15 Best Places to Travel in March

If you’re like most people, the end of winter and the onset of spring get you energized and ready to explore. What better time to hit the road in search of adventure? Here we share 15 of the best March travel destinations in the U.S.

Any trip to Memphis should include barbecue and Beale Street, but in March, bar hoppers can also count on basketball when the Memphis Tigers or Grizzlies are playing. Catch the big games on four front-and-center TVs downtown at Kooky Canuck—for the ultimate competition, challenge your pals to the “Kookamonga,” a 7 1/2-pound burger that’s free if one person can eat it in under an hour. But we recommend being kinder to your stomach—it’s a short walk from here to Rendezvous, where you can easily strike up a lively sports debate over the walls of memorabilia and some of the most delicious ribs in Memphis. Also in March, don’t miss the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on iconic Beale Street, and search for names like Elvis Presley and Justin Timberlake engraved in the sidewalk on the Brass Notes Walk of Fame.

Philly is a city blossoming with culture and history. Longwood Gardens is a transcendent destination for orchid lovers, who can admire elegant and rare blooms through the end of March. Grab a satisfying lunch at one of the many food options in the bustling Reading Terminal Market nearby. For a dose of history, take a tour of the Museum of the American Revolution, which opened in 2017 as part of Philadelphia’s large family of early-American-era museums. In March, you can also celebrate Women’s History Month with a stop at the Betsy Ross House, the birthplace of the U.S. flag.

If you’re wondering where to go on spring break, Florida’s panhandle is the answer. Get your party on in Panama City Beach, where 27 miles of white sandy beaches offer plenty of room for fun. Hammerhead Fred’s is the place to be for some of the craziest parties on the Gulf Coast. Or get wild on the water with an Airboat Adventures tour, where you can spot both alligators and dolphins. Dine on fresh oysters at Dusty’s Oyster Bar, a local favorite, and stop by Thomas Donut & Snack Shop for a red velvet donut before you leave.

Historic homes, a shoppable and walkable downtown, and 300 years of history add up to sweet Southern comfort in Charleston. Known for its vibrant culinary scene, the hugely popular Charleston Wine + Food Festival showcases top chefs the first full weekend in March. For some early spring beach time, drive 20 minutes to Sullivan’s Island Beach at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, where temperatures average in the upper 60s in March. A romantic March vacation idea for couples is taking a ride with Charleston Carriage Works through Historic Downtown Charleston. You can even save money by booking online for off-peak times.

For more than 60 years, Baltimore’s annual St. Patrick Parade has put the city on the map for celebrating the best of Irish culture along its downtown streets. And you definitely won't want to miss the pre-show: The Shamrock 5K Race begins just before, filling the streets with green-shirted runners. Follow the celebration with a pint and Irish eats at Mick O’Shea’s. For more fun things to do in Baltimore, be sure to visit the quirky American Visionary Arts Museum, where outsider art holds sway. Try the crab cakes for breakfast at Miss Shirley’s just across the river, considered to be a local specialty in this standout March travel destination.

Austin is packed with action in mid-March, with thousands of film and music fans and industry professionals in town for the South by Southwest (SXSW) global music festival. For music anytime of the year, hit the honkytonks on 6th Street or try Antone’s for blues. Explore SoCo, the funky neighborhood along South Congress Avenue, where you can find unique shops like the Yard Dog Art Gallery and Amy's Ice Creams, one of the most popular local dessert spots. Then, check out Uncommon Objects for Texas-made artsy accessories and Guero’s for tacos.

Every March, Arizona becomes a literal “field of dreams” hosting the Cactus League’s Spring Training. The greater Phoenix area comes alive with the energy of 15 professional MLB teams playing in 10 stadiums scattered from Goodyear to Tempe. Fans from cold-weather states are especially delighted by the exceptional weather—temperatures are in the upper 70s under sunny skies—peak season in the Sonoran Desert. Come cheer on your hometown team, then stay for the many activities that coincide with spring training, including the Arizona Renaissance Festival, the Chandler Ostrich Festival, Indian Fair & Market and Rodeo Scottsdale. Many big-name entertainers time concerts for this month and restaurants are abuzz for pre- and post-game meals. Chula Seafood, near Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, flies in fresh catch from the California Coast daily, while Giordano’s (near the Peoria Sports Complex in the West Valley), doles out deep-dish pizza.

