Hi Reader,

April is one of my favorite months to explore California.

The weather is usually pleasant, spring colors are showing up, waterfalls are flowing, and it’s one of the best times to get outside before summer crowds and heat really kick in. If you’re thinking about planning a California trip this month, here are some of the best places I’d put on your list.

1. Yosemite National Park:
If you can make it to Yosemite in April, I really think it’s worth it. This is one of the best times to see the waterfalls at their strongest, and the valley looks especially beautiful in spring. Plus no summer crowds yet.

2. Monterey + Carmel + Big Sur:
This is such a good April road trip. You get ocean views, cute towns, scenic drives, and cooler weather that makes being outside feel easy. Monterey and Carmel are great for a slower-paced weekend, and Big Sur adds that dramatic California coastline that always feels special.

3. Joshua Tree National Park:
April is a sweet spot for Joshua Tree before the desert gets too hot. You can hike, drive through the park, and enjoy the desert scenery without dealing with the more intense late spring and summer temperatures.

4. Death Valley National Park:
Death Valley might not be the first place people think of for spring, but April is actually one of the better times to go. The weather is much more manageable than later in the year, and the landscapes feel wild and unforgettable.

5. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve:
If the poppies are blooming, this is one of the prettiest spring spots in the state. April can be a great time to catch those bright orange hillsides, and it’s especially fun if you want a spring flower trip.

6. Carrizo Plain National Monument:
This is a great choice if you love wide open landscapes and wildflowers. It feels more remote than some of the other spring flower spots, which can make it even more special if you want something quieter.

7. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park:
If wildflowers show up well, it can be a beautiful place to visit in April. Even without a major bloom, the desert scenery and open space make it worth considering.

8. Channel Islands National Park:
This one is great if you want something a little more adventurous. It takes more planning than some of the others, but that’s also part of what makes it feel unique.

9. Point Mugu State Park:
If you want a coastal spring day trip with hikes and flowers, Point Mugu is a solid pick. It’s a nice option when you want ocean views and outdoor time without turning it into a huge trip.

If I had to narrow it down, Yosemite, Big Sur, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley would probably be my top April picks.

What’s on your California list for this month?

Until next time,
Shreeyeh

P.S. One of my more popular itineraries on Instagram is my 5-day Napa Valley itinerary, so I wanted to share a little update with you first.

I just added that 5-day itinerary into my Napa Valley Insider Map as a sample route layer you can toggle on or off inside the map.

So now, instead of just seeing my 185 top-rated wineries, restaurants, hotels, and must-see spots in one easy-to-use Google Map, you can also follow a done-for-you 5-day Napa plan right inside it:

If you want to see the itinerary PDF for reference, here it is:
​5-Day Napa Valley Itinerary - Bae Area and Beyond .pdf​

And if you want the full Napa Valley Insider Map, you can check it out here: Get it now

PSS -- You received this email because you signed up for a freebie on my site or Facebook ads. :)

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