building.

Yosemite National Park

It’s one of the most-visited national parks in the country, with colossal granite formations jutting out of the ground, tons of hiking trails, and multiple waterfalls.

Spring is one of the best times to visit Yosemite when the winter has been mild. Due to the rains and melting snow, the waterfalls are at their peak levels in spring, and wildflowers can be found throughout the park.

Depending on how much snow Yosemite gets in the winter, some roads may still be closed in the spring.

A few of the most beautiful sights in the park are Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, and Cathedral Rocks.

Things To Do in Yosemite

Hike one of the many trails
Swim in Rainbow Pool
Book a small group tour
Walk around Yosemite Valley

Where To Stay in Yosemite

Yosemite Valley Lodge: Stay inside the park at this upscale lodge with mountain views and a convenient on-site restaurant, which caters to many dietary restrictions.
Curry Village: For a more outdoorsy experience, Curry Village offers tent accommodations, a seasonal pool, and an on-site restaurant for lower prices than the lodge.
Lily of the Valley: Relax in a gorgeous two-bedroom chalet outside the park, featuring a fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Yosemite day-use reservations.

Pescadero

Just south of Half Moon Bay is the coastal farming town of Pescadero. It’s a teeny town with just a few shops and restaurants on the short downtown strip.

The main attractions are the beaches, the lighthouse, and Harley Farms Goat Dairy. While the beaches are lovely, they cannot compete with holding one-week-old goats at Harley Farms.

Harley Farms offers guided weekend tours throughout the baby goat season (February–June). These tours allow you to play with baby goats and learn about the farm.

While the tours are three days a week, you can visit the farm any day to see the animals and visit the shop. You just can’t go into the enclosures like you can on the guided tour.

Things To Do in Pescadero

Pet baby goats at Harley Farms
Try artichoke garlic bread at Arcangeli
Visit Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Recommended: 10 Best Things To Do in Pescadero

Where To Stay in Pescadero

Pescadero Creek Inn: Located in the heart of downtown Pescadero, this charming inn is in a historic building with cozy rooms and a lovely garden.
HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel: Stay right next to the lighthouse on the gorgeous Pescadero coast in this hostel. It even has a hot tub with ocean views!
Costanoa: Enjoy a glamping tent, studio cabin, or one of the rooms at this property surrounded by nature.

Monterey Peninsula

The Central Coast is one of the most beautiful regions in California, home to Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. In the spring, the Monterey Peninsula is cooled by the ocean breeze, with moderate weather that hovers between 60 and 70ºF year-round.

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey are the more visited towns, but Pacific Grove is a beautiful, laid-back area and my favorite of the three.

Carmel is best known for its charming neighborhoods with fairytale-style houses, Monterey is home to the historic Cannery Row, and Pacific Grove has some of the best coastal views and beaches in the state.

Things To Do on the Monterey Peninsula

Walk the coast path in Pacific Grove
Visit the seal pups at Andy Jacobsen Park
Explore Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey
Tour the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium
Drive the 17-Mile Drive from Pacific Grove to Carmel

Where To Stay on the Monterey Peninsula

Gosby House Inn: This elegant, cozy inn is located in downtown Pacific Grove and offers a delicious daily breakfast. I loved my stay here!
Green Gables Inn: Stay at this inn for incredible ocean views, along with elegant decor and a fresh daily breakfast. Owned by the same company as the Gosby House Inn.
Butterfly Grove Inn: Stay steps away from the Monarch Butterfly Grove in this bright pink inn with cozy rooms in Pacific Grove.

Big Sur

Big Sur is known for its beauty, from McWay Falls to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. It’s the perfect place for an outdoorsy adventure in spring with tons of hiking trails and campgrounds.

McWay Falls is one of the most famous spots in Big Sur, and it’s best viewed in spring as it gushes thanks to the winter rains. This area of California also gets impressive wildflower blooms on the hillsides, which peak around April.

April and May are the best spring months to see the elephant seals on the beaches along the central coast!

Things To Do in Big Sur

Stop at Seal Beach Overlook
Take photos at McWay Falls
Hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Where To Stay in Big Sur

Alila Ventana Big Sur: Unwind at this all-inclusive, adults-only hotel offering luxury accommodations with sweeping views of the rugged coastline and forest, a bathhouse, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Fernwood Resort: Enjoy a stay at this motel with rustic rooms, forest views, and an on-site bar and grill.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: Soak up the natural beauty of Big Sur while camping at one of the campsites inside the state park.

Death Valley National Park

Known for the world’s hottest recorded temperature and the lowest point in North America, Death Valley National Park is full of unique landscapes in the Mojave Desert.

There are giant dunes, striped hills and valleys, white salt flats, and hills with pops of color from naturally occurring volcanic deposits. The uniqueness of these landscapes makes Death Valley a must-visit.

