March is a fantastic month for travel in the USA. As winter fades, many destinations warm up and spring blooms begin. Traveling in March often means thinner crowds and shoulder-season deals. In this guide, we cover the best places to visit in March USA, from sunny tropical isles to cultural cities. You’ll find warm beaches, stunning landscapes, family-friendly spots, and exciting events like Mardi Gras and cherry blossoms. Each location includes highlights, tips, and links to learn more. Let’s explore the 10 top destinations for your March adventures!
Table of Contents
USA city skyline at dusk – an iconic travel destination.
1. Hawaii (Big Island and Kauai)
Hawaii ranks as one of the best places to visit in March USA for warm weather and natural beauty. March is a shoulder season in Hawaii, meaning fewer crowds and good deals. On the Big Island and Kauai, you’ll enjoy sunny days and whales spouting offshore. Humpback whale-watching season peaks in winter and spring, so March is ideal. You can snorkel among tropical fish, hike lush rainforests, or relax on white-sand beaches. Don’t miss Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island or the dramatic Nā Pali Coast on Kauai best places to visit in March USA.
- Highlights: Snorkeling, whale-watching, hiking to waterfalls, visiting volcanoes.
- Tip: March weather is warm (low 70s–80s°F) but occasional brief showers, especially on Kauai. Avoid mid-March spring break crowds if possible.
The Garden Isle of Kauai is nicknamed “The Isle of Aloha” for its emerald valleys and aloha spirit. You can hike the famous Waimea Canyon trail or kayak the Wailua River under waterfalls. Off-season perks include lower hotel rates and pleasant hiking conditions. For romance or anniversaries, consider Maui or Kauai – quieter beaches and spectacular sunsets make for a perfect honeymoon getaway best places to visit in March USA
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a lively best place to visit in March USA, especially for festival fans and history buffs. The famous Mardi Gras carnival usually ends in late February, so early March is a “last call” of parades and parties. By mid-March, the city celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with Irish parades, green beer and music. The weather in March is warm but comfortable, often in the mid-60s–70s°F. Spring blooms along Bayou St. John and City Park add charm without the summer crowds best places to visit in March USA
In the French Quarter, enjoy live jazz on Bourbon Street (quieter after Mardi Gras) and sip cocktails in historic bars. Don’t miss a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi. New Orleans is also family-friendly – children love the Audubon Aquarium and Riverfront strolls. The food scene is world-class: savor gumbo, beignets, and Creole flavors.
- Don’t Miss: French Quarter and Bourbon Street, St. Louis Cemetery, Garden District walking tour, live jazz clubs, riverboat cruise best places to visit in March USA
- Tip: Book early for any late-March events (St. Paddy’s parade on March 17). Hotel deals are good until spring break kicks in best places to visit in March USA
“The Big Easy” truly comes alive in March with cultural celebrations and milder weather. According to travel experts, this transition into spring offers a perfect balance of warmth and local festivals best places to visit in March USA
3. Washington, D.C. – Cherry Blossoms
Washington, D.C. shines in late March as the Cherry Blossom Festival begins. The iconic Tidal Basin is ringed with thousands of pink and white cherry trees, a gift from Japan. Peak bloom typically occurs in the last week of March or early April. Early morning walks around the Basin at sunrise are magical – you’ll see the monuments reflected in the water and fewer crowds best places to visit in March USA
Beyond flowers, D.C. has springtime weather in the 50s–60s°F, perfect for exploring. The National Mall’s museums (many free) are must-visits: the Smithsonian Museums, National Gallery, and Air & Space Museum. History fans can tour the Capitol, White House (by advance tour), and Lincoln Memorial. Georgetown and DuPont Circle offer charming cafes and shops best places to visit in March USA.
- Highlights: Cherry Blossom Festival (late March to April), monuments on the Mall, Smithsonian museums, and memorials.
- Tip: Check the Cherry Blossom Watch forecast and plan park walks or a river cruise around March 25–31. Book any festival events in advance best places to visit in March USA.
The festival includes cultural events and performances, so Washington in March is both scenic and lively. Many sources list D.C. among the best places to visit in early March in USA due to this bloom. (It’s also family-friendly: kids enjoy the National Zoo and interactive museum exhibits.)
4. Miami & Florida (South Florida)
South Florida offers some of the warmest places to visit in March USA. Miami and the Florida Keys have high temperatures around 75–80°F. South Beach’s art deco skyline and golden sands draw crowds for spring break, but early March still has bargains before peak season. This is also Miami Music Week – a major electronic music festival – if nightlife is your scene best places to visit in March USA.
Beyond Miami, the entire Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida warm up. Places like Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and Key West are great beach escapes. In Orlando (central Florida), theme parks reopen in spring – Disneyland World and Universal Studios are perfect for families. According to Florida tourism data, spring (March–May) is the busiest quarter with about 31 million visitors, reflecting how popular the state is in March best places to visit in March USA.
