10 Places to Travel in March
Even when not on the road full time, March is my birthday month so planning a trip is a must. Spring break in mid-March is definitely something to be aware of because airports get crowded and prices spike. I recommend going before or right after if you can. March is when the country starts to shake off the winter months with cool events and festivals that are worth traveling for. Here my favorite places to go in March and I hope you'll enjoy them too.
- Best Places to Visit in March in the South USA
- - #1. Texas Hill Country - #2. Panama City Beach - #3. Hoover, Alabama - #4. Salem, Virginia
- Best Places to Visit in March in the Northeast
- - #5. Bridgehampton, NY - #6. Killington, VT
- Where to Go in March in the Southwest
- - #7. Sonoita, Arizona
- West Coast March vacation idea
- - #8. Fresno, California
- Islands to Visit in March
- - #9. Bermuda
- - #10. Hawaii
Best Places to Visit in March in the South USA
If you want warm days, heading South in March is the best idea. Here are the places we've enjoyed over the years.
Texas Hill Country
Even before we moved here, Texas in March always topped my list of places, especially the Texas Hill Country. Why? First off, the weather is warm and sunny with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. You'll feel like it's already summer as soon as you land. In fact, you can head to a beach if you like.
Secondly, it's easy to be spontaneous and get away last minute because prices are very reasonable and there are many flights to reach Texas. Finally, spring flowers pop up everywhere by the roadside, especially bluebonnets (our state flower). I just recently read in our local news that Texas seeds 30,000 pounds of seeds annually just by the roads! Peak bloom often hits in the last weeks of March and in early April for about three weeks when I just can't stop snapping photos like in my photos here.
In addition to beaches and bluebonnets, you can visit unique Texas castles, and drive to small towns with great Main Streets like Fredericksburg, Boerne, and Dripping Springs.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Florida is the classic March destination and for a reason. Like Texas, the weather is perfect in March, but you'll have access to even more amazing beaches no matter where you land.
We absolutely love Panama City Beach in March, and have been many times. I thought that this was one of the best Florida places to visit last March on a road trip. I thought the sugar-white sands of Panama City Beach are at their best in spring with flowers everywhere. My favorites were the beaches in St. Andrews State Park.
One experience we really enjoyed was a dolphin and snorkeling tour that lasted a few hours.
I have to warn you though that during Spring Break, Florida can get very chaotic. You should get to the beach early to make sure you find parking. Restaurant reservations are usually a must.
My personal highlight was early dinner at Runaway Island just steps from the beach. I had fish tacos and they offer a great selection of other seafood options too.
Hoover, Alabama
Since we've moved to the South, we've been exploring Alabama a lot. March is the absolute best time to experience Hoover. It's a hidden gem just south of Birmingham, about 15 minutes by car.
We flew into Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), and stayed in a vacation rental for a relaxing week. We ate yummy Southern foods, caught the Regions Tradition PGA Tour Champions preview activities (the actual tournament takes place in May, but buzz builds in early spring), watched a performance at the Library Theatre, and visited a farmers market.
- Average March temperature: 45°F – 68°F (7°C – 20°C)
What I loved best:
Hiking and spotting birds at Moss Rock Preserve was a favorite activity on our Alabama weekend getaway.
Salem, Virginia
Excited to explore the American South but want something closed to East Coast cities? You can drive to Salem, Virginia in under four hours from D.C. and this place completely won me over.
I recommend starting with a walk along the Roanoke River Greenway. Next, my favorite part was strolling side by side through historic downtown. We stopped for lunch at a local spot and shared comforting food. Afterwards, I loved browsing the small shops filled with antiques and local art. Along the way, you can learn about Salem’s railroad past and college-town history.
- Average March temperature: 36°F – 58°F (2°C – 14°C)
What I loved best:
For me, Salem is one of the best places to travel in March because it's romantic and peaceful.
Food-wise, we enjoyed southern comfort classics like fried green tomatoes and sweet potato fries at Mac and Bob’s. And capped it off with a craft beer flight at Olde Salem Brewing Company.
