Go one of two ways with March travel. Head to cold weather destinations to get your last ski runs in for the season. Or go some place warm to get a jump on spring and summer. March is shoulder season so, like September, you’ll usually find lower prices and fewer crowds – unless it’s a year when spring break comes early. Here are the best places to visit in March, from sunny San Diego to the bright lights in NYC.
1. San Diego
There really is no wrong time of year to visit San Diego, but March is an especially fine time to go. That’s because it is when the Flower Fields – nearly 50 acres of them – are in bloom at Carlsbad Ranch.
This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of springtime in Southern California. There are activities and demonstrations, but more than anything the photo opportunities are amazing! The flowers are at their peak from mid-March to mid-April, though weather conditions can cause early or late blooms. So visiting in late March is likely your best bet!
San Diego is packed with many other wonderful things to do in March. It is home to the best zoo in the world – the San Diego Zoo, as well as SeaWorld San Diego, USS Midway Museum, Balboa Park and some of the most beautiful beaches in California.
Fun Things to Do in San Diego in March
- Spend a few hours at the Carlsbad Flower Fields
- Visit SeaWorld San Diego
- Wander through Old Town San Diego
- Kayak in La Jolla
- Eat great Italian food in Little Italy
- Explore the shops and restaurants at Seaport Village
- Take a day trip to Coronado Island
- Check out the world-famous San Diego Zoo
- Spend the day on one of the many beaches along the coast
- Take a harbor cruise
2. Dublin, Ireland
If a trip to Europe is on your bucket list, March is a great time to visit Dublin, Ireland! Why? St. Patrick’s Day, of course! What better time to visit and celebrate the country’s patron saint with a pint or two?
Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, is famous for magnificent cathedrals, live music, pubs, museums and charming old streets. In March, you’ll also find lively parties and pub crawls, as well as a huge parade to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It is the ideal time to visit if you are looking for a good time!
Fun Things to Do in Dublin in March
- Watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Take a tour of Dublin Castle
- Visit the Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park
- See the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher
- Visit the National Museum of Ireland
- Sample Irish whiskey at the Irish Whiskey Museum
- See St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest cathedral and headquarters of the Church of Ireland
3. Chicago, Illinois
If you can’t make it to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day, consider a trip to Chicago instead! Chicago rivals Dublin for its St. Patrick’s festivities. If the sight of the Chicago River being dyed green is not enough, there is also a huge parade and big fun at the city’s many Irish pubs.
Though March still may be chilly, March sees lots of sunny days and there are plenty of things to do. Take a sightseeing tour, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier and The Bean in Millennium Park.
Fun Things to Do in Chicago in March
- Shop on the Magnificent Mile
- Take an Architecture River Cruise
- See the Bean in Millennium Park
- View the city from the Willis Tower Skydeck
- Eat deep-dish pizza
4. Las Vegas
Though it is known as the USA’s biggest mecca for gambling, Las Vegas is actually packed with many fun things to do and is one of the best places to travel in March. From the many bars, nightlife, entertainment venues and restaurants on the Strip to the mystical beauty of nearby Red Rock Canyon, you’ll find no shortage of things to do beyond the casino floor.
The best part about visiting Las Vegas in March is the weather. While the summer months can be unbearably hot, temperatures in March are warm and mild, making it an ideal time to walk outside or spend time at the pool. Even the hotel pools that close for the winter typically open by the end of the month of March for the summer season.
There are an endless array of hotels in Las Vegas. We love to stay on the Strip at the Bellagio, as it has an amazing pool and great views of its famous fountains from the room. Off the strip, Red Rock Casino & Resort is a beautiful resort located near the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas in March
- See a show
- Hike or climb at Red Rock Canyon
- Visit the Mob Museum in Downtown Las Vegas
- Soak in the nearby hot springs
- Take a gondola ride at the Venetian
- Sample Italian food at Eataly Las Vegas
- Smell the flowers at the Bellagio Conservatory
- Take a spin on the High Roller Observation Wheel
5. New York
March is a wonderful time to visit New York City. Though the weather can be unpredictable, overall the temperatures are warming up and the snow is melting. It is the perfect time to explore the city and enjoy its many indoor and outdoor activities.
St. Patrick’s Day in NYC is celebrated with a big parade down Fifth Avenue. The holiday is a big deal here, and you’ll find many bars packed with partyers and even some pub crawls going on.
Explore the city’s many great neighborhoods and parks. If the weather is not cooperative, take advantage by spending a few hours at one of the world class museums that call New York home.
Fun Things to Do in New York in March
- See a Broadway play
- Stroll through Central Park in the daytime
- Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Take a Hop On, Hop Off bus tour of the city
- Go on a walking tour
- Ride to the top of the Empire State Building
- View the city from the water on a Circle Line NYC Landmark Cruise
6. Texas Hill Country
Between the cities of San Antonio and Austin in the heart of Texas and you’ll find Texas Hill Country – an endless stretch of idyllic landscapes, wineries and fields of blooming flowers.
