So it’s not quite spring, and winter is yet to be over throughout much of the USA. Whether you are dreaming of escaping for spring break, want a ski holiday in the mountains, or just need a little bit of fun in the sun there are plenty of amazing places to visit in March in the USA.
March brings mild weather, fewer crowds, off peak prices, and some fun festivals and events throughout much of the country. So if you didn’t get the chance to travel anywhere in February, here are a few of our favorite places to travel in March in the US.
Best Places to Visit in March in the USA
1. Na Pali Coast, Hawaii
Everyone knows that Hawaii is the place to go to in the United States for the ultimate tropical vacation. Still, many people have never heard of the Na Pali Coast which is a beautiful 17-mile stretch of coastline on Kauai that makes for the perfect spring vacation destination in March.
You can expect temperatures to reach an average of 79°C on land and 75°F in the water, so hitting the beach will likely be one of your favorite things to do while you’re there. When planning your trip to Hawaii, booking a Na Pali Coast boat tour is essential.
Spend the rest of your time admiring the spectacular scenery and visiting top attractions including Waimea Canyon State Park, Kokeʻe State Park, Kalalau Lookout, Wailua Falls and the Awa’awapuhi Trail.
2. Antelope Valley, California
It’s only about an hour away from the bustling city of Los Angeles but it seems like a world away from the madness! You’ve likely never heard of Antelope Valley, but with its cooler temperatures and lack of large crowds, it’s an amazing place to visit in March which also happens to be poppy season.
It’s something to see when these beautiful flowers bloom and the best place to see this spectacular scene is in the Antelope Valley California Poppy State Natural Reserve, which features over eight miles of hiking trails.
Other popular attractions in the area include Six Flags Magic Mountain, Prime Desert Woodland Preserve and the Museum of Art and History.
3. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is an iconic place to visit any time of year but in March, you get a combination of comfortable temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold. It’s also the start of the busy sports season for the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics and the large St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that take place on Market Street.
The fantastic weather makes it easy to explore the city and see its many attractions including Golden Gate Park, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, the Exploratorium, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Coit Tower.
4. Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg is known for many things including its wineries and its vibrant German culture. In March, it’s known for its warm weather with an average temperature of 74°F and fewer crowds than you’d see in the peak summer season.
Some of the top attractions to visit include the Pioneer Museum, National Museum of the Pacific War, Historic Fort Martin Scott and Old Tunnel State Park.
5. Arches National Park, Utah
The area around Moab has some of the most stunning landscapes in the American Southwest. In March, the temperatures in Arches National Park are a cool 50°F on average and the crowds are almost non-existent which makes it a great place to go before April sets in. That is, if hiking and other outdoor activities are on your mind!
Delicate Arch, Sand Dune Arch, Fiery Furnace, Balanced RockDevil’s Garden, The Windows, Double Arch and Landscape Arch are just some of the natural features you can explore in this park. With entry permitted 24 hours a day, you can go there after dark and watch a night sky free of light pollution!
6. Washington DC
Easily one of the best places to visit Although it’s quite cold in Washington DC in March, it’s surprisingly busy. In fact, March is one of the city’s busiest times with many people coming to attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival later in the month.
Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, Washington Monument, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, United States Capitol, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and National Gallery of Art are just some of the must-see attractions to check out around the city.
7. Santa Fe, New Mexico
In March, the weather tends to be mild in Santa Fe with temperatures averaging 55°F. Nice weather, combined with fewer crowds and stunning landscapes, makes it an incredible destination for hiking this time of year.
Take a hike along the Old Santa Fe Trail, admire the old adobe architecture of Old Town, or head up into the nearby mountains and enjoy some downhill skiing.
Some of the popular attractions in Santa Fe include Santa Fe Plaza, Meow Wolf Santa Fe, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and New Mexico History Museum.
8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
It’s quite cold in Rocky Mountain National Park in March with temperatures averaging around 35°F but that doesn’t stop many winter weather enthusiasts from going there to enjoy a range of outdoor activities.
Plus, you don’t need to purchase a permit to visit the park this time of year! Hiking, or snowshoeing if there’s lots of snow still on the ground, can be done on the many trails including Emerald Lake, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Bear Lake and the challenging Long’s Peak.
