After years of traveling around 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 during my visit home to rolling hills of vivid orange poppies and wildflowers, with rangers mentioning that peak bloom tends to hit around late March to early April (although it can be very variable).
I checked the PoppyCam in mid-March, drove 2-hours from Los Angeles, and based myself at the nearby Hampton Inn & Suites Lancaster, hiking the Poppy Trail South Loop and the rugged Antelope Butte Trail with Insta-worthy views over the Antelope Valley.
Location: Southern California, Southwest USA | Vibe: Insta-worthy, floral, and peaceful | Avg temp: 18°C to 21°C
My favorite highlights…
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The glowing watercolors inside the Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center beautifully echoed the fiery poppies, violet lupines, and candy-pink owl’s clover 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, spring flowers, cheaper hotel rates, and a more local vibe I couldn’t get enough of (although this can vary each year)!
Flying in for ten days, I experienced electrifying Super Sunday (Mardi Gras Indians), cruised the Mississippi on the Steamboat Natchez, and indulged in gumbo and sugar-dusted beignets at famous 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 my mahogany four-poster bed and sipping their signature spiced, aromatic Sazerac in the lantern-lit courtyard (a nod to Antoine Amédée 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, I drove an hour to the charming Jekyll Ocean Club Resort and spent a serene week exploring haunting Driftwood Beach, cycling the island trail system, catching Jekyll Island Arts Festival and visiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Location: Southeast Georgia, Southeastern USA| Vibe: Coastal, tranquil, charming | Avg temp: 18°C to 24°C
My highlights…
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Sampling Georgia peach preserves and Datil pepper hot sauce at the Redfern Village Market, followed by a 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, gorgeous greenery in Fairmount Park, a laid-back local vibe, and great hotel rates before the summer rush!
After flying in, I spent five days based at the trendy 4-star Sonder The Heid, catching the East Passyunk Restaurant Week and then soaking up spring sunshine, craft beer, and cool waterfront bars around Fishtown (loved the unique Moshulu)!
Location: Eastern Pennsylvania, Northeastern USA| Vibe: Cultural, creative, historic | Avg temp: 10°C to 14°C
My favorite highlights…
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The atmospheric Bourse Food Hall (a former stock exchange), followed by smoky roasted veggie tacos with tangy chipotle-lime crema from Takorean!
5. Fairbanks, Alaska
This month was ideal for visiting this remote northern Alaskan city, with clear nights for Northern Lights viewing (peak season is August to mid-April) and milder winter conditions for outdoor adventures.
I spent a week based at the cozy lakefront Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, soaking in Chena Hot Springs, snowmobiling through Chena River State Recreation Area, and catching the World Ice Art Championships. Nights were very cold though – I was glad a packed proper winter gear!
Location: Central Alaska, Far North USA| Vibe: Remote, wintry, magical | Avg temp: -9°C to -1°C
My highlights…
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The intricate ice sculptures at the Fairbanks World Ice Art Championship — especially Jellyfish Hunter, its rainbow-lit tentacles glowing as if 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 pretty bluebonnets made the rolling hills glow, and it was the perfect time to hike, and tour wineries before the summer crowds arrived.
I flew into Austin, drove two hours deep into Hill Country, and spent ten days enjoying the Texas Independence Day celebrations, scenic Hill Country drives, and sampling aromatic Rieslings 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 – with trendy touches like a Keurig coffee maker and evenings spent sipping Katz Coffee’s Texas Hill Country Pecan blend from my private hot tub!
7. Nantucket, Massachusetts
I spent a wonderfully quiet week on Nantucket, wandering empty beaches, photographing historic lighthouses, browsing early-season galleries, and enjoying a seasonal vegetable tart at the Corner Table Café.
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 with a custom-made hardwood four-poster bed by Roman & Williams and Pinot Gris moments overlooking historic Broad Street!
8. The Tidal Basin and Washington D.C.
This was when D.C. really showed off — the Tidal Basin bursting into clouds of pink and white cherry blossoms (blooming from late March to early April) with an unforgettable Insta-worthy moment beneath the petals near the Japanese Lantern.
