As winter’s chill begins to fade and the promise of spring lingers in the air, March is an ideal time to explore some of the best places to visit in March in the US. With milder temperatures, fewer tourists, and a variety of events and festivals, March offers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural attractions without the typical crowds and peak-season prices.
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of cities, the tranquil beauty of nature, or the excitement of outdoor adventures, the United States in March has something to offer every traveler. From the sunny beaches of Florida to the blooming cherry blossoms in Washington D.C., and from the hiking trails of Arizona to the lively music scene in Austin, Texas, the options are as vast as they are varied.
This blog post will guide you through some of the most captivating destinations to visit in March, highlighting the unique experiences and attractions that make each location special. Get ready to pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey through the best that the United States has to offer during this transitional month.
10. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, is a breathtaking destination that offers a mix of rugged shorelines, granite peaks, and lush forests. As one of the best places to visit in March in the US, the park boasts a diverse landscape that attracts visitors year-round. The scenic Park Loop Road provides easy access to many of the park’s highlights, including the iconic Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the picturesque Frenchman Bay.
Historically, Acadia National Park has a rich past that includes Native American habitation and European exploration. Key historical sites within the park include the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the coastline, and the Carriage Roads, a network of broken-stone roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. between 1913 and 1940. For those interested in cultural landmarks, the park is home to the Sieur de Monts Spring Area, which features the Wild Gardens of Acadia, showcasing the native plants of the region. Additionally, the park houses the Abbe Museum, which focuses on the history and culture of Maine’s Native American tribes, and the Islesford Historical Museum, offering insights into the area’s maritime history. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the galleries in nearby Bar Harbor, which showcase local and regional artwork inspired by the park’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an art aficionado, Acadia National Park offers a wealth of experiences that make it a must-visit destination.
9. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is a breathtaking display of nature’s majesty. Known for its glacier-carved peaks and valleys running to the Canadian border, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and encompasses over 1 million acres of wilderness. The park’s most distinctive geographical feature is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic mountain highway that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Its trails lead to crystal-clear alpine lakes, thundering waterfalls, and panoramic vistas. While the park is open year-round, some of the best places to visit in March in the US include Glacier National Park for its snow-covered landscapes and quieter trails. March is an ideal time for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and enjoying the solitude of the park’s winter wonderland.
Glacier National Park is also rich in history, with numerous cultural sites and historic lodges. The park’s glaciers are a testament to the power of geological forces, and their retreat due to climate change serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage. Whether you’re seeking adventure, solitude, or a deeper connection with nature, Glacier National Park is a must-visit destination.
8. Arches National Park
Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah, is a geological wonder that showcases the power of wind and water erosion. The park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it one of the most distinctive landscapes in the world. These unique geographical features, formed over millions of years, create a surreal and captivating environment that draws visitors from around the globe.
One of the best places to visit in March in the US, Arches National Park offers mild temperatures and smaller crowds, making it an ideal time to explore. The park’s most iconic landmarks include Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and the Windows Section, each offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. The contrast of the red rock formations against the blue sky creates a stunning backdrop for photography enthusiasts.
Beyond the arches, the park features a variety of other geological formations, including towering spires, balanced rocks, and sandstone fins. The scenic drive through the park offers numerous pull-offs and short trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual sightseer, Arches National Park promises an unforgettable experience.
7. Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is a geological wonder that draws visitors from around the world. Known for its distinctive hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins—the park offers a surreal and mesmerizing landscape that is truly unforgettable. The vibrant hues of orange, red, and white create a stunning contrast against the blue sky, making it one of the best places to visit in March in the US, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
The park’s amphitheater, a vast expanse of hoodoos, is one of its most iconic features. Visitors can explore the park through a variety of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels, from easy strolls to challenging treks. The Navajo Loop Trail and the Queens Garden Trail are particularly popular, offering close-up views of the hoodoos and panoramic vistas. Additionally, the park’s high elevation provides clear night skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and astrophotography.
Bryce Canyon’s unique beauty and diverse recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery, Bryce Canyon National Park promises an unforgettable experience.
6. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park, located in northwestern Wyoming, is a breathtaking destination renowned for its jagged peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The park is home to the Teton Range, a 40-mile-long mountain range that includes Grand Teton, the second-highest peak in Wyoming. With over 200 miles of trails, the park offers a variety of hiking experiences, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks.
One of the best places to visit in March in the US, Grand Teton National Park provides unique adventures during the late winter season. March is an ideal time for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with trails like Taggart Lake and Jenny Lake offering stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy spotting animals like moose, elk, and bison, which are often more visible against the snowy backdrop. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led snowshoe hikes, providing an educational and engaging way to explore the winter landscape.
For those seeking a truly unique experience, consider a dog sledding tour through the park. This exhilarating adventure allows visitors to traverse the snowy terrain while being pulled by a team of huskies, offering a memorable and exciting way to explore Grand Teton National Park.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park, situated in northern Colorado, is a breathtaking alpine wonderland that spans over 415 square miles. The park is renowned for its majestic peaks, including the iconic Longs Peak, which towers at 14,259 feet. The park’s Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In March, the park transforms into a snowy paradise, making it one of the best places to visit in March in the US for winter sports enthusiasts.