9. Atlanta, Georgia
During the summer, Atlanta is one of the hottest destinations in the United States, but that’s not the case in March if you want to enjoy an exciting, culturally-diverse city without the heat. This is also the time of year when you can attend the city’s lively St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival.
There are many amazing attractions in Atlanta including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and High Museum of Art.
10. St. Augustine, Florida
The weather in St. Augustine in March is sunny and warm with an average temperature of about 74°F, but the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet so you can explore the oldest city in the United States in peace. As you explore the city, you’ll see colorful gardens starting to bloom and many natural and historical attractions.
Castillo de San Marco and St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park are top attractions in the city.
In March, visitors come for the festivals which include the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Celtic Music and Heritage Festival, the Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Seafood Festival.
11. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
While you won’t be swimming in the ocean if you visit Myrtle Beach in March, you’ll be able to see and do many other things without the summer heat and crowds. One popular thing to check out is the flowers at Brookgreen Gardens which are starting to bloom.
The weather is nice enough to take a stroll along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk or golf on one of the fantastic golf courses. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, Hollywood Wax Museum and the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum are a few of the great attractions to check out.
12. Hot Springs, Arkansas
In March, the temperatures are never too cold or too hot in Hot Springs; they’re just right for exploring the many indoor and outdoor attractions. The most popular attraction is the Garvan Woodland Gardens which hosts the Tulip Festival each March.
Some of the area’s other top attractions include Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs Mountain Tower, Fordyce Bathhouse, Gangster Museum of America and the Mid-America Science Museum.
13. Mobile, Alabama
While the temperatures are pretty warm in Mobile in March, at around 75°F, they’re not too warm to comfortably spend time outdoors. You’ll also notice that there aren’t that many people around this time of year so you’ll have many of the attractions almost all to yourself.
A top March event in Mobile is the Festival of Flowers, but if you’re not around to attend this festival, you can enjoy the area’s attractions including USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, the History Museum of Mobile, Colonial Fort Condé and Oakleigh House Museum.
14. Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
If you thought Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard were only summer destinations, think again! One of the best places to cisit in March in the USA is just near Cape Cod.
March is a fantastic time to visit these two beautiful New England islands even if the temperature is only an average of 38°F. Besides avoiding the summer crowds, you might get to see the area blanketed in snow, which is quite a lovely sight.
While some attractions may not be open, you can still walk along those sandy beaches, explore the little boutique shops and sit down to a hot bowl of the famous clam chowder the islands are known for.
In Nantucket, top attractions include the Brant Point Lighthouse, Madaket Beach and its fabulous sunsets and Cisco Brewers where you can enjoy live music and craft beer. Martha’s Vineyard is home to the Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook and Mass Audubon’s Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.
15. Savannah, Georgia
Being in the southern United States, Savannah Georgia is another destination that sees warm temperatures and fewer crowds in March. As one of the most picturesque cities in the country, just walking around Savannah is a treat.
But it’s also rich in culture and history which is on display in many museums and historic sites including Savannah Historic District, Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, Wormsloe Historic Site, Ships of The Sea Maritime Museum and Chippewa Square.
The St. Paddy’s Day Festival is a lively event that takes place in March, and a haunted tour with Hearse Ghost Tours of one of America’s most haunted cities is always a fun thing to do.
16. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is one of the best places to visit in March. With an average temperature of 67°F and fewer crowds, March is an ideal time to visit Palm Springs, especially if you want to explore its natural side. Hiking is popular in the area and there are many beautiful trails including the Cove Oasis Trail, Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon.
Popular attractions include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs Art Museum, Moorten Botanical Garden and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. A popular event in March is the Palm Springs International Dance Festival.
17. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is a big city so imagine how crowded it is in the summer! Though never quiet, if you go there in March, you don’t have to worry about excess crowds but you’ll enjoy warm, comfortable temperatures that are perfect for attending the pub crawls and block parties that take place around St. Patrick’s Day.
Just be sure to also check out the city’s top attractions which include Griffiths Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, and the Walk of Fame.For an easy escape out of the city, take a drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway and explore sandy beaches and beautiful parks.
