The 50 Most Stunning Spring Destinations In The World

Spring is a beautiful season. It is often seen as a symbol of new beginnings, and it offers a lot more than pretty flowers. The rising temperatures lure keen explorers to destinations with extreme adventures. Daylight saving time is in full effect and days are longer, which gives you more time to explore places at a time when they are showing their true beauty. There is no reason why colorful parks, striking natural attractions, woodlands, and small quaint towns shouldn't be all around you.

Umbria, the underrated region next to Tuscany, is known as the "green heart" of Italy. In April and May, the countryside becomes dotted with violets, primroses, crocus and red poppies. The little Umbrian town of Castelluccio di Norcia in particular is famous for its spring flowers. The annual Flowering of Castelluccio di Norcia is when almost 6 square miles of grazing land between the Sibillini Mountains turn red, white and blue with thousands of flowers.

This is where you go to see some of the most stunning cherry blossom displays in the world. The mountain resort and nature preserve is by far one of Taiwan's top attractions. There are many Yoshino and Formosan cherry trees, about 1,000 Yaebenishidare (double-blossom dropping cherry trees). You can also enjoy and explore the surrounding local villages, forests, waterfalls, tea plantations, and hiking trails.

The Port wine production activities and the unique scenery sculpted by the Douro River and its streams are highpoints for tourists. The valley, which has its own micro-climate, is home to three World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO. You'll see breathtaking landscapes, beautiful buildings and riverbanks, otherworldly plant life, and stunning green hills covered in almond and olive trees. You can also go canoeing, biking, or birdwatching or take an environmental cruise.

April is the time to go to see stunning daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, daisies, myosotis, and cherry blossoms. The popular Giverny Monet's Garden, which includes the iconic Water Garden, opens on March 24. This is where the famous Japanese bridge is, covered with wisterias. Other smaller bridges, weeping willows, a bamboo wood, and water lillies which bloom all summer long can also be seen. The land in the Clos Normand is divided into flowerbeds where flower clumps of different heights create volume.

The "nation's greatest springtime celebration" is in the country's capital. The tradition started in 1912 when the mayor of Tokyo gave 3,000 cherry trees to the U.S. as a sign of friendship. Some of the favorite events during the event are the Blossom Kite Festival (March 31) and the parade down Constitution Avenue, which also happens to be one of the largest displays in the country.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has been labeled one of New York City's greatest treasures. It has at least 20 different gardens, pavilions, exhibits, collections, and even museums. The lilacs are especially popular in April and May when their scent fills up the air. In late April, the bluebells burst into flowers and create a captivating woodland spectacle. The tree peonies and their marvelous aroma bloom in April and May as well.

Most people go to see the tulip fields outside Amsterdam, one of the most colorful places on Earth and a "museum" of the most beautiful sights in the entire country. But the "Garden of Europe," or Keukenhof Park, is worth a visit to marvel at stunning tulips and other bulbs. It is one of the most beautiful spring gardens in the world. There are more than 7 million bulbs and around 800 varieties of tulips.

Caceres will win you over with its more than two million cherry trees in the Jerte Valley. Each year, around the second fortnight in March, the cherry trees open their flowers, covering the mountainsides in impressive swathes of white, according to Spain Info. Take an unhurried stroll on the tracks and trails between the valley's villages. This is how you welcome the new season in style. Biking, quad biking, horse riding, and hiking are favorite activities.

Lavender has been cultivated in Hokkaido for more than half a century, according to Japan Guide. Furano's lavender fields attract thousands of visitors to the region every year. The majority of lavender usually starts blooming in late June and reaches its peak from around mid-July to early August. Other kinds of flowers that lure tourists in June are rape blossoms, poppies and lupins.

Iconic for New York and the U.S., Central Park is among the most famous parks in the world. The green oasis of about 845 acres in the middle of concrete Manhattan offers plenty to do. Jog around the large reservoir, sunbathe or have a picnic on the Great Lawn, find solitude behind one of the huge rocks or along the many trails. Some of the most popular attractions are the zoo, carriage horses, Strawberry Fields, which are a tribute to John Lennon, and the Victorian Gardens.