The park’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from montane forests to alpine tundra, provide habitats for a variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and black bears. Visitors can explore over 300 miles of hiking trails, which lead to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and sweeping vistas. The Bear Lake Road Corridor is a popular destination, offering access to several scenic trails, including the Emerald Lake Trail and the hike to Alberta Falls. Whether you’re seeking adventure or solitude, Rocky Mountain National Park’s unparalleled beauty and significance as a protected wilderness area make it a must-visit destination.
4. Zion National Park
Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is a mesmerizing display of nature’s artistry. The park is distinguished by its unique geographical features, particularly the stunning Zion Canyon, which stretches 15 miles long and is half a mile deep. Carved by the Virgin River over millions of years, the canyon’s sheer red cliffs and emerald pools create a landscape that is both dramatic and serene. The park’s distinctive geology, shaped by wind, water, and time, results in a symphony of colors and forms that are a feast for the eyes.
One of the best places to visit in March in the US, Zion National Park offers mild temperatures perfect for exploring its scenic drives and hiking trails. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a must-do, winding through the park’s most iconic landscapes. For hikers, the Angels Landing and The Narrows trails provide unforgettable experiences, with the latter taking adventurers through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, where the river can be as shallow as a few feet or as deep as chest-high. The park is also home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, adding to its allure as a premier destination for nature lovers.
The human history of Zion National Park adds another layer of intrigue. The park has been inhabited by various cultures for thousands of years, including the Ancestral Puebloans and Southern Paiute Indians. Today, visitors can explore the park’s rich past through archaeological sites and interpretive programs, making Zion not just a visual spectacle, but a journey through time.
3. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, primarily located in Wyoming and stretching into parts of Montana and Idaho, is a geographical marvel that sits atop a volcanic hot spot. This distinctive feature has shaped the park’s unique landscape, filled with geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles. The most famous of these is Old Faithful, a geyser known for its predictable eruptions that occur approximately every 90 minutes.
Yellowstone is also home to an incredible array of wildlife, including bears, wolves, bison, elk, and antelope. Its vast network of trails and scenic drives offers visitors ample opportunities to explore and appreciate the park’s natural wonders. For those looking for the best places to visit in March in the US, Yellowstone offers a serene, snowy landscape with fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife watching.
The park’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from forests to canyons and rivers, provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with its towering cliffs and thundering waterfalls, is a must-see. Additionally, the Lamar Valley is renowned for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, while the Mammoth Hot Springs area showcases the park’s unique thermal features.
2. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, situated in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, is an iconic landscape of granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, and biological diversity. Established in 1890, it was one of the first national parks in the United States and is renowned worldwide for its natural beauty. The park’s most famous landmarks include the granite domes of Half Dome and El Capitan, as well as the magnificent Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
The park is home to a vast array of plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. With its glacial valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, and a vast wilderness area, Yosemite offers a multitude of experiences for visitors. Whether it’s hiking through the picturesque Yosemite Valley, capturing the reflection of the mountains in Mirror Lake, or marveling at the panoramic views from Glacier Point, the park is a testament to the power and beauty of nature. Given its mild weather and fewer crowds, Yosemite is often cited among the best places to visit in March in the US.
In addition to its stunning vistas, Yosemite holds significant historical and cultural importance. The park has been inhabited for nearly 3,000 years by the Ahwahneechee people, and their legacy is preserved through various cultural sites and educational programs. Today, Yosemite National Park continues to inspire visitors with its majestic landscapes and rich heritage, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.
1. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most iconic landscapes in the world. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the canyon stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, exposing nearly 2 billion years of Earth’s geological history. The park is divided into the more accessible South Rim and the remote North Rim. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in March in the US, the South Rim is a fantastic choice as it’s open year-round and offers numerous overlooks and trails.
The nightlife scene within the park is relatively quiet, focusing more on stargazing and relaxing after a day of exploration. For those looking for a bit more action, the nearby town of Flagstaff, Arizona, offers a vibrant nightlife with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Popular spots include the Museum Club, Flagstaff Brewing Company, and the Orpheum Theater. However, many visitors prefer to spend their nights within the park, enjoying the peaceful wilderness and the stunning display of stars above.
The park offers a wide range of activities, from hiking and rafting to mule rides and scenic drives. Some of the must-see points include Mather Point, the Grand Canyon Village, and the Desert View Watchtower. Whether you’re seeking adventure, solitude, or breathtaking views, Grand Canyon National Park is a destination that should not be missed.
Best Places To Visit In March In The Us Summary
As we bid farewell to winter and welcome the arrival of spring, March offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the best places to visit in March in the US. The changing weather creates a beautiful contrast in landscapes, making it an ideal time for travelers seeking diverse experiences. From the blooming cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. to the vibrant festivals in New Orleans, March is filled with exciting events and natural wonders that cater to every interest.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, March has something special in store for you. The mild temperatures and fewer crowds make it a perfect time to explore popular destinations without the usual tourist rush. Imagine strolling through the picturesque gardens of Savannah, Georgia, or hiking the scenic trails of Sedona, Arizona, without the summer heat. The possibilities are endless, and the memories you’ll create are priceless.
In conclusion, March is a month that invites you to discover the beauty and diversity of the United States. From the blooming landscapes to the lively festivals, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting to be had. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore some of the best places to visit in March in the US. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or excitement, March promises a journey filled with unforgettable experiences.