18. Ennis, Texas
March is one of the best times to travel to Ennis, Texas as the temperatures are much more tolerable than they are during a Texan summer. Averaging around 60°F, you’ll experience perfect temperatures for exploring this lovely town and the Bluebonnet Trails that open around this time.
As you explore the more than 40 miles of trails, you’ll witness the colorful spring bloom. Be sure to check out the Ennis Railroad & Cultural Heritage Museum and Kachina Prairie Park while you’re in town
19. Tampa, Florida
In March, Spring Festivals are king in Tampa and with temperatures hovering around 78°F, the weather is perfect for festival season! With so many festivals such as the Florida Strawberry Festival, Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, Tampa Bay Beer Week and the Tampa Bay AirFest, there’s something for everyone.
When not attending a festival, explore the city’s many parks, head to Busch Gardens to ride some thrilling roller coasters, hit up one of the beautiful beaches in the area, or visit the many attractions including The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, Henry B. Plant Museum and Tampa Bay History Center.
20. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
You never know what the weather will be like in Philadelphia in March, but usually there’s still snow on the ground and the temperatures are still cool. It’s a lively time in a city on the local sports scene, and the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place.
Restaurant Week allows locals and visitors to try out some of the city’s best restaurants for a fraction of the normal cost. Top attractions in the city include The Franklin Institute, Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Liberty Bell and Museum of the American Revolution.
21. Moab, Utah
Moab is easily one of the best places to visit in March in the USA. Comfortable temperatures, great outdoor escapes, fewer crowds and a quirky little town await visitors. This is what Moab is known for, and if you want to visit an incredible destination without the crowds and heat, March is the time to go.
Spend a day exploring the unique shops and cozy cafes of Downtown Moab or head out into the great outdoors to explore Dead Horse Point State Park and other outdoor attractions. Rainy days are rare, but if you catch yourself in a downpout, head to the Moab Museum and learn about local history.
22. Sun Valley Resort, Idaho
If you’re after a bit of powder, Idaho is one of the best places to visit in March in the USA. Some ski hills around the country may start to wind down their ski season come mid to end of March but Sun Valley Resort is still very much skiable with plenty of snow, blue skies and sun!
The temperatures are perfect for skiing with some days being mild enough to shed some layers. Off the slopes, enjoy a range of dining options including cozy lounges with delicious food and live music.
23. Asheville, North Carolina
The weather in Asheville in March is up and down. Sometimes it’s sunny and warm, while other times, snow is possible but on average, temperatures hover around 58°F and the skies are clear and sunny. One thing is for certain – it’s a\
lways beautiful!
There are many things to see in Asheville with the most popular thing being the Biltmore Mansion, where the Biltmore Blossoms Celebration takes place in mid-March.
Other noteworthy attractions include the Western North Carolina Nature Center, Asheville Pinball Museum, North Carolina Arboretum, Botanical Gardens at Asheville, River Arts District and Southern Highland Craft Guild and the Folk Art Center.
24. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
With spectacular canyons, towering gypsum sand dunes and fascinating geological features, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a great place to visit any time of year. Still, in March, you’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures, sunny skies and minimal crowds.
Some of the most popular hiking trails are Guadalupe Peak, Devil’s Hall, McKittrick Canyon Trail and Permian Reef Trail. El Capitan Lookout and Dog Canyon are also worth checking out.
25. Carlsbad, California
If viewing colorful fields full of blooming flowers is something you look forward to seeing in springtime, Carlsbad is one of the best places to visit in the USA in March.
This beautiful coastal village with its beaches, golf courses, and lavish resorts features a range of attractions including Sea Life Aquarium, Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad Ranch and Green Dragon Tavern & Museum. Did I mention the weather is quite nice with temperatures averaging 66°F? Perfect for escaping any winter blues.
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip:We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
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FAQs
25 BEST Places to Visit in March in the USA? ›
March is a neutral month and often brings lower flight prices, less mass tourism, and milder temperatures. It is the perfect time to travel. If you're looking for some inspiration, check out our list of 10 places where to travel in March.
