Affiliate Ad Disclosure: We’re reader-supported. When you buy via our links, we earn commissions. Learn more.
These destinations are perfect for a trip in March
👉 Jump to: Places in the USA | International Places
Are you itching to travel and want ideas for the best places to visit in March? I’m an experienced world traveler who’s done it all, and I’m here to help you pick out your perfect March destination.
I’ve curated this guide based on weather and annual festivals, and included some off-season gems as well. This list features spots that are perfect for the transition between winter and spring. I’ll walk you through places to visit in the USA, as well as destinations all around the world.
12 Best Places to Visit in March in the USA
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
A Nevada state park less than an hour from Las Vegas that showcases peak desert sunrises.
🛎️ Search for hotels near Valley of Fire State Park
You may have heard of Great Basin National Park and maybe even Red Rock Canyon. But Valley of Fire State Park is one of Nevada’s best-kept secrets.
While the park is by no means unexplored, it’s vastly overlooked and still retains its off-the-beaten-path charm. March’s cooler temperatures make it one of the best times to visit and it’s easy to get to from Las Vegas.
Whip up a strong morning brew and head into the park before sunrise to experience how the state park got its name. Pull over on the scenic byway and witness the desert sunrise as it sets the sandstone rocks ablaze.
Get to the park early to observe top attractions like Elephant Rock, the park petroglyphs, and Rainbow Vista without crowds. There are also two campgrounds inside the park, and each is $20 per night for Nevada locals and $25 a night for out-of-towners.
Miami, Florida
A hot spring break destination with beautiful beaches and bustling nightlife.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Miami is one of the most popular spring break destinations in the U.S. Average March temperatures are in the 70s, though the high humidity rate makes it feel like mid-July. This eclectic city houses some of the best beaches in Florida, particularly South Beach. This month is a great time to lounge on those beaches or take a boat tour around Biscayne Bay.
Miami also boasts a raging nightlife scene. The Art-Deco District is one of my favorite spots. A “mini Cuba,” this South Beach district encapsulates the spirit of the roaring ‘20s with retro architecture.
One of the most popular places to visit is the Ball & Chain dance club. Unleash your inner dancing beast as you move to upbeat salsa, bachata, and merengue music.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
A trendy SoCal desert town home to a large concentration of Joshua trees and grade-A rock climbing routes.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Joshua Tree is by far one of the most popular California national parks. It’s only 45 minutes from Palm Springs, and it’s home to the largest collection of the whimsical-looking Joshua trees in the world.
Joshua Tree also has some of the best rock climbing routes in California, like Chimney Rock and Future Games Rock. The desert park is full of easy hiking trails suited for all fitness levels.
Ryan Mountain is my favorite trail in Joshua Tree. This 2.9-mile hike climbs over 1,000 feet to one of the highest points in the park, providing sweeping views of the Mojave Desert. Winter is the ideal time to hit the J-Tree trails, as extreme summer temperatures from June to September can make hiking nearly impossible.
New Orleans, Louisiana
A festive Cajun city with delicious eateries and live music nearly every day.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Spring is a transition time in New Orleans as carnival season winds down. The city has more of a local feel at this time. The Mardi Gras tourists have subsided, and Jazz Fest tourists won’t arrive for at least another month.
Eating is one of the best things to do in New Orleans during this month of rest. Check out Meg’s picks of the top restaurants in New Orleans for a complete list of can’t-miss eateries.
March also kickstarts the outdoor festival season in this famous Louisiana city. Check out the Wednesday at the Square concert series, a free event that takes place every Wednesday in Lafayette Square.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico
New Mexico’s biggest national park site is home to ancient Chacoan ruins.
🛎️ Search for hotels near Chaco Canyon
Chaco Canyon is a national historical park in New Mexico. It’s best experienced in the winter. The archaeological ruins and backcountry hiking trails are far less crowded at this time. However, it’s also quite remote, so book a hotel in the small town of Farmington to be close by.
Chaco Canyon has 34,000 acres of protected wilderness and 4,000 archaeological sites. Gallo Campsite is the only official campground in the park and is the best place to stay for an unobstructed view of the artistic night sky.
