15 Best US Places to Visit in March for Spring Break
Looking to escape the winter blues? These U.S. destinations shine brightest in March, with perfect temperatures and smaller crowds.
We’ve gathered insider tips, unique stays, and the best times to visit each spot so you can skip the research and start planning!
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1. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
March brings perfect hiking temperatures to this hidden gem of Utah’s national parks. The Waterpocket Fold – a massive wrinkle in the earth stretching 100 miles – comes alive with spring colors.
When the harvest begins, grab fresh peaches and apples from the park’s orchards for a sweet trail snack.
Where to Stay: Capitol Reef Resort offers indulgent accommodations right at the park’s doorstep. Their unique teepee and covered wagon lodging options add wild west charm to your stay.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
March in Charleston means smaller crowds, lower hotel rates, and perfectly mild temperatures in the 60s.
The city buzzes with the Charleston Wine + Food Festival (March 6-10), where top chefs showcase the city’s renowned culinary scene.
The Charleston Festival (March 13 – April 13) opens doors to private historic homes and gardens normally closed to the public.
Where to Stay: The Loutrel is Charleston’s crown jewel, offering refined luxury with a stunning rooftop deck that gives you a royal’s view of the historic city.
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3. Washington, DC
The nation’s capital sparkles in March as the famous Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20 – April 13) blankets the city in pink blooms.
Sports fans can catch thrilling NBA action with the Wizards or NHL games with the Capitals at Capital One Arena.
The month kicks off Women’s History Month with special exhibits and events throughout the city.
Don’t miss the Blossom Kite Festival on March 29, where expert kite fliers create a colorful sky show near the Washington Monument.
Where to Stay: Pendry Washington DC at The Wharf offers waterfront luxury with panoramic Potomac River views and a rooftop hideaway featuring local DJs on Thursday nights.
4. Joshua Tree National Park, California
March delivers ideal desert exploring weather with daytime highs in the 70s. The park’s unique landscape, where two desert ecosystems collide, creates an otherworldly setting of twisted Joshua Trees and massive rock formations.
Spring brings wildflower blooms and perfect conditions for rock climbing or stargazing. The nearby Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum adds a surreal artistic element to your desert adventure.
Insider Tip: Visit the Cholla Cactus Garden at golden hour – the light passing through the needles creates a magical desert glow.
Where to Stay: The Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms is a modern all-suite haven just 5 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, offering the perfect basecamp for stargazing adventures.
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5. New Orleans, Louisiana
March kicks off with a bang as Mardi Gras begins on March 4th. After the carnival magic fades, the city keeps rolling with the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival and the Irish Channel Parade for St. Patrick’s Day.
Crawfish season hits its stride, with seafood shops and restaurants serving up the spicy mudbugs in every style imaginable.
The weather stays mild with highs around 70°F – perfect for exploring the French Quarter or taking streetcar rides through the Garden District.
Where to Stay: The Windsor Court offers European-style luxury in the heart of New Orleans, where you can live like royalty with a rooftop pool and marble bathrooms.
6. Monument Valley, Arizona
The iconic sandstone buttes of Monument Valley create one of America’s most jaw-dropping landscapes, where towering red rock formations pierce the desert sky.
Spring temperatures stay perfectly mild, making it ideal for exploring the 17-mile Valley Drive that winds past legendary formations like the Three Sisters and John Ford’s Point.
Authentic Navajo experiences await around every corner, from traditional cookouts to guided tours that reveal the valley’s sacred significance.
Where to Stay: The Premium Cabins at The View Hotel offer cozy comfort with mind-blowing vistas of the buttes – perfect for catching those spectacular desert sunrises.
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7. Savannah, Georgia
Springtime in Savannah bursts with azaleas in full bloom across the city’s historic squares and parks. The weather hits that perfect sweet spot – warm but not sticky – ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor treasures.
Catch the high-energy St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, groove to live music at the Savannah Music Festival (March 27 – April 12), or join the festive atmosphere of the Savannah Antiques and Architecture Weekend.