- Must-Do: Relax on South Beach or Key West’s beaches, party at Miami nightclubs or festival events, explore the Everglades (airboat tours), and visit theme parks in Orlando.
- Tip: Even in March the sun is strong – wear sunscreen. For families, book Disney or Universal tickets in advance and check for lower crowd days best places to visit in March USA.
Florida is often listed among the best places to visit in March USA warm because of its guaranteed sunshine and outdoor fun. You can count on great weather for boating, fishing, and beach barbecues.
Sunrise over a Florida beach, a warm and popular March destination.
5. San Diego, California
Southern California’s San Diego is a fantastic March getaway. Mild weather (60s–70s°F) and family attractions make it a top choice. The city’s beaches (Mission, Pacific) and parks (Balboa Park’s gardens) are beautiful in early spring. Families love the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and Legoland, all less crowded than summer. In nearby Carlsbad, the famous Flower Fields bloom with 50 acres of ranunculus flowers from early March. According to Reuters, visitors pose for photos among these vibrant blooms in late March best places to visit in March USA.
San Diego also has a lively waterfront and Hispanic culture. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park offers a glimpse of early California. Don’t miss the USS Midway Museum or a sunset sail in the harbor.
- Highlights: San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter nightlife, La Jolla Cove (seals), and the Carlsbad Flower Fields (March–May).
- Tip: The Carlsbad Flower Fields typically bloom from early March through April. Book hotel north of San Diego for easy access to them best places to visit in March USA.
In summary, San Diego’s mix of beaches, family parks, and springtime flowers make it one of the best places to visit in March USA for families. As a tourism site notes, San Diego is “fantastic March destination” for wildlife and blooms best places to visit in March USA.
6. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a unique choice for a March USA trip. This desert town is set among towering red rock formations and offers mild, pleasant hiking weather. In March, Sedona hosts outdoor events like the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival and Aries hikes. The days are warm (60s–70s°F) and nights cool. You can hike the famous Cathedral Rock or Devils Bridge trails without the peak summer heat best places to visit in March USA.
The town itself has an artsy vibe, with galleries and local shops. Nearby attractions include Montezuma Castle National Monument and Oak Creek Canyon best places to visit in March USA.
- Highlights: Hiking red rocks, biking trails, jeep tours, and enjoying the small-town arts scene.
- Tip: Bring layers – mornings can be chilly. Check local event calendars (e.g., bike or music festivals) as March often has spring events.
Travel writers often list Sedona as a best place to visit in March USA for nature lovers. As noted in one travel guide, Sedona’s weather is “ideal for hiking among stunning red rock formations” this time of year best places to visit in March USA.
7. Texas Hill Country (Austin & Wildflowers)
Central Texas blooms in March. The Hill Country around Austin and San Antonio is awash in wildflowers – especially bluebonnets, Texas’s official state flower. In fact, March is peak wildflower season, with electric blue lupine blooms carpeting fields. Mild temperatures (60s°F) and outdoor-friendly weather make driving the Willow City Loop or visiting Enchanted Rock State Park wonderful.
Austin, Texas’s hip capital, is also lively in March. If you time it right, you might catch SXSW (music/film festival) in mid-March. Even without festivals, Austin’s food and music scene is booming. South of Austin, San Antonio’s River Walk is peaceful before summer tourists arrive best places to visit in March USA.
- Highlights: Texas bluebonnet fields (e.g. Willow City Loop), hiking at Enchanted Rock, live music in Austin, historic River Walk in San Antonio best places to visit in March USA.
- Tip: March has spring breakers and festivals. Book Austin hotels early if traveling mid-March. For wildflowers, check Texas wildflower maps – blooms can peak mid to late month best places to visit in March USA.
Texas Hill Country offers warm places to visit in March USA with a distinct Texas flair. As a travel blog notes, March is perfect for seeing Texas Bluebonnets in full bloom, making it one of the most photogenic spring destinations best places to visit in March USA.
8. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s charm makes it a top March pick on the East Coast. The weather in early spring is mild (highs around the 60s°F), perfect for strolling the historic district’s cobblestone streets. You’ll enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides past antebellum mansions and lush gardens. March also brings events like the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, celebrating Southern cuisine (book tickets early!).
Many plants bloom early here – camellias, magnolias, and azaleas start flowering by late March. On the coast just outside Charleston, beaches like Isle of Palms are virtually empty this time of year. Avoiding the humid summer months means you get the Lowcountry experience without sweltering heat best places to visit in March USA.
- Highlights: Historic downtown (Rainbow Row, Battery Park), Boone Hall Plantation, cuisine tours and seafood, and nearby Barrier Island beaches.
