As someone who’s been living the digital nomad life for the past few years, I get asked a lot about the best times and places to travel in the US. March is actually one of my favorite months to explore – it’s that sweet spot when winter’s winding down but summer crowds haven’t kicked in yet.
“March is really unique because you can ski in Colorado one week and catch early spring flowers in Texas the next,” says Maria Torres, a tour guide I met while crisscrossing the country last year. “The weather might be unpredictable, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting – you can experience multiple seasons depending on where you go.”
While there are countless places worth visiting during this transitional month, I’ve narrowed down a list of destinations that really shine in March. Whether you’re chasing the last bits of winter or seeking early signs of spring, here are 20 spots that deserve a spot on your travel radar.
San Diego, California
San Diego feels like California’s year-round summer playground, and March is when this coastal city really starts to shine. With temperatures hovering in the perfect mid-70s, you can spend your mornings watching surfers catch waves at Pacific Beach, afternoons wandering through the peaceful gardens of Balboa Park, and evenings sampling fish tacos in the Gaslamp Quarter. It’s a place where you can visit the famous San Diego Zoo in shorts and flip-flops, then drive 30 minutes to hike the rugged trails of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The city’s laid-back vibe draws both beach lovers and culture seekers, but what makes it special is how it manages to feel like a small beach town despite being California’s second-largest city.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas springs to life in March as winter fades and desert temperatures hover in the perfect mid-70s. While most people know Vegas for its famous Strip of casinos and hotels, there’s more to this desert city than meets the eye. From hiking the red rocks of nearby Red Rock Canyon to catching world-class shows, you’ll find plenty to do beyond the gaming tables. The city draws smaller crowds this time of year compared to peak summer months, meaning shorter lines at popular restaurants and better rates at hotels. Thanks to its location in the Mojave Desert, Vegas offers a unique blend of neon lights and natural wonders, with day trips to places like Valley of Fire State Park just an hour away. You’ll find both high-rollers at the blackjack tables and families enjoying the spectacle of the Bellagio fountains or riding the High Roller observation wheel.
Savannah, Georgia
If you’ve never strolled through Savannah in March, you’re missing out on one of the South’s prettiest spring displays. The city’s famous squares and parks burst with azaleas in full bloom, while Spanish moss sways gently from centuries-old oak trees. All around the Historic District, locals and visitors gather for outdoor festivals, walking tours, and picnics in Forsyth Park, where the iconic fountain serves as the perfect backdrop for photos.
Washington DC
Experience the magic of spring in the nation’s capital as cherry blossoms paint the Tidal Basin in soft shades of pink. The National Cherry Blossom Festival draws visitors from around the world, with parades, concerts, and cultural events filling the city streets. Take a stroll through the National Mall, where you can visit world-class museums like the Smithsonian for free, or snap photos of iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. For a unique perspective, book an evening tour of the monuments when they’re illuminated against the night sky, or grab a bite at one of the trendy restaurants in neighborhoods like Shaw or Logan Circle.
Austin, Texas
I always tell first-time visitors to Austin to come in March, when the city comes alive with SXSW festival energy. The Texas capital’s perfect spring weather lets you enjoy outdoor spots like Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake, while the food truck scene and live music venues on South Congress are at their best. With temperatures in the 70s and wildflowers starting to bloom, it’s an ideal time to experience Austin’s famous BBQ joints, catch some live shows, and maybe even spot the Congress Avenue bats emerging at sunset.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the place to be in March when you’re ready to shake off those winter blues. The desert city comes alive with perfect 75-degree days and clear skies, making it ideal for hiking Camelback Mountain or exploring the Desert Botanical Garden’s collection of cacti and wildflowers. Baseball fans flock here for Spring Training, where you can catch your favorite MLB teams warming up at intimate ballparks scattered throughout the Valley of the Sun.