Big events come in every flavor in Orlando, whether it’s the fireworks of Disney World or the concerts of Universal Studios. But, in the last days of spring, the party at the Orlando Carnival Downtown festival is the place to be. Enjoy live Caribbean musical styles, tropical island bites and plenty of people in costume. For a tamer music event in early spring, check out the 11-day lineup for the Florida Strawberry Festival with a day trip to Plant City. And one of the best family-friendly alternatives for a day full of fun is Orlando's SEA LIFE Aquarium and its amazing underwater attractions, like Florida's only 360-degree ocean tunnel and a "behind-the-scenes" tour!

Did you know that Colorado has its own wine country? One of the best places to visit in March in the U.S. is the region’s central hub of Grand Junction. More than 20 area wineries start their annual harvests in March, including popular winemakers Varaison Vineyards and Hermosa Vineyards. Try finishing a day of tasting with seasonal cuisine at Bin 707 Foodbar. For outdoor adventures around Grand Junction, take a trek among the dramatic red rocks of the Colorado National Monument, a true slice of the American West, or test your need for speed at the Grand Junction Motor Speedway, one of the country's most popular kart racing tracks.

Named one of “America’s Beeriest Beach Towns,” Wilmington offers more than 15 breweries for beer lovers on the Wilmington Ale Trail. An historic, walkable downtown includes the Cotton Exchange, a repurposed warehouse space with local shops, eateries and an old-town feel. If you love arts and crafts, don’t miss the Made in NC craft show, March 21 and 22, displaying the works of 50 regional artists at the historic Brooklyn Arts Center. Finish your day with a cruise on the Cape Fear River and watch the sun set aboard the Henrietta paddle wheeler.

One of the best warm places to visit in March, Venice is a mash-up of beach fun and bohemian vibes. The boardwalk and the iconic Muscle Beach Gym are must-sees. Take in the show and then enjoy the views on a walk along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. During the first week of March, throw on some face paint and join in on the annual Venice Brazilian Carnival Parade featuring amateur drummers, musicians and an after-party at one of Venice’s many beachside bars. For a quieter scene, take a stroll by the famous canals off 25th Street, reminiscent of the Italian Venice. And, if you're a basketball fan, you can't leave without stopping to at least watch some of the action that happens when you visit a legendary Venice Beach court.

Downtown Knoxville is a hub of arts and culture concentrated in a square-mile neighborhood packed with restaurants and shops. The world-class Big Ears Festival toward the end of March is a stunner, blending musical genres all over this lesser-known March travel destination. Just 30 minutes south of Knoxville in Alcoa, running enthusiasts can participate in (or observe) the 3-day Pistol Ultra paved greenway race event, with door prizes and options for both first-time and seasoned runners.

For those wondering where to travel in March, Louisville delivers bourbon, horse racing and restaurants known for Southern hospitality. The Kentucky Derby runs in May this year, but you can get into the spirit at the Derby Museum any time this spring. It's a must-see attraction that includes a guided walking tour at Churchill Downs. Try following the urban bourbon trail with some 47 bars and restaurants along the way. And, for a real treat, reserve a table at Jack Fry’s and order Jack’s Burger just the way you want it.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, AKA RodeoHouston, is the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world. In addition to bull-riding and barrel racing, non-stop entertainment is spread over three weeks in March, with top-notch performers like Luke Bryan, Khalid, Maren Morris, Jon Pardi and The King, George Strait, on tap. Ticket prices fluctuate with demand, so buy yours early. It’s also crawfish season in the Bayou City. Get your mud bug fix at Abe’s Cajun Market & Café or the sensational Vietnamese-Cajun mashup, Crawfish & Noodles. It doesn’t hurt that Houston weather is close to perfect in March, with temperatures ranging from the low to high 70s.

With an energetic and eventful 20 miles of coastline, golfers and beachgoers alike will love all the things to do Myrtle Beach. Experience the views of the Atlantic Ocean on horseback—no riding experience necessary—or watch the waves while dining on a “world-famous” burger at River City Café. Myrtle Beach is also one of the best places to visit in March because of the Canadian-American Days Festival, which celebrates the annual migration of thousands of Canadian tourists with a bustling schedule of concerts, golf tournaments and themed events.