Spring is a lovely time to visit Death Valley, as the weather is much more tolerable compared to the scorching summer. If you time your spring trip right and conditions are perfect, Death Valley will be blooming with wildflowers.

2026 is expected to be a good year for wildflowers in Death Valley!

Things To Do in Death Valley

Walk through the Mesquite Sand Dunes
Drive through Artist’s Palette
Explore Badwater Basin

Where To Stay in Death Valley

Panamint Springs: Stay outside of the park in a tent, cabin, or the motel with an on-site restaurant. We stayed in a cabin and enjoyed the A/C, a bathroom with a shower, and a small patio.
The Inn at Death Valley: Enjoy upscale rooms with access to a pool and an excellent on-site restaurant in the heart of the national park.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with a rich Spanish culture, an incredible restaurant scene, a wide range of things to do, and beautiful beaches. It’s my all-time favorite place in California.

I’ve spent my entire life visiting family in Santa Barbara multiple times per year and even lived there throughout college. Now, I go back a few times a year — I love it more each visit!

Spring in Santa Barbara is often warm and sunny, with some rainy days in early spring. The nearby Figuroa Mountains are in bloom, and mustard flowers take over areas of hills and some parks.

Santa Barbara is considered the birthplace of Earth Day, after a massive oil spill sparked activists to advocate for better environmental protection. Today, Santa Barbara hosts one of the largest Earth Day Festivals in the country.

Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Santa Barbara is a lovely place to visit in the spring.

Things To Do in Santa Barbara

Relax on one of the many beaches
Visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Take a coastal cruise on a yacht

Where To Stay in Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara: Gorgeous hotel in downtown Santa Barbara with a year-round pool, restful guest rooms, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Harbor View Inn: Beachfront inn near Stearns Wharf with an on-site spa, pool, and jacuzzi, and is steps away from the beach and coastal bike path.
Casa Riviera: Boutique hotel apartments in the heart of Santa Barbara’s downtown, with chic rooms for a restful stay. This is the ideal spot if you’re staying for a while!
Inn by the Harbor: This beautiful Spanish-style inn is just a short walk from the Santa Barbara Harbor, with unique guest rooms on a lush property.

Ojai

Ojai is an eclectic, artsy community tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the coastal towns. There’s a large focus on wellness, with a weekly farmers market and plenty of organic, vegan-friendly eateries.

It has small-town charm while still being home to gorgeous art galleries, boutique shops, and trendy restaurants. If you don’t stay in Ojai, it makes for a lovely day trip from Santa Barbara.

The slow-paced lifestyle offers a relaxing vibe for visitors looking to unwind. Treat yourself to a spa day at one of the many spas in town or enjoy a leisurely walk in the nature preserve.

Things To Do in Ojai

Catch “The Pink Moment” at Ojai Meadows Preserve
Visit Bart’s Books, the largest outdoor bookstore
Meander through downtown

Where To Stay in Ojai

Su Nido Inn: Rustic suites at a four-star hotel just two blocks from the main street in downtown Ojai.
Caravan Outpost: Stay in your very own airstream in a hidden retreat surrounded by palm trees.
The Emerald Iguana Inn: This charming inn is styled with wood accents and warm tones for a comfortable weekend getaway.

Los Angeles

One of the most-visited cities in the entire state is Los Angeles. It’s one of three cities that have been called the “entertainment capital of the world,” specifically Hollywood.

There are endless things to do and see in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas that make up Greater Los Angeles.

From beach days in Santa Monica and Malibu to Hollywood tours and museums, you can easily pack your itinerary with activities.

Being in Southern California, the weather in Los Angeles is gorgeous in the spring. Venture outside of the city to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve in Lancaster to witness the sprawling field of California Poppies that blooms each spring.

Things To Do in Los Angeles

Hike to the Hollywood sign
Spend a day at Universal Studios or Warner Bros
Visit the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
Explore the many museums
Take a full-day tour of the best sights of LA

Where To Stay in Los Angeles

The Beverly Hills Hotel: Indulge in a luxurious stay at a quintessentially Los Angeles hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills, one of the most upscale neighborhoods in the city.
The Charlie West Hollywood: This historical, boutique hotel was once the home of Charlie Chaplin, offering unique suites within walking distance of the famous Hollywood Blvd.
Sheraton Universal: If you’re planning to visit Universal Studios, we enjoyed our stay at this hotel—just steps from the park—with an on-site restaurant, coffee shop, and elegant rooms.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is home to a vibrant community that embraces mid-century modern style in every aspect of town, with architecture, art, and clothing that make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

The combination of mid-century modern aesthetic, surrounding mountains, and streets lined with palm trees is a stunning sight. Palm Springs is one of the most eclectic places with tons of things to do — perfect for a weekend getaway!

With unbearably hot summers, Palm Springs is best visited in the spring or winter. Spring has longer days, warm weather (averaging in the mid-80sºF / 26-30ºC), and snow at the San Jacinto Mountain peak.

