17 Best Places to Visit in California in Spring

Today I want to bring you my guide to the best places to visit in California in spring. If you're wondering where to travel in March, April, and May, the Golden State has no shortage of exciting seasonal destinations for you. From sunny beaches to spring skiing, spots to see a floral superbloom, and great cities, there's something for everyone here. Read on for my top picks. I've included a map of all the places on my list, too.

Best Places to Visit in California in Spring

As a born-and-raised Californian, I've been to a lot of the best places to visit in spring in this part of the US. From family ski trips to Lake Tahoe to excursions to the flower fields in Carlsbad, I've covered a lot of ground.

Which is how I know there's a vacation for every type of traveler here. Whether you're seeking spring sunshine in Santa Barbara or fun adventures in national parks like Yosemite, the Golden State offers residents and out-of-state visitors a variety of places to travel in the shoulder season between winter and summer.

My list includes ideas for the top places for spring break in California, destinations to visit over holidays like St Patrick's Day, Easter, and Cinco de Mayo, the best Memorial Day weekend getaways in California, and other all-around great places to travel in the spring.

Tips for Spring Travel in California

Before choosing where to visit in California in spring, keep in mind that some places can get crowded over the school vacation dates. This is particularly true when it comes to beaches, cities, ski resorts, theme parks, and other sites that are popular with families and college students during spring break.

As such, it's advisable to make reservations for things like accommodation as far in advance as you can. You'll have a better chance of finding lower rates and having a wider selection of properties to choose from. You can see options and book a place to stay here.

The same goes for popular theme parks and big attractions. If you're planning to go somewhere like Disneyland, Legoland California Resort, or Universal Studios Hollywood, booking tickets early can ensure you get to visit on your desired dates.

1. Palm Springs

At the top of my list of the best places to visit in California in spring is Palm Springs. This desert region is the perfect seasonal travel destination due to its warm climate and variety of events, festivals, and activities on offer.

If you visit Palm Springs early in the season, you can head to the BNP Paribas Open in Coachella Valley. The tournament takes place every year at the beginning of March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. It's the largest combined ATP Tour and WTA Tour two-week event in the world.

If you travel to Palm Springs in April, you can get tickets for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Coachella is one of the best-known events of its kind in the world, and it features chart-topping artists and big-name performers every year.

Spring is also an ideal time to cool off at places like HyTides Water Park at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa and Splashtopia at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage. They're fun family destinations that will help keep kids of all ages cool on hot days.

As if that's not enough, Palm Springs is home to excellent restaurants, top-rated golf courses, mid-century modern architecture, and the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy them, as summers in the desert are very hot.

If this part of California sounds like your ideal vacation spot, you can book accommodation in Palm Springs here. My top pick for a place to stay is The Saguaro. Surrounded by mountains in Coachella Valley, this hip boutique hotel is a colorful spot to call home-away-from-home in the desert. You can book a room here.

2. California Superbloom Destinations

The superbloom destinations come next on my list of the best places to visit in California in spring. In years when there are particularly wet winters, the Golden State experiences a phenomenon where lots of wildflowers bloom at the same time in the spring. The result is a riot of color that attracts visitors and locals alike.

The good news is that you can see the superbloom in many parts of California. Wherever you are, you're probably not far from a gorgeous blanket of poppies or other botanical wonders.

Popular places to see the California superbloom include the Mojave Desert and Antelope Valley, Lake Elsinore, Joshua Tree, Carrizo Plain National Monument, Napa Valley, and other destinations.

My top pick for where you can see the superbloom is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. In years when there's enough well-timed winter rain, this place erupts with one of the most spectacular wildflower blooms in the country.

Purple sand verbena, golden poppies, and yellow desert sunflowers blanket the landscape in Anza-Borrego and attract visitors from all over the world. There's even a wildflower hotline you can call for updates.

3. San Diego

San Diego is another of my top picks for places to visit in California in spring. With sunny weather, world-class beaches, and fun attractions and nightlife, this beach city in SoCal is an ideal place for all types of travelers.

If you're visiting with children, San Diego is a great family vacation destination. From Del Mar to La Jolla and beyond, there are beaches for playing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Legoland in Carlsbad is popular with kids, too.

