'I've Been Solo Adventuring For 3 Decades—This Is the One Destination Everyone Should Visit in April'

Discussions of spring vacation plans have been percolating everywhere I go lately. Families are starting to plan for April break, friends are trying to (finally) get the trip out of the group chat, and those in cold-weather regions are itching for the sweet relief of spring breezes and mild temperatures. So, it's the perfect time to talk about the best places to visit in April 2025.

As someone with a January birthday, it seems natural that I adore winter adventures, but once March rolls around, even I'm ready for Birkenstocks weather again. So, developing April travel destinations is an area of my work as a travel and adventure writer that I put a lot of energy into. After three decades of solo and adventure travel, one spring travel truth has stood the test of time: just about anything goes in April.

Spring travel inspiration is as diverse as April's beloved flowers—from hiking, picnics and al fresco dining to adventure parks and outdoor spa treatments. I love a small-town USA getaway this time of year or even an international foodie destination, but there is one place everyone should visit in April at least once—and it's entirely unique.

Travelers continue to prioritize cultural experiences, and "authenticity seekers," as described by tourism experts at McKinsey & Company, continue to grow in numbers. I count myself within these ranks, and my #1 place everyone should visit in April at least once is a stunning Canadian destination imbued with ancestral wisdom.

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The #1 Place Everyone Should Visit in April

As much as I love a laugh-a-minute funfest, I deeply treasure travel experiences that stir something within, help me learn something, or connect with cultural experiences meaningfully. My time at Métis Crossing in Alberta, Canada, remains an all-time favorite immersive travel destination because of the warmth of the Métis hosts, educators and guests.

As the website illustrates, "the Métis are a post-contact Indigenous nation, born from the unions of European fur traders and First Nations women in the 18th century." The descendants of these marriages have created a welcoming (and breathtaking) cultural center comprising Métis Historical Land and Métis Crossing, including a cozy lodge, campsite and sky-watching domes.

This is not some contrived themed experience or a modern-day recreation of Métis heritage. When you arrive at Métis Crossing, you'll likely meet descendants of those who originally worked the river lot farms along the abutting North Saskatchewan River. In fact, most staff at the cultural center are citizens of Alberta's Métis Nation. Of course, they teach workshops and guide nature walks and canoe tours, but access to their skills, stories, and culture is not limited to the confines of pre-scheduled events.

For example, you might run into Knowledge Holder and fiber artist Lilyrose Meyers in the lodge, as I did. She radiates warmth, and I could easily spend hours listening to her stories of farming, rabbit-snaring, doll-making, being a horse trainer (and truck driver!), as well as tales of life on a trapline (fur trader lingo, which became second nature after a day or two at the lodge).

The property offers over 688 acres of wooded adventures, trails, scenic river views, historic buildings, and areas for workshops such as rug braiding, moccasin making, leathercrafts, and more. Then there's the bison.

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Bison are revered in Métis culture, and the founders and organizers of Métis Crossing have dedicated large swaths of land to a Métis Crossing Wildlife Park, where elk, bison, and Percheron horses roam. The Visions, Hopes, and Dreams wildlife tour includes an SUV tour of the paddocks, where a Métis Interpreter explains how they're working to restore the area's population of rare white bison.

Métis Crossing is equally perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families. April offers mild days and chilly nights—ideal for photographing bison with a bit of lingering snow, but sunny days with an average high of around 50 degrees. Between adventures, dabble in Indigenous-inspired fare and Canadian classics like poutine—or just sit by the river a spell.

11 Other Best Places To Visit in April 2025

1. Stellenbosch, South Africa

Fresh on the heels of an extensive refurbishment, Spier Hotel boasts an absolute dreamscape set on Stellenbosch's historic Spier Wine Farm. The village-style layout offers 80 luxury rooms, a swoony restaurant, and a rooftop bar overlooking the Winelands of South Africa.

Enjoy guided tours of the award-winning wine farm or indulge in the romance of kite-flying, picnics, and the Spier Art Collection, featuring 3,700 works across the farm.

