A great time of year to escape to warm and tropical locations in the United States is in March before the spring season approaches in full blast.
From the east to the west coast, these are some of the best places with beautiful beaches and parks to visit in early March before the peak season in the summer months.
Here’s the scoop on the best beaches and vacation spots to visit in March in the USA!
Warm Places to Visit in March
1. Jupiter, Florida
One of the most beautiful beach towns in Florida, Jupiter is a great place with an eclectic mix of landscapes and outdoor activities. The town is especially famous for fishing in South Florida.
The top attractions to visit while vacationing in Jupiter are the Juno Beach Pier, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, and Jupiter Inlet Light. Based on previous temperatures in March, the average temperature reaches a high of 79 degrees and a low of 61 degrees.
2. Palm Springs, California
The best time to visit Palm Springs is between May and October; however, it is ideal to visit this desert resort city in March before the crowds. One of the top locations for golf courses and beaches, Palm Springs is a sunny paradise waiting for you to explore.
While staying in this sunny destination, make sure to visit the many art galleries, wine tastings, and museums for a more in-depth look into the local culture. For nature lovers, Palm Springs is a city worth exploring with trails, botanical gardens, and canyons.
Palm Springs Average Temperature in March: 71 degrees to a low of 45 degrees
3. Tybee Island, Georgia
One of many barrier islands in Georgia, Tybee Island is a true getaway with a charming beach town and historical landmarks. At the mouth of the Savannah River, the island is popular with tourists and is generally crowded between May and October.
While exploring the island, soak in the waves at South Beach and learn history at the Fort Pulaski National Monument and the Tybee Island Lighthouse. You can also visit Jekyll Island for the sea turtles.
Tybee Island: March Temperatures (high 71 to a low of 49 degrees)
4. Austin, Texas
The Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is one of the best cities and is the heart of the lone star state. What used to be a riverside village occupied by Native Americans, this city is now a central hub for technology and is home to The University of Texas at Austin.
The mild climate in this city makes it a destination worth visiting all year round. However, Austin tends to be seen by most tourists between June and September.
If you decide to visit this city in March, the average temperature is still around 74 degrees, which is especially helpful for visitors looking to try out outdoor activities. Stop and explore the state parks, Hamilton Pool Preserve, Zilker Park, and Inner Space Cavern.
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
A central hub for entertainment and nightlife, Las Vegas is the perfect place to watch your favorite artists perform with a plethora of family-friendly activities, shopping, and restaurants.
Spend your vacation exploring this bustling city with easy access to the Neon Museum, the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, and the Bellagio Fountains.
If you’re looking to explore just outside Las Vegas, I recommend visiting the Seven Magic Mountains and the Valley of Fire in late March and early April.
This resort city is a popular destination filled with people between May and October as tourists try to take part in every attraction and experience.
The best time to visit Las Vegas is in March and April when the temperatures are nice and warm but not too hot for outdoor activities.
6. Laguna Beach, California
A beach ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and artists, Laguna Beach is an hour south of Los Angeles offering clifftop views of stunning beaches and tide pools.
Enjoy surfing at Thousand Steps Beach or spend the day marveling at beautiful artwork at the Laguna Art Museum during the winter months.
With an average temperature of 73 degrees in March, visitors can thoroughly enjoy the outdoor activities Laguna Beach has to offer.
7. Destin, Florida
Located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin is one of the most popular Florida vacation spots due to its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
The best way to experience Destin is by trying out some of the top activities for visitors including horseback riding, camping, hiking, bicycling, and diving.
March is the perfect month to visit this treasure trove as the crowds tend to visit starting in April and continuing through October.
Average Temperature in March: 72 degrees, low 51 degrees
8. San Diego, California
A southern coastal city in California, San Diego is also one of the top vacation spots with plenty of family-friendly attractions blending history, nature, and beaches. Add the San Diego Zoo, Coronado Beach, and the Maritime Museum of San Diego to your itinerary.
March and April tend to be slower months for tourists even though the average temperature is 72 degrees. This great destination may be a little chilly to lounge on the beach, but they’re plenty of things to do in this city.
9. Charleston, South Carolina
This historical city in South Carolina is brimming with historic structures, statues, and majestic museums.
Indulge in the best things such as the local festivals, art galleries, and sandy beaches of Sullivan Island and Folly Beach while visiting during the slowest months of the year.
July is generally the peak month to visit Charleston; however, March is milder with an average temperature of 69 degrees.