Set between four guardian mountains, Seoul is a soulful city with a pulse that's almost palpable. The city is a round-the-clock wonder, a haven for foodies, and a site full of history and stunning architecture. Visiting the North Korea/ South Korea border, the international port Incheon, or the World Heritage sites at Suwon is well worth the effort.

You know how everything is bigger in Texas? Flowers are no exception. The bluebonnets are more than 12 inches tall, so it's no wonder they are Texans' favorite. Drive around Hill Country to see the mighty flowers anywhere you turn. There is even a designated Bluebonnet Trail in Ennis and a festival from April 20-22.Explore the more than 40 miles of mapped driving routes – the oldest such trails known in the state.

People flock to Greece in the summer but spring is just as adventurous, with the added bonus of fewer tourists and cheaper prices. Nature is flourishing with exotic flowers and shining waters. Most of the country is mountainous, presenting quite the challenge even for avid hikers. But most of the popular routes are well-maintained. The hiking adventure will take you to the serene realms of Tinos and rocky Amorgos. You'll come across churches, cliff-perched monasteries, and tiny beaten villages.

This is known as England's most tranquil national park, according to Visit Northumberland, and it really blossoms in the spring. Howick Hall Garden & Arboretum is a gardener's paradise, with the grounds packed full of daffodils from March. The Alnwick Garden, which is one of the most popular sites there, is open all year round, with events such as the Cherry Blossom Festival showcasing the delights of the new season. Many of Northumberland's heritage sites, halls and castles have stunning gardens.

Japan is known worldwide for its stunning displays of spring flowers. But the Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture is something else. The park covers green spaces and seasonal flowers spread out across 350 hectares. There is also an amusement park and several cycling and walking trails, so you can enjoy unique views of the mind-blowing colors.

The lupines of Sugar Hill are known all over the country. Imagine yellow, red, white and all kinds of wildflowers amid the beautiful purple lupines while hearing birds and butterflies hover around with mountains ranges in the background. The state pays homage to this captivating wildflower with the Fields of Lupine Festival, now known as the Celebration of Lupine, every year.

Japan has given Vancouver more than 37,000 cherry blossom trees. No wonder the city gets so into the sakura celebration. Visit in time for the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival when hundreds of blossoms at a time can be found in different parts of Vancouver and its 50 parks. Two of the favorite spots for pictures are Stanley Park and the Queen Elizabeth public garden.

There is a good reason why it's called "The Blue Forest." It is the most important and most extensive forest area between Zenne and Zoniën. This is one of the most popular attractions for tourists due to the regal purple carpet of bluebells. The best time to see them blooming is in the middle of April. The gigantic Sequoia trees will make your visit more than worth it.

This is the longest fjord in Europe stretching for more than 127 miles. In the spring it's covered with stunning wildflowers. The fjords often have a beautiful emerald green color because of the meltwater from the glaciers, according to Visit Norway. The mountain areas surrounding the innermost part of Sognefjorden are amongst Norway's most popular hiking areas. Besides hiking, other popular activities in the area include rafting, mountaineering, rock climbing, summer skiing and mountain biking.

Portland is known as the "City of Roses" (its climate is ideal for the gorgeous flowers, which bloom in April) but you can enjoy a sea of tulips just a half hour away during the annual Tulip Festival (March 23-April 30). You can find more than 40 acres covered with the beautiful spring bulbs at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. The Rose Festival and its Grand Floral Parade are equally mesmerizing.

When you hear "cherry blossom festival" you probably think D.C. or Japan – certainly not Germany – but Bonn will impress you. The pink blossoms on Heerstrasse, which locals call the Cherry Blossom Avenue, are enchanting. And how can they not – gorgeous pink spurs all over cobblestone streets... Stop by the Nordstadt quarter to see the pink flowers "creating" magic (it's only minutes from Beethoven's house).

This is where you'll go to see stunning wisteria, or fuji flowers. Ashikaga Flower Park features lots of blue, white and pink fuji, as well as yellow laburnum that look like yellow colored fuji, according to Japan Guide. One large fuji tree is a century old and its branches are supported to create a huge umbrella of blue fuji flowers.