I flew into Washington, checked into the elegant 4-star Hamilton Hotel, and timed my trip for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, then explored Georgetown by bike and visited the iconic Exorcist Steps — my 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!
9. Kauai, Hawaii
March was my golden ticket to a peaceful island escape — brief showers gave way to brilliant sunshine, waterfalls roared at their peak, beaches stayed blissfully quiet, and humpback whales breached offshore!
After landing at Lihue Airport, I spent ten idyllic days catching the lively Prince Kūhiō Festival, unwinding on the golden sands of Poipu Beach and catching the E Kanikapila Kakou program — a Monday-night celebration of live Hawaiian music that ran from mid-January to March.
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, with a gourmet kitchen, wide lanai, plumeria-scented gardens, and sunset evenings at the “Sunset Wall.”
10. 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 Route 66 detour via Flagstaff, I stopped for 4 nights at the charming GreenTree Inn (the red rock views from the terrace were awesome!) hiking Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge, soaking up spiritual vortex vibes!
Location: Northern Arizona, Southwestern USA | Vibe: Spiritual, adventurous, scenic | Avg temp: 18°C to 23°C
My highlights…
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Trying forest bathing for the first time, inspired by shinrin-yoku — wandering beneath towering pines, breathing in the earthy scent of moss, and easing into a quiet, zen-like stillness!
11. Fontainebleau State Park, Louisiana
Early spring was a wonderful off-peak time to visit this 2,800-acre park on Lake Pontchartrain’s north shore — mild weather, peaceful lakeside views, and quiet trails made it perfect for biking, hiking, and birdwatching before the summer crowds.
My trip began at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, followed by a 45-minute drive to the charming Guesthouse on Girod, where I woke to lake waves each morning, wandered moss-draped oaks in Fontainebleau State Park, and paddled the cypress-lined waters filled with croaking blue herons!
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 — moss-covered stone walls, rusting machinery, and vines quietly 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, I spent five fun days at the quirky 4-star Hotel Clermont, catching the Atlanta Science Festival and St. Patrick’s Parade and gorged 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 at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, with robot waiters, playful touchscreens, LED displays, and jingles — and a crispy veggie tempura roll with sweet soy glaze!
13. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Saguaro National Park wowed me this month — warm but comfortable hiking weather, cholla and prickly pear both out in bloom, clear skies, and striking mountain views, all without the summer crowds.
I flew into Tucson, drove 30 minutes to the Catalina Foothills, and spent four days at the gorgeous Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort , hiking the Valley View Overlook Trail and exploring the wilder Tucson Mountain District among towering saguaros glowing in golden desert light.
Location: Southern Arizona, Southwestern USA | Vibe: Wild, scenic, sun-soaked | Avg temp: 16°C to 27°C
My highlights…
- Golden-hour snaps for my Instagram gallery, with honey-gold cacti, dusty-pink mountains, and a faint creosote scent in the still desert air.
14. 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, as well as a slow drive past the iconic Edris House (my favorite mid-century house!) and crispy chickpea fritters at the Instagram-worthy Pink Cabana. The desert pollen was strong this time of year, though!
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the boutique 4-star Fleur Noire Hotel , with handcrafted sisal rugs, macramé accents, and an uplifting jasmine-and-neroli signature scent!
15. Arches National Park, Utah
With summer temps soaring past 100°F, this month was an awesome time to soak in this red rock wonderland — cooler weather made hiking easier (although snow sometimes falls!) and 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 Salt Lake City, drove just under four hours to Moab, and spent four fantastic days at the rustic-chic Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton, hiking to Delicate Arch (via the Wolfe Ranch Trailhead) and cruising the Windows Section before sunset at Panorama Point.
Location: Eastern Utah, Southwestern USA | Vibe: Dramatic, otherworldly, awe-inspiring | Avg temp: 13°C to 18°C
My favorite highlights…
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A free ranger-led Fiery Furnace tour — sandstone-scented slot canyons, hidden arches, and the surprise of learning it was once a fossil-rich seabed!
Author’s Travel Note:
I’ve spent four years living and traveling around the 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 trips — every place and stay was personally visited and paid for.
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.