Where to Stay: Kasa Jules, a mansion-turned-suite-style hotel across from Chippewa Square, offers full kitchens and plenty of space to spread out.
8. Bryce Canyon National Park
Spring awakens Bryce Canyon‘s otherworldly landscape of crimson hoodoos – those bizarre rock formations that create an unmatched natural wonderland.
The park offers trails for every skill level, from easy rim walks to challenging backcountry adventures.
When night falls, the real magic begins – as a certified Dark Sky Park, Bryce Canyon delivers some of the clearest stargazing you’ll find anywhere.
Where to Stay: At the Lodge at Bryce Canyon, you can wake up steps from the iconic amphitheater and be the first to witness the sun painting the mystical hoodoos at sunrise.
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9. Zion National Park
Rising temperatures and melting snow bring Zion’s waterfalls roaring to life, while the Virgin River flows with renewed vigor through the magnificent canyons.
Daily temperatures hover between 50-60°F, perfect for tackling iconic trails like the Narrows Riverside Walk or conquering the Watchman Trail for those beyond-belief views.
The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive showcases the park’s greatest hits, from Angel’s Landing to the Court of the Patriarchs.
Where to Stay: Cable Mountain Lodge offers luxurious rooms steps away from Zion’s entrance, featuring a heated pool, riverside picnic spots, and stunning canyon views.
10. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Sun-soaked Myrtle Beach delivers perfect springtime temperatures between 65-70°F, ideal for beach walks and outdoor adventures without summer’s intense heat.
Golf courses reach their peak condition, while uncrowded beaches invite peaceful morning strolls.
Family-friendly attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium and Family Kingdom amusement park offer endless entertainment options.
The seasonal atmosphere stays lively with events like the Myrtle Beach Marathon and spirited St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Where to Stay: The Caravelle Resort offers budget-friendly rooms, complete with indoor and outdoor pools plus a splash pad for the kids.
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11. Palm Springs, California
Sun-drenched Palm Springs sparkles with mid-century modern charm and endless ways to unwind.
The Moorten Botanical Garden showcases over 3,000 desert plants in the world’s first-ever Cactarium, while the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway whisks you from desert floor to mountain top in just 10 minutes.
Foodies will love the fresh California flavors at Navigator, where global surf-inspired dishes meet local ingredients.
Where to Stay: The freshly renovated La Quinta Resort & Club, approaching its centennial year, offers 45 acres of luxury at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
12. Death Valley National Park, California
Death Valley’s otherworldly landscape beckons with dramatic contrasts and record-breaking extremes.
The park demands at least two days to explore highlights like Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
For the best experience, catch the sunset for a spectacular panorama over the valley floor.
Where to Stay: The Oasis at Death Valley offers the most luxurious stay in the park, with resort amenities and an unbeatable location near Furnace Creek.
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13. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The vast wilderness of Canyonlands unfolds across four distinct districts, each offering unique adventures.
The Island in the Sky district wows visitors with sweeping mesa-top views, while The Needles district dazzles with colorful sandstone spires and fascinating rock formations.
Don’t miss the Cave Spring Trail, where you’ll discover an old cowboy camp and climb fun ladders to reach amazing 360-degree views.
Where to Stay: Red Cliffs Lodge offers a stunning riverside retreat with rustic suites, a casual restaurant, and a Western heritage museum.
14. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island welcomes visitors with pristine beaches and laid-back coastal charm.
The island divides into distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality – from the luxurious Sea Pines area with its iconic lighthouse to the vibrant Palmetto Dunes, known for world-class golf and tennis.
Where to Stay: The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa offers luxurious oceanfront accommodations with top-notch amenities.
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15. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe’s adobe-lined streets pulse with centuries of history and vibrant artistic energy.
The city’s food scene shines with standout spots like The Shed, housed in a 300-year-old hacienda, serving up authentic New Mexican cuisine.
Art lovers can explore countless galleries showcasing everything from traditional to contemporary works, while history buffs will marvel at the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
Where to Stay: The Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado offers luxury casitas tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with spectacular valley views.
