11 of the Best Destinations to Visit in March, According to Experts
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
March kicks off the spring travel season, with many travelers ready to hit the road running after a long (sometimes frigid) winter. But with such a pent-up demand for travel and bucket lists growing ever longer (especially international), how should you determine where to go? Beyond trips based on your zodiac sign, globetrotters can look to our trusted stable of travel professionals for guidance.
Though each destination on the planet has its share of positives, some genuinely rise above the rest during the March timeframe. For our expertly curated list, we tapped travel pros like advisors, journalists, trendsetters, and bloggers, for their favorite picks for March vacations. Here are some of the best places to travel in March.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Travel writer Suzie Dundas says it's hard to envision a better place to visit in the spring than Puerto Vallarta, on southern Mexico's Bay of Banderas. She shared, “[March is] the tail end of the rainy season but also the end of the whale-watching season, which means most days are likely to be sunny and warm and lend themselves to sightings of humpback whales. Because the tourist season in Puerto Vallarta doesn't usually pick up until late April, you can count [on] walking into almost any restaurant without a reservation and finding hotels that still reflect slow-season pricing."
Where to Stay: Mariott Puerto Vallarta
Santiago, Chile
"As the capital and largest city in Chile, Santiago is a great starting or ending point for further Chilean explorations, such as Patagonia in the south or the Atacama Desert in the north. But, it's also [worth] a trip on its own, as its neighborhoods and districts are full of museums, beautiful public parks, restaurants, cultural centers, and history," explained Texas travel journalist Amanda Ogle. She continued, "See if you can snag reservations at Borago, a World's Top 50 Restaurant with a constantly changing endemic menu. Go wine tasting at Haras de Pirque vineyard for excellent wine and a spectacular underground tasting and barrel room beneath a fountain. For a taste of authentic Chilean cuisine with a show, head to Lo Pirque." Ogle particularly enjoys Santiago in March, when Chile is transitioning from summer to autumn, meaning there's a chance for some fall foliage moments. Plus, March is when high-season crowds start to wane, and prices begin to drop.
Where to Stay: Ritz Carlton Santiago
Sonoma County, California, U.S.
Chiller than its better-known cousin Napa Valley, Sonoma is downright delightful in the spring, according to Abbie Synan, travel blogger and travel advisor for Fora. She added, “Sonoma is an ideal destination for wine lovers in the springtime. [It] gives you a chance to truly connect with the land. Whether it's through vineyard visits, farm-to-table agro-tourism opportunities, or taking a stroll through any of the coastal state parks and forests, there is truly something for every type of traveler. With temperate, yet sunny spring weather and fewer visitors during 'off-season,' it could very well be the best time to visit.”
Where to Stay: MacArthur Place
Noto, Sicily, Italy
Founder of Hotels Above Par and HAP Concierge Brandon Berkson thinks Noto is the underrated Sicilian town you need to have on your radar. He expanded, “Often overlooked by Taormina-bound travelers (White Lotus season two filmed here), Noto boasts a local-heavy feel, especially during the off season in March. Almost all the town’s Baroque-style buildings comprise limestone, a material that absorbs the sun’s aureate rays and creates a honey-like glow at sunset. The public gardens, Church of Fracesco, and Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata are Noto landmarks that deserve your attention."
Where to Stay: Palazzo Alvear Luxury Villas
Miami, Florida
Brooklyn-based travel writer and editor Stacey Lastoe recommends the Magic City for a March getaway. Stacey explained, “By the time March rolls around, a beach fix is essential. For sun and sand and anything-goes energy (plus some of the best people-watching on the planet), you must head to Miami." Lastoe adds that there's more to Miami than just a beach—downtown Miami is having a major resurgence with hot new hotels and restaurants, eclectic boutiques, and hip wine bars. Make sure you "grab a cafecito and a pastelito de guayaba y queso from any number of Cuban cafes and head to the Underline, Miami's outdoor park on the Riverfront that's transforming the city's public spaces one phase at a time,” according to Lastoe.
Scotland
Mild weather and limited crowds combine to make Scotland shine in the spring, without the overwhelming crowd of holiday travelers crashing in for St. Paddy's Day. Catherine Reilly, managing director of Brendan Vacations said that in Edinburgh, "travelers can explore fairytale castles such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace to go back in time and learn about the history of the historic Scottish City from the royals that have lived there.” She added that the Lowlands and Highlands are both ideal spots to visit in March, since the weather is mild. "In the Lowlands, travelers can visit St. Andrews, known for its iconic golf course, prestigious university, and breathtaking medieval architecture. In the Highlands, visitors can indulge in spirits at the Glenlivet Distillery, one of the most famous landmarks in Scotland, and the [female-founded] Cardhu Distillery," she said. Adventurous travelers can head to Inverness to see the Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, and the Isle of Skye.
Northern Wisconsin, U.S.
Midwest-based travel journalist and photographer Jacqueline Kehoe makes a strong case for a heartland escape. She said, “Northern Wisconsin is a great place to be any time of year, but in March, the winter crowds depart as the snow melts, and the waterfalls roar back to life. The state’s tallest, Big Manitou Falls, is just a few feet shorter than Niagara Falls—stay in Superior, in the state’s northwestern corner, for easy access. Otherwise, there are 15 waterfalls in Marinette County alone, and most are in the county parks system. Stay in Marinette, on the pretty shores of Lake Michigan, and do go chasing waterfalls.”
British Virgin Islands
For those seeking a warmer escape, travel and food writer Alexandra Owens recommends the British Virgin Islands. “There’s never a bad time to go to the British Virgin Islands, but March is a prime month to visit, with zero rain and steady wind that makes for excellent sailing. That second point is key; because the BVIs are made up of some 50 islands, cays, and islets, your best bet is to charter a crewed catamaran from Navigare Yachting and travel by sea. Spend a week (or two) cruising turquoise waters, eating lobster on your deck, and exploring secluded coves,” she said.
Where to Stay: Rosewood Little Dix Bay Virgin Gorda
Sydney, Australia
Reuben Mourad, a food and travel journalist, can’t help but wax poetic about his homeland. “Sydney’s my hometown, and March always brings with it a sense of settled contentment. The peak of the harsh summer is on its way out, but we still have glorious golden afternoons, warm enough to hit the beach for a surf before sunset happy hour drinks. I don’t know if it’s because we’re trying to appreciate as much of summer as we can before the days get shorter, but this time of year always reminds me of how great this unique city is, with its surrounding majestic harbor, humbling mountains and bushland, and captivating beaches,” he explained.
Where to Stay: Pier One Sydney Harbour
New York City, New York
The Big Apple is hard to beat all year round, but March is the tail end of the low tourism season, making it an excellent time to stay. Visitors can expect lower hotel rates, cheaper Broadway tickets, and fewer crowds at popular attractions. Plus, often in March, the weather starts to warm up and Central Park comes back to life.
Where to Stay: Pendry Manhattan West
You Might Also Like