If you're looking for something more grown up, you can have fun paragliding in Torrey Pines, shopping in Del Mar, doing a bar crawl in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, or partying in Pacific Beach.

There are great attractions for kids of all ages, too. The San Diego Zoo is world famous, Balboa Park is beautiful, and Cabrillo National Monument is full of history (and tide pools!). Visitors can also tour the USS Midway, go on a harbor cruise, go whale watching (depending when you're here), and tuck into delicious Mexican food.

But one of the best things to do here in spring is visit the famous Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. You can meander through 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus blooms each year in March, April, and May. It's the perfect spot for nature lovers and social media influencers alike.

If this sounds like your kind of spring vacation, you can book a place to stay in San Diego here. My favorite is the Andaz. A lifestyle boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, it's not only in a great location near the landmark Balboa Theatre, but it also has a rooftop pool. When I stayed, I loved the decor and atmosphere. You can book a room here.

4. Lake Tahoe

Next on my list of the best places to visit in California in spring is Lake Tahoe. My family had a place here when I was growing up, and it remains one of my all-time favorite spots for spring skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

This part of the Golden State is popular for activities like skiing and snowboarding in years when there's good snow throughout the winter. From Heavenly to Northstar, Palisades, and beyond, there are plenty of resorts where you can get on the slopes in Tahoe in the springtime. If you're visiting as a family, there are lots of ski schools for kids, too.

If you're willing to travel a bit farther, Kirkwood has always been one of my favorite places to ski in this part of California. Just keep in mind that spring (especially spring break) can be a busy time on the slopes in Tahoe in years when there's heavy snowfall.

There's plenty to keep you busy in Tahoe beyond the slopes, too. You can enjoy winter activities like sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Tahoe is home to one of the largest concentrations of cross-country ski areas in North America, and it's a great thing to learn while you're here.

Beyond the outdoors, Lake Tahoe has a lot to offer visitors in spring. From the shops and restaurants in Heavenly Village and Truckee to the fun apres ski bars in Tahoe City, there's something for every type of visitor. My itinerary for 4 days in Lake Tahoe has more ideas, too.

If the Sierra Nevada sounds like your kind of destination, you can book accommodation in Tahoe here. My favorite place to stay in ski season is The Village at Palisades Tahoe Hotel. It's in an ideal location if you want to snowboard or ski at the resort, and the village has plenty of restaurants, boutiques, bars, and entertainment. You can book a room here.

5. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is another of my favorite places to visit in California in spring. This coastal city in Southern California is known for its mild weather, beautiful beaches, shopping, wine tasting, and luxury hotels. There's great food and plenty of sightseeing to do here, too.

There's a lot going on in Santa Barbara in spring as well. This is a year-round destination, and you can enjoy everything from the downtown and coastal highlights to the inland areas. Whether you want to go to the beach, visit museums and cultural attractions, cycle, or head out to the Channel Islands National Park, you have plenty of options.

And that's to say nothing of the seafood restaurants on Stearns Wharf, the tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail, the murals in the Funk Zone, the delicious stalls in the Santa Barbara Public Market, the mission, and the shops. My 2-day itinerary for Santa Barbara can show you the highlights.

There's a lot you can do on the water, too. From parasailing to surfing, sailing, kayaking, and whale watching, there are plenty of things to get excited about.

And that's to say nothing of the rest of Santa Barbara County. From the beaches in Goleta to the shopping in Montecito, the wine tasting in the Santa Rita Hills, the old stagecoach stop at Cold Spring Tavern, and the one-of-a-kind Danish town of Solvang, there's no shortage of places to visit here.

If this sounds like your kind of spring getaway, you can book a place to stay in Santa Barbara here. There's a variety of options throughout the city and surrounding area, from world-famous hotels in Montecito to beachfront apartments and more. I love staying at El Encanto. This luxurious hilltop hotel is a real treat. You can book a room here.

6. Disneyland

Disneyland is next on my list of the top places to visit in California in spring. The Magic Kingdom and California Adventure shine all throughout the year, and spring can be a good time to visit because crowds can be fewer (if you avoid spring break) and temperatures lower than in the summer months.

The neighboring theme parks offer a lot of unique seasonal entertainment, special events, and fun activities during the spring, too.

