The Best U.S. Beaches to Visit in April, Before the Summer Crowds Arrive

Planning a beach vacation in April is a bit tricky if you’re staying within the United States rather than jetting off to the Caribbean or somewhere equally near the equator. For much of the US, April doesn’t quite bring beach-worthy temps. In fact, some of your favorite beachy locales in the Northeast could still be seeing the odd snow shower here or there.

So where do you go if you’re just itching to get away, or you really want some good spring break plans, but you don’t want to leave the country?

We’ve got you covered. Here are 10 of the best beach destinations in the US for April. Some are going to deliver that warm weather you’ve been craving after a long, long winter. Meanwhile, others are going to give you plenty of other things to love, beyond the beach, so that you’re not totally bummed if, a few days out of the trip, you can’t really get into the water.

Along those lines, kicking things off as our first pick is one of those beach destinations that offers a whole, whole lot more than just the beach. 

Charleston, South Carolina does have its beaches that are located just minutes from downtown. Plus, the weather does start creeping into the 80s as you get further along into April. However, beyond the beach, this destination provides plenty to love and, if you’re someone who likes to do a little bit of urban exploring, but you’re not keen on working up a major sweat, you’ll definitely want to mark your calendar for an April trip to this town.

After exploring the local history, ghost tours, and amazing food scene, make sure to add some of Charleston’s springtime festivals and events to your trip itinerary, too. In April, you can attend the simply named Charleston Festival, now in its 79^th year and which celebrates all things Charleston. Highlights of the fest include house and garden tours, art exhibits, lectures, concerts, and more.

Then, there’s the April High Water Festival, which is a music fest, this year welcoming headliners like Sheryl Crow and My Morning Jacket.

Obviously, if you head to the southern tip of Florida, you’re going to find warmer weather than you would just about anywhere else in the country—but the best part about Miami in April? You can reliably expect fewer crowds than you might see in the winter months, while also enjoying less humidity than will plague you in the summer months. Plus! The spring break crowds from March have cleared out! It’s a win all around.

Temps range through the 70s and 80s. You’ll also find a plethora of events going on in Miami each April, from film to music to food fests.

You can definitely head to the beach when vacationing in North Carolina’s Outer Banks in April, but you might not want to get in the water. The air temperatures hover around the 60s, so bring a jacket, beachcomb and enjoy the fact that the summer crowds haven’t descended just yet.

This destination might be an extra-special pick for foodies in April. The month welcomes both the Outer Banks Taste of the Beach and the Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival.

Plus, since the weather is more mild, it’s the perfect excuse to see some of the area’s top sites without overheating. For example, head on over to Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills or go on a tour to see the Corolla wild horses.

Another destination where the weather is mild and pleasant in April, even if it’s not get-in-your-bikini-and-head-out-into-the-waves warm, Big Sur is a good pick for those who want to see the destination in all its spring glory, and also get in a bit of hiking between trips to the shore.

Whether you’re driving along Highway 1, hopping between amazing restaurants with ocean views or catching the photo ops at Garrapata State Park or Partington Cove, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your day. As for the best beach, consider going to Sand Dollar Beach, Pfeiffer Beach or Willow Creek Beach (you’ll also find coastline to explore at Garrapata State Park).

If you’ve really been wanting to plan a trip to Hawaii, but you’ve been put off by the high prices and the potential crowds, now’s the time to go. April offers lower travel costs, as well as fewer crowds than what you might see if you were to visit in the winter or summer.

If you’ve never been to Hawaii before, though, you’re probably wondering which island you should visit. While they all have their pros and cons, a good place for beginners to start is simply with Oahu. 

It’s easy to get to, with the major airport in Honolulu and plenty of connections to the mainland, and it offers everything a traveler could need—plenty of beaches, loads of accommodations options, endless things to do, etc. No matter what you’re into: hiking and outdoor adventure, culinary tourism, museums and history, you name it—you’ll find it.

On the Texas Gulf Coast, South Padre Island in April provides you with temperatures that creep into the mid-80s, and fewer crowds the further into the month you get (if you’re worried about the spring breakers, that is). Yeah, the water’s going to be a bit cold, but you’ll have no trouble beach lounging in your swimsuit.

With the spring breakers gone, April in South Padre Island is a bit more low-key and relaxed, though you will find things liven up around Easter, due to the many events surrounding the holiday. The week leading up to Easter is also a popular time, given the Semana Santa celebrations, the Mexican recognition of Holy Week.

In April, San Diego only sees, on average, about four days of rain per month, so you’re nearly guaranteed a dry time. The average temps are typically in the 60s, but you can still get out in the water, so long as you’ve packed your wetsuit.

When you’re not in the water or on the beach (which is pleasantly less crowded), you can enjoy hikes throughout the nearby gorgeous scenery, or you can explore the many, many things to do in San Diego, from the zoo to museums to baseball games. San Diego is especially a good pick for multi-generational family travel, as there’s just so much to do and so many options for every type of traveler.

Try to get out to see the Carlsbad Ranch Flower Fields, which should be in full bloom come April, or attend the Coronado Flower Show.

Back in Florida, Naples is going to give you great 80-degree days and low humidity. Some crowds may still be leftover from the winter, though, so try to book your trip as far in advance as you can to get the best deals possible.

If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the great outdoors beyond your beach days, you have a range of options. Consider going paddling at Clam Pass Park. Go hiking at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. For something a little more manicured, visit the Naples Botanical Garden. Of course, if you prefer being outdoors without actually being around much nature, you can always get in your fresh air as you dip in and out of the shops along Fifth Avenue and Third Street.

On the other side of the country, Santa Catalina Island stands as one of the U.S. beach destinations that truly feels as if it’s in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, not right off the U.S. mainland.

The April temperatures are in the high 60s and low 70s, and the crowds are low, unless you’re visiting around Easter or in the beginning part of the month, when spring break crowds are still trickling through.

Paddle, snorkel, hike and bike, and enjoy watching the island green up in preparation for summer. 

All the above still not hot enough for you? April is one of the best months to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, as the weather is hot but not too hot (think beach-ready weather without sweating your bum off), while little rain is in the forecast.

Which Virgin Island you visit, though, will depend on your travel preferences. If you like lots to do and easy access, with all the conveniences that come with a major travel hub, go to St. Thomas. You’ll love the shopping, nightlife, and events. If you want something quieter and tons of nature explorations, try St. John. St. Croix, meanwhile, also offers low crowds, and a good mix of history and nature.