After years of traveling the U.S., I’ve found that March is pure magic — cherry blossoms burst into bloom, poppy fields blaze orange, and once-crowded cities feel blissfully quiet. With mild weather, lower prices, and spring just waking up, these are my favorite March destinations to explore….
1. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve was in full color this month — rolling hills of vivid orange poppies and wildflowers, with rangers mentioning that peak bloom tends to hit around late March to early April.
In mid-March, I checked the PoppyCam, then made the two-hour drive north from Los Angeles to the nearby Hampton Inn & Suites Lancaster. I spent a long weekend hiking the beautiful Poppy Trail South Loop and the rugged Antelope Butte Trail up to Kitanemuk Vista Point (which had wide-open views across the Antelope Valley), and also dropped into the Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center — the hand-painted postcards were a standout!
Location: Southern California, Southwest USA | Vibe: Insta-worthy, floral, and peaceful | Avg temp: 18°C to 21°C
My favorite highlights…
- The glowing watercolor paintings at the Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center – I really liked how they perfectly mirrored the fiery poppies, violet lupines, and candy-pink owl’s clover just outside!
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
This month hit just right, letting me enjoy this lively, history-filled city at its best! With Mardi Gras Day just behind me, New Orleans felt vibrant but relaxed — warm weather, blooming spring flowers, cheaper hotel rates, and a more local vibe I couldn’t get enough of!
Flying in for ten days, I joined the electrifying Super Sunday (Mardi Gras Indians) in Central City and spent the rest of my days cruising the Mississippi on Steamboat Natchez, wandering City Park’s oak-lined paths, and indulging in veggie gumbo and powdered-sugar-dusted beignets at the iconic Café du Monde.
Location: Southeastern Louisiana, Southern USA | Vibe: Festive, historic and soulful | Avg temp: 21°C to 24°C
My highlights…
- Staying at the romantic 4-star Celestine Hotel – I loved the boutique vibe, my mahogany four-poster bed, and sipping their signature spiced, aromatic Sazerac in the lantern-lit courtyard — a nod to Antoine Amedée Peychaud, the cocktail’s creator!
3. Golden Isles, Georgia
I timed my trip here for early spring and got it just right — sunny, comfortable days for biking and beach-combing, dolphins playing offshore, wildflowers in bloom, and that dreamy off-season calm (with hotel deals to match!).
After landing at Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK), I made the hour-long drive to the charming Jekyll Ocean Club Resort, where I spent a serene week wandering the otherworldly Driftwood Beach (via Beachview Dr. N & Clam Creek access), tackling the 20-mile Jekyll Island Trail System and meeting the rescued residents at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center! The colorful Jekyll Island Arts Festival added a creative buzz and catching the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on St. Simons Island was fun too!
Location: Southeast Georgia, Southeastern USA| Vibe: Coastal, tranquil, charming | Avg temp: 18°C to 24°C
My highlights…
- Sampling Georgia peach preserves and Datil Pepper hot sauce at the Redfern Village market, then devouring a warm, gooey cinnamon roll from Dulce Dough Bakery!
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Take it from me — Philly really knows how to shine this month! I enjoyed mild weather perfect for sightseeing, cherry blossoms blooming in Fairmount Park, a laid-back local vibe, and great hotel rates before the summer rush!
After landing at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), I spent five lively days at the trendy 4-star Sonder The Heid and lucked out catching both the Philadelphia Flower Show and East Passyunk Restaurant Week, with its irresistible tasting menus. I sipped on Kenzinger craft beer in the spring sunshine in the hip Fishtown neighborhood, watched artists in the shipping-container studios of Cherry Street Pier, and ended my nights at the buzzy waterfront bars — the unique Moshulu was a stand-out!
Location: Eastern Pennsylvania, Northeastern USA| Vibe: Cultural, creative, historic | Avg temp: 10°C to 14°C
My favorite highlights…
- Visiting the atmospheric Bourse Food Hall, set in a former stock exchange, and devouring the smoky Sheet Pan Roasted Veggie Tacos smothered with tangy chipotle-lime crema from Takorean!
5. Fairbanks, Alaska
This month was an incredible time to visit this remote northern Alaskan city — dark, crystal-clear nights made for spectacular Northern Lights viewing (I’d learned that the peak season runs from late August to mid-April), while longer daylight hours and milder winter temperatures kept the snow perfect for outdoor adventures.
After flying into Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), I spent a memorable week at the cozy lakefront Pike’s Waterfront Lodge. I soaked in the 41°C outdoor pool in Chena Hot Springs as snowflakes drifted around me, raced snowmobiles through the pristine Chena River State Recreation Area but the dazzling World Ice Art Championships were truly the icing on the cake! The roads were icy and the nights bitterly cold though, so I was grateful I’d packed proper winter gear!