From the annual Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival to Easter-themed specials like the family-friendly Eggstravaganza scavenger hunt, there are a lot of reasons to visit the park at this time of year.

And that's to say nothing of Star Wars: Season of the Force, Dapper Day, Pixar Fest, and Disneyland After Dark events. There are dedicated performances and shows on throughout the spring, too.

Even if your visit doesn't coincide with the seasonal events, you can still have a great time visiting in March, April, and May. The parks are fun year-round, and this is called the Happiest Place on Earth for a reason.

If Disneyland sounds like your kind of seasonal escape, you can see a range of accommodation and book here. My top pick for a place to stay is Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This landmark property has exclusive access to Downtown Disney, California Adventure, and other areas. You can book a room here.

7. San Francisco

San Francisco is another of my favorite places to visit in California in spring. The City by the Bay is a great vacation spot at this time of year, not least because the weather can be drier than in winter and sunnier and warmer than in summer.

There's a lot you can do in San Francisco in the springtime, too. The city's parks and green spaces will be in bloom. Everything from the seasonal tulips in the Queen Wilhelmina Garden to the cherry blossoms in the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is worth seeing.

There are special events and festivals going on in San Francisco in spring, too. From the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown to the St Patrick's Day parade, Union Street Spring Celebration and Easter Parade, Cinco de Mayo, Giants baseball games, and the unique Bay to Breakers road race, you have a lot to choose from.

Even if you miss the events, San Francisco is a fun spring trip. The tourist crowds can be less intense in popular areas like Fisherman's Wharf, and it can be easier to get tickets for sell-out attractions like Alcatraz. Depending how long you have, my 4-day itinerary for San Francisco and my itinerary for 5 days in San Francisco can help.

You can also take a day trip while you're visiting if you want to. From Yosemite National Park to Sausalito, Napa, Muir Woods, and Sonoma, there are plenty of great day trips from San Francisco to choose from.

If this sounds like your kind of vacation, you can book a place to stay in San Francisco here. There are plenty of good options, from waterfront hotels to apartments with views. My go-to is Hotel Triton. It's in an ideal location by Union Square and I love the decor. You can book a room here.

8. Monterey County & Santa Cruz County

Monterey County and Santa Cruz County are two more of the best places to visit in California in the springtime. I came here all the time for weekend getaways when I was growing up, and I still love traveling to this part of the Central Coast.

Monterey and Santa Cruz are great in spring because there are fewer crowds than in the busy summer months. The weather can be less foggy, too. Coastal fog is common here in the summer, so going ahead of the peak season can mean more sunshine and warmer temperatures.

My favorite places to visit in this part of the Golden State are Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, Capitola, and Santa Cruz. Depending how much time you have, you can see them all in one trip.

Monterey is known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It's an ideal place for kids of all ages to learn about marine ecosystems and get up close to everything from sea otters to jellyfish.

You can also go biking by the bay or along 17 Mile Drive, walk around Old Fisherman's Wharf, try sea kayaking, shop and dine on Cannery Row, or take a whale watching cruise (depending when you visit).

Right by Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the cutest towns in California. From the beaches to the boutiques, restaurants, and thatched-roof cottages, there’s a lot to do and see here. There's wine tasting in Carmel Valley and stunning natural scenery at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve as well.

Big Sur is famous for its awe-inspiring coastline, from bolder-studded beaches to hiking trails in the redwood trees. It's perfect if you love nature and outdoor activities. My Big Sur itinerary can give you more ideas for things to do in the area in spring.

Just north of Monterey County, Capitola and Santa Cruz are known for their beaches, too. Santa Cruz is synonymous with surfing, and Capitola is beloved for its colorful waterfront and great shops and restaurants. Families with kids will love Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an amusement park on the Pacific Ocean.

If this sounds like your kind of spring trip, you can book a place to stay here. I always enjoy staying at Tradewinds Carmel. The rooms have featured in Architectural Digest, and the property is surround by a garden and fountains. I love the design-led elements and decor, too. You can book a room here.

9. Los Angeles

Back in SoCal, Los Angeles is another of the best spring destinations in California. With warm weather, great beaches, award-winning restaurants, and no shortage of attractions, LA has a lot to entertain.