Is March a good month to travel? ›March is a neutral month and often brings lower flight prices, less mass tourism, and milder temperatures. It is the perfect time to travel. If you're looking for some inspiration, check out our list of 10 places where to travel in March.
Is March a good time to visit USA? ›The best time to visit the USA is either during spring (late March to late May) or autumn (late September to late October). These are the shoulder seasons before and after summer, so promise mild temperatures and fewer visitors in the most popular destinations.
Is South Carolina warm in March? ›March is the beginning of the beautiful spring season in South Carolina, with blooming flowers and green landscapes. The average high temperatures are in the 56°F to 69°F range, while the average low temperatures are in the 35°F to 49°F zone.
Where is best to travel in spring? ›- Majorca. The biggest of the Balearic Islands, Majorca is a wonderful destination for a spring holiday. ...
- Crete. ...
- Morocco. ...
- Costa Brava. ...
- Costa Blanca. ...
- Seville. ...
- Malta. ...
- Dubai.
- Seoul.
- Naples.
- Puebla.
- Grand Canyon National Park.
- New Orleans.
- Amsterdam.
- Sedona.
- San Diego.
The tradition of spring break began in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. in 1938 with a swim forum event. Today, Spring Break has become a time for young people to have a vacation, but also to travel to places where frivolous behavior can ensue.
What month is best to travel cheap? ›Booking flights in late August or early September will give you the cheapest deals for shoulder season. But January takes the cake as the least expensive month to book flights and travel.
Why do people travel in March? ›Crowds & costs
It's the hot and sunny weather that attracts so many visitors over the season, making March a great time to visit if you don't enjoy either crowds of tourists or the heat!
In March, the warmest place in Florida is typically the southern tip of the state. Key West is usually the warmest, with an average temperature of 77°F (25°C). Other areas of south Florida, such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale, also tend to be quite warm during this time.
What is the cheapest month to visit USA? ›
Top tips for finding cheap flights to the United States
High season is considered to be July, August and September. The cheapest month to fly from India is February.
Things to know before the visit – December to February is generally considered to be low tourist season. As such, one should optimise on regions that offer attractive deals on travel and accommodation.
What is the best time to visit Hawaii? ›The best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September. This is when the islands see the highest temperatures and the lowest amount of rain. It's the perfect time to enjoy the beach or the water.
Is Myrtle Beach warm enough in March? ›Myrtle Beach weather in March is warm, and after a short-lived, yet slightly chilly winter, the sunshine and heat are a welcome change. The average air temperature for this time of year is 68℉, which is ideal for outdoor activities.
What is the warmest state in March? ›The warmest states in March are Florida, Hawaii, Texas, California, and Arizona. The warmest cities based on average highs are: 85°F – Everglades National Park, Florida.
How warm is Myrtle Beach in March? ›Average high March temperatures hover in the mid-60s, making it a perfect time to explore the outdoors around the Grand Strand. Of course, the beach is the most scenic (and free) spot to plant yourself during March in Myrtle Beach.
What is the biggest spring break destination? ›Florida leads the way, of course, followed by Texas, Utah, California and Arizona. The Sunshine State is also home to three of the most popular spring break cities in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Daytona Beach. Other coveted U.S. cities, according to Semrush, include Myrtle Beach, New York City and New Orleans.
How do I plan a spring break trip? ›- Break the stereotype. ...
- Book early and rigorously research the best deals. ...
- Plan a budget and stick to it. ...
- Use apps. ...
- Be responsible. ...
- Be prepared for the unknown and always be safe.
Ecuador. For year-round spring, Cuenca, Ecuador is the place to be. Don't let this country's name fool you. Despite its location on the equator, Ecuador's elevation helps temper the heat.
Where do people from Florida go for spring break? ›Orlando. Orlando consistently tops the charts as the No. 1 Spring Break destination in Florida. The big attraction, of course, is the multiplex of theme parks with Disney World, Legoland and Universal Studios leading the way.
Why is spring the best time to travel? ›
Smaller Crowds
Spring is still considered shoulder season in many places, so prices are cheaper, crowds are smaller and temperatures are enjoyably mild.