If you have an RV and want to go on a long camping trip, Yosemite is your destination. It has 13 popular campgrounds. Reservations are recommended for many of them, especially if you plan to go between May and September. You won't see cars or roads in most of the park. Go on a hiking trip to Glacier Point for a stunning view of the famed Yosemite Valley and Half Dome, which is one of the most dangerous places in the region. You can see California poppies and other species at lower elevations; redbud and dogwood also tend to bloom in May.

Visitors of the Shenandoah National Park get to explore more than 200,000 acres of beautiful mountains, stunning waterfalls and rich wildlife. Hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail in perfect 60-degree weather sounds like a dream, but it can easily become true. Take a road trip along the Skyline Drive, the only public road through the park, for unmatched beauty and easy access to backcountry adventures. It rides the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains for 105 miles.

This is the perfect spring road trip if you live in Seattle or even Vancouver. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is among the best season events in the Pacific Northwest, held from April 1-30. There are endless fields of millions tulips bursting into bloom. Don't miss the Anacortes Spring Wine festival on April 7. 

As wildflowers begins to bloom all kinds of fun events take center stage. The pink succulents are what the region is known for in the spring. Imagine them and the ocean in the background – it's hard to beat that view. Large areas covered with bushed and flowers of different colors – pink, yellow, and purple – will take your breath away. Bonus: Spring is also the time to go whale watching in Monterey Bay.

The region off the French coast of Normandy is marvelous in the spring. Visitors are enchanted by the charming and quaint cottages and extensive island vistas. Spring is the time to go the Sark Island in time for the Wild Flower Fortnight festival in late April through early May and go on a wildflower walk. Take another walk below the sea cliffs along the unspoiled coastline. Cars are not allowed ion the island, which only adds to its charm.

This national park, the most visited one in the country, has more than 1,500 different kinds of flowers, the most in the country. That's why its nickname is the "Wildflower National Park." Visit the park for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage on April 24-28 for professionally guided programs which explore the region's rich wildflowers, wildlife, ecology, culture, and natural history through walks, motorcades, photographic tours, art classes, and indoor seminars. The park, its 800 miles of trails, stunning landscape and 2,100 miles of streams are among the most visited in the country. Campers have so many choices, including a horse camp option.

The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway offers a wide range of spring wildflowers. Whether you drive along the roads or walk, be sure to look for the beautiful Colorado blue columbine. The Crested Butte has been known as the "Wildflower Capital" of the state. There, you will also find stunning yellow sunflowers, purple delphiniums, lupines and death camas, which are a kind of lily flower. The famous wildflower festival is in July.

Lausanne is in western Switzerland, surrounded by the stunning Alps. Just imagine the majestic mountains in the spring and it's easy to understand why visiting in the spring should be on bucket lists. Popular activities include hiking and sailing in the warmer months.

Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2004, the property at the south-western extremity of South Africa is one of the world's great centers of terrestrial biodiversity, according to UNESCO. The region includes national parks, nature reserves, wilderness areas, state forests, and mountain catchment areas. It is recognized as one of the most special places for plants in the world.

The garden, the oldest living botanic garden in the U.S., is just one reason why Philadelphia is a must-visit city. The 45-acre National Historic Landmark is a destination and an outdoor classroom as well as a living laboratory that is visited by more than 40,000 people every year. Admission is free. The garden features a wildflower meadow, river trail, wetland and farm buildings, and they offer tours.

Seryang-Je, a reservoir built in 1969 in Hwasun, is a famous spot for both professional and amateur photographers, especially in the spring because of its otherworldly haze and reflections of leaves and colorful blossoms. The green tea fields are a famous attraction there as well as all over the country.

Spring is the time to visit. The sights of the green landscapes covered in flowers and the woodlands ringing with birdsong will make this your favorite destination in Spain. The weather is perfect for activity holidays like walking, riding, and cycling, and for the hardy northerners the sea temperature which averages about 64 F is perfect for a bracing dip, according to Responsible Travel.

Southern charm comes to life everywhere in this gorgeous city, the nickname of which is "the Forest City." Its signature live oak trees are absolutely stunning in the spring. Don't skip Forsyth Park for another doze of spectacular blooms. Take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage to experience incredible gardens.

You can start seeing wildflowers there as early as February. The most famous ones are the orange poppies, which bloom from March through May. You can also hike 8 miles of trails around stunning spring flowers. In the Antelope Valley, you can also find tons of lupines and cream cups.

