Top Places to Celebrate the Arrival of Spring

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Spring brings warmer weather and more sunlight across much of the country, especially along the East Coast after a long winter. From outdoor festivals and blooming gardens to seasonal exhibits and activities, these U.S. destinations offer great ways to welcome the new season.

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For vivid floral displays, Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossom season is unmatched. Peak bloom is typically late March to early April, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival offers events like the Blossom Kite Festival, PetalPalooza and a parade. Top viewing spots include the Tidal Basin, West Potomac Park and the area around the Washington Monument.

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The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Washington State celebrates millions of blooming tulips with street fairs, garden shows, concerts, bike tours and art events. It’s one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest spring festivals and a colorful destination for photographers and families alike.

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Beyond the Kentucky Derby itself, the Kentucky Derby Festival includes steamboat and hot air balloon races, a large fireworks display, and a variety of food-focused events like the International Bar-B-Q and World Chicken festivals. The Festival of the Bluegrass adds live music to the spring celebrations.

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The Northeast is beautiful in spring: Connecticut hosts antiques shows, Wilmington, Del., stages arts and crafts fairs, and New England towns hold daffodil and lilac festivals. Seasonal markets, garden tours and craft fairs make this a welcoming time to explore small towns and coastal areas.

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Spring is an ideal time to visit California: mild temperatures, abundant sunshine and fewer beach crowds. It’s perfect for wine country drives, coastal walks and outdoor festivals like Northern California’s Cherry Blossom Festival and Los Angeles Earth Day events.

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North Carolina shines in spring with azaleas, wildflowers and historic events. The North Carolina Azalea Festival features garden tours, concerts, a waterfront street fair and a parade, while local living-history weekends offer Civil War-era demonstrations, music and food.

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Arizona’s spring weather is nearly perfect for outdoor activities—days are warm but rarely scorching and evenings are cool. Enjoy hiking in Sedona and the Grand Canyon, or attend spring events such as the Tempe Spring Festival of the Arts, Phoenix Film Festival, Scottsdale Culinary Festival and Arizona Restaurant Week.