Location: Central Alaska, Far North USA| Vibe: Remote, wintry, magical | Avg temp: -9°C to -1°C
My highlights…
- Being mesmerized by the intricate sculptures the Fairbanks World Ice Art Championship — my favorite was “Jellyfish Hunter,” its glowing, rainbow-lit tentacles looking almost alive!
6. Texas Hill Country
I was seriously blown away by this scenic central Texas region on my early spring break — warm, sunny weather and blooming bluebonnets made the rolling hills glow, and it was the perfect time to hike, and tour wineries before the summer crowds arrived.
Touching down at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), I drove two hours into the Hill Country and spent ten days soaking it all in, including the music-filled Texas Independence Day Celebration at Garrison Brothers Distillery, hiking up Enchanted Rock, driving Willow City Loop counter-clockwise at 9am (as the roads were much quieter), and sampling an aromatic Becker Vineyards Riesling in German-inspired Fredericksburg!
Location: Central Texas, South Central USA | Vibe: Scenic, rustic-luxe, relaxed | Avg temp: 18-24°C
My highlights…
- Staying at the rustic-chic 4-star City on a Hill at Spring Creek in Fredericksburg – I really liked the trendy details such as the Keurig coffee maker, and sipping on a Katz Coffee’s Texas Hill Country Pecan blend in my private hot tub on the veranda!
7. Nantucket, Massachusetts
I arrived at Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) and took the two-hour Hy-Line ferry from Hyannis for a wonderfully quiet week. I wandered deserted via Surfside Rd lot and Madaket beaches, photographed historic lighthouses, browsed early-season galleries, and dined on a roasted seasonal-vegetable tart at the Corner Table Café. Although I did find that a few restaurants and shops were still closed for the season, so choice was a little limited.
Location: eastern Massachusetts, Northeastern USA | Vibe: Coastal, quaint, peaceful | Avg temp: 5°C – 8°C
My highlights…
- Staying at the ultra-charming 4-star Greydon House – I loved my custom-made hardwood four poster bed by Roman & Williams and sipping on Nantucket Vineyard Pinot Gris while gazing out at historic Broad Street!
8. Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas
This month was ideal for a quiet spring break here — I soaked up serene views from Stout’s Point, hiked in comfortable temperatures, saw Cedar Falls at its thundering best, spotted wildlife coming out of hiding, and caught the first wildflowers of the season.
I flew into Little Rock National Airport (LIT), made the easy hour-long drive, and spent a long weekend hiking the magical Seven Hollows clockwise to Grotto spur, spotting ancient pictographs inside Rock House Cave, joining ranger-led Spring Break Week programs, and soaking in the park’s peaceful early-spring vibe!
Location: Central Arkansas, Southern USA | Vibe: Natural, peaceful, historic | Avg temp: 10°C to 18°C
My favorite highlights…
- Staying in a cozy historic park cabin, I loved the hand-hewn log beams, original stone fireplace, vintage iron window latches — and indulging in a slice of gooey Possum Pie by the hearth!
9. The Tidal Basin and Washington D.C.
This was when D.C. really showed off — the Tidal Basin burst into clouds of pink and white cherry blossoms, a breathtaking gift from Japan. Guides told me peak bloom usually lands in late March to early April, and standing beneath the petals near the Japanese Lantern along the Tidal Basin Loop was a truly Insta-worthy moment!
I flew into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), checked into the elegant 4-star Hamilton Hotel for a short early spring break, and timed it perfectly for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a whirlwind of colorful parades and cultural performances. I also hopped on a Capital Bikeshare to wander Georgetown’s charming cobblestones and couldn’t resist stopping at the iconic Exorcist Steps — a great little movie-fan moment!
Location: Mid-Atlantic, Northeast USA | Vibe: Majestic, floral, patriotic | Avg temp: 11°C – 16°C
My favorite highlights…
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Cycling the Tidal Basin Loop, I loved how the calm water mirrored the blossoms and monuments as a sweet floral scent drifted on the breeze!
10. Kauai, Hawaii
March was my golden ticket to a peaceful island escape — brief rain showers gave way to brilliant sunshine, waterfalls thundered at their fullest, and the island glowed at its lush green peak. It was warm enough to swim, the beaches were blissfully quiet, humpback whales breached offshore, and flight and hotel deals sealed the deal!
After landing at Lihue Airport (LIH), I spent ten idyllic days catching the Prince Kūhiō Festival, with its lively hula performances and cultural displays, and the E Kanikapila Kakou program — a Monday-night celebration of live Hawaiian music that ran from mid-January to this month. I also took the Awaʻawapuhi Trail to Awaʻawapuhi Lookout, lounged on golden Poipu Beach and ended the trip with a hula show at Smith Family Garden Luau!