From the beaches in Malibu and Santa Monica to the nightlife in Venice and the Arts District, there's a lot to get excited about. And that's to say nothing of the rooftop bars, clubs, hotel pools, and hip shops and restaurants in Downtown LA.

The city offers much in the way of sightseeing and activities, too. From Griffith Observatory to the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, the rides at Universal Studios, and the Marvin Braude Bike Trail in Manhattan Beach, there's loads for visitors to enjoy. My Los Angeles itineraries can give you more ideas.

If you want to get outdoors, LA is a great place for hiking. From Portuguese Bend Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes to Griffith Park and San Vicente Mountain Park on Mulholland Drive, there are lots of good places to stretch your legs. These trails are great in spring, as the weather can be cooler than in the hot summer months.

Beyond the outdoors, LA has cultural institutions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, museums like The Getty and The Broad, and shopping streets like Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Abbot Kinney in Venice. The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is particularly pretty in spring, and it hosts seasonal events and exhibitions.

If this sounds like your kind of vacation, you can book a place to stay in LA here. I enjoy staying at the STILE Hotel Downtown Los Angeles. This boutique hotel is known for its central location, performing arts venue, restaurant, and rooftop bar. It has a hipster vibe, too. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.

10. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is another of my top picks for places to visit in California in spring. This otherworldly part of the state is magical, and there are a lot of options for getting outdoors and into nature while you're here.

There are lots of benefits to visiting Joshua Tree National Park in spring. First, the weather is milder at this time of year than in the hot summer months (especially in early spring). Mornings and evenings are warmer than they are in the winter as well.

Second, are lots of things to do and see in Joshua Tree in March, April, and May. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the national park, and there's a range of trails and routes you can take. They include Ryan Mountain, the Lost Palms Oasis Trail, and the Mastodon Peak Loop Trail.

If you're interested in other activities, you can go rock climbing, horseback riding, and take guided tours while you're here. They're great things to do in spring, not to mention unique ways to experience the best of Joshua Tree National Park.

Just make sure to book things in advance if you plan to visit over spring break. It's one of the most popular times to visit Joshua Tree, and the park can be crowded. You'll want to plan ahead to make sure you get to do the things you're interested in.

If this sounds like your kind of travel destination, you can book accommodation in Joshua Tree here. My top pick for a place to call home-away-from-home is Sacred Sands. This hotel has amazing views, and it's close to the West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. If that appeals, you can book a room here.

11. Catalina Island

Catalina Island is another popular place to visit in California in spring. It's a great spot to travel to if you enjoy soaking up the sun and island vibes.

As an added bonus, the crowds aren't as big as they are during the peak summer season, and there can be better deals on everything from accommodation to dining (if you avoid spring break and big events).

There's a lot you can do and see on Catalina Island in spring, too. From outdoor activities like the Garden to Sky Hike to shopping, spas, dining, adventure tours, museums, and boating, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy your time here in March, April, and May.

Temperatures average around 63 to 66 degrees in spring, and you can still go in the water if you wear a wetsuit (or you're brave enough to swim in the cool ocean water). Whether you want to go stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, or diving, there's something for everyone.

There are also great seasonal events here in the spring. The annual Catalina Island Marathon takes place in March. It's a fun one to participate in if you love running and coastal scenery in equal measure.

If this sounds like your kind of spring vacation, you can book accommodation on Catalina here. There are plenty of options, including hotels, house rentals, and B&Bs. My favorite place to stay when I'm here is the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel. It has beautiful rooms and great views over Avalon. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.

12. Solvang & Santa Ynez Valley

In Santa Barbara County, Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley make for another great place to visit in California in spring. Situated between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the San Rafael Mountains, this part of the state is known for its excellent wineries, charming towns, and bucolic scenery.

Visiting the Santa Ynez Valley in spring is ideal because the weather is cooler than in the hot summer months, the crowds are fewer, and the wine tasting tours and hotels can be less expensive and easier to book.

There are lots of exciting places to visit in the Santa Ynez Valley in spring. The most popular is Solvang, a Danish-inspired town with whimsical architecture, fun shops, windmills, and a range of places to eat and drink.

