The best places to visit in March in the US
From indie music–filled nights in Austin to family-friendly skiing in Vail


Even if your school days are behind you, everyone deserves a spring break getaway—but that doesn’t mean you have to flock to crowded beach scenes with watered down daiquiris. Whether you crave a culture-packed tour de force in Texas or slopeside revelry in Colorado, March is a great time to plan a vacation. Ahead, our favorite stateside locales to have your next unforgettable spring fling—no beachside contests or overpriced cover charges in sight.
Looking to head overseas? Visit our guide to the best places to visit in March around the world.
Miami

Sweet escapes to South Beach in the springtime are hardly a secret. The alfresco dining and nightlife scenes in Miami are legendary. But there’s even more to draw you in, specifically the Wynwood Arts District. In recent years, the North side of downtown Miami has undergone a major cultural transformation. The Wynwood Walls outdoor museum of street murals is great for strolling in March, but there are also craft breweries, eclectic restaurants, funky art galleries, and chic clothing boutiques, too. Make sure to stop for a slow pour at Wynwood Brewing Company or Cerveceria La Tropical, or fuel up at Panther Coffee before shopping for Miami-made and international goods at Frangipani and Wynwood Tribe. Plus, the district’s dining options are diverse and wonderfully unpretentious. Grab a bite at one of the area’s much-loved eateries like The Salty, Coyo Taco, and Zak The Baker.
Vail, CO

Nothing beats spring skiing in the Rockies, and Vail boasts an abundance of fun for the whole family both on and off the slopes. There are a host of world-class hotels like the Four Seasons Resort Vail and the Grand Hyatt Vail. But if boutique accommodations are more your speed, Sonnenalp Vail is a charming lodge option for European-style hospitality. There’s a spa, an indoor/outdoor pool, five restaurants, including arguably the best pre-ski breakfast spread in town at Ludwig’s, plus a piano bar. At Gorsuch Ski Café, there’s even a mountainside ski concierge (read: no schlepping your gear). Off-piste, strolling Vail’s heated walking streets for shopping and bar-hopping is never a trudge. Make sure to hit up the Red Lion bar and restaurant, an après-ski tradition in Vail since 1963. For German-Austrian fare, make a reservation at Alpenrose on Meadow Drive.
Austin, Texas

For music lovers, Austin is a perennial favorite in March for SXSW. The indie-forward film festival, conference, and music mashup takes over the entire city with interactive experiences that spotlight up-and-coming bands, movies, and emerging tech. Plus, the weather this time of year is beautiful with temps that average in the mid 70s—especially ideal if you love outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking. Depending on your preferred vibe, Austin has some great hotels to choose from including the Fairmont Austin and the W Austin, both offering great rooftop pool scenes; The Otis Hotel, full of boutique guest rooms; and the hipster chic Archer Hotel. And should you want to release your inner cowhand for some boot-stomping good times, hit up Rodeo Austin. Since 1938, Rodeo Austin has expanded from a stock show featuring 16 animals to one of Austin’s premier events for spirited country western events. The rodeo usually kicks off the later half of the month.
Charleston, SC

If you fancy yourself a foodie, you should visit Charleston in early March for the Charleston Wine + Food festival, a gathering that celebrates the area’s rich culture of Lowcountry cuisine. The fest flaunts a collective of artists, culinary visionaries, craftspeople, purveyors, farmers, musicians, brewers, and more, so it’s a true feast for the senses. This time of year, the temps are cooler in Charleston (usually in the 60s), and perfect for walking around town and sightseeing. If you’ve never been to the Holy City before, historic sites like the Edmondston-Alston House and Fort Sumter should definitely be on your list. Tourists and locals alike love sipping and savoring the “Bloody Mary’s to die for” at High Cotton Charleston so make a pit stop there, too. When it comes time to count sheep, the award-winning French Quarter Inn is a posh choice with genuine Southern hospitality.
San Diego

With its surf culture, beautiful beaches, and postcard-perfect weather, San Diego is one of those cities you can visit any time of year. But starting in March, the nearby Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch begin to bloom, giving you fifty acres of rainbow-hued flowers to take in. If you’re traveling with kiddos—and you’ve already exhausted Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo—Belmont Park is always a good time. This historic amusement park is located on Ocean Front at Surfrider Square and features classic rides and attractions, including the The Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster. March is also a great time of year for whale watching as the marine mammals are still migrating through April. The San Diego Whale Watching Cruise is the only outfitter that whisks passengers out to see these creatures on a sailboat, so book an excursion and bring your binoculars.
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands is one of the best warm-weather destinations to visit in March if sand between your toes is on the agenda. The weather is consistently in the 80s during the daytime, making it the perfect time of year for lounging poolside or exploring the beaches. While there are three main islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands—St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas—St. John is less commercialized because about 60 percent of the land (and surrounding sea) is protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. (Translation: You won’t be overwhelmed by condos, tourist traps, or chain restaurants.) One of the top things to do in St. John is to take the 2.3-mile Lind Point Trail to Honeymoon Beach. Along the way, you can stop at the clothing-optional Salomon Beach. Whatever is on your St. John itinerary, leave time for snorkeling at Haulover Beach, a local favorite.