Are you desperate for an escape from the cold, dreary days of winter? Longing for fields of blooming wildflowers and the warmth of the sun’s rays on your skin? Well, you’re in the right place because today’s post is all about spring travel! March kicks off the spring season, and with demand still low, it’s a great time to travel. Let’s chat more about the best US cities to visit in March.   

Why Travel in March  

In full transparency, I am biased as hell on this one as spring is my favorite season. I could go on forever about why spring is superior to other seasons. When it comes to travel, however, spring wins on a few fronts: nature, crowds, cost, and weather.  

Let’s start with the obvious: life transforms in the most beautiful way in spring. Spring was made for the dreamy romantic types. For the observant ones who notice the magic in little things. In spring, the daylight lasts longer, and the world warms from its icy hibernation. Flowers bloom, bees buzz and the colors of nature are at their most vibrant. It’s a season of hope, re-birth, renewal, and growth. Put simply, the world in spring is a breathtaking place.  

Not only is early spring a gorgeous time of year, but March is considered “shoulder season” in most of America.  Afterall, March is still technically winter and in the far north it certainly still feels that way.  As a result, apart from spring break, far fewer people travel in March. With much of America still hibernating, crowds are thinner and travel deals abound!   

In the southern half of America, March weather is anywhere from pleasant and mild to lovely. Spring offers the perfect comfortable weather for travel with average temps around 55 to 75 degrees. With so much beauty, smaller crowds, less cost and great weather, why not travel in spring? Now that I’ve sold you the perks of spring travel, let me share my picks for the best US cities to visit in March.  

Warm Places To Visit In March in the USA  

Austin, Texas

If you’ve read my blog, you’ve probably noticed my love of Austin, Texas.  Home to a wacky, lively vibe, Austin is a laid-back eclectic hub of activity. Austin is one of my favorite cities in America any time of year, but best to avoid summer. Texas summer is downright miserable with temps in the 90s and punishing humidity. In March, the daily temperature is between the high 60s into the 70s. As such, Austin is one of the best warm places to visit in March in the USA.  

Austin is one of the America’s coolest cities for people-watching. Spend an afternoon strolling South Congress Avenue’s street art while noshing delicious eats on the way. Nearby, the state capitol building is stunning and is free to explore. Enjoy the outdoors with a hike around Lady Bird Lake or climb Mount Bonnell for far-reaching views of Austin. Swim at the beautiful Barton Springs, fed by an underground spring that keeps it at 70 degrees year-round. For a slightly freakier experience, head to the Congress Avenue Bridge home to America’s largest urban hub of bats. At sunset, thousands of bats emerge like nothing you’ve likely seen before.  

Prefer more structured exploring? Consider doing a small group city tour or an electric bike tour around the city. Austin is also one of the best American foodie cities, so consider a food tour to sample the city’s best eats. Or, just order the migas tacos from Veracruz All Natural every day. Just saying.   

Another reason to visit Austin in March is for the many festivals and events taking place. One of the most well-known is the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, a convergence of music, film, and tech. Also in March are Austin’s famed rodeo and the family-friendly Zilker Park Kite Festival where brightly colored kites dot Austin’s skies.  

Where To Stay in Austin  

Stay near South Congress Avenue in the heart of the city. Fairmont Austin is a great downtown choice and Moxy Austin-University is a hotel with a funky Austin type feel. Embassy Suites South Congress has a great location as well as free breakfast and evening reception as another great option.  

Moab, Utah 

Moab, Utah is the perfect spring break destination to get outdoors after a winter cooped inside.  Moab is a perfect hub for those visiting Utah’s northern National Parks Arches, Canyonlands, and further north, Capitol Reef. Moab is the adventure lover’s paradise of Utah; people are outdoors doing stuff seemingly non-stop.  If you love being active whether hiking, biking, rafting, climbing; you name it, then Moab is your city. I’m a little on the lazier and clumsier side, and I still enjoyed it.  

With its proximity to the National Parks, Moab tends to get swarmed with tourists. The best time to avoid the crowds is December through January but the weather is too cool for my taste at around 45-55 degrees. Early March brings slightly warmer weather. A word of caution however, March and April are high season in Moab so expect decent crowds and costs. It’s worth it though.  

The #1 thing to do in Moab is explore the area’s unbelievable national parks. Arches National Park showcases over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it a crazy sight to behold.  Delicate Arch, is a picture-perfect Arch and the symbol of Utah you’ll see on license plates and everything else. For more adventure, head to the vast expanses of Canyonlands National Park. Somehow this park still flies way under the radar; it’s one of America’s most underrated. A must-see stop at Canyonlands is Mesa Arch, which is a window to the most breathtaking canyon below. Other great spots for outdoor lovers are Dead Horse Point State Park and Fisher Towers.  