2. Captiva Island, Florida

Over half of South Seas mangrove-dappled property, spanning 330 acres, remains a dedicated wildlife preserve and estuary. This island getaway invites guests to explore its renowned fishing, boating, yachting and barrier island adventures. It's connected to the mainland via the Sanibel Causeway and a small bridge, making it an easy yet dreamy island escape. Dolphin sightings? Absolutely.

3. Nebraska City, Nebraska

Kids or no kids, Arbor Day celebrations just leveled up—big time. Nebraska City's Arbor Day Farm offers 260 acres of wooded adventure, farm-to-table dining, and eco-friendly stays. Climb, slide, and jump your way through the 11 interactive treehouses' bridges, netted walkways, and a 50-foot slide. Lodging includes the onsite Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm or an epic treehouse slumber at nearby Kottage Knechtion Treehouse B&B.

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4. Farmington, Pennsylvania

Put the school backpacks aside and head to the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania this April.

Nemacolin—and its five lodging choices and nearly 100 activities for kids and adults—represents experiential travel at its best. From carriage rides, cooking, and cosmic bowling to holistic wellness and the not-to-be-missed Painting with Ponies, it's perfect for adventure, relaxation or exploring new hobbies.

5. Key West, Florida

Most people head to Key West for fun in the sun and nightlife, but the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory's immersive magic is also reason enough to go. Grab a room or guest house at Southernmost Beach Resort directly on Key West's famed Duval Street and settle in. Sip the signature Key Lime Margaritas, enjoy scrumptious fare with a Caribbean flare, jump in on a game of cornhole or splurge on a tropical-themed spa retreat.

6. Bath, England

Looking for the ultimate literary tourism experience? Join The Gainsborough Bath Spa in celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, and—yes!—full Regency costume arrangements can be made upon request (or bring your own).

As part of the 250th Jane Austen anniversary events, the property has coordinated locally, so you can visit filming locations, take a historic embroidery workshop, have cocktails with experts, attend a Regency dance workshop and more.

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7. Washington, DC

It's April. Of course, Washington DC's cherry blossoms are top-of-mind. The Morrow Hotel, an official hotel for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, is in the heart of DC's vibrant NoMa neighborhood. The property is also known for its rooftop brasserie, signature Trap Yoga and RnB Yoga classes, and access to the festivities and parties associated with Annual Capital Pride and 2025's World Pride celebrations.

8. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Luxuriate in a stunning villa, participate in a traditional Temazcal healing experience and enjoy a realm of gastronomy as far-reaching as Duck & Mole Amarillito or casual cricket tacos and mezcal. 

Viceroy Riviera Maya is rooted in Mayan tradition and offers an unparalleled spa experience. Guests can also get adventurous with private cenote diving and visits to archeological sites like Tulum and Chichén Itzá.

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9. Wayne County, Indiana

April brings spring breezes, flowers, and Easter brunches. Stock up on Easter sweets with a visit to Indiana's Wayne County Chocolate Trail. With over a dozen participating shops, including an 1890s candy factory, a winery, and even an Amish Market, chocolate adventurers can access samples of truffles, fudge brownies, ice cream, coffee, and more. While in the area, visit Indiana Dunes National Park and stay in a cabin at Serenity Springs in La Porte.

10. New York, New York

You never need an excuse to visit New York City, but April promises cherry blossoms, amazing Broadway theater experiences, and National Babe Ruth Day.

If you're headed to the city for a girls' weekend, snag group theater tickets on Broadway Inbound, including Good Night, And Good Luck, starring George Clooney, at Winter Garden Theatre.

Book rooms at 1 Hotel Central Park, just half a mile from the theater, where Chef Jonathan Waxman woos guests and the James Beard Foundation alike.

11. Bentonville, Arkansas

By day, explore Arkansas' first designated mountain bike trail at Devil's Den State Park, with unique rock formations and caverns around every corner.

At night, cozy up with a new furry friend. Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, 21c Museum Hotel partners with the Best Friends Animal Society to allow guests to host an adoptable dog for the night. If you can bear to part with your puppy-eyed roommate, spring is also perfect for visiting the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville.

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