Location: Northernmost island of Hawaii, Central Pacific, USA | Vibe: Tropical, lush, and rejuvenating | Avg temp: 21-27°C
My highlights…
- Staying at the dreamy 4-star Koloa Landing Resort at Po’ipu, I loved my villa’s gourmet kitchen and wide lanai, the plumeria-scented gardens, and ending each day at the “Sunset Wall,” watching the sky alight with color!
11. Fontainebleau State Park, Louisiana
The beginning of spring was a wonderful off-peak time to visit this 2,800-acre park on Lake Pontchartrain’s north shore — mild, pleasant weather made it perfect for biking, hiking, and spotting migratory birds from the marsh boardwalks, with peaceful lakeside views before the summer crowds arrived.
My trip began at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) — I drove 45 minutes across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and checked into the charming Guesthouse on Girod in Mandeville, waking each morning to the sound of lake waves outside. I biked the scenic Tammany Trace from the Mandeville Trailhead, wandered beneath moss-draped oaks in Fontainebleau State Park, and paddled Bayou Cane from the Nature Trail canoe launch, drifting through hauntingly beautiful cypress swamps filled with bird calls!
Location: North shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Southern USA | Vibe: Lakeside, peaceful, nature-filled | Avg temp: 10-21°C
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the eerie ruins of Bernard de Marigny’s old plantation sugar mill, I found it haunting to see moss-covered stone walls, rusting machinery, and vines slowly reclaiming the crumbling site!
12. Atlanta, Georgia
I found March to be the sweet spot for soaking up Atlanta’s energy and charm — warm but comfortable weather, early spring blooms in Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden, lighter crowds, and great hotel rates before the summer kicked in.
Flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), I spent five fun days at the quirky 4-star Hotel Clermont and caught both the interactive Atlanta Science Festival and the colorful St. Patrick’s Parade. I dove straight into Atlanta’s soul — exploring the moving Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, sipping on a Peach Smash at the quirky Sister Louisa’s Church, and gorging on bourbon pecan pie at Mary Mac’s Tea Room!
Location: Northern Georgia, Southeastern USA | Vibe: Urban, artistic, buzzing | Avg temp: 15-21°C
My favorite highlights…
- Dining Kura Revolving Sushi Bar and being served by robot waiters and loved the touchscreens, LED displays, and fun jingles — especially while enjoying the crispy veggie tempura roll with sweet soy glaze!
13. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Saguaro National Park wowed me during this month — the warm but comfortable weather made hiking safe and enjoyable, the desert was alive with colorful wildflowers and blooming cholla and prickly pear cacti, and I experienced clear skies, active wildlife, and striking mountain views without the summer tourists.
I flew into Tucson, drove 30 minutes to the Catalina Foothills, and spent four days at the gorgeous Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort — handily located just a half-hour from the park. I hiked the Valley View Overlook Trail (accessed from the Bajada Loop), stopped at the Javelina Rocks pullouts along the Cactus Forest Loop Drive, and explored both the rugged Rincon Mountain District and the wilder Tucson Mountain District, surrounded by towering saguaros glowing in the golden desert light.
Location: Southern Arizona, Southwestern USA | Vibe: Wild, scenic, sun-soaked | Avg temp: 16°C to 27°C
My highlights…
- Taking snaps for my Instagram Gallery at golden hour, the cacti glowed in honey-gold light, the mountains turned dusty pink, and the air smelled faintly of creosote in the still desert!
14. Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, Kansas
My early spring visit to this surreal, arid landscape was unforgettable — cooler temperatures made hiking a breeze, wildflowers sprinkled the prairie, wildlife was everywhere, and the chalk formations gleamed under the crisp spring sky. Best of all, I had the seemingly endless grasslands almost entirely to myself!
I landed in Wichita, rented a car, and drove four hours west along I-70 to Oakley, staying at the quirky Kansas Country Inn — ideally located just 30 minutes from Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park for my quick spring escape. I bought a day permit and walked the Life on the Rocks Trail to Overlook #2, which had the best exposed chalk layers — I just stood there gawking at the towering Niobrara formations and the seemingly endless High Plains stretching out beyond them!
Location: Western Kansas, Midwestern USA | Vibe: Rugged, remote, surreal | Avg temp: 10°C to 16°C
My highlights…
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Seeing fossilized giant clams and oysters preserved in the creamy Niobrara Chalk along the Life on the Rocks Trail felt surreal — as if I were walking across the floor of an ancient inland sea!