10. Tuscon, Arizona
Blending nature and sunny days, Tuscon is a wonderful place to escape the winter cold. This city is a haven for hikers and history lovers with The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures and the Sabino Canyon. This exceptionally sunny city averages around 78 degrees in March with the peak season starting in May.
11. Maui, Hawaii
The second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui is a beautiful place and a mecca for beautiful resorts, rich wildlife, beaches, and flavorful cuisine. While visiting this island, try out snorkeling at Ka’anapali Beach, hike Pipiwai Trail, or spot some humpback whales.
Even though March is generally cooler at night for the Hawaiian Islands, it is the perfect place to experience Hawaii to its fullest with the mild temperatures. The average high temperatures during the day are 80 degrees.
12. St. Augustine, Florida
The oldest city in the country, St. Augustine is a destination filled with history and gorgeous beaches.
Admire the beautiful architecture and the rich wildlife while visiting popular attractions like Castillo San Marcos, St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Don’t forget about St. Augustine Beach with its beautiful views and warm water.
Sitting at an average temperature of 75 degrees, March is the perfect time to soak in the diverse and haunted city.
13. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is one of the most well-known cities in the country with its cobblestone streets, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture.
When visiting the oldest city in Georgia, relax on the amazing beaches, drink beer in colonial-style pubs, and shop in the famous Historic District.
With a high of 71 in March, it is warm enough and a great spot to partake in various outdoor activities like the parks, botanical gardens, and historical sites.
14. Islamorada, Florida
Between Miami and Key West, Islamorada is a village in Monroe County featuring prime spots for fishing and other water sports like scuba diving. Even though the housing market is among the most expensive in Florida, Islamorada is still a popular vacation spot worth escaping the cold weather.
March is one of the best times of the year to visit with the average temperature reaching 80 degrees and a low of 65.
15. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is a central hub for entertainment, shopping, and dining with no shortage of palm trees. After exploring Downtown LA, try out one of the many hikes to Runyon Canyon Park, explore the Greystone Mansion, and soak in the views of the Venice Canals Walkway.
March is one of the slower months for tourists, which is ideal if you want to experience Los Angeles without the crowds. The average temperature is a mild 72 degrees with a low of 51.
16. Outer Banks, North Carolina
These famous barrier islands and peninsulas separating mainland North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean have grown into popular destinations for vacation rentals. The Outer Banks is a barrier island that offers visitors a taste of local cuisine, beaches, history, and natural landscapes.
Even though March is not the warmest month to visit the Outer Banks on the East Coast, especially if you love to engage in water sports, it is still worth visiting in March for the hiking trails, wild horses, historical monuments, local restaurants, and shops.
Make sure to visit Bodie Lighthouse, Downtown Manteo, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
17. South Padre Island, Texas
One of the best small towns in Texas, South Padre Island is a coastal paradise worth unraveling. If you have any interest in sand castles, this Texas island is the perfect place to learn how to build complex sand castles.
Besides the summer, South Padre Island provides mild temperatures for visitors for the rest of the year.
Reaching a high of 78 degrees in March, travelers won’t have any difficulty swimming or engaging in other outdoor activities.
18. Orlando, Florida
Home to world-renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is a popular Florida destination for endless fun.
Besides the incredible theme parks, Orlando has great things like beautiful lakes with mild temperatures for shopping, dining, and wildlife. The best time to visit is May but March is also perfect with an average of 78 degrees.
19. Key West, The Florida Keys
This subtropical paradise is a hot spot for vacationers and retirees with plenty of water activities and white sand to keep every type of traveler entertained since it is home to the third largest barrier coral reef in the world and calm waters.
While soaking in the sunny southernmost point of the United States, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and stroll through Duval Street.
With warmer temperatures and a high of 80 degrees in March, Key West is the perfect getaway location in the United States.
20. San Francisco, California
Besides the Golden Gate Bridge as the main attraction, San Francisco is the financial, commercial, and cultural center of Northern California.
When visiting San Francisco, expect to come across famous architecture like the Painted Ladies, world-renowned museums featuring diverse cultures, and well-manicured parks with stunning viewpoints.
One of the coolest California cities in March at 65 degrees, San Francisco may not be the ideal place to go if you’re looking for 80-degree temperatures; however, the city is definitely worth exploring in March to avoid crowds.
21. San Antonio, Texas
Take your time soaking in art museums, historical monuments, and amusem*nt parks by visiting the second most populous city in Texas. San Antonio is one of the largest Spanish settlements in the state with deep-rooted history.
To learn more about the history of San Antonio, part of the Texas Hill Country, visit the Alamo Mission, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and the Cathedral of San Fernando.
