March brings that perfect sweet spot between winter’s chill and summer’s crowds. Temperatures start climbing in the southern states while cherry blossoms emerge in the mid-Atlantic. Spring breakers fill beaches and theme parks, but plenty of destinations offer breathing room if you know where to look.
The month offers something for everyone – whether you’re chasing 78-degree beach weather in the Florida Keys, hiking red rock canyons in Arizona, or timing your trip to catch Washington DC’s famous cherry blossoms. Spring break typically hits mid to late March, so planning around those weeks can save you money and hassle at popular spots.
Florida Keys Paradise
Key West
March delivers ideal conditions in Key West with temperatures hovering around 78 degrees and lower humidity than summer months. The tail end of stone crab and lobster season means fresh seafood at its peak. Water activities like parasailing, snorkeling, and kayaking benefit from calm seas and clear visibility.
Duval Street comes alive after sunset with live music venues and outdoor bars. The Southernmost Point marker draws crowds for photos, though going early morning beats the lines. Ernest Hemingway’s former home showcases his writing studio and the famous six-toed cats that still roam the property.
The Hampton Inn Key West features a heated pool with ocean views and includes free breakfast. The Key West Villas sits just one minute from Duval Street with fully equipped kitchens in each unit. For upscale options, H2O Suites offers an adults-only environment, rooftop pool, and complimentary happy hour just 656 feet from Duval Street.
Desert Adventures
Moab, Utah
March temperatures in Moab range from highs in the mid-60s to lows dipping into the 30s. This makes it perfect for hiking without the brutal summer heat that often exceeds 100 degrees. Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park see fewer visitors than peak season, meaning you can actually find parking at Delicate Arch trailhead.
Mountain biking trails around Moab rank among the best in the country. The Slickrock Trail challenges experienced riders while the Bar M Loop welcomes beginners. River rafting on the Colorado River picks up in March as water levels rise from snowmelt. Book guided tours through local outfitters for half-day or full-day trips.
The Moab Valley Inn sits 10 minutes from Arches National Park with indoor/outdoor pools and complimentary breakfast. Hotel Moab puts you within walking distance of downtown restaurants and shops. Moab Springs Ranch offers family-friendly bungalows with full kitchens and an on-site restaurant serving American cuisine.
Sedona, Arizona
Red rock formations glow against clear blue skies in March. Daytime temperatures reach the low 70s while nights cool down to the 40s. Wildflowers start blooming across the high desert, adding splashes of color to hiking trails. The winter snow melts from higher elevations, making more trails accessible.
Cathedral Rock Trail ranks as the most popular hike with panoramic views from the summit. Devil’s Bridge offers a natural sandstone arch perfect for photos. Red Rock State Park provides easier trails along Oak Creek with picnic areas and a visitor center. Uptown Sedona’s Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village houses galleries and restaurants in a Spanish-style village setting.
Sedona Springs Resort provides suite-style accommodations with full kitchens and an outdoor pool. Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel sits in Uptown Sedona with both indoor and outdoor pools, lighted tennis courts, and complimentary hot breakfast. Hilton Vacation Club Los Abrigados Resort & Spa features a full-service spa and Stakes & Sticks Bar and Grill.
Cherry Blossom Season
Washington, DC
Peak bloom typically occurs between late March and early April, though exact timing varies by weather. The Tidal Basin becomes the epicenter of cherry blossom viewing with over 3,000 trees encircling the water. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs for several weeks with cultural performances, parades, and fireworks.
Arrive early morning or late evening to avoid peak crowds around the Tidal Basin. The monuments look spectacular framed by pink and white blooms. All Smithsonian museums offer free admission and March weather makes walking between them comfortable. The Metro system connects to most major attractions, saving parking headaches downtown.
Hyatt Place sits just five minutes from the National Mall with a rooftop bar and seasonal outdoor pool. The Holiday Inn stands one block from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum with an on-site Starbucks. Hotel Washington offers city views just 1,640 feet from the White House with VUE rooftop bar overlooking the Washington Monument.
Beach Escapes
Miami Beach
March brings temperatures in the mid-80s with less humidity than summer. South Beach buzzes with energy as spring breakers arrive, but Miami Beach extends far beyond the party scene. Art Deco architecture lines Ocean Drive, and the Miami Beach Botanical Garden provides a quiet escape.
The Miami Open tennis tournament brings top players to Hard Rock Stadium. Calle Ocho Music Festival celebrates Cuban culture with live music, food vendors, and dancing in the streets. Wynwood Walls showcases massive murals by internationally known street artists. Lincoln Road Mall offers outdoor shopping and dining with ocean breezes.
Hotel Ocean faces the Atlantic on Ocean Drive with an Italian restaurant in the courtyard and live music nightly. Albion Hotel features Art Deco design just four minutes from the ocean with an outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees.
