14 Best US States to Visit in March for Spring Break
Planning a spring getaway? March might just be the perfect sweet spot for your next US road trip. The crowds are thinner, prices are lower, and Mother Nature puts on quite a show.
Skip the tourist traps and dive into authentic local scenes, complete with our tried-and-tested hotel picks and secret tips that’ll make you feel like a local.
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1. Washington
Washington steals the show in March when thousands of cherry blossoms paint the University of Washington’s Quad in cotton-candy pink hues.
Seattle’s sets the perfect mood for museum-hopping, while coffee shops buzz with creative energy.
Catch the tail end of ski season at nearby slopes or eat your way through Pike Place Market without summer tourist crowds. The city comes alive with St. Patrick’s Day festivities and the start of baseball season.
Insider Tip: Time your visit between March 20-27 to catch peak cherry blossom season at UW campus – arrive before 8 AM to snap photos without the crowds.
Where to Stay: Thompson Seattle. This sleek downtown hotel offers jaw-dropping views of Puget Sound from its rooftop bar.
2. Nevada
Nevada in March offers perfect desert temperatures and clear skies for outdoor adventures.
Hit the trails at Gold Strike Hot Springs, where a challenging 6.5-mile hike leads to steamy natural pools perfect for soaking tired muscles.
Las Vegas keeps its signature sparkle while offering pleasant weather for exploring beyond the Strip.
Insider Tip: Visit Lake Tahoe during March for both skiing and beach walks – the dual-season sweet spot means smaller crowds.
Where to Stay: The Peppermill Resort in Reno. This eco-friendly resort uses geothermal energy to heat its pools and rooms.
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3. Massachusetts
Boston bursts with Irish pride in March, when the city’s deep-rooted St. Patrick’s Day celebrations take center stage.
The city shakes off winter’s chill as spring peeks through, creating perfect conditions for walking the Freedom Trail or catching a Celtics game.
Food scenes heat up with maple sugaring events, while whale watching season kicks off along the coast.
Insider Tip: Book tickets to USS Constitution tours early in the day – morning visits mean calmer seas and better photo ops.
Where to Stay: The Liberty Hotel. This former jail turned luxury hotel serves up Boston history with a side of ironic chic.
4. Tennessee
Tennessee turns up the charm in March when Gatlinburg’s wildflowers carpet the Great Smoky Mountains in a rainbow of colors.
Nashville’s music scene hits high notes with outdoor concerts resuming, while Memphis barbecue joints fire up their pits for spring smoking sessions.
Dollywood reopens with shorter lines and pleasant temperatures – perfect for both thrill rides and craft demonstrations.
Where to Stay: Blackberry Farm in the Smokies. This luxury mountain resort doubles as a working farm with epic farm-to-table dining.
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5. Arizona
Arizona shines brightest in March when perfect 76°F temperatures and blooming desert wildflowers create Instagram gold.
Catch a Cactus League spring training game, then cool off in resort pools while the rest of the country still bundles up. The Desert Botanical Garden explodes with color as cactus flowers pop against blue skies.
Grand Canyon views stretch forever thanks to crystal-clear March air, and Sedona’s red rocks glow during golden hour without summer’s intense heat.
Where to Stay: Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley. This mid-century modern gem offers yoga classes with stunning Camelback Mountain views.
6. Hawaii
Hawaii welcomes you with perfect temperatures hovering around 75°F when winter crowds start thinning out.
Catch playful humpback whales on their final migration month, especially around Maui’s shores.
Each island offers its own flavor – Oahu for city vibes and surfing, Maui for road trips and volcanoes, and Lanai for luxurious seclusion.
Insider Tip: Book a sunrise tour at Haleakala National Park to watch the sun peek over a sea of clouds.
Where to Stay: The Laylow in Waikiki. This trendy hotel puts you steps from shopping and beaches with Instagram-worthy decor.