When in Moab, I strongly recommend taking an adventure tour or two as the way of life in the city. The rugged terrain of Moab is perfect for a heart-stopping off-roading adventure. Do yourself a favor and get an off-road vehicle. Trust us; trying not to drive off a cliff of the impossibly rocky terrain in a mini van is not recommended. Adventurous types will love the Hell’s Revenge 4 X 4 Tour or exploring Arches or Canyonlands on a 4 wheel drive tour.  Another fun Moab activity is taking a river rafting trip through red rock canyons. With so much to do, Moab is one of the best spring vacation ideas for couples to adventure together.  

Downtown Moab is relatively small and is more like a walkable main street than a downtown. There are many great eateries, and local cafes and shops with artisans selling local art and jewelry. And while Moab isn’t exactly a foodie city, visitors will find a good variety of non-chains spots with great eats. The Desert Bistro and Moab Brewery are a couple of our favorite spots. Moab is a city everyone should experience, and it doesn’t get much lovelier than in March.  

Where to stay in Moab

Consider staying close to Downtown Moab to explore the walkable main street. For stunning views, consider the Red Cliffs Lodge on the river. The Comfort Suites is a solid downtown budget choice just a 5-minute drive to Arches. Expedition Lodge is a fun retro motel choice great for families within walking distance of the Moab Food Truck Park.  

New Orleans, Louisiana

For lovers of history, music, refined cocktails, and iconic eats, consider New Orleans, Louisiana. The Big Easy as it’s called, is a bustling city with bright lights, wildly seasoned food, and strong drinks. As for when to visit the city, that largely depends on what kind of experience you’re looking to have. Mardi Gras in February is the most popular time to visit with huge crowds and big cost. For a slightly warmer trip with 70-degree temps and smaller and less wild crowds, consider March. The month of March is one of transition as the city moves from Mardi Gras to its spring festival season.    

While Mardi Gras is over in March, the city’s spring festival season is just coming to life. The city is home to a series of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, as well as the Saints and Sinners literary festival. Another event to check out is the Mardi Gras Indian Super Sunday second line parade.  Second lines are a New Orleans tradition, a neighborhood party of sorts, with music and costuming NOLA style.    

Aside from enjoying the city’s local events, no trip to New Orleans would be complete without exploring the historic French Quarter. Visit the iconic Jackson Square where you’ll find local vendors, musicians and street performers lining the picturesque streets. For a romantic afternoon, stroll the rows of old oak trees and Spanish moss at City Park. For the best of Nola’s distinctive architecture, check out the colorful mansions of The Garden District.  And you can’t visit New Orleans without experiencing the sounds of a live show on Frenchmen Street. All of these can be enjoyed for free or at very little cost.   

If attractions are your thing, New Orleans has plenty to choose from. One of my all-time favorite American museums is Nola’s five pavilion National WWII Museum. For a very different kind of history, learn about New Orleans’ spooky past. From above-ground cemeteries to voodoo and vampires, the city has no shortage of fascinating stories. I’m a self-professed tour nerd that has taken just about every Nola tour offered. The Ghost Tour, Cemetery Tour, and Haunted Pub Crawl are a fun way to experience the dark side of New Orleans.   

Above all, New Orleans is a city renowned for its food and drink. New Orleans cooking is known for the bold flavors of its Creole and Cajun dishes. From richly seasoned warm bowls of gumbo and jambalaya to pillowy beignets doused with sugar. New Orleans does more than just amazing food however, as it’s also considered the birthplace of the cocktail. Plan to save plenty of time, money and calories on the city’s iconic restaurants and bars. For a sampling of city’s most famous eat and drink, check out one of the city’s Walking Food or Cocktail History Walking Tours.  

Where to stay in New Orleans, Louisiana  

If you have the budget to stay in or close to the French Quarter, I strongly recommend it. The Best Western Plus French Quarter is a mid-range hotel a 10-minute walk from the Quarter just outside the action. Consider the colorful HI New Orleans Hostel for a casual and budget-friendly option. For other great options close to the heart of the Quarter check out the NOPSI Hotel and The Holiday Inn French Quarter. One of the best luxury hotels near the French Quarter is Hotel Monteleone, home of the famous Carousel Bar.  

Asheville, North Carolina

If natural beauty is what you’re after, it doesn’t get much prettier than Asheville, North Carolina. Nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is an artsy, hipster city for outdoor lovers. As the snow melts away the landscape of this mountain town is in full transformation mode. In spring, the countryside becomes a bright green teeming with wildflowers. In March, visitors will find near perfect hiking weather with daily highs between 50 and 60 degrees. So, pack some warmer clothes and enjoy Asheville’s beauty before the hordes of tourists come to town.    