March is the ideal time to visit, as the weather is sunny and warm. Springtime wildflowers are in full bloom, including Texas bluebonnets, the official state flower. There are many quaint, historical small towns in Texas Hill Country. Take a road trip through the area and explore all that this region has to offer.
The popular cities of Austin and San Antonio also both lie on the edges of the Hill Country, and make ideal places to start your Texas road trip – and with plenty to do, see and eat in each city, they also make excellent additions to your vacation!
We love the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort. It has an amazing pool area and is located close to all the best places in Texas Hill Country.
Fun Things to Do in Texas Hill County in March
- See the blooming wildflowers
- Sip wine at a local vineyard
- Take a hike in Garner State Park
- Tour the Natural Bridge Caverns
- Climb Enchanted Rock
- Take in the German heritage in the Hill Country town of Fredericksburg , founded by German immigrants in the 19th century
Find Places to Stay in Texas Hill Country
7. Oahu, Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are beautiful any time of year, but March is a fantastic time to visit. Oahu is a great choice if you are looking for outdoor adventures and some of the world’s best beaches.
March is Hawaii’s peak season, so the warm weather is excellent. Temperatures are in the high 70s and low 80s during the day. The water temperature is also nice, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and the many other water sports popular in the Hawaiian Islands.
Home to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, Oahu has a never-ending list of great things to do. You can go to the beach, visit the Dole Plantation, see a luau or take one of numerous great excursions out on the water.
There are also fewer crowds this time of year, as there is a lull of visitors before Easter and spring break.
If you are traveling with kids, consider a stay at Disney Aulani, at least for a portion of your trip. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, is the place to stay for a Hawaii family vacation that immerses you in both local Hawaiian culture and Disney magic.
Fun Things to Do on Oahu in March
- Hike to Diamond Head Crater
- Go to a luau
- Swim with sharks
- Visit the Maui Ocean Center
- Go on a snorkeling or ocean kayaking excursion
- Lounge on the white sand beaches
- Take a scenic helicopter tour
- Zipline through Kualoa Ranch (where Jurassic Park was filmed)
8. Colorado Springs
Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is known for its natural beauty and many great attractions. For outdoor adventures without the summer heat, plan a visit to Colorado Springs, Colorado in March.
With average temperatures in the 50s, March offers the perfect weather for hiking, rock climbing, biking and enjoying the local sights. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, climbing and horseback riding. Foodies can take a Rocky Mountain Food Tour. There is also a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Colorado Springs, and the annual Banff Mountain Film Festival.
Fun Things to Do in Colorado Springs in March
- Check out the Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame
- Take an open-air jeep tour
- Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Hike to Pikes Peak
- Explore the Garden of the Gods
- Taste local favorites on a Rocky Mountain Food Tour
- Get some culture at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
- See the waterfalls at Broadmoor Seven Falls
- Visit the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Find Places to Stay in Colorado Springs
9. Tucson, Arizona
March is considered the shoulder season in Tucson, and it is the ideal time of year to visit. You’ll find warm weather, sunny skies and low rates at the area’s hotels.
Tucson is home to the desert’s iconic saguaro cactus. Plan a day at Saguaro National Park. This 92,867-acre park is dedicated to the largest cactus in the USA, a universal symbol of the American West! You can drive the Cactus Forest Scenic Loop and stop at any of several trailheads and scenic vistas. Be sure to also visit the Arizona-Sonora Museum. Home to native animals, a botanical garden, an aquarium and an art gallery – this attraction is more of a zoo than a museum!
Fun Things to Do in Tucson in March
- Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Go rock climbing or canyoneering
- See the cacti at Saguaro National Park
- Check out the Tucson Botanical Gardens
- Visit Tucson’s museums and galleries
- See a show at the Gaslight Theatre
10. Georgia
Georgia is not the obvious choice for a getaway, but it should be on your list when thinking about the best places to travel in March. With its warm weather, historical sites and numerous beautiful places to explore, there are many spots in Georgia to visit in March.
For starters, Macon, Georgia is the cherry blossom capital of the world, and March is best time to see them in full bloom. They typically reach full bloom toward the end of the month, and if you visit then you can be part of the International Cherry Blossom Festival, known as the “pinkest party of the year.”
Another city you should definitely visit is Savannah. Just two and a half hours east of Macon, Savannah is a lovely and historic destination, filled with Southern charm, beautiful old architecture and trendy boutiques and cafes.
Georgia in March boasts perfect weather for spending time outdoors, with temperatures in the 70s and very little rain or humidity that plagues the summer season. Georgia also borders Florida, so it is easy to travel from one state to another if you are up for a little road trip.
Fun Things to Do in Georgia in March
- Take a walking tour through Savannah’s historic district
- Visit some of the beautiful state parks near Macon
- See the blooming cherry blossom trees
- Walk the shores of Tybee Island or St. Simons
- Visit the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta
- Visit Providence Canyon State Park, “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon”
- Spend a day at one of the best beaches in the south on Jekyll Island
- Take a ghost tour in Savannah
