15 Top Places Across the U.S. to Visit This March

Whether March follows the saying, "in like a lion, out like a lamb" in your part of the country, why not just skip all of that nonsense and travel somewhere interesting, warm, and sunny – or even snowy if you are chasing one last ski trip? We've put together a little guide to March travel to help you find new ideas for your travel plans this year.

This article is part of our Best Places to Visit in the USA series. If you're looking for the top places to visit around the country in each month of the year, then look no further. Our incredibly helpful guides will give you all the seasonal travel inspiration you need to find the perfect location for your next getaway. So let's get right to it – here are some of the best places to visit in March in the U.S., with 15 ideas you're bound to love.

1. Destin, Florida: Emerald Waters and Early Spring Sunshine

• Location: Destin, FL
• Why Visit in March: Visiting Destin, Florida, in March is just about perfect for Mac and Cheese lovers – the annual NoMi Mac and Cheese Fest warms up tummies in Griffing Park in early March.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Enjoy the gorgeous views of the Gulf Coast from the property when you stay at the premier Casa Blanco resort-style home. Just a quick walk to the beach, this spacious nine-bedroom home will treat you like royalty.

Destin is a place that is happening in March, with several festivals and events. Besides the ultimate Mac and Cheese Festival, you'll also want to partake in the St. Patrick's Day Grogg March. You'll want to hit up AJ's Oyster Shanty before the march, since the parade starts there and travels down to HarborWalk Village. All throughout that area, you'll find festivities going on. Add to that the mild temps in the 70s with a cool ocean breeze, and you have one fantastic vacation in Florida on your hands, perfect during March. Public parking is available near HarborWalk Village, and most events are family-friendly.

2. Savannah, Georgia: Azaleas, History, and Springtime Charm

• Location: Savannah, GA
• Why Visit in March: When visiting Savannah, Georgia, in March, you just know they will go all out for St. Paddy's Day. But did you know there is a huge vegan food festival, too? The Savannah Veg Fest in Forsyth Park will treat you to amazing vegan food, guest speakers, and live entertainment – all for free!
• Where to Stay Nearby: The charming, beautiful Captain's Cottage is very close to the iconic River Street in the Savannah Historic District. It is a renovated cottage built in 1900 with a blend of antique and modern charm, and it has room for four guests.

Savannah, Georgia, is such a wonderfully charming town with cobblestone streets along the historic River Street, which runs beside the Savannah River. It is a hot spot for restaurants, live entertainment, and shopping. Then, you have Forsyth Park, a 30-acre park filled with enchanting Spanish moss trees drooping over the road. The park is always a great place to look for fun events and festivals throughout the year. In March, the fountain is dyed green in celebration of Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

You'll want to keep an eye out for all the fun activities around March 17. The Savannah Veg Fest in Forsyth Park is fully accessible and free for all visitors. Nearby River Street offers ample dining options and charming boutiques.

3. Houston, Texas: Big-City Energy Meets Spring Festivals

• Location: Houston, TX
• Why Visit in March: When visiting Houston, Texas, in March, head to Memorial Park, the city's largest park, to enjoy the blooming Bluebonnets. The Texas State Flower blooms from mid-to-late March.
• Where to Stay Nearby: This quiet luxury townhome is only a mile from downtown Houston and offers stunning skyline views.

Houston is a vibrant, modern city that comes alive in March. If you want to get away from the city, a trip to Brazos Bend State Park will treat you to wildflowers, hiking trails, and plenty of songbirds welcoming you to spring. Of course, March is rodeo season in Texas, so make sure you pack your cowboy hat and spurs to join in on one of the most iconic Texas activities.

You also can't come all the way to Houston without taking part in Texas Fest toward the end of the month, about 40 miles north of the city. It is a grand celebration with live music, craft beer, car shows, and a frisbee dog show. Memorial Park has ample parking and trails suitable for all ages. The Texas
Fest, 40 miles north, requires advance ticket purchase.

4. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Mountains, Gardens, and March Magic

• Location: Colorado Springs, CO
• Why Visit in March: Colorado takes its St. Patrick's Day festivities pretty seriously, so visiting Colorado Springs around that time is exciting. Expect around 35,000 people to join you for the parade, green beer garden, and Leprechaun fun run. If your aim is to avoid crowds, plan your trip later in the month.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Colorado Springs has a wonderful walkable downtown with shops, brewpubs, restaurants, and entertainment options. Staying at the Wildflower Colorado bungalow right near downtown gives you a cozy place to stay within walking distance of a whole ton of fun.

