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 in March. 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
One of the best places to visit in the US in March is summer St. Augustine! 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 visit 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
We’ve already established that Florida is one of the best states to visit in March! 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
Many may not think of this destination as one of the best places in US to visit in March. Truly, 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 always 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.
26. Fairbanks, Alaska
Not the ideal destination if you are looking for the best beaches to visit in March in the US. However, if chilly weather and brief daylight hours aren’t your preference, this might not be the ideal March destination. However, for those in pursuit of the Northern Lights, Fairbanks stands out as the top spot in the United States.
Winter activities in Fairbanks include engaging in dog sledding, kick sledding, or what Alaskans refer to as “snow machining,” equivalent to snowmobiling.
Much like how Hawaii is the ultimate tropical getaway in the United States, Alaska takes the crown as the ultimate winter retreat. Being the northernmost state, it guarantees cold temperatures and winter snow.
On the flip side, if you crave almost 24 hours of sunlight, consider traveling to Alaska in the summer. During this season, you’ll be treated to vibrant wildflowers and extended daylight hours, creating the perfect conditions for hiking.
Best Places to Visit in March in the USA – FAQ
What is the best state to go to in March?
It all depends on what you are seeking in a vacation. If you want pleasant, warm weather we recommend Arizona, Utah, and California. If you want cold weather and a winter vacation we recommend Colorado, Alaska, and Utah!
Where is the warmest place in the US in March?
The warmest places in the United States are typically found in the southern part of the country, like Florida and parts of the southwestern states. City wise check out Miami, Orlando, and Tampa in Florida as they tend to have relatively warm temperatures during March. As well as Phoenix and Tucson in Arizona, and Los Angeles and San Diego,
Are any US beaches warm in March?
You’ll find Alabama, Carolina and Florida beaches are among some of the warmest US beaches to visit in March!
Where is the best place to go skiing in the USA in March?
As ski bums, we’re a little subjective, but in March you can typically find us snowboarding and skiing around the Salt Lake City resorts like Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude!
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