3 Underrated U.S. Spring Travel Destinations in 2023

Whether looking for a family travel destination this spring, an adults-only getaway or a special Mother’s Day weekend, these three U.S. destinations offer different activities for different interests. For inspiration, here are three great (but underrated) spring destinations:

Newport Beach, California

Ideal for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Newport Beach sees less of the crowds associated with other Californian beaches, while maintaining that beloved sunny weather. While at Newport Beach, head to Newport Beach Pier to walk and enjoy the views. Many restaurants and shops sit within walking distance of the pier, as well.

© Newport Beach & Company

For amusement park fun, Balboa Fun Zone features rides, games and attractions, while a Newport Harbor Cruise welcomes guests of all ages to take to the waters, with some tours offering chances to spot dolphins and whales. Newport Beach whale watching season lasts through April, in which humpback whales, gray whales and even dolphins venture near the coast. For more outdoor fun, visit the Environmental Nature Center to learn about the natural world with interactive exhibits, trails and gardens. Over at Newport Aquatic Center, visitors can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and other watercraft. Accommodations like Hyatt Regency Newport Beach and Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa comprise two great spots for base camp.

Cleveland, Ohio

Music fans love Cleveland thanks to its world-famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but this Midwestern town boasts many other attractions for travelers this spring, as well. NASA’s only visitor center in the Midwest, Great Lakes Science Center, lies in Cleveland. The city also is home to Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

© Destination Cleveland + Jeff Greenberg

On top of these great museums and educational centers, Cleveland invites families to visit any of its various family-friendly restaurants, including Tabletop Board Game Café, a restaurant with more than 1,000 board games. The city also features Cleveland Botanical Garden, a 10-acre garden with many plants and flowers, as well as a butterfly exhibit. Even more? This spring, Cleveland is the first U.S. stop for the Disney Animation Immersive Experience.

A trip isn’t complete without a relaxing night, and ROOST Apartment Hotel and Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade are both great places for families, with larger rooms for clans of all sizes.

Richmond, Virginia

A history lover’s paradise, Richmond, Virginia, is a great way to introduce kids to American history, all while avoiding the crowds often associated with nearby Washington, D.C. The Children’s Museum of Richmond includes interactive exhibits and activities for children ages 0–10, while the nearby Science Museum of Virginia is a kid favorite, with exhibits on science, technology, engineering and math.

The Virginia General Assembly, a building designed by Thomas Jefferson, offers guided biking tours. Families can extend their time outside with a trip to River Park, a 550-acre park along the James River, where kids can hike, bike, fish and play.

For food, there’s no shortage of great restaurants, including Sub Rosa bakery, Lehja, Mama J’s Kitchen and more. Stay the night at Graduate Richmond, a hotel offering spacious family suite rooms just a few blocks from Virginia Commonwealth University’s campus.