March is that awkward in-between month, right? You're done with winter but spring hasn't quite kicked in everywhere. That's exactly why finding the best places to travel in the US in March matters so much. You want to ditch the heavy coat without baking in summer heat. Maybe you're craving cherry blossoms, maybe desert hikes, or perhaps just a decent beach day without the crowds.
I remember trying to plan a March trip a few years back. Ended up in Chicago expecting mild weather and got sleet. Lesson learned: location is everything this month. Let's cut through the noise and look at spots that actually deliver great experiences in March.
Why March? You get shoulder season perks: fewer tourists, better prices, and nature showing off seasonal changes. Winter sports wind down, spring blooms kick off, and festivals pop up. Timing is key though – early March differs wildly from late March in many regions.
Top Destinations for March Travel in America
Washington D.C. - Cherry Blossom Paradise
Address: Tidal Basin, Washington D.C. (Main viewing area)
Peak Bloom: Late March to early April (Check the National Park Service forecast!)
Why March: The National Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the city. Pink and white blooms frame the monuments. It's magical, but honestly? It gets packed. Go super early if you want photos without crowds.
Can't-Miss Spots:
- Tidal Basin Loop Walk (Free)
- Jefferson Memorial (Open 24/7)
- U.S. Botanic Garden (10am-5pm daily, free admission)
Getting There: Metro to Smithsonian Station.
Pro Tip: Skip the paddle boats – lines are insane. Grab a coffee at nearby Pitango instead.
Savannah, Georgia - Southern Charm Awakens
Address: Historic District, Savannah, GA
Weather: Avg High 70°F (21°C), Low 50°F (10°C)
Why March: Azaleas explode in color, St. Patrick's Day parades fill the streets (March 17th), and humidity hasn't hit yet. Walking those oak-shaded squares feels perfect.
Essential Eats:
- The Grey (109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd) – Upscale Southern ($$$)
- Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room (107 W Jones St) – Family-style lunch, cash only ($)
Watch out for the to-go cup rules! You can wander historic streets with a drink.
| Destination | Avg March Temp (°F) | Top Reason to Visit | Budget Level | Crowd Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, California | 67 / 52 | Beaches & Whale Watching | $$ | Medium |
| Moab, Utah | 64 / 37 | Arches & Canyonlands NPs | $ | Low (Early March) |
| Big Island, Hawaii | 82 / 68 | Volcanoes & Beaches | $$$ | Medium |
| New Orleans, Louisiana | 73 / 56 | Festivals & Food | $$ | High (Mardi Gras) |
| Sedona, Arizona | 68 / 42 | Red Rock Hiking | $$ | Medium |
Festivals and Events That Make March Special
March isn't just about locations – it's about timing. Catching these can define your trip:
- South by Southwest (SXSW) - Austin, Texas (Mid-March): Music, film, tech mashup. Expect chaos and creativity. Hotels book solid a year ahead.
- Ultra Music Festival - Miami, Florida (Late March): Massive electronic dance festival. If you hate crowds, avoid downtown Miami.
- Mardi Gras - New Orleans, Louisiana (Early March, varies): Wild parades and beads. Great energy, but prices skyrocket.
Budget-Friendly Options for March Travel
Finding the best places to travel in the US in March doesn't mean emptying your wallet:
- Las Vegas, Nevada: Hotel deals abound before pool season. See a show, hike Red Rock Canyon ($15 entry).
- Albuquerque, New Mexico: Sunny days, low humidity. Explore Old Town (free), ride the Sandia Peak Tramway ($29).
- Asheville, North Carolina: Biltmore Estate gardens awaken ($76+), Blue Ridge Parkway drives open up (free).
Weather Considerations: Your March Cheat Sheet
March weather is notoriously fickle. Here's the real deal:
| Region | What to Expect | Packing Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Northwest | Rainy, 40-55°F. Less crowded! | Waterproof jacket, Layers |
| Rocky Mountains | Snow at altitude, 30-50°F valleys | Traction shoes, Warm hat |
| Southwest | Sunny, 60-80°F days, chilly nights | Sunscreen, Light jacket |
| Southeast | Mild, 60-75°F. Possible rain | Umbrella, Comfortable shoes |
Making Your Decision: Key Factors
Picking your ideal March getaway comes down to:
- What kind of traveler are you? Festival lover? Nature seeker? Relaxation expert?
- Budget reality check: Flights to Hawaii cost more than driving to Moab.
- Travel companions: Kids? Romantic partner? Solo adventure?
I lean towards national parks in March – decent weather without summer crowds. But if you need city energy, festivals can't be beat.
Finding These Best Places to Travel in the US in March: Logistics
Practical stuff nobody tells you:
- Booking Flights: Aim for 4-8 weeks out for decent prices. Use flexible date search.
- National Parks: Check if roads are open (some close for snow). Arches requires timed entry reservations April-Oct, but March is wide open!
- Spring Break: Mid-March sees college crowds in Florida, Texas, Mexico. Research local school breaks.
Your March Travel Questions Answered
Where is warm in the US in March?
Head south or southwest: Florida, Arizona, Southern California, Hawaii, Texas, and Deep South states like Georgia and Louisiana reliably offer daytime temps in the 70s°F (20s°C). Beaches in Miami might hit 80°F (27°C). Desert spots like Phoenix average highs around 77°F (25°C). I found Hawaii's Big Island perfect – warm days without the oppressive humidity that hits later.
Is March a good time to visit US national parks?
Absolutely, especially desert parks. Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, and Death Valley have pleasant hiking weather (60s-70s°F / 15-25°C) without summer's extreme heat or crowds. Snow may limit access in higher elevation parks like Yellowstone or Rocky Mountain. Always check the park's official NPS.gov website for current road and trail conditions before you go. Last March in Arches, we had entire trails to ourselves at sunrise – unreal.
What are cheap places to visit in the US in March?
Look beyond mega-destinations. Consider:
- Albuquerque, NM: Sunny skies, cultural sites, low hotel rates.
- Gatlinburg, TN: Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains (free park entry!), shoulder season deals.
- San Antonio, TX: Walk the River Walk (free), visit missions (free). Avoid SXSW weeks.
- Myrtle Beach, SC: Beachfront hotels at off-season prices before summer.
Where should I avoid traveling in the US in March?
Places still firmly in winter's grip or infamous for unpredictable weather:
- Northern Tier States: Minnesota, North Dakota, Upper Michigan – expect snow and cold.
- High Mountain Areas: Major ski resorts are busy and expensive; access roads to parks like Glacier/Yellowstone can be treacherous or closed.
- Spring Break Hotspots (if you dislike crowds): Daytona Beach, Panama City Beach, South Padre Island get packed.
Final Thoughts on the Best US Travel Spots for March
March travel requires flexibility but offers huge rewards. Whether you chase cherry blossoms in DC, hike red rocks in Moab, or soak up jazz in New Orleans, the key is matching location to your weather tolerance and interests. Avoid assumptions – always verify seasonal openings and event dates. The best places to travel in the US in March provide that sweet spot between winter's end and spring's crowds.
One last tip? Pack layers. Always. I learned that the hard way watching cherry blossoms in a snow flurry once. March keeps you guessing!
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