The concept of spring break began in 1938 with a swim forum event in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. By around 1960, however, students had begun to come to the town in great numbers, and local businesses took advantage of this influx by offering specials such as all-you-can-drink beer for $1.50.
Why do people go to Florida for spring break? ›With over 1,000 miles of beautiful, uncrowded beaches, a Florida spring break sparks the imagination with daydreams of sunbathing and partying on the sand. The best Florida spring break destinations offer more than fun for beach bums. They offer unique adventure opportunities and fan-favorite amusement parks.
What is spring break season in Florida? ›Spring break is in March to mid-April, making it high season at the beach resorts all over Florida, but particularly in the key destinations of Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Daytona, and Fort Lauderdale.
What is the spring break capital of the US? ›Panama City Beach, Florida is known as the “Spring Break Capital Of The World” for a good reason! College students discovered this little beach paradise in the early '90s, and MTV soon followed. There are 27 miles of sugar-white sands and emerald green waters.
Is Hawaii a good place to go for spring break? ›Hawaii offers a classic spring break vacation with glamorous resorts, Insta-worthy beaches, and crowd-pleasing destinations.
What US city is usually considered the birthplace of spring break? ›2) What U.S. city is usually considered the birthplace of spring break? Spring break as we know began in 1936 when a swimming coach from Colgate University in frigid Upstate New York decided to take his team down to Florida for some early training at a brand-new Olympic-size pool in sunny Fort Lauderdale.
Is Las Vegas a big spring break destination? ›Las Vegas is the perfect place to spend spring break. It's the vacation that Hollywood makes movies about time and time again, whether for making questionable decisions with friends to spending time celebrating for a bachelor party or bachelorette party — or any party at all.
What dates are most spring breaks? ›How long is Spring Break for colleges and universities? Spring Break last about a week or two for most institutions. Some give students time off during the last week of March and another break for Easter. The bulk of colleges and universities will be on holiday between 11 March and 1 April in 2023.
Why is Florida popular for spring break? ›Florida combines an exotic climate with the safety of accessible transportation. The many beaches that line the state cater to spring breakers and vacationers by placing hotels, bars, and restaurants along the shoreline. Close quarters make it easy to go straight from the club to the hotel room without driving.
Is March break a thing in America? ›
There is no uniform "March break" in the USA. School and university spring vacations are scattered through March and April. Colleges/Universities tend to have what we call Spring Break in March, different weeks. School kids usually have Spring Break either the week before or the week after Easter.
What time of year is Hawaii cheapest? ›- The Fall. September through the first two weeks of December are the off-peak or "low season" in Hawaii. ...
- April and May. The months between the end of the winter rainy season and the start of summer offer great prices and fantastic weather.
Generally, the most affordable rates for both flights and hotels in Hawaii will be primarily during the fall and somewhat so during the spring. For accommodations, the months of September through November (sometimes into early December) offer the best hotel deals, again excluding Thanksgiving.
What months are affordable to visit Hawaii? ›The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is during February and March. The most expensive month to fly is December when the holiday period falls, with January being very expensive as well. The peak travel months of June and July are surprisingly not the most expensive months for flights, with middle figure prices.
Why does everyone go to Miami for spring break? ›Miami, Florida, is a favorite destination for spring breakers from around the world. With its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and exciting nightlife, Miami offers something for everyone. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or your significant other, there are plenty of options to consider.
What percentage of people travel over spring break? ›30% of U.S. adults have travel plans during the spring break period, similar to 2022, but travelers' behaviors and expectations are different than they were last year.
Why is Vegas so busy in March? ›Join the crowds in March
March is the busiest time for conferences, and these coincide with college basketball playoffs known as "March Madness." If you're looking for crowds, this is when to find them, otherwise this is not the best time to visit: room and car-rental rates go through the roof. Key events: St.
March is a very good time to visit Las Vegas. The weather is typically sunny and pleasant. Temperatures rise to summer-like degrees during the day but are still far from the extreme summer heat.
Is Myrtle Beach popular for spring break? ›Not only is Myrtle Beach a good choice for your spring break trip, but it's one of the most popular spring break destinations on the East Coast.