If you truly want to avoid the crowds in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is calling your name. This sacred space is simply magical any time of year. You can take the 5.6-mile scenic drive through the park to get a sense of its scale. But the best way to enjoy it is to get out there with a pair of well-worn hiking boots and see where they will take you. Instead of starting out at a visitor center like most state and national parks, you simply get out at various scenic overlooks along the drive and start hiking. Most scenic overlooks at Garden of the Gods have parking and paved access. Trails range from easy strolls to moderate hikes, so plan accordingly based on your comfort level.

5. Skagit Valley, Washington: Tulip Blooms Signal Spring’s Arrival

• Location: La Connor, WA
• Why Visit in March: March is typically a little early for tulip season in Skagit Valley, Washington, but we have something extra special for you – the La Conner Daffodil Festival!
• Where to Stay Nearby: There's a beautiful spot near Mount Vernon with six acres of private land and a charming cabin on a pond that can accommodate four guests.
• Skagit Valley's claim to fame is the incredibly vibrant tulip fields that cover the already beautiful landscape. In April, hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on this area to partake in the epic tulip festivals. That's why we are planning our Skagit Valley vacation for March. Late March, in particular, can be blessed with an early bloom, so you can enjoy the incredible beauty of this iconic feature without wading through the crowds of tourists. Skagit Valley also has a surprise for you in March – bright yellow daffodils! These March bloomers are just as stunning and cheerful as the tulips. The La Conner Daffodil Festival is fully family-friendly, and public parking is available near the main viewing areas.

6. Asheville, North Carolina: Blue Ridge Views and Creative Culture

• Location: Asheville, NC
• Why Visit in March: When visiting Asheville, North Carolina, in March, make sure you visit the North Carolina Arboretum for Meditative Mornings on the first Tuesday of the month. The whole park slows down, and you can enjoy a quiet walk through the budding trees and early-flowering wildflowers. It is such a peaceful way to start your day.
• Where to Stay Nearby: One of our favorite places to stay in Asheville is a cozy mountain cabin. On a cool March morning, enjoy mountain views as you hike along miles of trails, while the birds come alive in the forest. It's a purely magical way to start the day.

Asheville, NC, is an absolutely beautiful destination in the spring. When winter releases its hold on the land, nature breathes new life into the Blue Ridge Mountains. March may be a little early for blooming flowers, but you can tell they are yearning to peek forth very soon. If you come in late March, you'll most likely be blessed with some early bloom on those stunning mountain hiking trails. And if you are hoping to avoid crowds, this is the perfect time, as the weather is starting to warm up and the streets are fairly quiet. Be sure to partake in a few St. Patrick's Day events in mid-March with pub crawls and lots of green treats. With ten breweries all within walking distance, this is one of the best cities for St. Patrick's Day fun.

7. Grand Canyon, Arizona: Cooler March Weather, Epic Views

• Location: Grand Canyon, AZ
• Why Visit in March: If you are up for a serious adventure, visiting the Grand Canyon in March allows you to experience the fiercest rapids on the Colorado River. Expect tours to start around mid-March.
• Where to Stay Nearby: The Haven at Woodland Ranch, just 20 minutes from the Grand Canyon's southern entrance, offers gorgeous views everywhere you turn. This three-bedroom home is cozy, comfortable, and modern, so you'll feel right at home.

If you haven't been to the Grand Canyon, you might just think it is a big dusty desert canyon – whoop-de-doo! But you'll change your mind mighty fast when you stand at the edge of Toroweap Overlook with nothing around you but death-defying drops and the sound of the wind egging you on. The Grand Canyon is incredibly magical for outdoor adventurers or simply those who really appreciate the natural world around us. From rafting on the Colorado River to paddleboarding on Havasu Creek, surrounded by sheer cliff walls, the possibilities for adventures are pretty limitless.

Please note that the Grand Canyon South Rim entrance fee is $37 per vehicle. Rafting tours begin
mid-March, so book ahead to secure a spot.

8. Santa Fe, New Mexico: Art, Adobe, and Desert Spring Color

• Location: Santa Fe, NM
• Why Visit in March: Visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico, in March is the perfect time to go on an epic rafting trip on the Rio Grande – the water is rough, and the turns are tough. But it is an adventure you will always remember. If the trails are clear of snow, mountain biking on the La Tierra Trails is another adventure to put on your list. Of course, there are miles and miles of hiking trails to explore, too.
• Where to Stay Nearby: After a long day of outdoor and indoor fun, you'll want to retreat to this beautiful historic adobe home with a cedar hot tub and an incredible private back patio. You can even explore downtown Santa Fe on the four free bicycles.