I highly encourage visitors to spend the night in this top New Mexico national park. This way, you have a chance to hit more than one hiking trail. Try the backcountry Pueblo Alto trail. Visits to the Great Kiva archaeological structures of the park like Pueblo Bonito should also be high on the hiking list.
Palm Springs, California
A low desert Southern California resort town with hot winter temps and plenty of golf opportunities.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Palm Springs and the surrounding low desert towns are the places to be during a California winter. Winter temperatures average about 70-80° in Palm Springs, meaning you can still work on that classic California tan in March.
Fun seasonal activities include the Palm Desert Food & Wine Fest, performances at the Palm Canyon Theater, and golfing.
There are plenty of luxurious resorts in Palm Springs, but winter is the peak tourist season. The best places get booked up early, so plan in advance. Hotels in neighboring towns like Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and La Quinta tend to fill more sparingly, so look there for last-minute accommodations.
Chicago, Illinois
A famous metropolitan city that goes all-out for St. Patrick’s Day.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Chicago hosts one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States. Although the Windy City is still defrosting at this time, it’s a prime March destination for this particular seasonal event.
Chicago dyes a part of the Chicago River (between Columbus and Wacker) green to commemorate the Irish celebration. Be sure to also check out the Irish American Heritage Center for live music and dances throughout the entire month.
In addition to the celebration, you can enjoy some of the other delights of the city in March. Visit Chicago’s many excellent restaurants and world class museums for a memorable trip.
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
A southern Arizona national park with the largest cacti in the nation, perfect for mountain bikers and desert backpackers.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Late winter and early spring are the perfect times for a vacation to the Arizona desert. Saguaro National Park comes alive during this time with active wildlife. This famous park is home to the nation’s largest cacti, the namesake saguaro, and is an easy day trip from Tucson.
Hike among the spiked giants via the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail. Mountain biking is another fun way to experience the grandeur of the desert park. Tackle the Cactus Forest Trail or Hope Camp Trail on two wheels. Be careful on the trails at this time, however, as early spring is peak rattlesnake season.
Another compelling reason to visit the ecological wonder of Saguaro National Park is the electric sunsets. Get airborne via the Gate’s Pass Overlook and watch the desert landscape transform under the fleeting March sun.
Asheville, North Carolina
A chill East Coast town that’s just beginning to awaken from hibernation in March.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Avoid the influx of Asheville tourists in the summer by visiting North Carolina during the shoulder season. The wildflowers are beginning to bloom in March, and the many Asheville waterfalls are roaring.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the finest national parks in the USA, is open year-round. Enjoy trails like Alum Cave Trail without crowds.
Exploring downtown Asheville is another fun thing to do in March. Take refuge from the cold in a top Asheville brewery or a quaint Asheville coffee shop.
Moab, Utah
An eastern Utah desert town encapsulated by red sandstone, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike or mountain bike.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Moab, Utah is a Southwestern icon. Red Navajo sandstone, coupled with the towering snow-capped La Sal Mountains, create a rare landscape unique to Moab alone. Winters in this dreamy desert bring comfortable hiking temperatures.
While you may not be able to swim in the Colorado River that runs through Moab at this time, there are tons of other fun things to do in March. Explore Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Arches — all top Utah national parks which are accessible from Moab.
This eastern Utah town is an outdoor oasis. Try your luck mountain biking in Moab on trails like the Slickrock Trail if it’s sunny. You can also squeeze your way through a quintessential desert slot canyon like Mary Jane Canyon for more Moab fun.
Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California
A desert oasis near the Mexican border laden with palm tree hikes and the occasional wildflower superbloom.
🛎️ Search for hotels near Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Anza Borrego Desert State Park is located in Southern California, just under two hours from San Diego. It’s famous for its palm oases and Native American artifacts, but Anza Borrego is also a prime camping location due to its remote position.
March is an excellent time to visit Anza Borrego because it often experiences extensive wildflower super blooms starting the last week in February until the first two weeks in March. Bring your camera and a good camp chair and watch the once-barren desert explode into seasonal reds, yellows, and violets.
Hiking is another one of the top activities to do in Anza Borrego. Try out the Pictograph Trail, a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail to historic rock art. Or go on the Borrego Palm Canyon loop trail, which takes hikers to a palm-filled canyon near the visitor center.