El Hierro is a typical volcanic island with a unique variety of plant and animal species that inhabit the island. Much of the territory is under the auspices of UNESCO, according to Tourist Maker. Nature walks are quite popular. Explore the majestic El Sabinar and its huge juniper trees. The Mencafete Reserve is the place to be for walking trails along hidden caves, meandering springs, and the dense Laurel forest.

The Cotswolds covers almost 800 square miles. One of the delights of visiting is exploring the different areas, each with its own identity, yet all with those defining Cotswold features: golden stone and rolling hills, according to Visit Cotswolds. This is where you'll find some of country's greatest palaces and castles. Marvel at the natural world in much-admired reserves and at some of the most famous arboretas in Britain. You'll see vibrant wild daffodils, primroses, magnolias, and bluebells.

Pokhara, a gateway to Nepal's Annapurna region, is one of the world's best vacation destinations for animal lovers. It is also considered one of the world's top spots for paragliding due, in part, to jaw-dropping views of glaciers, lakes, and snow-covered peaks, according to National Geographic.

Kalaloch is the only campground that accepts reservations in the summer. All other campgrounds are first-come, first-served, according to NPS. Consider camping at Deer Park, which boasts mountain views worth the climb and starry skies like few other places since it's at 5,400 feet in elevation. If you want to experience secluded tenting, Dosewallips Campground is your spot. Go hiking and explore the rugged glacier-capped mountains, wild Pacific coast, or lavish rainforest.

This is where you go for lupines in bursting colors – from purples and pinks to blues and yellows – shooting up along lake sides and in riverbeds in Mackenzie Country. These are absolutely incredible sights.

Once you see the Lavender Fields in person, purple will become your favorite color. The bloom from June to August around Mont Ventoux makes for a regal scenery and atmosphere. This blue gold is used to make soap and cosmetics. Go on a relaxing walk along the lavender roads in Provence from the field to the distillery, and embrace the intense colors around you.

Luoping County is known all over the world for its large scale rapeseed flowers. They blossom in the early spring between March and late May. Seemingly infinite blue sky, golden flowers anywhere you turn looking like a golden sea, and gentle winds make every tourist love this flower heaven.

This is one of the most cultural cities in the world and it deserves to be visited every season, but spring is especially gorgeous. This is when festivals about everything from music to cooking, are organized. Go in early June in time for the Bloom in the Park, which is Ireland's largest garden festival. The Show Gardens are the crux of the 5-day event.

This national park is more like a scene from a fairy tale than an actual place on earth, but the 16 crystal clear lakes, breathtaking waterfalls and vaulted caves are not only real—they're natural formations. Water rich with minerals winds its way down waterfalls and along rocks, continuously changing the landscape as diverse wildlife (bears, wolves, rare birds and butterflies) live in the vast forest that surrounds the lakes.

The Glacier National park is as beautiful to visit in the spring as in the winter – two completely different but equally amazing pictures. Hikers love the park because of the over 700 miles of treks going through forests, pastures, rough mountains, and pristine lakes. All in all, you have more than a million acres to explore and connect with nature.

What better way to spend some quality time in late spring than relaxing on white sand beaches and exploring dunes covered with wildflowers, and the Machair – the name given to one of the rarest habitats in Europe which only occurs on exposed western coasts of Scotland and Ireland, according to Visit Outer Hebrides. You'll find the greatest diversity of flowers where up to 40 Western Isles plant species can be found within a square meter.

More than 300 different types of plants from all over the world make up this wonderful botanical paradise. It is often called the most beautiful mountain garden in all of Europe. Roam across the green hills, taking in the wide array of flora including Alpine natives such as edelweis and gentian. The best time to visit is May.

The tallest trees on the planet may be a short drive away from where you live, right in the Redwood National Park. The Tall Trees Grove is the visitors' favorite hike – about 4 miles in each direction. But the trees are not the only attraction. Huge grasslands, oak forests, wild rivers and dozens of miles of beaches keep the park diverse and entertaining.

The area covers a just over 1,200 square miles. It's one of the biggest producers of rose oil in the world. Buds start to bloom in the middle of March. The season is longer than you'd expect – well into July –because of frequent rainfalls which help prolong the flowering period.