March travel in the US? Honestly, it's a tricky month. Spring hasn't quite settled in everywhere, but winter's grip is loosening. The sweet spot? Finding destinations hitting that perfect balance of decent weather without the summer crowds. I learned this the hard way after showing up in Chicago one March expecting spring and getting sleet instead. Rookie mistake.
Why March is Secretly Awesome for US Travel
Let me tell you why March deserves your attention. First off, crowds. Ever been crammed in a July theme park queue? March means breathing room. Then there's pricing. Hotels and flights? Significantly cheaper than peak seasons. Weather-wise, it's that magic transition - snow melting up north, flowers blooming down south.
Top March Advantages:
- Festivals galore (without the insanity of summer events)
- Shoulder season discounts (I saved 40% on Miami hotels last March)
- National parks emerging from winter hibernation
- Perfect hiking temperatures in desert regions
East Coast Gems for March Travel
Washington D.C. - Cherry Blossom Heaven
D.C. in March is something else. The Cherry Blossom Festival (usually late March) transforms the city into this pink wonderland. Walking around the Tidal Basin when those blooms peak honestly feels like walking through cotton candy clouds. But heads up - hotels book up months ahead.
| Spot | Details | Cost/Tips |
|---|---|---|
| National Mall | Open 24/7, monuments lit at night | Free entry, allow 3+ hours |
| Smithsonian Museums | 10am-5:30pm daily (Air & Space closes at 7:30) | Free admission, arrive early |
| Georgetown | Historic district, shopping/dining | Parking nightmare - use Metro |
Savannah, Georgia - Southern Charm Without the Sweat
St. Patrick's Day in Savannah? It's wild. The whole city turns green - fountains, beer, even grits. But even beyond that, March weather makes wandering those Spanish moss-draped squares actually pleasant. Last July visit? I nearly melted into the cobblestones.
| Must-Do | Details |
|---|---|
| Forsyth Park | Iconic fountain, farmers market Saturdays |
| River Street | Historic cobblestone strip, shops & pubs |
| Ghost Tours | 7pm-10pm nightly, $25-$35 per person |
West Coast March Hotspots
San Diego, California - Beach Weather Guaranteed
San Diego's secret? March might be the sweet spot. Summer fog hasn't rolled in yet, winter rain is gone. You'll get highs around 67°F (19°C) - perfect for coastal hikes without sweating buckets. Balboa Park feels like springtime year-round, but March is special with fewer tourists.
Cons: Water too cold for swimming (unless you're polar bear material)
Moab, Utah - Desert Adventure Central
Arches National Park in March is pure gold. Why? Comfortable hiking temps (60s-70s) before the brutal summer heat hits. Last year I did Delicate Arch at sunrise with maybe ten other people. Try that in June - you'll be sharing with 300 sweaty strangers.
| Park | March Conditions | Must-See |
|---|---|---|
| Arches NP | Day: 60-70°F (15-21°C), Night: 30-40°F (-1-4°C) | Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace |
| Canyonlands NP | Higher elevation = chillier mornings | Mesa Arch sunrise, Grand View Point |
Festival Focus: Where the Party's At
New Orleans, Louisiana - Post-Mardi Gras Bliss
Here's the local tip nobody tells you: Come AFTER Mardi Gras. The crowds thin out but the music and energy? Still electric. French Quarter Fest (early April) starts ramping up in late March. Jazz lingering in the air, crawfish boils popping up everywhere.
Austin, Texas - South by Southwest Madness
SXSW (mid-March) takes over Austin. Music, film, tech - it's chaotic glorious madness. Accommodation triples in price though. Worth it? If you love discovering next big bands before they hit big, absolutely.
Sun Seekers' Paradise: Florida & Southwest
Florida Keys - Spring Break Lite
March in Keys? It's spring break season but more... grown-up. Water temps around 75°F (24°C) make snorkeling actually enjoyable unlike frigid winter dips. Key West sunset celebration at Mallory Square remains magical crowd-pleaser.
| Island | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Key Largo | Chill, dive-focused | John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park |
| Islamorada | Sportfishing capital | Charter fishing, seafood shacks |
| Key West | Party central | Duval Street bars, sunset sails |
Phoenix/Scottsdale - Desert Blooms & Golf
Desert Botanical Garden in March is a revelation. Cacti blooming in psychedelic colors you wouldn't believe. Golfers? This is prime season before summer turns courses into frying pans. Afternoon hikes though? Bring water - it still hits 80s.
Unexpected March Winners
Charleston, South Carolina - Gardens Awakening
Historic gardens start exploding with color in March. Middleton Place? Their camellias are showstoppers. Plus, oyster season still going strong. Expect daytime temps around 65-70°F (18-21°C) - ideal strolling weather.
Lake Tahoe - Winter Sports Finale
Late-season skiing with bonus: Longer days, softer snow, fewer people. Resorts like Palisades stay open through April. Snowpack peaks in March giving epic conditions. Just watch for occasional spring storms.
March Travel FAQs Answered
What's the weather really like across the US in March?
Massively variable. Florida beaches feel like summer while Colorado slopes still buried in snow. Rule of thumb: South = spring temps (60s-70s), North = chilly/wet (40s-50s), Mountains = still snowy, Desert = perfect hiking weather.
Is March spring break going to ruin my trip?
Depends where you go. Florida beaches and Vegas? Yeah, brace for college crowds. National parks, cities like DC or Savannah? Minimal impact. Pro tip: Avoid weeks surrounding Easter - that's peak spring break chaos.
Are national parks worth visiting in March?
Absolutely! Crowds much smaller than summer BUT:
- Southwest parks (Zion, Arches, Grand Canyon) = ideal hiking weather
- Yosemite/Glacier = snowy, many roads closed
- Everglades = dry season = best wildlife viewing
What should I pack for March travel nationwide?
Layers. Always layers. Mornings chilly, afternoons warm. Essentials:
- Light jacket or fleece
- Rain shell (March showers everywhere)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses (sun angle getting stronger)
Budget Breakdown: What March Travel Really Costs
March sits in that sweet "shoulder season" spot. Example for two people:
| Destination | Hotel (mid-range) | Food/Drink | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | $180-$250/night | $80-$120/day | Beaches free, Zoo $69pp |
| Moab | $150-$220/night | $60-$100/day | Park pass $35/vehicle |
| Savannah | $160-$230/night | $70-$110/day | Tours $25-$50pp |
| Florida Keys | $250-$400/night | $90-$150/day | Snorkel tours $55-$90pp |
Airfare tip: Search Tuesday through Thursday for best deals. Avoid flying spring break weeks.
Making Your Decision: What Really Matters
Settling on the best USA destination in March boils down to priorities:
For festivals: New Orleans (French Quarter Fest prep), Austin (SXSW), Savannah (St. Paddy's)
For warm escapes: Florida Keys, San Diego, Phoenix
For avoiding crowds: National parks (except Zion), Charleston, off-season ski resorts
Final thought? Don't underestimate shoulder season. After years traveling, March has become my secret weapon. Better prices, decent weather, breathing room at attractions. Whether chasing cherry blossoms or desert sunsets, the best places to visit in March USA offer something special without the summer hassle. Just maybe avoid Chicago unless you love surprise snowstorms!
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