Charleston, South Carolina
Many travelers come to Charleston for its historic downtown district, but this charming Southern city offers much more than just antebellum architecture. The destination seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern dining and shopping scenes, particularly along King Street. In March, when temperatures hover in the perfect mid-60s, visitors can explore the city’s famous gardens during peak bloom season, including Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place. The annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival brings together top chefs and food enthusiasts from across the country, while the city’s nearby beaches provide quiet spots for early spring walks and dolphin watching.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Many travelers come to New Orleans for its famous French Quarter, but the city offers much more than just Bourbon Street revelry. The arrival of March brings perfect weather and the start of festival season, with events like Wednesday at the Square offering free outdoor concerts. As winter fades, the city’s oak-lined streets and garden district show their true charm, while food lovers can sample crawfish boils – a springtime tradition that brings locals together at backyard gatherings and restaurants alike. Whether you’re exploring the city’s rich jazz heritage in Frenchmen Street clubs or taking a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River, March offers ideal conditions to experience New Orleans’ unique blend of cultures without the intense heat or crowds of summer months.
Orlando, Florida
I first visited Orlando on a spring break trip back in 2018. This sun-soaked city in central Florida draws millions of visitors each year with its famous theme parks and endless entertainment options. March brings perfect weather conditions – warm days and cool evenings – making it ideal for exploring Walt Disney World’s four magical parks or racing through Universal Studios’ thrilling attractions. Beyond the parks, Orlando’s International Drive buzzes with restaurants, shopping centers, and family-friendly activities. The nearby Harry P. Leu Gardens offers a peaceful escape with its 50 acres of landscaped grounds and the largest collection of camellias in North America. In March, you’ll catch the gardens in full bloom, creating photo opportunities around every corner.
Sedona, Arizona
Many travelers head to Sedona for its iconic red rock formations, but this Arizona gem offers much more than just desert views. The area’s 200+ miles of trails welcome hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels, while the surrounding canyons and mesas create perfect conditions for jeep tours and rock climbing. March brings comfortable temperatures in the mid-60s and clear skies, ideal for exploring popular spots like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. While outdoor adventures draw most visitors, Sedona’s numerous art galleries, wellness centers, and Native American cultural sites provide plenty of indoor activities when you need a break from the sun.
South Padre Island, Texas
Located at the southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island is where spring breakers and families alike flock when March rolls around. While other beach towns along the Gulf Coast might still be shaking off winter’s chill, this barrier island is already basking in warm sunshine and perfect beach weather. The island’s position makes it a natural rest stop for migrating birds and butterflies, so you’ll often spot colorful wings fluttering overhead. Unlike many coastal destinations that lean heavily into tourist traps, South Padre maintains a laid-back atmosphere with its mix of locally-owned restaurants serving fresh seafood and quiet stretches of sand where you can watch kitesurfers dance across the waves. Because of its unique location between the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay, visitors get to experience both calm bay waters perfect for paddleboarding and ocean waves ideal for surfing.
Death Valley National Park, California
Many travelers come to Death Valley National Park for its otherworldly landscapes and unique geological features, but this vast desert expanse offers much more than just sand and rock formations. The park’s spring wildflower season reaches its peak in March, painting the normally sparse desert floor with patches of yellow, purple, and white blooms. With comfortable daytime temperatures hovering around 80°F, it’s the perfect time to explore popular sites like Badwater Basin – the lowest point in North America – or take a scenic drive through Artist’s Palette, where mineral-stained hills create a natural color show. Even if you miss the wildflowers, you’ll find plenty to do year-round, from stargazing in one of the darkest night skies in America to hiking through golden canyons and rolling sand dunes.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
As far as outdoor adventures go in Texas, Big Bend National Park stands out as one of those special places where the desert truly comes alive in March. This 800,000-acre expanse along the Mexican border combines the rugged Chisos Mountains with vast stretches of Chihuahuan Desert, creating a landscape that feels worlds away from the typical Texas scene. The park’s 150 miles of hiking trails wind through limestone canyons and along the Rio Grande, where you might spot roadrunners darting between cacti or hear the evening calls of coyotes echoing off canyon walls. It’s not the easiest place to reach – you’ll need to drive several hours from the nearest major city – but the isolation is exactly what makes Big Bend such a perfect escape for those seeking quiet moments in nature.