Santa Fe is a crazy cool town with something for everyone. But you are looking for outdoor adventures, aren't you? First, let's look at a fascinating and fun indoor adventure – Meow Wolf. This incredible interactive house of magic, for lack of a better term, is so unique you have to see it to believe it. It is mind-bending fun for all ages, from toddlers to stodgy old men. We think one look at Meow Wolf will turn that frown upside down. Back to our regularly scheduled program – outdoor adventures. You've got everything from a cool and casual Santa Fe River Walk to hiking the Nambe Lake Trail to a crisp alpine lake. Finish off your rugged day of adventure with a brewery tour or even a fancy cocktail at the Meow Wolf bar.

9. Austin, Texas: Live Music, Wildflowers, and Outdoor Fun

• Location: Austin, TX
• Why Visit in March: If you plan on visiting Austin, Texas, in March, get ready to party with big-name celebrities at SXSW. South By is an epic film and music festival in mid-March that transforms Austin from a really cool city to the epicenter of fun.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Stay in the heart of Austin in this incredible Costa Rican-inspired glass treehouse! Five bedrooms surrounded by windows make for a breathtaking home base for your SXSW getaway.

Austin, Texas, is one of our favorite cities, and if you love craft beer, food trucks, and vibrant nightlife, we think you'll love it too. Just hit up Sixth Street any time from Thursday night through Saturday night, and you'll have an endless supply of evening fun. After a night out, make sure you take some time to chill and recoup at Zilker Metropolitan Park, with its beautiful botanical gardens, a natural spring-fed pool, and wide-open green space for a little frisbee or an early afternoon picnic.

Austin is one of the best cities in the USA to visit in March for music and film buffs, too, thanks to the iconic SXSW festival. SXSW parking is limited – public transit or ride-sharing is recommended. Zilker Park is fully accessible and perfect for midday relaxation.

10. Richmond, Virginia: River Trails and Revolutionary History

• Location: Richmond, VA
• Why Visit in March: Make sure you visit Richmond, Virginia, in March for Shamrock the Block – a free street festival that shams the heck out of St. Paddy's Day. Look for it on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day each year.
• Where to Stay Nearby: This elegantly remodeled home is a delightful place to stay in Historic Ginter Park. It is easy to access restaurants, breweries, and cute boutique shops. The botanical gardens and Bryan Park are also nearby.

From early March, when wildflowers peek through leftover fall leaves, to an explosion of spring blossoms in late March. With cherry and apple trees getting ready to bear fruit, Richmond, Virginia, is a beautiful destination in the spring. A wonderful place to experience spring's arrival in all its glory is the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

If you visit in the first week of March, make sure you get tickets for Smoked! at the Virginia Wine Expo. It is a signature event featuring wine, whiskey, smoked BBQ, wood-fired pizza, and much more! March can't come soon enough. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden charges $16 for adults. Shamrock the Block is free with ample street parking.

11. Mystic, Connecticut: Coastal New England Before the Crowds

• Location: Mystic, CT
• Why Visit in March: If you are visiting Mystic, Connecticut, in March, make your way to the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center for a fun spring hike, wildlife exhibits, and Maple syrup demonstrations and samples.
• Where to Stay Nearby: The charming Hemingway Carriage House sits on an acre of historic land in downtown Mystic and is a lovely place to stay. A short drive away are the Mystic Seaport, the Mystic Aquarium, and other attractions in town, making it the perfect location.

This beautiful coastal town was a thriving seaport and shipbuilding community in the late 1700s. Now, it is a charming village of around 5,000 residents. It is one of those quiet coastal towns where you know you are in for amazing seafood and a welcoming vibe. There are a number of events and activities in March, from whale-watching opportunities to the Mystic Irish Parade and Festival, featuring live music, great food, and a good chance of a green beer or two. March is also a nice time of year to take a drive along the Connecticut coastline.

Route 1 or Route 146 offers stunning ocean views and leads you to more charming towns to explore. Maple syrup demonstrations are included in the admission, and parking is available on-site. Mystic Seaport is just a 10-minute drive.

12. Tulsa, Oklahoma: Art Deco Style and Rising Food Scene

• Location: Tulsa, OK
• Why Visit in March: When visiting Tulsa in March, be on the lookout for jazz jam sessions at any number of venues. During the day, start practicing your jig dancing tricks because the Bassmaster Classic arrives in the back half of March.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Pack your bags and book this charming, historic home in the heart of Tulsa. It is a cozy, quiet oasis with easy access to all of the downtown activities on your itinerary, and it has all the charm you could expect from a house built in 1902.

You might be surprised to hear it if you aren't from around here, but Tulsa is a pretty hip and happening town for culture and the arts. The Performing Arts Center will treat you to world-class ballet, opera, symphonies, and traveling Broadway shows. With eight walkable districts in Tulsa, you can simply head in any direction and discover new and exciting things to do and see. If you are into architecture, Tulsa is home to an impressive number of famous, well-preserved Art Deco buildings. Since you are in Oklahoma, you can always stop at any number of masterful BBQ joints to get your fingers into some of the best ribs in the South.