Since San Antonio has an average temperature of 75 degrees, the lone star city is warm enough to explore the River Walk, gardens, and parks.
22. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Part of the U.S. territory, San Juan is home to many beaches and historical landmarks that remind locals and visitors of the rich cultural legacy of the city. When visiting Puerto Rico, San Juan is the most visited part of the island as its the central location for tourist attractions.
For your trip to Puerto Rico, make sure to indulge in locally distilled rum, centuries-old fortifications, and traditional Puerto Rican food.
March and April are some of the best times to visit with the least visited months being during hurricane season. Expect the temperatures to average around 85 degrees with a low of 70 degrees in March.
23. Nashville, Tennessee
Known as the “Athens of the South,” Nashville is the largest city in Tennessee. It is also one of the best places to live in the country with the city known for its bachelorette parties ski resorts, and live music.
While visiting the capital city, stroll around the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum, the Belmont Mansion, and the Parthenon. If you have time, take a scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before heading home.
Most tourists visit from June through August; however, it is ideal to go during the off-season to avoid crowds. March is a fairly cool month in Nashville with chilly nights reaching as low as 39 degrees but the 60-degree temperatures still give visitors plenty of things to do.
24. Joshua Tree National Park
East of Los Angeles and north of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its desert landscape. Located between two different desert ecosystems, this national park offers a fascinating blend of animals and plants. Besides the surreal geologic features, Joshua Tree National Park features rich cultural history.
Explore the vast desert wilderness by hiking and rock climbing. Reaching a high of 71 degrees in March, the warm weather is ideal for desert adventures.
25. Miami, Florida
A tropical hotspot in Florida during the winter, Miami is a culture-filled paradise with unique beaches and vibrant nightlife.
March through May is usually the best time to visit the gateway to Latin America with temperatures in March reaching 80 degrees.
While visiting the vibrant cultural city, make sure to visit the Pinecrest Gardens, Little Havana, The Bass, and Zoo Miami. Don’t sip out on Miami Beach!
26. New Orleans, Louisiana
Along the Mississippi River, New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana featuring a variety of cultures and rich history.
The French Quarter is the oldest and most famous neighborhood in the city with music filling the streets. New Orleans is also home to Mardi Gras and other famous festivals in the United States for a good reason with a diverse and rich history.
September is the most popular month to visit the city; however, March is an ideal month to visit with fewer crowds and warm temperatures of around 70 degrees.
27. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Enjoy beaches, entertainment, and shopping while visiting Fort Lauderdale. North of Miami, this coastal city gives visitors the opportunity to witness the natural beauty and lush landscapes of Florida. Relax on Las Olas Beach, walk around the Riverwalk, and take a stroll through Bonnet House.
Even though April and May are the peak times to go to Fort Lauderdale, March is still a great time to visit with average temperatures around 80 degrees and a low of 63 degrees.
28. Death Valley National Park
Bring your kids on a nature-filled journey at Death Valley National Park. Some of the top hiking trails in the park include Telescope Peak, Lee Flat Joshua Trees, and Red Pass.
Death Valley is fairly chilly in March with a high of 58 degrees, but it is the ideal time to go if you don’t want to burn up in the summer.
29. Grand Canyon National Park
In northwestern Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is a popular spot and features an endless layered rock landscape with gigantic boulders and a gorge of the Colorado River.
To get the most out of the surreal view and higher elevations, stop by Mather Point, South Rim, or Redwall Bridge, North Rim.
The average temperature in the Grand Canyon is 50 degrees in March with freezing nights. Overall, March through May is the best time to visit with lower temperatures and fewer crowds.
30. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Home to world-class golf courses, beaches, boutiques, marina restaurants, and wildlife, Hilton Head Island is a jewel of the south with average temperatures in March peaking at 70 degrees.
When visiting the island, make sure to try out the seaside restaurants at Harbourtown and soak in the unique landscape of Fish Haul Beach.
Best Vacation Spots in the US
Boasting some of the best beaches, these vacation spots offer warm daytime temperatures and a plethora of attractions and outdoor activities for the whole family to have a good time.
So don’t wait till Memorial Day Weekend to kickstart your travels as the month of March is a great time to visit these locations for fewer crowds.
Whether you’re taking a road trip to one of the national parks like Yellowstone National Park or spending an early spring break in southern California, there are plenty of places to visit in March in the USA with the best beaches and attractions.
If you want to try a different location without beaches or up north, try New York City or Cape Cod in Massachusetts. You can even take a trip to Alaska to see the Northern lights!
That’s the scoop on the best beaches and places to visit in March in the USA!
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