Washington D.C.
America’s capital city comes alive in the early spring with gentle pink blooms.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
While Washington, D.C. may be chilly at this time, it made my March destinations list for a good reason. Bundle up in a heavy-down jacket and head out to experience the cherry blossom blooms near the national capital.
The trees typically bloom around the last week in March, which is marked by the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This celebration started in 1912 and spans four weeks from late March to early April. A street parade, kite display, and city-wide picnic await at this festive event.
While you’re in town for the festival, I recommend checking out some of the country’s prized Washington D.C. museums and monuments. The Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Museum, National Mall, and U.S. Capitol are the top attractions for first-time visitors.
11 Best Places to Visit in March (International)
Venice, Italy
A daydream of an Italian destination with romantic gondola rides and quaint wine cafes.
🛎️ Search for hotels in Venice
As one of the top tourist destinations in Italy, Venice is flooded with visitors from April to October. March is just outside of the peak tourist season. Although you may experience some rain this time of year, wet weather is sure to deter a bulk of the crowds.
Be sure to check the weather beforehand, however, to ensure there are no flood warnings. I recommend visiting Venice in early March before the rainy season implodes.
Taking a gondola ride through the romantic streets of Venice is one of the most coveted things to do in the northern Italian city. Although pricey (I split the $80 cost with friends), taking a scenic gondola ride throughout the Venice canals is entirely worth it.
After your ride, stop for a cappuccino or a glass of wine at an intimate restaurant surrounding St. Mark’s Square to end your perfect Venice excursion.
Fes, Morocco
A northern Moroccan city filled with culture, a bustling market, and a pungent tannery.
Fes, Morocco averages 70° weather in March. Fall and spring are the peak tourist seasons in Morocco. Tourist numbers fall far below other tourist hotspots in Europe and Asia, however.
Fes is located in northeastern Morocco and is famed for its historic tanneries and colorful Moorish arches. The medieval walled medina brings most visitors to Fes. Heaps of cheese and desserts, smoked meat, books, and tools can be found at this eclectic Old World market.
The architecture alone is reason enough to visit Fes. Tiled arches and Dark Age wood finishings are warped in time in Fes. Lace up your comfortable walking shoes, pack your camera bag, and set out on foot to explore the hidden gems of downtown Fes.
Istanbul, Turkey
This exciting Eurasian city that never seems to sleep is the perfect stomping ground for first-time visitors to Turkey.
Istanbul straddles the Europe-Asia border, modernly defined as Eurasia. The unique city of Turkey is the gateway capital of Asian culture. Istanbul’s horizon is dotted with massive mosques, complex local cuisine, and busy bazaars.
The Grand Bazaar is your one-stop shop for all things souvenirs. Besides the standard clothing and jewelry stands, the bazaar is also famous for heaping bales of dried herbs and spices. Iconic landmark mosques that can’t be missed in Istanbul include Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Female travelers must cover their heads and shoulders to enter.
Istanbul has a mild climate year-round. Because peak season is from mid-April to October, March is the perfect time to visit this vibrant city while avoiding heavy crowds.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Jungle meets ocean in this Pacific Coast Mexican town, perfect for a romantic holiday getaway.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Puerto Vallarta is situated on Mexico’s Pacific coast in Jalisco. Lush jungle meets the ocean in Puerto Vallarta, home to some of the smoothest tequila in Mexico. Find tours to tequila ranches downtown. Top distilleries include Rancho Verano Distileria de Tequila and Finca 18.
Other fun things to do include lounging around Playa Los Muertos and cruising down the Malecon (beach boardwalk). Catching some live mariachi music at the Plaza de Armas is another fun way to spend time in Puerto Vallarta.
Chamonix, France
An alpine resort town at the base of the highest mountain in the European Alps.
🛎️ Search for hotels in Chamonix
Chamonix is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Located high in the French Alps, Chamonix is open for the ski season from November to May.
Chamonix is one of the best towns in France, and it’s the perfect place for winter sports enthusiasts. The town houses some of the most famous ski resorts in France, if not all of Europe, including Grands Montets and Brevent.