Tip: Stagecoach and Coachella music festivals take place in April, which means major crowds and grossly inflated accommodation prices. Avoid those weeks if you aren’t planning to attend a festival!

Things To Do in Palm Springs

Take a Legends and Icons Tour
Explore the Palm Springs Art Museum
Visit the Moorten Botanical Garden

Where To Stay in Palm Springs

Terra Palm Springs: Adults-only 5-star hotel with a spa, sauna, 24-hour pool, outdoor fireplace, and sun terrace. Relax in this tranquil desert escape with views of the surrounding mountains.
Casa Palma Hotel & Bungalows: Mediterranean-style accommodations with white plaster exterior, bright rooms, and a large pool and jacuzzi. Stay here for a luxurious desert getaway surrounded by the picturesque mountains and palm trees.
The Saguaro Palm Springs: This hotel is famous for its rainbow exterior and rooms that look out to the central pool. They offer a free transfer service to both downtown Palm Springs and the airport, so no need to worry about car rentals or rideshares.

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree has stunning rock formations, sprawling desert views, and otherworldly landscapes. The surrounding area offers a variety of activities and attractions, including outdoor art, cool shops, and delicious restaurants.

This desert park is covered in Yucca Trees, affectionately known as Joshua Trees. Though the trees are its namesake, the rock formations are the most beautiful part of the park!

There are also tons of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. If you like camping, there are also lovely campgrounds throughout the park. The town outside of Joshua Tree NP, called Twenty-Nine Palms, is also a must-see while you’re in the area.

Joshua Tree National Park is also an easy day trip from Palm Springs, so you can visit both in one trip!

Things To Do in Joshua Tree

Find the Arch Rock and Skull Rock
Take an off-road tour in a 4x4 vehicle
Visit the Crochet Museum in Twenty-Nine Palms
Walk Around the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum

Where To Stay in Joshua Tree

Sacred Sands: Enjoy a private getaway in the desert at this guest house with an outdoor bathtub and shower (as well as an indoor bathroom). It’s just a mile from the entrance to Joshua Tree NP for a luxury, outdoorsy getaway.
Estrella Perdida: This three-bed/two-bath home offers a comfortable place to relax with sweeping views of the desert close to Joshua Tree NP.
The Castle House Estate: Joshua Tree is known for its unique accommodations, and these castle estates are no exception. The property offers multiple options, including tents, castle-like guard towers, a one-bedroom villa, and three-bedroom villas.

Carlsbad & San Diego

Carlsbad is a chill coastal town in North County San Diego that makes for an excellent spring trip in California. I lived in this area for a couple of years and love going back to visit the flower fields.

Between early March and early May, the Carlsbad Flower Fields are in full bloom with colorful ranunculi in manicured rows with dedicated spots to stand or sit for photo ops.

Unlike North County San Diego, which has charming beach towns like Carlsbad and Encinitas, San Diego is a coastal big city with skyscrapers set next to the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

It’s home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the best Mexican food in California.

Things To Do in Carlsbad & San Diego

Visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields
Pick strawberries at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Go bar-hopping in the historic Gaslamp Quarter
Enjoy a Carlsbad Food Tour of six restaurants
Explore Balboa Park museums & sights

Where To Stay in Carlsbad & San Diego

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort: Located between the Flower Fields and Legoland, this family-friendly resort includes an on-site game room, kids’ pool, and regular pool.
Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach: Stay along the coast in this recently renovated hotel with a beautiful pool — some rooms offer ocean views.
Carte Hotel San Diego: Enjoy a getaway at this Curio Collection by Hilton property in the charming Little Italy neighborhood in downtown San Diego.
The Inn at Sunset Cliffs: This inn is located directly on the coastline with stunning ocean views in one of the best sunset spots in San Diego.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Head east of San Diego to visit California’s largest state park, Anza-Borrego Desert. When I lived in San Diego, we would head to Anza Borrego for a fun weekend of camping in the beautiful desert.

Spring blooms in the desert can be tricky to time, with flowers sometimes popping up as early as January and fading by February.

Even if you miss the wildflowers, spring in Anza-Borrego Desert is plenty hot if you’re looking for some warmth after winter.

If you enjoy tent camping (or have an RV), I love Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. It’s right next to a hiking trail that leads to a beautiful palm oasis.

Things To Do in Anza-Borrego Desert

Visit the Anza-Borrego Wildflower Fields
Hike the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail
View the metal sculptures at Sky Art Desert Sculpture Garden

Where To Stay in Anza-Borrego Desert

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground: Experience tent camping in the picturesque desert with on-site bathrooms and shower facilities, and easy access to lovely hiking trails.
Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort: Stay in an Old Western-style hotel with clean and comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a pool.
Borrego Valley Inn: This inn offers a luxury desert escape with southwest decor and pools in a quiet oasis for some R&R.

16 Places To Visit in California in Spring