11 Best Places to Travel in March 2023

These are the best places to visit in March in the United States and around the world.

Whether you're hanging on to the last days of winter or eagerly waiting for warmer weather to arrive, spring is a great time to travel. You can choose from late-season skiing in New Hampshire, sunny days in Mexico, a European adventure in Switzerland, vibrant cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., and more. We've rounded up 11 of the top places to go so you can start planning your next getaway. Here are the best places to travel in March in the United States and around the world.

St. Barths

New Hampshire

A female skier turns on Cannon Mountain, Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

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Ski season is in full swing until around mid-April, so March is a great time to visit New Hampshire, with plenty of snow and often lower late-season prices. Places to ski and stay range from posh resorts to vacation home and cabin rentals, with plenty of ways to enjoy the snow even if you’re not a skier. March is New Hampshire Maple Month, when more than 90 sugarhouses open their doors to show visitors the maple sugaring process. A variety of hands-on activities include identifying the trees, tapping for syrup, horse-drawn wagon rides, and tasting the fresh maple syrup.

Macon, Georgia

Downtown skyline of Macon, Georgia

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“The Heart of Georgia” is both Macon’s nickname and its geographic location. From Mar. 17-26, the annual International Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blooming of the city’s more than 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees with concerts, amusement rides, an arts and crafts fair, and parades. Donuts, grits, store windows, trash cans, tostadas, ice cream, and more are colored pink in honor of the celebration. Set along the Ocmulgee River, Macon also boasts the country’s newest national park and preserve, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale Beach at sunrise from above

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Sunny weather in the low 80s, miles of waterways, great restaurants, and a range of places to stay make Fort Lauderdale a perfect March destination. Browse the shops and scenery on Las Olas Boulevard, stroll along the downtown Riverwalk, explore outdoor art in FATVillage, or hop on a Water Taxi and sip a cocktail while you cruise Fort Lauderdale’s waterways. Check out the entertainment schedule at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts or visit the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale. Places to stay include The Dalmar, Fort Lauderdale, Four Seasons Hotel and Residences, Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, and Sonder at Riverwalk.

Norway

Reine bay, Lofoten Islands, Norway

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Spring arrives in March, at least according to the calendar, and weather varies throughout Norway as days get longer and temperatures begin to rise. Cruise along a fjord, head to the mountains for spring skiing, or discover Oslo (the nation’s capital) and its new National Museum of Norway, set on the city’s waterfront. Ride the Rauma Railway, said to be Europe’s most beautiful train trip. Luxury travel curator Up Norway features a variety of journeys or individually tailored experiences that include Norwegian culture, nature, outdoor activities, unique dining, and more. Save when you travel to Norway by flying with Norse Atlantic Airways, a relatively new airline serving airports in Los Angeles, New York, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando.

Turks and Caicos

Scuba diving at Grand Turk Island, Turks and Caicos

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Located in the Caribbean about 575 miles southeast of Miami, Turks and Caicos consists of the Turks Islands (which include Grand Turk and Salt Cay) and the Caicos Islands (which include the main tourism island of Providenciales, along with around 100 other islands and cays). Known for white-sand beaches, clear seas, vibrant marine life, and luxury resorts, Turks and Caicos is beautiful in March with temperatures in the low 80s. Places to stay include Amanyara, Wymara Resort & Villas, The Palms, The Shore Club, Rock House, and the all-inclusive private-island resort, Pine Cay.

Switzerland

Early morning view of Zermatt, Switzerland

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This beautiful country is a skier’s paradise, with several great ski towns to choose from. Andermatt has more than 100 miles of slopes and a charming village where you can stay in luxury at The Chedi Andermatt. In St. Moritz, enjoy the snow and relax at The Carlton Hotel or tour the nearby glacial ice caves. Opening Feb. 1, 2023, Six Senses Crans-Montana is a luxurious ski resort and year-round property. Ski the new Gstaad slope, The Black Wall, and stay at Gstaad Palace. In Zermatt, stay at the foot of the Matterhorn at Mont Cervin Palace. Looking for something to do off the slopes? Luxury watch enthusiasts will gather in Geneva for the Watches and Wonders Fair from Mar. 27 to Apr. 2.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina in the evening

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Spring arrives in Charleston with mild temperatures and blossoming flowers, making March a lovely time to visit. The annual Food & Wine Festival will be held from Mar. 1-5, and you’ll find delicious seafood and excellent southern specialties throughout Charleston. If there’s a rainy spring day, you can spend time in one of Charleston’s museums to learn about the city's history. Stay at The Mills House, located in the heart of downtown’s historic district within walking distance of art galleries, shopping, and dining. The Vendue features original art and a rooftop bar with stunning city and harbor views. The Pinch is a new luxury boutique hotel, and The Loutrel and Zero George are other excellent hotel options.

Washington, D.C.

Cherry blossoms and monument in Washington DC

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It’s still a bit wintery in the nation’s capital in early March, making it a perfect time to explore the city’s museums. The Smithsonian Museums include the Portrait Gallery, National Air & Space Museum, and more, so there's something for every interest. March is Women’s History Month, with special events and museum exhibits around town. The 2023 theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” recognizing women in the media. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is set for Mar. 20-Apr. 16, when the Yoshino cherry trees usually reach peak bloom. Places to stay in Washington, D.C. include the new Pendry Washington D.C. The Wharf, InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf, Thompson Washington D.C., Hotel Washington, and Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington D.C.

Central Coast, California

Big Sur coastline along Highway 1, between Carmel Highlands and Big Sur, Monterey County, California

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If a spring road trip sounds appealing, consider California’s Central Coast for wineries, beaches, and gorgeous scenery. Take Highway One, and stop along the way for lunch or dinner at a local restaurant while you take in the views. Taste wines in Paso Robles while you’re enjoying the scenery with a picnic lunch or take a bicycle ride among the vineyards. In lively San Luis Obispo, spend a night at Hotel Cerro and relax at the spa or enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop bar. Visit Santa Barbara’s pristine beaches and walkable downtown. From Mar. 2-4, the World of Pinot Noir will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, but no worries if you can’t make it — there’s plenty of great pinot noir in the area all year long. In Los Olivos, the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, once a stagecoach stop during the 1880s, opens in February. Dine al fresco or relax near a fire pit for the perfect rest stop.

Loreto, Mexico

Sonoran Desert landscape along the southern Baja Peninsula and the Sea of Cortez, Loreto, Mexico

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Located on the east coast of Baja California Sur, Loreto is known for the migrating whales that visit each year from January through March to give birth and nurture their young before heading back north. The original “snowbirds,” humpbacks, finbacks, orcas, and gray whales spend the coldest months in the warm Sea of Cortez. The historic town of Loreto offers outdoor activities, water sports, attractions including Loreto Bay National Marine Park, and a variety of restaurants and hotels, including Hotel La Mision and Hotel 1697. Overlooking the Sea of Cortez, all-inclusive Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto features world-class golf at TPC Danzante Bay.

St. Barts

St-Jean beach, elevated view on St Barths

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This small French island is also called St. Barths or Saint Barthélemy, but any way you say it, it’s a beautiful destination with turquoise seas, white-sand beaches, and luxurious resorts. From Mar. 16-19, the annual St. Barts Bucket Regatta features a series of yacht races and social events. Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, set on the hills overlooking the island, has a spa and two beautiful restaurants. Villa Embrace St. Barths is a four-story, five-suite villa, one of the largest on the island. For convenient access to the island, Tradewind Aviation operates daily service between San Juan and St. Barts.

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