- Tip: Bring a light jacket – early March mornings can still feel cool. Watch for festival dates (e.g., wine/food, art events).
According to local guides, March “skips the humid Lowcountry heat” for mild spring weather. That makes Charleston one of the best places to visit in March East Coast USA. With fewer crowds than summer, it’s easy to enjoy the city’s famed hospitality and history.
Cherry blossoms (sakura) in Washington D.C. – peak bloom is typically late March.
9. National Parks: Grand Canyon & Southwest
March is a great time for national parks. The weather is generally dry and cooling from winter but not yet summer’s heat. For example, Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) has daytime highs around 60°F on the rim – brisk but comfortable for hiking along the South Rim trails. Crowds are lighter than summer, and the river is low and clear. Driving along Desert View or hiking the Bright Angel trail are popular activities.
In Utah, parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon are emerging from winter: daytime in the 50s–60s°F and fewer visitors. You can hike the Narrows or Angels Landing with milder conditions (though bring layers, as nights can be cold). The contrast of red rock and late-winter snow in Bryce Canyon is spectacular. Southern Utah sees some spring wildflowers in March as well.
- Highlights: Hiking Grand Canyon viewpoints, photographing hoodoos at Bryce Canyon, and canyon hikes in Zion and Moab.
- Tip: National Park Days are less busy, but services like lodges may have limited hours. Always carry water and layers – desert weather is unpredictable.
Though not on every “top 10” list, the American Southwest’s national parks are among the best places to visit in early March USA for outdoor adventure. The moderate spring weather is ideal for exploring vast landscapes without summer crowds. Even if the day is chilly, sunrise and sunset light makes canyon vistas unforgettable.
10. Other Notable Mentions
Beyond the top ten, here are a few runner-ups to consider in March:
- Aspen, Colorado – If you prefer snow, Aspen still has skiing in early March and the Aspen Music Festival starts mid-month.
- San Francisco, California – Milder spring weather (50s–60s°F) and fewer tourists than summer. Good base for Napa Valley visits.
- Seattle, Washington – Early spring greenery and tulips around the Pacific Northwest. Not warm but lots to do indoors.
- Las Vegas, Nevada – Warm desert spring (up to 70s°F) for pool parties and shows.
- New York City, New York – Cool but exciting; watch the Macy’s Flower Show (late March) and Beat the crowds before spring.
Each of these has its own appeal depending on your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the best places to visit in March in the USA for families?
A: Family-friendly spots include Orlando, Florida (theme parks like Disney World) and San Diego, California (San Diego Zoo, Legoland, beaches). Other great options are Hawaii (Big Island family resorts), Washington D.C. (Smithsonian museums and Cherry Blossom festivities) and Grand Canyon National Park (junior ranger programs).
Q: Which USA destinations are warm in March?
A: The warmest destinations are Hawaii (always tropical), South Florida (Miami, Florida Keys), Southern California (San Diego, Palm Springs), and Southwest deserts (Phoenix, Tucson). Texas (especially Hill Country) also warms up nicely. These places typically see 70s°F daytime highs in March.
Q: What are the best beach places to visit in March USA?
A: The top beach spots include Miami/Key West (Florida), Honolulu (Oahu, Hawaii), Maui, Hawaii, San Diego (California), and the Gulf Coast (Destin, Florida). Even southern California beaches (Malibu, Laguna Beach) are pleasant. Enjoy warm sun, clear water, and fewer crowds before the summer rush.
Q: What is the best place to visit for an anniversary or romantic trip in March in USA?
A: For romance, consider Hawaii (especially Maui or Kauai) for gorgeous sunsets and quiet luxury. Other romantic spots are Napa Valley, CA (wine tours), Charleston, SC (historic inns and lowcountry charm), or Savannah, GA (moss-draped oaks and riverfront). March’s mild weather and off-peak hotel rates add to the appeal.
Q: When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in March USA?
A: The famous Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival usually peaks in late March (around March 20–31). Philadelphia and Brooklyn Botanic Garden (NYC) also have cherry trees bursting into bloom in late March. For the earliest blooms, southern states like Charleston, SC see flowering trees in early March.
Conclusion
March offers incredible diversity for U.S. travel. From warm spring beaches to majestic natural parks, and cultural festivals, there’s something for every traveler. Our guide to the best places to visit in March USA has covered top picks for sunshine, family fun, adventure, and romance. Remember to check local events and weather when planning. Wherever you go, book accommodations early (many destinations fill up for spring break) and take advantage of the milder season.
We hope this thorough list inspires your March getaway. Which of these destinations will you explore next? Share your plans or travel tips below, and don’t forget to share this guide on social media. Safe travels and enjoy your March adventures!
Sources: Information in this article is based on recent travel guides and official data, which provide insights into weather, events, and attractions for each destination. These sources ensure our recommendations are up-to-date and reliable.