Hiking in the Alps is virtually ruled out due to extreme winter weather, but non-skiers can enjoy the charm of the snow-covered alpine town.
Dublin, Ireland
Experience the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the entire world in this cobblestone European city.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
March is the ideal time to visit Ireland. The St. Patrick’s Day Festival is a 5-day event in Dublin, with a huge street parade held on the 17th. The cobblestone streets are flooded with green for this celebration of the nation’s patron saint.
Colorful floats line the street from Parnell Square to Cuffe Street, with half a million parade-goers cheering on the festivities. Family activities such as a circus and movie yurt can be found in the Festival Quarter, the transformed Collins Barracks.
It may still be gloomy in March, but this month is the best time to visit Ireland to experience the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the world.
Nepal
A Southern Asian country with some of the highest mountains in the world.
Nepal is located in South Asia bordered by India and Tibet, and it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Nepal houses some of the world’s highest mountains, including the majesty herself: Mount Everest.
Most first-time Nepal visitors fly to Kathmandu, a rich city with temples galore. From here, visitors either head to their trekking base camp or stay in the city to explore the rich architecture of the Pashupatinath Temple or the Buddha Stupa.
March is the ideal time for mountain climbing in Nepal, as it’s outside of the monsoon season. Popular hikes from Kathmandu include Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit. It’s also one of the best places for backpackers to travel on a budget.
Puerto Rico
A laid-back Caribbean destination that’s perfect for sunny beach enthusiasts.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
March is one of the best times to visit Puerto Rico. It experiences its best weather at this time, and the sunny skies are dry more often than not.
That said, March is also the tourist season. Top Puerto Rico beaches may be crowded with people escaping their cold winter homes. However, if you go off the beaten path to lesser visited Puerto Rico destinations, you may be able to find a bit more solitude.
Spring break and Semana Santa, or Holy Week, bring a bulk of tourists to PR in March. Festivities that are worth checking out at this time include Feria Dulce Sueño and Dia Nacional de la Salsa. Good Friday and Easter (in either March or April, depending on the year) are also fun seasonal activities.
British Virgin Islands
Island hop among four main islands and dozens of smaller islands to find the perfect tropical getaway for you.
March falls just outside of the tourist season for the British Virgin Islands. There are four main islands, coupled with an archipelago of over 50 smaller islands.
Tortola is the largest of the main islands and is likely where you’ll fly for a British Virgin Islands vacation. Expect to spend a lot of time on Tortola beaches as they’re some of the best in the BVI.
Anegada has pristine coral reefs and is the favored island for scuba diving. The iconic white sand beaches of the Baths on Virgin Gorda are a must-see attraction. Jost Van Dyke is the last major island and is known for its world-famous beach bars that dot the entire coast.
Delhi, India
Rich with culture and architecture, there’s never a dull moment in this Old World city.
India’s capital territory, Delhi, is as historic a city as they come. Traditional foods and ancient architecture around the neighborhoods of Old Delhi reveal settlements that date back thousands of years.
Admire the fine craftsmanship of Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, one of the most popular Delhi landmarks. The sandstone Red Fort is another top Delhi attraction. Travel back in time to the days of the Mughal Empire as you photograph the Islamic structures of the fort. Get started planning with our India packing list!
Grenada, Spain
Spain’s romantic city is filled with dancing and Renaissance architecture.
🛎️ Search for hotels in Granada
A major Flamenco hub, Granada is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. It’s also home to one of the best markets in Spain. March is the off-season, so you’re sure to encounter only a few other tourists at this time. It will be chilly, however, as daytime temperatures average 62°F.
The Mirador de San Nicolas, Alhambra Palace, and the Catedral de Granada are the most popular city excursions in town. I also recommend seeking out local Flamenco dances, the national dance of Spain.
The neighborhood of Sacromonte is a popular place to see a Flamenco show. I saw street dancers near the Mirador de San Nicolas as well.
📅 Month-by-Month Travel Inspiration:
***
You’ve made it to the end of my guide on the best places to visit in March. Feeling inspired? Leave a comment to let me know which places you’re most excited to see. Up next, take a look at our list of the best places to visit in April.
Happy traveling!
