7 Popular Destinations for Each Time of Year
Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall—where to celebrate nature's seasons
Every season has its own magic, from glistening snow that blankets the Rockies to flower-filled meadows that signal the first signs of spring.
Whether you’re a snow lover craving the crisp bite of winter air, a sunseeker yearning for endless summer days, or someone captivated by the vibrant hues of autumn colors, our world offers a wide array of destinations that come alive in different ways throughout the year. So, pack your bags and plan your trip, as we unveil some of our favorite destinations for every season.
Spring
Scottsdale, Arizona
With its warm weather, vivid desert colors, and outdoor activities, Scottsdale, Arizona, is an excellent spring trip. Many come to this desert city to watch spring baseball training or play at the city’s numerous golf courses. Hiking is a favorite spring pastime, especially at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, while others go kayaking or tubing on the Lower Salt River.
Exploring Old Town Scottsdale is a must for a delightful spring day, whether you’re dining outdoors at one of its fine restaurants or perusing its unique boutiques and galleries.
Kyoto, Japan
If you’d prefer to explore a little farther from home, Kyoto, Japan, is an excellent spring destination. Famous for its delicate pink cherry blossoms, Kyoto transforms into a colorful landscape during spring. Pink blossoms decorate many of the city’s iconic locations, from historic temples and traditional gardens to picturesque streets.
Spring in Japan brings pleasant temperatures, which means you can explore outdoor attractions in comfort. Don’t miss the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine and the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which offers several gentle trails through the bamboo forest.
Summer
Alaska
Alaska in the summer brings extended daylight hours, providing ample time to explore this fascinating destination. One of the best ways to see Alaska is by cruise ship, visiting renowned destinations like Glacier Bay or Frontier towns like Ketchikan and Skagway.
Summer showcases Alaska's breathtaking landscapes with colorful wildflowers, lush greenery, and wildlife activity at its peak. Humpback whales frequent Alaskan waters in summertime, and visitors often see Alaska's Big 5:bear, moose, Dall sheep, wolf, and caribou. This is the prime viewing season for iconic events such as the great migration of salmon and the calving of glaciers.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Summer is the perfect time to visit the Willamette Valley, the heart ofOregonwine country. This 150-mile-long valley runs from the Columbia River in Portland to the Calapooya Mountains outside Eugene, Oregon. Famous for its world-class wineries, the valley's vineyards flourish under the summer sun, creating a picturesque setting for wine enthusiasts.
Visiting the many tasting rooms that dot the valley is a highlight of any visit, but there are other ways to explore the region, from scenic hikes to cycling trails and visiting bustling farmers markets. Travelers can stay at small inns, a bed-and-breakfast, or even the Vintages Trailer Resort, which has 35 fully restored and new, custom-fabricated trailers.
Fall
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Harvest season unfolds in the splendor of fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountain town of Hendersonville, North Carolina, as vineyards and apple orchards burst with fall colors and flavors.
Warm days, cool nights, and mountain slopes are ideal for the region’s European vinifera and French-American hybrid grapes. Grapevines are rooted in the same soil that has nurtured orchards for two centuries. Henderson County regularly ranks among America’s top 20 apple-producing counties, and throughout autumn, orchards buzz with activity.
Visitors enjoy the U-pick experience while strolling along rows of apple trees and taking in mountain views stretching beyond the orchards. Some farms grow more than 20 apple varieties that gradually ripen at different points from August through October. Hayrides, corn mazes, apple cannons, fresh cider doughnuts, and apple pies add to the experience.
Portland, Maine
Fall in Maine bursts into a captivating symphony of colors and coastal allure. As autumn leaves paint the city in red and gold, the cobblestone streets of Portland’s Old Port District come alive with seasonal charm. The weather is pleasant, and outdoor patios are filled with diners enjoying fresh seafood and sea breezes. Local lighthouses and historic parks are framed with autumn colors, making a fall visit to Portland an enchanting escape for those seeking a New England vacation.
Winter
Rocky Mountains in Colorado
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains take center stage during the winter. Abundant snow covers the hills, creating a winter playground for skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and more. Family-friendly destinations like Winter Park, Telluride, Estes Park, and Steamboat Springs offer outdoor fun for all ages. If you’re lucky, you’ll enjoy all the fun activities under one of Colorado’s famous brilliant blue skies.
Quebec City, Quebec
Winter is celebrated with so many things to do in Quebec City, Quebec. The iconic Old Town, draped in snow, becomes a whimsical wonderland. The Hôtel de Glace, Quebec’s famous ice hotel built with 2,300 blocks of ice and 15,000 tons of snow, is open from January to March. The highlight of the season is the beloved annual Winter Carnival, a legendary celebration filled with parades, ice skating, sledding, races, ice sculptures, and fun events for kids. Warming up at cozy cafes over steaming cups of hot chocolate is part of the charm. Quebec City is a fun destination at any time of year, but during the winter, it’s truly magical.