There are lots of fun things going on here in spring, too. If you're a cyclist, the Solvang Century and Solvang Double Century are great bike rides. They take place a few weeks apart, so you can do both if you have time.

If you're a runner, the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon goes through the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley and ends with a wine festival in Solvang. If you're into cars, the Solvang Datsun Roadster Classic is a must.

Other great destinations in the region include Santa Ynez with its attractive shops and restaurants, Los Olivos with its boutiques and tasting rooms, Buellton where parts of the movie Sideways were filmed, Los Alamos, and Ballard. They're ideal places to go wine tasting and enjoy the restaurants the area is known for.

If this sounds like your kind of spring getaway, you can book a place to stay here. My top pick is the Vinland Hotel and Lounge in Solvang. When I stayed, I loved the contemporary decor and location in walking distance of the heart of town. You can book a room here.

13. Orange County

Orange County is another of the best places to visit in California in spring. Given its warm weather and abundance of beaches, this part of Southern California is popular with locals and visitors alike. It's a great spring break destination, too.

There are plenty of fun things to do and cities to check out in Orange County. Whether you go to Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar State Beach Park, or somewhere else, there are plenty of options.

If you visit Laguna Beach, you can explore the tide pools, enjoy a picnic at Treasure Island Park, check out the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, snorkel at Divers Cove, or take in the sunset from Crescent Bay Park.

If you don't want to spend your whole time at the beach, there are plenty of other things to do here, too. Theme parks like Adventure City in Anaheim are great for families with young children (as is the aforementioned Disneyland).

Knott's Berry Farm is a fun theme park, too. The annual Boysenberry Festival takes place for over a month each spring, so you can time your visit to coincide with it if you want to. It features boysenberry-themed foods, drinks, live entertainment, and activities.

If all that appeals, you can book a place to stay in Orange County here. There are plenty to choose from, including beachfront apartments, hotels, and more. My top pick is The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach. With a Tuscan vibe, this place overlooks the Pacific Ocean and features stunning villas and bungalows. You can book a room here.

14. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is next on my list of the best places to travel in California in spring. One of the most famous places in the Golden State, Yosemite is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, so you'll have no problem visiting them at any point in spring.

There's a lot you can do in Yosemite in March, April, and May, too. Most of the park remains snowy through late spring, but some hikes from the valley, Hetch Hetchy, and Wawona are snow-free by April, and most are snow-free by mid-May.

If it's really cold, you can spend time indoors at places like The Ansel Adams Gallery to see some of the most iconic photos of Yosemite.

Yosemite's waterfalls are at their best in May, so if you visit then you'll be able to see them at their fullest. From Yosemite Falls to Bridalveil Fall, you can admire some of the most famous from the valley floor. My Yosemite itinerary for 4 days can give you more ideas.

As if that's not enough reason to go, the Mariposa Grove Road usually opens by sometime in April. Even if it doesn't, you can hike the Washburn Trail, a two-mile route with 500 feet of elevation gain, to get to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Just be sure to bring appropriate footwear, as the trail can have snow and ice on it.

There’s spring skiing in years when the snow is good, too. Badger Pass is the oldest downhill ski area in California, and I learned how to ski here when I was a child. It’s a fun place for everything from snowboarding to tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

If this sounds like your kind of spring trip, you can see options and book accommodation in Yosemite here. My top pick is The Ahwahnee. Built in 1927 and designed to highlight its natural surroundings, this famous hotel is known for its heritage interiors and stunning Arts and Crafts architecture. It's one of the most unique places to stay in California. If that appeals, you can book a room here.

15. Paso Robles

Paso Robles is next on my list of the best places to visit in California in spring. This part of the Golden State is known for its olive groves and vineyards. Given its location midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it's a popular place to visit on a road trip.

There's a lot going on in Paso in the spring, too. March is Spring Release for Paso Robles Wine Country. Throughout the month, there are over 100 individual winemaker dinners, seminars, live music events, wine tastings, and specialty tours to choose from.

There are also annual events like At Her Table, Paso Robles Art in the Park, the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, the Three Speckled Hens Antiques & Old Stuff Show, Warbirds Wings & Wheels, the Paso Robles Olive & Lavender Festival, and Paso Wine Fest.

