Planning a March getaway in the USA means enjoying spring blooms, festivals, and mild weather before the summer crowds. March’s mix of warm southern days and cool northern mornings makes it ideal for travel. In this guide, we highlight the best places to visit in March USA, including sunny beaches, vibrant cities, and scenic national parks. From Florida’s warm coastline to Washington D.C.’s cherry blossoms, each destination offers something special. Below are our top 10 picks with reasons, weather tips, and must-see attractions.

• Varied spring weather: Many southern and coastal spots are comfortably warm (Florida, Hawaii). Meanwhile, mountainous regions may still offer late-season snow or early blooms.
• Fewer crowds: Off-peak travel in March means national parks and cities are less busy than summer.
• Seasonal highlights: Texas Hill Country explodes with bluebonnets, and DC’s Tidal Basin bursts into cherry blossom color.
• Festivals & events: March hosts major festivities such as Mardi Gras in New Orleans, SXSW in Austin, and St. Patrick’s Day parades in cities like Savannah.
• Off-season deals: Travel costs are often lower than summer – you’ll find good airfare and hotel deals in many March destinations.

10 Best Places to Visit in March USA

1. Washington, D.C. – Cherry Blossoms & City Sights

Washington, D.C. in March is famed for its cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin and National Mall. By late March, acres of pink and white blooms create a floral paradise. The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20–April 13, 2025) attracts around 1.5 million visitors each year. Visiting in March lets you enjoy this celebration and see monuments (Lincoln, Jefferson, etc.) in mild weather (average ~40–60°F) without summer crowds. Cultural events and museum tours (Smithsonian museums are open year-round) are ideal at this time. In short, D.C. offers patriotic history plus springtime beauty in March.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana – Mardi Gras & Culture

March in New Orleans means mixing warm weather (avg 55–75°F) with rich culture and festivities. Just after Mardi Gras (Carnival) season, the city still buzzes with events. St. Patrick’s Day brings the famous Irish Channel Parade, and the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival also takes place in March. You can stroll the French Quarter or Garden District comfortably without summer heat, enjoying Creole cuisine (gumbo, beignets) and live jazz. One guide notes that New Orleans in March offers a “vibrant mix of culture, history, and festivities”. Fewer crowds and lower prices (compared to peak season) mean you can explore legendary sites (St. Louis Cathedral, riverboats on the Mississippi) at leisure.

3. Florida – Sunny Beaches & Spring Festivals

Florida is a warm and sunny March destination. South Florida (Miami, Key West) averages in the 60s–80s°F, perfect for beach time and outdoor fun. Miami, for instance, boasts 65–80°F in March and hosts lively festivals like the Calle Ocho Music Festival. Relax on South Beach’s sands or explore colorful neighborhoods (Little Havana, Wynwood). Further south, the Florida Keys (Key Largo through Key West) offer a Caribbean vibe year-round.

As one source puts it, a trip to the Keys is “a one-way ticket to paradise,” with March being the first month when the winter crowds start to thin. Water sports (snorkeling, kayaking), historic tours, and sunsets at Mallory Square make Key West memorable. Even Gulf Coast spots like Clearwater or St. Petersburg are comfortably warm. Family tip: Orlando’s theme parks (Disney World, Universal) are also a top choice in March – warm days and Spring Break crowds aplenty for family fun.

4. Hawaii – Tropical Island Adventure

The Hawaiian Islands are among the warmest places to visit in March USA. With daytime highs in the 70s (around 65–80°F), you can enjoy beaches, snorkeling, and lush landscapes. March is whale season: humpback whales often breach offshore from January through March. For example, Hawaii’s Big Island sees fewer crowds and excellent whale watching in March. The Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park and lush Hilo side are vibrant after winter rains. Kauai in March is at its greenest – waterfalls are full, and events like the Prince Kūhiō Festival add local color.

Because this is shoulder season, hotels often have deals. Enjoy tropical hiking (Waimea Canyon on Kauai), luau dinners, and pristine beaches. The year’s largest Hawaiian party, Lei Day festivities on May 1, are just ahead, so March is a preview of the islands’ blooming beauty.

5. San Diego, California – Sunshine and Family Fun

Southern California’s San Diego is ideal in March. The climate is mild (average 55–70°F) with many sunny days and few crowds. Outdoor attractions abound: see exotic plants at the Balboa Park gardens, visit the famous San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld, or surf at La Jolla Shores. One guide notes San Diego offers “sunny skies, blooming gardens, and perfect weather” for spring activities. Events like the Science & Engineering Festival and St. Patrick’s Day parades add excitement.

Beaches like Coronado and Mission Beach are pleasant, and early-season wildflower blooms occur inland at places like Carlsbad Ranch. For families, this mix of theme parks, zoo, and beach is perfect. The laid-back vibe of downtown Old Town or Little Italy also make dining and sightseeing easy.

6. Utah – Red Rock National Parks (Zion & Arches)

Utah’s national parks shine in March when temperatures are cool but hiking-friendly. Zion National Park (near Springdale, Utah) has average 40–65°F and is far more pleasant than the summer heat. Iconic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows are accessible, and the park shuttle (running in March) makes trails easy to reach. Fewer crowds mean solitude in sandstone canyons. In nearby Arches National Park (Moab, Utah), spring light bathes the red rock arches in beautiful color.

As one traveler notes, March cooler temps make trails “much more enjoyable (and safer!)” and enhance the dramatic orange-rock photos. Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch are must-sees. Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos also peek out from lingering snow. In short, Utah’s desert parks offer otherworldly scenery in comfortable spring weather.