Asheville is not a city packed with attractions like so many major cities. Much of the allure is exploring the city’s natural landscape and art scene on foot. The vast green hills of the Blue Ridge Parkway are a must-see when in Asheville. The scenic route just outside Asheville can be enjoyed by car with many overlooks along the way. For the more adventurous, hike one of the area’s many trails and explore some of Asheville’s captivating waterfalls. Beyond its natural beauty, Asheville’s a creative town.  See works on display  in local galleries and shops especially in the River Arts District and Biltmore Village.  

The main attraction in Asheville that is a must-see is touring America’s largest home, Biltmore House. Having seen many of America’s most lavish estates, Biltmore may be my favorite.  In late March into early April the orchids and tulips spring to life. While the gardens are accessible all year, the Biltmore Blooms event begins on April 1 when the gardens are in full bloom.  

 After a long day outdoors, Asheville has plenty of craft breweries and stellar local eats to enjoy. Asheville loves farm-to-table dining, with emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try the Indian street food at Chai Pani recently named America’s Best Restaurant by James Beard. Asheville is also one of America’s premier “beer cities” as home to more than 50 local breweries. If beer is your thing, this city just might be your Disneyland. Set up shop in Downtown Asheville and sample the innovative flavors of the local beer scene. Wicked Weed Brewing and Burial Beer Co are local favorites.  

Where to stay in Asheville, North Carolina 

Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville has a perfect downtown location and houses Hemingway’s Cuba restaurant and rooftop bar. Aloft Asheville Downtown is a funky hotel within walking distance of Asheville shops and restaurants including Double D’s Coffee Bus. For lodging outside downtown consider Glo Hotel Asheville-Blue Ridge Parkway or The Residences at Biltmore. 

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is considered by many to be the crown jewel of America’s National Parks. Stretching over a million acres in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a place of unparalleled majesty. It’s hard not to be blown away peering out over one of the most impressive wonders in the entire world. With dramatic cliffs, and deep, jagged canyons stretching for miles, the Grand Canyon is unreal.  

A visit to The Grand Canyon is all about timing. Summer in Grand Canyon National Park is high season when crowds are huge and prices soar. In March, the daytime weather is a cool 50 degrees, crowds are thin, and prices are way lower. The North Rim does close for snow in spring, but the South Rim is open annually.   

The park provides a unique opportunity to get lost in the vastness of nature. The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the best spring break trips for families on a budget. For little more than the cost of a campsite and National Parks Pass, you can enjoy some of America’s most far-reaching views. Activity costs can be minimal just spending your days checking out the views by hiking and/or backpacking the park.  

One of my favorite things about Grand Canyon National Park is the many awesome adventure tours available. If you prefer touring with a guide, consider a full day tour from Tusayan to see all the high points. One of the most family-friendly tours is the Grand Canyon Railway Tour. If you want to splurge, seeing the depths from above with a Helicopter Tour is an awesome experience.  

Where to stay near Grand Canyon National Park

For an upscale lodge-themed stay close to the park, check out The Grand Hotel at The Grand Canyon. For a more resort-feel family-friendly hotel in the area check out Best Western’s Squire Resort-Grand Canyon. Holiday Inn Express in Tusayan is another budget-friendly hotel in the area with an indoor pool to enjoy in the winter. For rustic, cowboy-themed accommodations for families, the Grand Canyon Western Ranch is a great choice.  

Texas Hill Country

If small-town charm off-the-beaten path is your thing, consider a trip to Texas Hill Country. In the heart of the Lone Star State, Texas Hill Country is a series of small towns nestled along the rolling hills of Texas. Home to more than (60) wineries, the area is referred to as Texas Wine Country, and the Napa Valley of Texas. Springtime in Hill Country is lovely as wild bluebonnets dot the countryside. While Hill Country can get mighty hot and humid in summer, travelers in March will experience weather generally between 55-65 degrees during the day.  

Texas Hill Country is comprised of several small Texas towns in the idyllic countryside. The heavily German influenced Fredericksburg is the most well-known and busiest of the towns. It is home to many cute boutique shops, creative art galleries and most of the area’s wineries. Grab a glass of wine and slow stroll Fredericksburg’s Main Street. Experience the old-world German feel of the city by sampling local pastries, sausages and artisan cheeses. Other Hill Country towns worth visiting are Boerne, Wimberley, Johnson City and the teeny tiny but charming Luckenbach.  

Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy around Texas Hill Country. Just outside of Fredericksburg is the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Enchanted Rock is the second largest granite dome in America and it’s about a half mile hike to the top. Near Johnson City, explore the Lyndon B. Johnson Historical Park, or the unique falls at Pedernales Falls State Park.  

Where to stay in Texas Hill Country

For downtown accommodations with a pool consider Fredericksburg Inn & Suites. For adorable accommodations in cute countryside cabins, check out Country Inn Cottages in Fredericksburg. Peach Tree Inn offers affordable, quaint lodging near downtown Fredericksburg. My pick is Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa with onsite winery, restaurant and courtyard with sweeping views of west Texas.   

Washington, D.C. 

Washington, D.C. with its rich historical tradition is one of the American cities I love most. DC is a must-see city any time of year but is especially lovely in spring. People come from all over to see the beauty of DC during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in late March. If visiting in March, be sure to pack layers as the average daily temp is only about 50 degrees. Washington D.C has so many free sites to explore, it’s easy to find somewhere to warm up from the cold.   

When visiting Washington D.C., exploring the monuments and memorials along the National Mall is a must. The Mall is lined with a series of moving memorials paying tribute to influential people and events of America’s past. As you stroll the mall, the iconic Washington Monument stands tall in the distance. From the stoic Lincoln Memorial to the stirring World War II Memorial, each invites reflection.  

Washington D.C. is one of America’s best cities to explore on foot and on a budget. DC is very walkable with many free museums, monuments, and historical sites to visit. If you’re like me and like the nerdy history stuff, consider taking a Full Day Guided Tour. The DC Monuments and Memorials at Night Tour is a fun way to get the history and see DC lit up. For those who don’t like or can’t do much walking, the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours are great. The buses stop at major area attractions to get on and off for flexible exploring when and where you want.     

Beyond the Mall, DC is home to world-class museums that capture the nation’s cultural and artistic riches. The Smithsonian Institution, with its myriad of museums and galleries, is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. The best part is that the great majority of DC museums are completely free to visit.  The captivating National Museum of Natural History is massive and is home to one of the greatest collections of natural history in the world. Art lovers will find no shortage of inspiration with more than 140,000 works on display at the National Gallery of Art. The National Air and Space Museum is one of the most beloved DC museums and is a great choice for families. Explore America’s painful past at the National Museum of African American History and Culture or United States Holocaust Museum. There is too much to list; this city is seriously a cornucopia for the curious minded.   

However fascinating, Washington, D.C. is so much more than history and culture. Beyond the grandeur of DC’s monuments and museums is a spirited city, full of life. DC is one of the America’s most diverse cities with great nightlife and a wonderfully creative culinary scene. From trendy Georgetown to the flavors of Chinatown, each district offers its own unique charm and allure. When in DC explore the historic stuff for sure, but do not miss out on DC eats and nightlife! 

Where to stay in Washington, D.C. 

Since Washington D.C. is so walkable, it’s best to stay within a mile of the Capitol to explore on foot. For a funky hotel with bright, modern digs, check out citizenM Washington D.C NoMa or citizenM Washington DC Capitol. Hyatt Place Washington D.C is within a mile of the action and has a rooftop bar with great views. Hotel Hive has a cool minimalist concept, central location and rooftop bar. For budget friendly options, consider the Holiday Inn National Mall or Comfort Inn Downtown DC.  

Orlando, Florida

After being trapped indoors all winter, how about an amusement park trip to welcome spring? Orlando, Florida is known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World.”  Orlando is home to Disney World, most of the America’s best amusement parks and much more. Summers in Orlando are so hot they are borderline torture unless you’re on a beach. Orlando is one of the best warm places to visit in March in the USA with temps around 70 degrees. Perfect weather for impatiently waiting in line for rides and less visitors in spring means less waiting. YAY, March!    

When in Orlando, amusement park fun is the name of the game. There are two main camps of theme parks in Orlando: Disney and Universal parks. Classic Disney lovers will fall in love with Magic Kingdom, Orlando’s premier Disney Park. For teens, the heart-stopping rides at Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are a step above. Epcot is often overlooked but is home to incredible cultural experiences and cuisine.  If thrill rides or Harry Potter are more your speed, then don’t miss Universal’s Island of Adventure, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, and Universal Studios. Orlando is also home to a couple great waterparks at Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. Orlando, Florida is one of the best cities in America to have fun and be a big kid.   

Believe it or not, there is more to do in Orlando than just thrilling rides. Sea World is one of the best places to get up close to sea animals like orca whales. Discovery Cove is another great spot to see sea creatures like dolphins. Want to get away for some peace away from the big commercial parks? Stroll the serene Harry P. Leu Gardens or head to the city outskirts for an Airboat Swamp Tour. With so much fun for kids and adults alike, Orlando is one of the best spring break trips for families.   