Beyond events, Paso Robles has a lot going for it. Exploring the downtown area is a fun thing to do, and you can go on hot air balloon rides, scavenger hunts, hikes, and horseback rides, too. You can even soak in mineral hot springs while you're here.

If you're into culture and history, you can visit the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum and Estrella Warbird Museum. And if you love art (and all things Instagrammable), Field of Light at Sensorio is an impressive multi-acre walk-through experience you'll love.

There's plenty to do and see around Paso Robles as well. Cambria, San Simeon, and Hearst Castle are less than an hour away. And that's to say nothing of Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, and Avila Beach.

If this sounds like your kind of spring vacation destination, you can book a place to stay in Paso Robles here. My top pick is the Allegretto Vineyard Resort. This 5-star Tuscan-style property is one of the top hotels in the area. It features lush gardens, a spa, bocce ball courts, and a pool. If that appeals, you can book a room here.

16. Mammoth Lakes

If you're in Southern California, Mammoth Lakes is another of the best places to visit in California in spring. Mammoth is known for offering a range of outdoor activities. In years when there's good snow, you can go spring skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, and all kinds of other adventure sports.

You can also visit the famous mountain lakes in and around Mammoth. From Mono Lake to the bodies of water along the June Lake Loop, they showcase the eastern Sierra Nevada's natural beauty in all its splendor.

Even in years when the snow isn't spectacular, there's plenty to do in Mammoth in spring. In drier years, well-known ghost towns like Bodie are accessible by road from Mammoth Lakes. They're unique spots to dig into California's Gold Rush history and see what life was like in this part of the state in times past.

Spring is also a great time to go fishing, take a hike up Sky Meadows Trail or walk around Snowcreek Meadow to see the wildflowers, enjoy mountain biking, or admire the geothermal vents bubbling up in Hot Creek.

There are also annual events like the Pond Skim lake-jumping competition, the Caldera Burn ski mountaineering challenge, and the Easter Parade. The Mammoth Lakes Film Festival takes place each year over Memorial Day weekend, too.

If this sounds like a fun spring getaway, you can fly or drive to Mammoth from Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. The drive takes around 5 hours, depending where you start from and what traffic conditions are like. If you fly to Mammoth, the trip takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Through late April, Advanced Airlines offers flights from Hawthorne-LA (HHR) to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH). Flights are on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. There's a free shuttle from LAX to Hawthorne if you're flying into LAX first (reserve in advance).

If this spring vacation appeals, you can book a hotel in Mammoth Lakes here. I've stayed at The Village Lodge at Mammoth, and I love that it's located right in the heart of the area. The rooms are great, too. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.

17. Mount Shasta

Another great place to visit in California in spring is Mount Shasta. While the peak season here is June and July, spring is a great time to come to this part of the Golden State for a number of reasons. The first is that the crowds are fewer than during the busy summer season.

The second is that the waterfalls here are amazing to see in late spring. From Burney Falls to McCloud Falls, Faery Falls, Whitney Falls, Ash Creek Falls, and Hedge Creek Falls, they're great to see when the glacier runoff really gets going.

The third is dependent on the snow. The best time to climb Mount Shasta is usually from May to mid-July when the days are long and the weather is (usually) at its best. But in dry years, thin snowpack creates peak climbing conditions in April, May, and early June.

If you're going to come here in spring, I recommend aiming for late May. This is particularly true if you're planning well in advance and you don't know how the upcoming winter's snowfall will impact conditions on the mountain.

Regardless of when you visit, you can enjoy things like visiting Stewart Mineral Hot Springs, walking through spring meadows, and hiking on low and mid-elevation trails like the Gateway Trail, along the McCloud River, and in the Castle Crags. The high desert of the Shasta Valley a great place to go, too.

If this appeals, you can book a place to stay in Mount Shasta here. My top pick is Summit Lofts Boutique Hotel. This upscale hotel in the heart of the downtown area has a range of contemporary rooms and suites. It's a great place to base yourself while you're visiting. You can book a room here.

Map of California Spring Destinations

Best Places to Visit in California in Spring

I hope you've enjoyed this guide to the best places to visit in California in spring, and that it's inspired you to head out and explore more of the Golden State. There are lots of exciting places to discover in March, April, and May, and this time of year is a great one to be here.

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