For more March vacation ideas, check out our guides to Best Places to Go for Spring Break in Florida and Best Places to Go for Spring Break in Texas.
March Vacation Ideas for Family Adventures
March vacation planning for families depends on school schedules. If traveling during peak spring break weeks, expect higher prices and larger crowds at major destinations. Hawaii’s Big Island offers volcano exploration at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park plus beach time. Temperatures stay in the mid-70s with March marking prime whale watching season.
Orlando’s theme parks get busy but March weather beats summer’s heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld all add special spring events. Destin, Florida provides white sand beaches with calmer waters than the Atlantic coast. The Emerald Coast Science Center and Indian Temple Mound Museum offer educational activities when kids need a beach break.
San Diego averages 70-degree days with minimal rain. The San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and beaches provide multiple days of activities. Hotel pools throughout the city stay heated year-round. Legoland California sits just north in Carlsbad.
March Vacation Ideas for Mountain Retreats
Colorado mountains still offer skiing in March with deeper snowpack than early season. Vail and Breckenridge see good conditions through the month. Lift ticket prices often drop compared to peak winter rates. Lower elevation trails around Boulder and Colorado Springs start opening as snow melts.
Austin and the Texas Hill Country see wildflowers emerge by late March. Bluebonnets blanket roadsides and fields in vibrant blue. Temperature highs reach the 70s, perfect for hiking in state parks or wine tasting at Hill Country vineyards. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center showcases native Texas plants at peak bloom.
Budget-Friendly March Vacation Ideas
March offers deals at destinations transitioning between seasons. National parks in the Southwest charge the same entrance fees year-round but accommodation costs drop compared to fall peak season. Gulf Shores, Alabama provides beach access without Florida prices. Gulf State Park covers 6,150 acres with trails, beaches, and the Ballyhoo Art Festival during the first weekend of March.
Road trips maximize value by eliminating flight costs. The drive from Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon covers stunning scenery. California’s Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles takes 3-4 days with stops in Big Sur, Santa Barbara, and beach towns. Route 66 through Arizona and New Mexico passes through quirky roadside attractions and small towns.
Travel Tips
Pack layers for March weather. Southern destinations feel warm during the day but cool down at night. Desert areas see 40-degree temperature swings between day and night. Sunscreen remains essential even with moderate temperatures – the sun’s intensity increases as the angle changes.
Book accommodations early for popular spring break destinations. Hotels fill up quickly during peak weeks, especially in beach towns and college areas. Rental cars also become scarce and expensive. Consider staying slightly outside main tourist zones for better rates and availability.
Check local event calendars before booking. Festival weekends drive up prices but also create memorable experiences. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in cities like Chicago, Boston, and Savannah transform entire neighborhoods. South by Southwest in Austin draws massive crowds but offers incredible music, film, and tech events.
Weather Considerations
March weather varies dramatically across the country. Northern states still deal with snow and freezing temperatures. The Pacific Northwest sees rain most days. Southern states and Southwest deserts provide reliable sunshine. Florida’s weather improves as the month progresses with less chance of cold fronts.
Hurricane season hasn’t started, making coastal areas safe bets. Water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico warm up faster than the Atlantic. California maintains consistent 60-70 degree temperatures. Hawaii stays in the mid-70s with occasional rain showers that pass quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the warmest place to vacation in March?
Key West, Miami, and Hawaii offer the warmest temperatures, consistently in the mid to high 70s. The Florida Keys provide the most reliable warm weather on the mainland, while Hawaii stays warm year-round with March being one of the drier months.
What are the best beach destinations for March?
Key West, Miami Beach, Gulf Shores, and South Padre Island provide warm beach weather. The Gulf Coast waters warm faster than the Atlantic. Southern California beaches offer pleasant temperatures though the Pacific Ocean stays cool for swimming.
Is March a good time to visit national parks?
March works well for Southwest national parks like Arches, Canyonlands, and Saguaro. Temperatures allow comfortable hiking without summer’s extreme heat. Higher elevation parks like Yosemite and Rocky Mountain still have significant snow limiting access.
What’s the cheapest place to vacation in March?
Gulf Shores, Alabama and South Padre Island, Texas offer beach destinations at lower costs than Florida. National parks in the Southwest provide inexpensive accommodation if booked early. Road trips to lesser-known national parks save money on flights and attractions.
Where should families go for March spring break?
Orlando theme parks remain the top family destination despite crowds. San Diego combines beaches, zoo, and museums. Hawaii’s Big Island offers education and adventure with volcanoes and snorkeling. Washington DC provides free museums and springtime cherry blossoms.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Washington DC?
Peak bloom typically occurs between late March and early April, varying by 1-2 weeks depending on winter temperatures. The National Park Service issues bloom predictions starting in February. Plan flexibility into your travel dates if cherry blossoms are your main reason for visiting.