Best Places to Visit in March in the Northeast
I love to travel here in March because the crowds are still low, prices feel more affordable, and it’s honestly one of the best times for a cozy yet adventurous getaway. Chris and I lived on the East Coast for 10 years and still visit family often which is a perfect time for a road trip.
Bridgehampton, New York
Living in NYC, you are always on a lookout for relaxing day trips from the city, especially once the weather is starting to warm up in March. Check out Bridgehampton, a real standout in the Hamptons. You'll find it on eastern Long Island, surrounded by beaches.
I recommend slowing down, just grabbing coffee in town, and savoring the slower pace. Of course, it's too cold to swim in March, but I always find that being near the ocean is deeply relaxing. There are some lovely nearby vineyards to visit as well. Plus, you can always count on fresh fish straight from the ocean served up at local restaurants.
- Average March temperature: 33°F – 46°F (1°C – 8°C)
Killington, Vermont
If you love winter and you're not quite ready to give it up yet, you can go for a last bit of skiing for the season in the Green Mountains. One of my favorite places for a March ski trip is Killington. Some time ago, I learned that March is the snowiest month of the season in Vermont so you can almost always count on good ski and snowboard conditions. How much snow? Killington Ski Resort can get 46 inches of new snow during March!
Plus, not only will you find over 1,500 acres of terrain at Killington, but we've also enjoyed Pico Mountain nearby. I like that it's a smaller and feels more laid-back.
One downside we've experienced were flight delays during a snow storm. If you land at Burlington International Airport (BTV), driving can sometimes be a challenge because you'll need to drive two hours south to reach Killington.
- Average March temperature: 18°F – 37°F (-8°C – 3°C)
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was lunch at The Lookout Tavern. It was warm enough to sit on the outdoor deck and get some sun.
We stayed at 3-star Killington Grand Resort Hotel (from $370/night) for two adventure days.
Best Places to Visit in March in the Southwest
March is one of the absolute best months to explore the Southwest. The desert starts to bloom and the weather is sunny.
Sonoita, Arizona
I've always loved visiting Arizona, but especially in recent years since we can road trip to Arizona from where we live in Texas. I think that the area south of Tucson is particularly lovely in March. Which brings me to one of my favorite hidden gems: Sonoita. I love that it's still off-the-beaten path. March temperatures are ideal for exploring, though I have to warn you that temperature can drop to freezing at night, so you need to pack for that!
During our stay at Sonoita Inn for three days we hiked in the Coronado National Forest and Sonoita Vineyards which also hosts a Blessing of the Vines festival in the spring.
- Average March temperature: 38°F – 69°F (3°C – 21°C)
What I loved best:
In the evenings, I enjoyed stargazing, my favorite highlight. The night skies in Sonoita are some of the clearest in Arizona.
Best Places to Visit in march on the West Coast
The weather feels fresh and comfortable here this month, making it perfect for coastal drives, city exploring, and outdoor adventures without the summer rush.
Fresno, California
Ready for one of the most amazing nature's springtime displays? Visit the Fresno County Blossom Trail in California. You'll be able to admire peach, plum, almond, apricot, and nectarine blossoms all around. Peak blossoms happen in March, with citrus blossoms extending into April too.
And then there’s the food. One word: produce. Fresno sits in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, and you can taste it. Head to one of the farm-to-table restaurants and enjoy.
I flew into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), just minutes from downtown. Hotel rates were excellent this month too. You can enjoy The Blossom Trail Festival, St. Patrick’s Day festivities, and Fresno Philharmonic and local theater productions.
- Average March temperature: 46°F – 70°F (8°C – 21°C)
Islands to Visit in March
Our two favorites islands to visit in March...
Bermuda
Want another vacation idea where you can see lots of dazzling blooms? How about an island trip to Bermuda? This is the time when the island’s gardens and coastlines show off their stunning colors, especially hibiscus, oleander, bougainvillea. Add Bermuda's famous pink sand beaches, and it feels like a dream!
- Average March temperature: 61°F – 69°F (16°C – 21°C)
What I loved best:
I think that Bermuda is one of the best places to travel in March. I especially enjoyed exploring the Bermuda Botanical Gardens.
Hawaii
Like the idea of an island getaway? Check out these tropical islands and read about planning a vacation in Hawaii where we lived for six years.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