7. Arizona – Desert Landscapes & Canyons

March is an excellent time to explore Arizona’s deserts and canyons. Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) cools off in March – daytime highs around 50°F and far fewer tourists – making hiking the Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trail rewarding. The views of layered canyon walls are stunning in the crisp spring light. Nearby Sedona offers mild weather (around 65–75°F) and vibrant red-rock vistas. The famous Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock look especially striking with early-spring wildflowers at their feet. Even Saguaro National Park (Tucson area) is a pleasure in March – the saguaro cacti and blooming prickly pear come alive under sunny skies, and temperatures (50–75°F) are ideal for hiking. Between canyons and cacti, Arizona provides warm, scenic escapes in March.

8. Texas – Bluebonnets & Festivals

![Texas Hill Country bluebonnets in bloom]Central Texas is famous for spring wildflowers. By March, rolling hills are carpeted with bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush flowers. The once-dormant landscapes burst into color, especially along rural highways and in state parks. Temperatures are warm (often 70s°F) but not sweltering, making it perfect for a scenic drive or hike. For example, wildflower drives near Fredericksburg or in the Hill Country are iconic spring road trips. In cities, March brings big events: Austin hosts the SXSW festival (Mar 7–15, 2025), a massive music, film and tech conference that energizes the city. Nearby San Antonio has milder weather and cultural festivals too. From flower fields to lively city events, Texas is a top March destination.

9. Charleston, South Carolina & Savannah, Georgia – Southern Springtime Charm

The Southeast’s historic cities are lovely in March. Charleston, SC features pastel-hued architecture and blooming gardens. The weather is mild (60s–70s°F) and spring flowers (azaleas, magnolias) line streets like King Street and coastal parks. You can enjoy outdoor patios and waterfront walks without summer humidity. A short drive over to Savannah, GA finds Spanish-moss draped oaks and one of the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

In fact, Savannah’s entire riverfront turns green each March 17th, and the city hosts a week of parades and concerts. Both cities combine historic beauty with spring events: for instance, Charleston’s docks and Rainbow Row look picturesque under spring sunshine. The combination of culture, cuisine (low-country seafood), and early spring weather makes Charleston/Savannah a must-see on the East Coast in March.

10. California – Wildflowers & Desert Escapes

California offers diverse March experiences. In the Antelope Valley, north of Los Angeles, the poppy fields bloom in late March, turning hills into a sea of orange. Driving Route 14 or visiting the Poppy Reserve yields stunning wildflower scenes. Southern California’s coast (San Diego, Los Angeles) stays warm (daytime 60s–70s°F) and is ideal for beach or city exploration. Further inland, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley enjoy sunny 70s–80s°F weather.

You can hike Indian Canyons or relax at spa resorts without heat. Even Southern California theme parks (Disneyland, universal studios) begin opening daily. In short, from poppy-strewn hills to warm desert towns, California in March is full of color and sunshine.

Conclusion: March travel in the USA unlocks a variety of enjoyable destinations. Whether you crave sunshine on Florida’s beaches, cultural festivals in New Orleans, or scenic nature hikes in national parks, there’s a perfect spot. These best places to visit in March USA combine favorable weather, unique seasonal attractions, and smaller crowds. Start planning now – pack layers (spring mornings can still be cool in the North and mountains) and look for off-season deals. Enjoy the spring blooms and festivals, and share your own favorite March getaway ideas in the comments below.

FAQs

Q: What are the warmest places to visit in March in the USA?
A: Hawaii and Florida typically top the list for warmth. For example, Honolulu and Maui on Hawaii’s islands average about 65–80°F in March. In the continental U.S., Miami and the Florida Keys also enjoy average highs in the 70s°F. Southern California (San Diego, Palm Springs) and the Arizona deserts (Phoenix area) will also be warm (often 70s°F by afternoon) with very little chance of snow.

Q: Which U.S. beach destinations are best in March?

A: Southern beaches are ideal before summer crowds. Florida’s beaches (Miami, Key West, Clearwater) are comfortably warm in March, and the Florida Keys’ sands become easier to enjoy as winter visitors depart. Hawaii’s beaches (Maui, Big Island, Oahu) are also excellent in March with mild, tropical weather. In California, San Diego and Orange County offer pleasant early-spring beach weather (often 60s–70s°F). In short, think Florida and Hawaii for true warmth, with Southern California a close runner-up.

Q: What are some family-friendly U.S. destinations in March?
A: Many family trips revolve around theme parks and outdoor fun. Orlando, Florida is a top choice for families in March because of its world-famous theme parks (Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld) and warm weather. In California, San Diego has kid-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Legoland. National parks like Zion or Sedona are great if your family loves hiking and nature (March trails are easy without summer heat). Disney’s Anaheim (California) and waterparks in warmer states are also popular.

Q: Where can I see cherry blossoms in the U.S. in March?
A: Washington, D.C. is the classic answer – the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees usually bloom in late March (the National Cherry Blossom Festival often begins around March 20). In the South, Macon, Georgia holds its “Pinkest Party on Earth” Cherry Blossom Festival (over 350,000 Yoshino trees) in late March. Other spots with early blooms include Newark, NJ’s Branch Brook Park and parts of California’s mild valleys. Check bloom forecasts, but DC and Macon are safe bets for a March blossoms sighting.

Q: What’s the difference between traveling in early March vs. late March?
A: Early March tends to favor winter sports and desert parks; you might still find ski slopes operating in Colorado or snowy scenes in New England. It’s also when events like South by Southwest in Austin (early March) and Mardi Gras (late Feb/early March) occur. By late March, spring is fully underway: cherry blossoms bloom in the Mid-Atlantic (late March in D.C.), flower festivals in the South and West are in swing, and Easter festivities begin. In general, expect colder weather in the North/East in early March and warmer weather plus blooming flora by late March in most regions.

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