Where to stay in Orlando, Florida

If you have the budget, I strongly recommend staying at a Disney resort for the fun and ease of transportation. For a fun Disney-themed experience for cheap, check out one of the budget resorts such as Disney All Star Movies Resort, or Disney Pop Century Resort. Honestly, the Disney budget resorts are awesome and are my favorite place to stay in Orlando. For a more grand experience consider the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge, or Grand Floridian. Going to Orlando and want to avoid all things Disney? Consider the Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek, or Caribe Royale Orlando. For great budget and family-friendly options, check out the Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, or Comfort Suites Maingate East. 

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a vast desert with otherworldly landscapes in Southern California. As Joshua Tree is in the desert, summer temps regularly soar into dangerous triple digits. The summer weather is especially dangerous given the complete lack of shade in the park. It’s a great wide-open oven pretty much. In March, the weather is milder, around 50-70 degrees. So yeah, go in March.  

The best thing to do in Joshua Tree National Park is explore the stunning park on foot. Hidden Valley is a 1-mile easy loop trail with great views. The Cholla Cactus Garden is a flat, easy trail where lots of massive and unique cacti grow for miles.  Inexperienced hikers will appreciate the desert views along the relatively easy Arch Rock Nature Trail. One of the more unique and definitive rock formations is Skull Rock, which is freakishly skull-like. The stop is accessible right off the road so come early as it tends to get busy.  Joshua Tree is also one of America’s premier parks for stargazing due to is remote location and lack of light. So, pack a blanket and gaze up at what feels like a million stars in the sky.  

Where to stay near Joshua Tree National Park 

Recommend staying north of the park in nearby Twentynine Palms which isn’t too off the grid. In Twentynine Palms, Campbell House Inn is a charming desert inn from the 1920s and the Holiday Inn is a good budget choice with heated pool. SureStay Plus Best Western and Fairfield Inn are other good moderate resorts offering pools and free breakfasts close to the park.  

Atlanta, Georgia  

Atlanta, Georgia, is one of America’s largest cities and has all the attractions you’d expect of a large city.  As the summers get toasty in Atlanta, spring is my preferred time to visit. In March, Atlanta weather is mild with daily high temps around 55 to 65 degrees. You will want to pack an umbrella if visiting in March however, as the city can be rainy in spring.   

One of the must-see attractions in Atlanta is the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Here, you can learn about the life of MLK and gain a deeper understanding of his powerful impact on history. Visitors can explore his childhood home, visit the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached, and view his final resting place. This deeply moving experience will leave you in awe of Dr. King’s legacy. 

Atlanta is a bustling city with no shortage of things to do and explore. The Georgia Aquarium is one of the best in America and is home to whale sharks, beluga whales and dolphins. Another family favorite is Zoo Atlanta, one of the only American zoos with my favorite animal: panda bears. Perhaps the most famous stop in Atlanta, however, is the World of Coca Cola. The iconic beverage brand started as a one-man operation in Atlanta in 1886 and the history is fascinating.  If you plan to visit multiple Atlanta attractions, I strongly recommend snagging a CityPass to save money.  

Beyond attractions, Atlanta has lots of beautiful green spaces if it’s peace and solace you’re after. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city with lovely displays of flowers and plants in spring. Other beautiful places to relax and enjoy nature are  Piedmont Park and Centennial Olympic Park. 

Atlanta is also known for its delicious cuisine, and no visit is complete without indulging in some Southern comfort food. From mouthwatering barbecue to savory fried chicken, to Georgia peaches, there’s no shortage of tantalizing food in Atlanta. In addition, Atlanta is not your traditional spot for the spring break crowd. As such, it’s one of the better spring break ideas for couples looking for a new city to check out.    

Where to stay in Atlanta, Georgia

Downtown Atlanta is the place to stay closest to the city’s attractions, but it will cost you. Atlanta can be expensive to visit, so stay in Midtown if you need to save money.  For a higher end stay, my picks are the artsy down Hotel Indigo or the gorgeous Intercontinental Buckhead. Excellent mid-range options include The Candler’s timeless elegance or Embassy Suites at Centennial Olympic Park. For a budget stay, look at the Extended Stay America-Atlanta-Marietta Interstate Pkwy for a convenient location with pool.  

In conclusion, these destinations each offer a wonderful escape from the dull days of early spring. From the colorful streets of NOLA to Moab’s jagged landscape and the lovely blooms in DC, these are some of the best US cities to visit in March.