Traveling in March comes with its challenges – and a lot of benefits! Many students are off on spring break, making popular spring break spots crowded and raising rates at hotels and restaurants. It’s also still the end of winter in some places in the US, so not all of the country is open back up for business.

But vacationing in March also means seeing beautiful blooms, enjoying the return of festival season, and lavishing in luxurious vacation spots that aren’t all that popular with the spring break crowd.

With so many places to visit, how can you choose where to go on your March vacation? Well, we’ve compiled our list of the best places to travel in the US in March for you to weigh out what works best for you and your travel companions. From national parks in bloom to a bevy of cities with fun festivals, stick with these March travel recommendations, and you’re bound to have an incredible time on your early spring vacation!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Places to Visit in the US in March

Awesome Places to Visit in the USA in March

Tampa, Florida

Tampa is one of the best warm US destinations in March, with comfortable and mild weather greeting visitors each day. Although you may have to contend with some spring break crowds later in the month, it’s also right during Tampa’s dry season, so you won’t have to deal with the daily thunderstorms that typically arise later in spring.

But the main reason why Tampa is one of the best places to vacation in March is because of all the fun things to do in and around the city throughout the month. For starters, Major League Baseball heads to Florida in March for spring training, so you can grab yourself a ticket for a game, often for cheaper than you’d spend on a regular season game. 

And in honor of spring training, you’ll also find the Innings Festival in March in Tampa. This massive festival is a celebration of music, baseball, and food, making it tons of fun for everyone.

Staying in Tampa also puts you close to the major theme parks of Orlando, though they’re often experiencing one of the busiest months of the year thanks to spring breaks falling throughout the month. For even more fun in the area, you can also check out the Central Florida Fair in Orlando, a tradition that’s over 100 years old. 

Knoxville, Tennessee

Another can’t-miss festival in March is the Big Ears Music Festival, which makes Knoxville one of the best places to travel in the US in March. Over in Knoxville’s historic downtown, Big Ears puts on nearly 200 performances in all different locations, from enchanting churches to beautiful art galleries. 

It’s a celebration of all forms of art, and visitors will be invited to take in everything from hands-on workshops to massive concerts to literary readings. It’s no wonder it’s considered one of the greatest music festivals in the US. 

March in Knoxville is still a bit chilly, but it’s not cold enough to keep you from the area’s many outdoor activities. Take a stroll around the Fort Dickerson Quarry, take in the incredible view from Horse Mountain, or enjoy the miles of trails in Ijams Nature Center.

Houston, Texas

Houston is one of the best US cities to visit in March, thanks to its warm weather and plethora of activities. Although you may experience some rain, most days will be comfortable and perfect for outdoor excursions.

Wildflowers are in bloom in March, with the iconic Texas bluebonnets typically arriving in mid-to-late March. But the main reason why March is one of the best times to visit Houston is the return of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

Also known as RodeoHouston, it’s the largest livestock show in the world, drawing over two million visitors each year. It’s a truly historic festival that’s had performances from some of the biggest names in the world, including Elvis and Selena.

When you visit this beloved event, you’ll see some serious rodeo action, watch incredible musical performances, eat and drink famous Texas cuisine, enjoy a lively carnival, and so much more. It’s an experience you’re not going to want to miss!

Portland, Oregon

Although the sky may be overcast during most of your Portland vacation in March, the weather is still plenty comfortable enough to get out and explore this lively city. With winter being rather chilly in Portland, Porlandians welcome spring with tons of fun festivals and activities. 

While the cherry blossoms are in bloom, Portland is truly a sight to behold. But it’s also a great place to enjoy several festivals. SheBrew Festival is a celebration of women in beer and a great place to get your drink on while supporting important causes. Meanwhile, the Winter Music Festival invites you to watch bands from all over take the stage, with a strong focus on blues. 

Food lovers have even more to celebrate in March in Portland. Landing in the middle of the Dungeness crab season, the Portland Seafood & Wine Festival invites you to enjoy the local cuisine alongside Oregon wines. 

Also restarting every March is the Portland Saturday Market, where you can enjoy cuisines from all over, as well as handcrafted art pieces from local vendors and music played by local musicians.

Buena Park, California

There’s a common misconception that Los Angeles is, well, all of Southern California. And while Los Angeles is pretty big indeed, there are actually several other cities in the LA area that are amazing places to visit on their own. Over near Anaheim, you’ll find Buena Park, one of the best places to visit in the US in March.

What’s so great about Buena Park in March? Well, the warm weather, for one thing. But the main reason we’re putting Buena Park on this list is that it’s home to one of our favorite March festivals: the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival.