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7. Idaho
Idaho tempts with adventure when the snow starts melting in the mountains. Soak in one of 130 natural hot springs – the most of any state in the country – while keeping an eye out for emerging wildlife.
From glamping in geodesic domes at Miracle Hot Springs to sleeping in the famous Big Idaho Potato Hotel, quirky accommodations add extra charm to your mountain getaway.
Insider Tip: Visit Lava Hot Springs, just about 15 minutes from McCammon, for a steamy outdoor soak.
Where to Stay: Hotel Ketchum. This sleek mountain retreat features local art and a taco and tequila lounge.
8. Louisiana
New Orleans’ French Quarter comes alive with music spilling from historic venues, while Houmas House’s gardens showcase spectacular Southern blooms beneath ancient oak trees.
Take a drive along the Creole Nature Trail to spot some of the 15,000 alligators that call these wetlands home.
Insider Tip: Visit the Gardens of the American Rose Center near Shreveport for stunning spring blooms.
Where to Stay: Soniat House in New Orleans. This boutique hotel spreads across three Creole townhouses with dreamy courtyard fountains.
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9. Texas
Texas serves up endless adventures with its mix of urban excitement and wide-open spaces. From sizzling BBQ joints to the space-age wonders of Houston’s NASA center, the Lone Star State packs plenty of punch.
The state’s warm hospitality shines through in oversized portions and friendly locals who’ll chat you up anywhere.
Where to Stay: Stay at the Commodore Perry Estate in Austin, where a century-old southern mansion transforms into your private club paradise.
10. South Carolina
South Carolina beckons with its mix of coastal charm and Southern grace. The Myrtle Beach strip comes alive when the 36th Annual Run to the Sun Car Show rolls into town, featuring 3,500 classic beauties.
Stroll through Charleston’s historic market, hunt for unique crafts, or catch the spectacular St. Patrick’s Day parade in North Myrtle Beach where 30,000 revelers paint the town green.
Where to Stay: The Charleston Place offers a perfect blend of Southern luxury in the heart of downtown, steps from elite dining and Charleston’s finest shopping.
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11. Utah
In Utah, ski enthusiasts can still carve fresh powder at Park City while desert adventurers explore the warming canyons of Zion National Park.
The Canyonlands Half Marathon winds through Moab’s stunning red rock formations, offering runners and spectators alike incredible views.
Insider Tip: Hit the Narrows trail in Zion early morning for the best photography light and fewer hikers.
Where to Stay: The Amangiri offers a jaw-dropping prehistoric landscape view from your bed, where modern architecture meets untouched wilderness.
12. Florida
Florida delivers perfect weather with temperatures hovering in the sweet spot and minimal humidity.
Universal Orlando kicks up the fun with their Mardi Gras celebration, bringing the spirit of New Orleans to the Sunshine State with parades, concerts, and endless strings of beads.
Where to Stay: Sandpearl Resort is a beachfront gem that offers spectacular Gulf of Mexico views.
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13. California
California in spring means catching migrating gray whales splashing off the coast while desert wildflowers paint Death Valley in surprising bursts of purple and gold.
Skip Disneyland’s summer crowds and zip straight onto rides, then head to Napa Valley where mustard flowers blanket vineyards in yellow blooms.
San Francisco‘s famous fog lifts more often, offering crystal-clear views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Joshua Tree’s rock climbing routes stay cool enough for afternoon scrambles.
Where to Stay: Meadowood Napa Valley offers an unparalleled hideaway with the most comfortable beds and high-touch service in a serene mountain setting.
14. Kentucky
Kentucky brings together bourbon heritage and blooming bluegrass countryside. Churchill Downs buzzes with early morning workouts as thoroughbreds prep for racing season.
The Bourbon Trail beckons with distillery tours where you can hand-dip bottles in signature wax, while Mammoth Cave offers underground adventures through the world’s longest known cave system.
Insider Tip: Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum early to catch the bat-making process in action.
Where to Stay: The Brown Hotel in Louisville. This historic landmark serves the famous Hot Brown sandwich.