Maui, Hawaii
I first visited Maui during spring break of 2019, and instantly understood why they call it the Valley Isle. The second-largest Hawaiian island sits nestled between its siblings, with Mount Haleakala standing guard on one side and the West Maui Mountains on the other. The Road to Hana winds along the northeastern coast, leading travelers past waterfalls and black sand beaches that seem to appear around every corner. In March, the waters off Ka’anapali Beach fill with migrating humpback whales, while local surfers catch waves at Ho’okipa Beach Park. The morning light at Haleakala National Park creates a special magic as it breaks through the clouds, making those 3 AM wake-up calls worth every yawn.
Key West, Florida
Want to escape winter’s final chill? Key West is calling with its laid-back island vibe and perfect March temperatures hovering around 75°F. The southernmost point of the continental U.S. feels more like the Caribbean than Florida, where beach cruiser bikes outnumber cars and roosters roam freely through historic neighborhoods. You can spend your days snorkeling in crystal-clear waters at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, wandering through Ernest Hemingway’s former home (now overrun with six-toed cats), or joining the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square, where street performers and food vendors create a festive atmosphere as the sun dips into the Gulf of Mexico.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
March is prime time to experience the magic of Joshua Tree National Park, where two distinct desert ecosystems meet in spectacular fashion. This 800,000-acre playground draws both rock climbers and nature enthusiasts to its unique landscape, where twisted Joshua trees stretch toward the sky and massive granite boulders create natural climbing walls. It’s not your typical national park experience – the desert comes alive in March with wildflowers painting the sandy floor in patches of purple and yellow, while comfortable daytime temperatures make it perfect for hiking the hidden valleys or scrambling up rock formations. As night falls, the park transforms into one of California’s best spots for stargazing, with the Milky Way stretching across the dark desert sky in full glory.
St. Augustine, Florida
Step back in time when you visit St. Augustine, America’s oldest city founded in 1565. Walk the cobblestone streets of the historic district, where Spanish colonial architecture tells stories from centuries past. For history buffs, the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress built from local coquina stone, offers daily cannon firings and living history demonstrations. Head to St. George Street to browse local shops and cafes housed in buildings that date back hundreds of years, or take a ghost tour after dark to hear tales of the city’s spooky past. March’s mild temperatures make it perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like the St. Augustine Lighthouse or taking a scenic boat tour along the coast.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs has always been my go-to escape when I need a break from the daily grind. This desert oasis, just a few hours from Los Angeles, combines laid-back poolside lounging with outdoor adventure in a way few other places can match. In March, when temperatures hover in the perfect mid-70s, you’ll find yourself sharing the scene with both Hollywood types seeking refuge in boutique hotels and hiking enthusiasts hitting the nearby Indian Canyons trails. It’s not just about the pools and spas though – the city’s mid-century modern architecture tells stories of its glamorous past, while the aerial tramway climbing 8,500 feet into the San Jacinto Mountains offers a completely different perspective on this desert gem.
San Antonio, Texas
Experience the best of Texas culture when you visit San Antonio in March, right as spring brings perfect weather to this historic city. Take a stroll along the River Walk, where restaurants and shops line the peaceful waterway through downtown. You can hop on a river barf for a guided tour or grab some authentic Tex-Mex at one of the many riverside patios. The Alamo, located in the heart of downtown, lets you step back in time to learn about Texas’ fight for independence. For a taste of local flavor, head to the Pearl District, a former brewery turned food hall and shopping destination where you can sample everything from handmade tacos to craft cocktails under the warm Texas sun.
Nashville, Tennessee
Head to Music City in March when the weather is mild and the city comes alive with spring festivities. Take a stroll down Broadway, where you’ll find honky-tonks playing live country music from morning until night. Stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame to learn about Nashville’s musical heritage, or catch a performance at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. For a taste of local flavor, try the famous hot chicken at Hattie B’s or Prince’s – just be prepared for some serious heat. March also brings events like the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, where you can hear the stories behind your favorite country hits straight from the songwriters themselves.