Taking place at the beloved Knott’s Berry Farm, the Boysenberry Festival is an annual food and wine fest that celebrates the park’s roots by highlighting the berry that started it all. Dine on savory and sweet foods with a boysenberry twist, as well as wine and craft beers only available at Knott’s Berry Farm. Chow down while listening to live music, taking in stage shows, and, of course, enjoying Knott’s Berry Farm’s many rides and attractions. 

Staying in Buena Park also puts you right by Anaheim, where you’ll find one of Knott’s Berry Farm’s best rivals, Disneyland. Although crowd levels here tend to be higher thanks to schools being on spring break, March is a great time to visit Disneyland’s sister park, California Adventure, which hosts its own food and wine festival from early March to the end of April. The Food & Wine Festival is filled with California-inspired treats, as well as mixology classes and tastings.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is a popular summer travel destination, but March tends to be a very quiet, tranquil time to visit, making this lovely spot one of the best vacation spots in the US in March. Although March weather is not beach weather here, most days are still plenty warm enough for outdoor activities, like kayaking and horseback riding.

Hilton Head Island is a great place to vacation in March if you’re a food lover, too. From the annual Blues and BBQ cook-off to the Hilton Head Wingfest, there are tons of food festivals on Hilton Head Island in March. But the biggest is the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival. This week-long event invites you to sample sips and snacks from the region’s most prominent culinary leaders. 

March is also a great time to visit if you’re a music lover, especially if you’re into the classics. Throughout the year, the First Presbyterian Church plays host to the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, which puts on concerts through its Orchestra Series. In March, the concert series honors classical composers like Mozart and Beethoven. 

Washington, DC

Washington, DC is one of the best places to visit in March, though the experience you’ll get varies by the time of the month you arrive. In early March, much of the winter activities, like ice skating, will still be happening. So if you want to see DC in the winter, coming in early March is a great way to avoid the holiday crowds. But the weather will also feel much like winter.

Coming later in March will mean the weather will have heated up significantly. You’ll also be contending with more crowds, but the festivals and activities that come later in the month will make it worthwhile. Charity runs and walks begin later in March and typically happen every weekend. There are also a number of St. Patrick’s Day festivals. 

But the best reason to visit DC in March is the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. As DC turns a beautiful shade of pink, thanks to the cherry blossoms, you’ll enjoy an array of fun events. 

Watch master and amateur kite performers alike take to the sky at Blossom Kite Festival. Listen to a day filled with music that ends with an enchanting fireworks display at Petalpalooza. Or have an elegant, pink-filled evening at the Pink Tie Party!

Outer Banks, North Carolina

“Outer Banks” isn’t just a popular show on Netflix. It’s also a great place to travel in March. The Outer Banks typically gets very crowded and very hot in the summer. So visiting in early spring is an ideal way to avoid both a bevy of visitors and the searing summer heat. You’ll also find that because it’s the Outer Banks’ shoulder season, everything from restaurants to lodging is typically less expensive than arriving in the summer.

Although the weather isn’t quite warm enough to go for a swim (unless you’re particularly daring), the temperature is perfect for taking in other outdoor activities. Due to the summer heat, outdoor excursions, like climbing Jockey’s Ridge, aren’t recommended. But in March, the weather is just right for going on such an adventure.

If you’re a lover of good food, you’ll adore vacationing here in March. Many of the restaurants around town shut down in the winter, but they open their doors up in March, welcoming in crab and shrimp season. 

And for even more foodie delights, you can take part in the Taste of the Beach, an annual festival that invites you to enjoy the food and wine of the Outer Banks region. From BBQ feasts to wine tastings, you’ll love all the events of this week-long celebration of food.

Antelope Valley, California

Located in Southern California, Antelope Valley is a stunningly beautiful place to vacation in March. The weather is mild and perfect for outdoor adventures.

Take a hike or horseback ride through the scenic Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area and Nature Center. Take a ride over the famous Musical Road, which features spaced grooves in the road that produce pitches and create a tune when you drive over them. Or race around the “Fastest Road in the West,” the Willow Springs International Raceway.

But likely, the biggest draw to visiting Antelope Valley in March is the Antelope Valley California Poppy Nature Reserve. Typically starting in March, this valley becomes a real-life painting, being covered in color from the newly-bloomed wildflowers. The biggest attractions? The beloved California poppies. 

Featuring eight miles of trails through the gentle hillside, the nature reserve is a gorgeous place to spend a day. And from March 1 through Mother’s Day, you can also head into the Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center to see wildflower exhibits, a gallery of watercolor paintings, and other special events. 

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that there have been some issues in recent years of people trying to climb all over or even lay in the flowers to get the photo they want. 

If you intend to visit this nature reserve, please be respectful of the poppies’ homes. Walking on them will crush them, so please stay on the trails at all times. And remember, picking poppies is also strictly prohibited.