15. Sedona, Arizona
I couldn’t have picked a better season — Sedona was simply stunning in spring! Mild temperatures made the hikes effortless, wildflowers splashed color along the trails, and the unique rock formations seemed to glow in the soft light — all minus the peak-season crowds!
On a short detour from my Route 66 trip via Flagstaff, I stopped overnight for four nights at the gorgeous GreenTree Inn Sedona where I unwound on the terrace surrounded by red rock views. I caught the tail end of the Sedona International Film Festival, conquered the challenging Cathedral Rock, dared the jaw-dropping Devil’s Bridge via Mescal Connector (to skip the OHV road), and ended my days browsing art in Andrea Smith Gallery. I also spotted a poster for the St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival – another awesome March event!
Location: Northern Arizona, Southwestern USA | Vibe: Spiritual, adventurous, scenic | Avg temp: 18°C to 23°C
My highlights…
- Trying forest bathing for the first time (inspired by Shinrin-yoku)! I wandered beneath towering pines, breathed in the earthy scent of moss, and felt a quiet, zen-like stillness come over me!
16. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
Palo Duro Canyon State Park took my breath away on my adventure here during this month — mild spring temperatures made hiking a joy, wildflowers dotted the canyon floor, wildlife was more active, and the red and orange rock formations looked even more striking under the clear spring skies, all without the summer crowds!
I flew into Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, drove 30 minutes southeast, and spent four surreally beautiful days in the rustic Cow Camp Cabins. I hiked the Lighthouse Trail (5.7 miles round-trip) from Lighthouse Trailhead, made the short spur to the Capitol Peak viewpoint, admired the colorful rock layers from Lighthouse Overlook, and soaked up Palo Duro’s rugged beauty in total peace.
Location: Texas Panhandle, South Central USA | Vibe: Epic, colorful, adventurous | Avg temp: 18°C to 23°C
My favorite highlights…
- Spotting a herd of protected Texas Longhorns grazing freely — their massive curved horns stood out against the wide blue sky as they moved slowly through the swaying emerald grass.
17. Palm Springs, California
When I needed a warm March getaway, this funky desert resort city was the perfect choice — sunny poolside weather without the summer scorch, blooming desert scenery, and plenty of time to hike the surrounding Indian Canyons and soak up its iconic mid-century modern vibe.
I drove two hours east from Los Angeles and spent a very cool week here, perfectly timed with Fashion Week El Paseo — a fun stretch of runway shows and all things fashion! I also did a slow drive-by past the Edris House (my favorite mid-century house!), then capped the day with crispy chickpea fritters at the Instagram-worthy Pink Cabana and truffle-oil-smothered wood-fired pizzas at the trendy Italian spot Birba. I did notice the desert pollen was strong this time of year, though — so I was very glad I’d packed allergy meds!
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the boutique 4-star Fleur Noire Hotel – I adored the unique decor, the handcrafted sisal rugs, the unique macramé accents and their uplifting jasmine and neroli signature scent which infused the whole hotel!
18. Arches National Park, Utah
With summer temps soaring past 100°F, this month was hands-down the best time to soak in this red rock wonderland — cooler weather made hiking a breeze, the spring light made the formations glow for photos, and I had the trails almost to myself before the crowds rolled in.
I flew into Canyonlands Field Airport, drove 25 minutes through the red rock canyonlands into Moab, and spent four fantastic days at the rustic-chic Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton — just a 10-minute drive to the park entrance. I hiked to Delicate Arch via the Wolfe Ranch Trailhead, stood beneath the impossibly thin Landscape Arch on the Devils Garden Trail, and cruised the Windows Section scenic drive, stopping at Balanced Rock and the North/South Window overlooks. I ended my days at Panorama Point as the whole park blazed orange at sunset — it was all pure magic!
Location: Eastern Utah, Southwestern USA | Vibe: Dramatic, otherworldly, awe-inspiring | Avg temp: 13°C to 18°C
My favorite highlights…
- Going on a free ranger-led tour of the Fiery Furnace, I squeezed through sandstone-scented narrow canyons, found hidden arches, and learned it was once a seabed filled with fossilized brachiopods, crinoids, corals, and trilobites!
Author’s Travel Note:
I’ve spent three years living and traveling around USA staying in the most unique hotels and destinations I could research (with a few popular ones thrown in for good measure)! Everything in this guide is from my own trip — every place and stay was personally visited and paid for, so you’re definitely getting the real, first-hand experience!
Great list! I’ve always wanted to visit the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. in March. This post has inspired me to plan a trip to a few of these amazing places. Thanks for sharing!
been to half of these
These places mentioned here are really beautiful! I hope that i get a chance to visit every place one day!
Hey Beth, thank you for sharing your list. I personally like the breathtaking canyons in Utah. I choose adventure instead of city life.