As winter starts to loosen its grip, March brings the perfect mix of warming temperatures and fewer crowds at many of America’s favorite destinations. Last March, my partner and I hit the road for a series of weekend getaways, testing out different spots across the country. We found ourselves hiking in shirt sleeves one weekend and catching the last ski runs of the season the next.
What makes March such a great time for weekend trips is how the changing seasons create totally different experiences depending on where you go. You might catch the first cherry blossoms in Washington DC, enjoy perfect hiking weather in Arizona’s desert parks, or find yourself in the middle of maple syrup season in Vermont – all in the same month.
Looking to plan your own March escape? I’ve combined my personal experiences from years of crisscrossing the country with recommendations from fellow travelers to bring you the best weekend destinations that really shine during this transition month.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era. The cobblestone streets and historic homes with their classic piazzas tell stories of the Old South, while horse-drawn carriages clip-clop their way through the French Quarter. In March, before the summer heat sets in, the city comes alive with blooming azaleas and the sweet scent of jasmine floating through the air. It’s the perfect time to wander through the City Market, hop between local restaurants serving up fresh seafood and classic Lowcountry dishes, or take a short drive to nearby beaches. Just don’t rush through your visit – Charleston is best experienced at the same leisurely pace as the locals who call this charming coastal city home.
Savannah, Georgia
Visitors flock to Savannah for its historic district, where Spanish moss drapes over centuries-old oak trees and elegant squares dot the cityscape, but this charming Southern city offers much more than just its rich past. The city’s waterfront location along the Savannah River provides opportunities for riverside strolls and dolphin-watching cruises, while Tybee Island’s beaches are just a short drive away. In March, the weather turns mild and pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor festivals like the St. Patrick’s Day celebration – one of the largest in the country. Between exploring antebellum mansions, taking food tours through the historic district, and discovering hidden gardens, you’ll find plenty to fill a weekend in this graceful Georgia gem.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Experience the thrill of Sin City when you visit Las Vegas, where entertainment never sleeps. The famous Strip lights up with iconic hotels like the Bellagio and Caesar’s Palace, each offering their own unique shows, restaurants, and gambling experiences. Head to the Fremont Street Experience downtown, where a massive LED canopy puts on free light shows every night. For a break from the casino action, check out the Neon Museum, home to retired Vegas signs, or take a quick drive to Red Rock Canyon for hiking and scenic views. It’s the perfect destination for both high-rollers and those just looking for a lively weekend away.
New Orleans, Louisiana
If there’s one city that knows how to party in March, it’s New Orleans. The Big Easy comes alive during this time as winter fades and spring brings perfect temperatures for exploring the French Quarter’s cobblestone streets. Food lovers flock here to sample authentic Creole dishes like jambalaya and gumbo in century-old restaurants, while music spills out of jazz clubs onto Bourbon Street nearly every night. It’s not just about the parties though – you can spend hours wandering through the Garden District, admiring the old mansions and stopping at cafes for beignets and chicory coffee. The city feels different from anywhere else in America, mixing French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences into something completely unique.
Austin, Texas
As a music lover, I always recommend heading to Austin in March to catch South by Southwest (SXSW). This major festival fills the Texas capital with live performances, film screenings, and tech talks across hundreds of venues. Beyond the festival buzz, you can stroll down South Congress Avenue to browse quirky shops, paddle board on Lady Bird Lake, or dig into some authentic Texas barbecue at spots like Franklin or La Barbecue. The weather’s usually in the comfortable 70s, making it perfect for exploring the outdoor spaces like Zilker Park or catching the nightly bat show at Congress Avenue Bridge.
San Diego, California
San Diego’s perfect spring weather makes it one of my favorite March getaways in the U.S. This Southern California gem combines laid-back beach vibes with big-city amenities, all wrapped up in consistently sunny 70-degree days. You can spend your mornings watching surfers catch waves at La Jolla Cove, your afternoons exploring the famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, and your evenings sampling fresh fish tacos in the Gaslamp Quarter. It’s not just about the tourist spots though – locals know March brings wildflower blooms to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and perfect conditions for whale watching as gray whales migrate along the coast.
Phoenix, Arizona
Many travelers head to Phoenix in March to escape lingering winter temperatures elsewhere, but this desert metropolis offers more than just warm weather. The city sits in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by rugged mountains and countless hiking trails through landscapes dotted with iconic saguaro cacti. In March, temperatures hover in the mid-70s – perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden or catching a Spring Training baseball game. While summer months can be scorching, March provides an ideal climate for golfing at one of Phoenix’s 200+ courses or wandering through the galleries and restaurants in the Roosevelt Row Arts District.
Miami Beach, Florida
With March bringing perfect beach weather to South Florida, Miami Beach is calling your name. Set on a string of islands between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this sun-soaked paradise combines Art Deco architecture, powdery beaches, and a lively cultural scene. Along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, pastel-colored buildings from the 1930s house buzzing restaurants and clubs, while the soft sand and warm waters of South Beach invite you to unwind under the palm trees.
Nashville, Tennessee
If you’re a country music fan, I always recommend heading to Nashville in March before the summer crowds hit. Music Row and the Grand Ole Opry showcase the city’s deep musical roots, while the downtown Broadway strip comes alive with local honky-tonks and live bands playing well into the night. Beyond the tunes, you’ll find plenty of hot chicken spots, classic meat-and-three diners, and trendy new restaurants that show off Nashville’s evolving food scene.
Washington, D.C.
