Springtime is an exciting season to plan the ultimate getaway since the weather starts to get nicer and spring break is here. It's the perfect time to go on a road trip, walk on white sand beaches, explore historical sites, or get lost in the most beautiful botanical gardens. But with all these options, what are the best places to travel in March?
If you want to leave the US mainland, consider heading to the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean or Cancún in Mexico. Many travelers have also been recently taking advantage of borders opening up all around the world and heading to countries in Europe such as Spain or France. But even if you can't head to the Maldives, Chile, or New Zealand this month, there are plenty of places in America that are worth your time.
Why March?
Depending when spring break dates land in the month of March, you might face fewer crowds and avoid high season if you plan accordingly. But it's also an ideal time of year to plan a trip to a popular destination that many would rather visit when the weather is nice, before the heat comes with the summer months. While early March might still be a little chilly, the end of the month also might be a good time to go sightseeing and partake in outdoor activities at some of the most beautiful places in the USA!
The 9 Best Places to Travel in March
9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sean Pavone via Getty Images
You don't have to go all the way to Dublin, Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and this is also a great opportunity to avoid the West Coast if you don't feel like heading there. The city holds the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Erin Express Irish Bar Festival that are fun to go to if you're 21 years old and up. This old town is also full of historical museums and sights that are worth exploring, and there are fewer crowds that will be up there. It's an easy escape from Washington DC and Pittsburgh if you're already up in the Northeast and don't want to travel far.
8. Austin, Texas
RoschetzkyIstockPhoto via Getty Images
Is live music your favorite thing? Book a flight and an Airbnb rental, and head to the Live Music Capital of the World for the South by Southwest festival. Located in Austin, Texas, this historic festival brings hundreds of thousands of people together for weeks to throw all the events. From music to interactive to film to food, SXSW is the place to be in March. Added perks include the just-budding wildflowers and the sunny day temperatures are relatively crisp for this time of year.
7. Las Vegas, Nevada
f11photo via Getty Images
Beat the summer heat and head to Sin City during March! You will still be able to lay by the pool, but you won't be melting into concrete at 2 PM. Besides gambling and food buffets, Las Vegas provides an incredible array of activities for visitors to experience. Take a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel, tour the brand-new Meow Wolf site, see rare butterflies at the Springs Preserve, or go kayaking on Lake Mead.
6. Durango, Colorado
Alex Gambill via Getty Images
No list of the best places to travel in March is complete without a quintessential Colorado ski-resort town on it. Places like Vail, Aspen, and Telluride are flocked to by out-of-state skiers and spring breakers, so Durango is an excellent option if you are looking for a snow trip with fewer crowds. While several tourists are visiting during the peak season, this southwest Colorado city is the perfect alternative.
5. Miami, Florida
Art Wager via Getty Images
March is a prime dry season in Southern Florida, making this an excellent choice for a spring escape. If you are looking for a trip full of nightlife, vibrant culture, art, live music, and incredible beaches, consider making a trip to Miami. When you are not enjoying the international foodie scene, go snorkeling through the vast coral reef system, or partake in some water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, or windsurfing.
4. Oahu, Hawaii
Art Wager via Getty Images
A Hawaiian vacation is perfect in March because that's when shoulder season is the best. And we're not only talking about visiting the state's beautiful beaches and natural wonders. We recommend going to Oahu during the annual Honolulu Festival. This cultural event is attended by people from all over the world. It celebrates the history of the Pacific Islands, Hawaii, and cultures from Asia. The goal is "showcasing the rich and vibrant blend of Asia, Pacific, and Hawaiian cultures to the rest of the world."
3. San Diego, California
Art Wager via Getty Images
San Diego is a beautiful choice for a March vacation with warmer weather on the horizon and college students gone for spring break. You can even still go whale watching at this time as the gray whales head from the Baja lagoons to the Arctic with their new babies. Favorites in San Diego during spring include Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and walking around the legendary neighborhoods that create this southern Californian city.
2. Salt Lake City, Utah
TC Franco via Getty Images
Utah is well-known for the Mighty 5 national parks, the Great Salt Lake, and a vast array of outdoor activities. March is one of the best months to make the journey to Salt Lake City. Discover the colorful Native American history at local museums, tour historic American sites, go biking in Little Cottonwood Canyon, or camp at nearby Utah State parks.
1. New York City, New York
focusstock via Getty Images
Early spring is the best time of year to visit New York City, as the city that never sleeps is ironically waking up from the cold and grey winter. There is nothing more American than taking a stroll through Central Park after eating your way through the Big Apple. There are also a handful of incredible day trips you can take from the city, including Hudson Valley, Long Island, or Captree State Park.
What's your favorite destination to travel to in the month of March? Share your experience with us on our Wide Open Roads Facebook!