Austin, Texas

Austin is one of the best US cities to visit in March, thanks to its low rainfall and warm temperatures. Plus it’s not TOO hot in March like cities in Texas often are. It makes for the perfect conditions to allow you to get outside and explore. 

Take in the beauty of bluebonnet season, go for a dip in Barton Springs, or enjoy the tranquil paradise that is Mayfield Nature Preserve. For even more adventure, stop by Rodeo Austin for a day filled with rodeo and fair fun. 

And although you may associate witchcraft with other spots around the country, like Salem, Austin Witchfest is a huge event that invites you to celebrate and learn about the history of witchcraft while you enjoy the beautiful Pioneer Farms.

But the biggest event in Austin in March is SXSW, an incredible festival that celebrates the best in music, film, and tech. Explore the future of every industry you could imagine as you immerse yourself in XR storytelling, see your favorite artists take the stage, listen to innovators talk about guiding us into the next decade, and so much more.

Charleston, South Carolina

Summer in Charleston can often be hot and humid, but spring is perfectly mild, making each day in the sun a joy. But the weather isn’t the only reason Charleston is one of the best places to vacation in March.

Charleston is a wonderfully historic place to visit, filled with rich history and stunning architecture. That’s why one of the best festivals in the city is the Festival of Houses and Gardens. 

This month-long festival begins in mid-March and consists of tons of events that allow you to explore this beautiful city. From home tours to crafting workshops to music series to history walks, you can choose your favorite events and have something to do every day of the month.

Earlier on in the month is another great festival, the Charleston Food + Wine Festival. Celebrate the magnificent food scene in the Holy City as you dine around a massive Culinary Village filled with the best flavors of Charleston and take part in curated experiences from restaurants all around the city.

Saguaro National Park

Located in Arizona, Saguaro National Park is another top spot to visit in March. This park is often sweltering in the summer, but early spring brings about the perfect weather for exploring. 

Go for a hike to Bridal Wreath Falls or Ernie’s Falls, where the melting snow gives way to a picturesque waterfall hike. Or take in another beautiful panorama from the Valley View Overlook Trail. 

But the best reason to visit Saguaro National Park in March is that it’s the peak of wildflower season. This season starts at the end of February, so when you visit in March, the landscape will already be painted orange, red, yellow, and purple amid the sea of green. You also may catch the cacti in bloom, creating even more pops of lovely color!

Nashville, Tennessee

Although Nashville gets some spring break crowds in March, it’s not nearly as crowded as it is in the summer. It’s also not nearly as hot. It’s the perfect weather to take a tour of Music City. Hop on a trolley or go on a walking tour that will take you to Nashville’s biggest and best landmarks. 

At the end of the month, you can take part in the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, one of the best music festivals in the US, and a celebration of songwriters of all kinds. Hundreds of songsmiths will grace the stage, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this magnificent craft. 

Also at the end of the month is the Nashville Elvis Festival, a celebration of the music and legacy of the King. If you’re an Elvis fan, it’s a can’t-miss experience. From Elvis tribute artists to celebrity appearances, it’s a one-of-a-kind festival.

Texas Hill Country

Austin may be a great place to vacation in March, but the rest of Texas Hill Country can’t be missed, either. The weather here is often hot, but not too hot to prevent you from enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

Texas Hill Country is truly picturesque, especially in March when bluebonnet season arrives. You won’t want to settle down in just one area on your vacation. Instead, hop from town to town and see all that Hill Country has to offer.

Celebrate Texas Independence Day in historic Gruene. Or listen to country music at Bandera’s Texas Hill Country Musicfest. And you’ll love taking a wine tour through Fredericksburg. Hill Country is known for its historic music halls, so definitely go two-stepping on your trip!

Outside the towns, you’ll take in some stunning sights when you visit Natural Bridge Caverns or camp under the stars at Dripping Springs. You can also go kayaking at the Medina River or go for a swim in a number of springs if the weather is warm enough.

Big Island, Hawaii

The Island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, is one of the best warm places to visit in the USA in March. The weather is just right for spending your days in the water. 

As both the youngest and largest Hawaiian island, you’ll find that the Big Island has a lower population density than the others. As a result, there are fewer tourist attractions and more open spaces to explore. If you’re a nature lover, this is a can’t-miss vacation in March.

From white-sand beaches to black-sand beaches to even green-sand beaches, you’ll find that the beautiful beaches here are otherworldly. And they’re often quieter than the beaches you’ll find on Maui or O’ahu. 

Speaking of otherworldly, you’ll love exploring the majesty of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. See the lava glow, hike over solidified lava fields, and take in the out-of-this-world beauty of something both life-giving and destructive. 

In March, you’ll also find the Kona Brewers Festival. This community celebration invites you to learn more about the local restaurants and breweries, with a focus on sustaining Hawaii’s natural beauty.

There you have it! The 15 best places to visit in the USA in March. Where is your favorite?

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