Many travelers come to Washington D.C. for its famous monuments and government buildings, but the nation’s capital is just as appealing for its springtime splendor in March. The city comes alive during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, when thousands of pink and white blossoms frame the Tidal Basin and create postcard-worthy scenes. Beyond the cherry trees, visitors can explore world-class museums like the Smithsonian institutions (most of which are free), wander through historic Georgetown’s cobblestone streets, or catch a show at the Kennedy Center. While the early spring weather can be unpredictable, March typically offers mild temperatures perfect for outdoor sightseeing without the intense crowds of peak tourist season.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs has always been California’s go-to escape for those seeking warm desert days and cool, starry nights. This retro-chic oasis, just two hours from Los Angeles, blends mid-century modern architecture with laid-back pool culture and natural hot springs. Whether you’re hiking through Indian Canyons, taking the aerial tramway up to Mount San Jacinto’s cooler heights, or browsing the vintage shops downtown, March brings perfect temperatures that make outdoor activities actually enjoyable. It’s a place where you can start your morning with a round of golf, spend the afternoon by the pool, and end your day at an outdoor restaurant, all while mountains frame every view.
Key West, Florida
Key West might be the most laid-back corner of the continental United States, and that’s exactly what makes it perfect for a March escape. This southernmost point of Florida serves up a mix of old-time charm and beach town ease, where the streets are lined with pastel-colored houses and the ocean breeze carries the scent of key lime pie. It’s a place where you can spend your mornings exploring Ernest Hemingway’s former home (complete with six-toed cats), your afternoons snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and your evenings watching street performers at Mallory Square as the sun sets. The weather hits that sweet spot in March – warm enough for swimming but not so hot that you’ll melt on your beach chair.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Get a taste of the Southwest’s rich culture in Santa Fe, where adobe buildings and art galleries line the historic plaza. The city’s unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences comes alive through its food scene – try the famous green chile at local spots like The Shed or Cafe Pasqual’s. Art lovers can spend hours exploring Canyon Road’s 100+ galleries, while history buffs will enjoy touring the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the U.S. When the sun sets, cozy up by a kiva fireplace at one of the city’s charming hotels or enjoy the clear night sky from a rooftop bar.
Sedona, Arizona
I first visited Sedona on a spring road trip through Arizona in 2019. Tucked between towering red rock formations in the Verde Valley, Sedona sits at the heart of Red Rock Country, about two hours north of Phoenix. The town’s famous crimson cliffs and buttes frame nearly every street, while hiking trails wind through ancient juniper and cypress trees. Cathedral Rock stands guard over Oak Creek Canyon, where locals and visitors alike cool off in the crystal-clear swimming holes. The Chapel of the Holy Cross, built right into the rocks in 1956, offers some of the best views in town, especially when the late afternoon sun paints the surrounding cliffs in shades of orange and rust.
San Antonio, Texas
Many visitors flock to San Antonio for the famous River Walk, a network of cypress-lined paths along the San Antonio River, but the city offers much more than just waterfront charm. The historic Alamo mission stands as a symbol of Texas independence, while the Pearl District shows off the city’s modern side with local restaurants and shops in restored industrial buildings. In March, when temperatures hover in the pleasant 70s, the city comes alive with Fiesta San Antonio celebrations, featuring parades, music, and food festivals. Whether you’re exploring the Spanish colonial missions, catching a show at the Majestic Theatre, or sampling Tex-Mex cuisine at the bustling Market Square, San Antonio delivers a perfect blend of history and contemporary culture.
Asheville, North Carolina
With its artsy downtown scene and backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is where the best of city life meets the great outdoors. This laid-back mountain town has made a name for itself with its impressive collection of craft breweries, local art galleries, and historic Art Deco architecture. In March, you can catch the first signs of spring while hiking the surrounding trails, then warm up at one of the 30+ breweries that have earned Asheville its nickname as “Beer City USA.” It’s not just about the beer though – the food scene here rivals cities twice its size, with local chefs putting creative spins on traditional Southern cooking. The famous Biltmore Estate adds an extra layer of interest, especially in early spring when its gardens begin to bloom.
St. Augustine, Florida
Get a taste of old-world charm in St. Augustine, America’s oldest city. Founded in 1565, this coastal gem offers history buffs plenty to explore, from the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos fort to the narrow cobblestone streets of the Colonial Quarter. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride past Spanish colonial buildings, or climb the 219 steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for cool views of the Atlantic. When you’re ready to relax, head to St. Augustine Beach, where the March temperatures hover around 70°F – perfect for a leisurely stroll or watching surfers catch waves near the pier.
Scottsdale, Arizona
I always tell friends looking for a perfect March getaway to head to Scottsdale, Arizona. Set against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, this laid-back city offers warm, sunny days perfect for outdoor adventures, from hiking the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to teeing off at one of the 200+ golf courses in the area. The city’s downtown buzzes with art galleries, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops that make it feel like a desert-meets-urban oasis.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Along the southern edge of Alabama sits the coastal gem of Gulf Shores. While many beach towns along the Gulf Coast offer sandy beaches and seafood joints, Gulf Shores stands out with its laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. Just take a walk down the public beach in March, where temperatures hover in the perfect mid-70s, and you’ll see why spring breakers and families alike choose this spot. The area’s history as a fishing village shows in its countless seafood shacks serving up fresh catches, and the Gulf State Park pier stretches nearly a quarter-mile into the emerald waters. Thanks to the town’s location on a narrow peninsula, visitors can watch both sunrise and sunset over the water, making it an ideal spot for photographers and early birds.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach in March might just be my favorite time to visit this stretch of South Carolina coastline. As winter loosens its grip, temperatures climb into the perfect mid-60s, making it ideal for strolling the 60-mile string of beaches without the crushing summer crowds. The ocean may still be too chilly for swimming, but that’s when the city really shines – from teeing off at one of the 100+ golf courses to hunting for deals at the outlet malls. It’s that sweet spot in the season when hotel rates haven’t hit their peak, and you can actually get a table at those seafood spots along the boardwalk without an hour-long wait.