Just bring a bib so you don't get your tux dirty. Tulsa Performing Arts Center offers wheelchair-accessible seating. Downtown districts have on-street parking and ride-share options.

13. Great Basin National Park: Stargazing and Solitude in March

• Location: White Pine County, NV
• Why Visit in March: When visiting the Great Basin National Park in March, be sure to look up! As one of the darkest places on earth without artificial light, it is incredibly beautiful at night. March brings a release from a harsh winter with temps in the upper 40s to low 50s—still a little brisk, but once you get hiking, you'll warm up.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Set up your base camp in this Vintage Remodeled 1952 Trailer just a 7-mile drive from the park entrance. There are two bedrooms: one with a full bed and the other with a set of bunk beds. There is also a bathroom and a fold-out couch in the living room. You'll also love the mountain and desert views from this unusual vacation rental!

It might surprise you, but Great Basin National Park is one of the least-visited national parks in the US. This hidden gem is a little rugged in the searing heat of summer, but in March, it is just about perfect. If you love an adventure, there is plenty waiting for you with the oldest trees in the world (Bristlecone Pine) having a grand old time reaching for the heavens, and the Lehman Caves, one of 40 known caves in the park, yearning to be explored by beginner and experienced spelunkers alike.

The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is stunning if you enjoy a more leisurely pursuit. Lehman Caves tours are $12 per adult. Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is partially paved. Be sure to check weather conditions before visiting.

14. Boise National Forest: Fresh Air and Snow-Dusted Trails

• Location: Boise National Forest, ID
• Why Visit in March: The Boise National Forest is best visited in March, when the Payette River runs swiftly with snowmelt. If you are up for a challenge, the rapids range from Class 1 to Class 4.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Relax on four acres of pristine land surrounded by the West Mountain Range and the Salmon River Mountains in this gorgeous luxury cabin. If you are enjoying the rugged outdoors in the Boise National Forest, you deserve a little pampering when you chill for the night.

The Boise National Forest is an incredible 2.6 million acres of wilderness that calls to outdoor lovers of all kinds. From hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter. It starts to warm in March, so you can enjoy some sunny days in the upper 50s. It may be a bit chilly at night for camping, but you can hole up in a cozy cabin with a warm fire.

Since it is still a bit chilly in March, there is no better time to visit one of several hot springs in the region. The Moondipper, Loftus, and Mile-16 hot springs are three to look for. Payette River rapids range from Class 1 to Class 4. Hot springs like Moondipper have on-site parking and basic amenities.

15. St. Louis, Missouri: Iconic Attractions and Spring Events

• Location: St. Louis, MO
• Why Visit In March: When visiting St. Louis, Missouri, in March, you'll want to make a special trip to the Missouri Botanical Garden to see the bright and beautiful cherry blossoms. With 14 acres of land to explore and multiple gardens, including a peaceful Japanese Garden, you'll get to enjoy over 40 Yoshino cherry trees and 40 weeping Higan cherry trees at their peak.
• Where To Stay Nearby: This lovely four-bedroom home is in a prime spot to enjoy all of St. Louis— right between the zoo and the botanical garden. Simply walk to amazing restaurants and attractions.

St. Louis is a hidden gem that must be on your bucket list. In March, there are numerous events and special attractions to enjoy. It is cherry blossom season, and you can catch a beautiful orchid exhibit at the Missouri Botanical Garden. We'd also be remiss if we didn't mention St. Louis' build-up to the March Madness NCAA basketball tournament with its Arch Madness – the Missouri Valley Conference tournament that takes place in the first week of March.

Later in March, be sure to check out the Schlafly Stout & Oyster Festival for more than 80,000 fresh-shucked oysters, followed by a stout chaser – or a number of other craft beers from this fantastic Missouri brewery. Admission to the Missouri Botanical Garden is $17. Arch Madness events are freeBut arrive early for the best viewing.

For us, March is a time of hope and renewal as winter takes a much-needed break for the year. And for some states, March has a pretty fierce grip on winter, so it is nice to get out of town and explore some new and exciting and warmer destinations. We hope you found a few new places that inspire you to travel. What are some of the best places to visit in March in the U.S. that you have discovered? Please tell us through our nomination page.

If you haven't already, we have a travel guide like this one for every month of the year. For example, you can take a peek at the best places to travel in October to start planning that fall colors road trip – it's never too early to start!

When ready to plan your ultimate March getaway, don't forget to use our Only In Your State itinerary planner to customize your trip and explore the best destinations, festivals, and outdoor adventures in the U.S.