25 Phenomenal Places to Visit in March

Mount Fuji with cherry blossoms, Japan. (Photo via Sean Pavone / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

by Alex Temblador
Last updated: 10:00 AM ET, Fri February 21, 2020

March Madness

1/26

Flowers blooming, warmer temperatures and a sense of a change aptly describe the month of March. We've compiled a list of places to celebrate springtime, national festivals and holidays, and lots of sunshine and fun. So grab your suitcase -- it's time to travel.

Jamaica

2/26

Is winter "Jamaica-n" you crazy for some sun and sea? Then head to Jamaica this March to swim in blue waters, jump off daredevil cliffs, and eat a selection of delicious Jamaican cuisine. Book a stay at one of the many resorts on the island including the first Forbes Travel Guide Four-star rated property, Half Moon, which is opening a new luxury resort called Eclipse at Half Moon on March 1st.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

3/26

If you didn't get enough romance in February, book a quick romantic getaway to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, this March. You and your partner will enjoy 12 miles of beach, 33 golf courses, and 60 miles of biking trails. The nearby Montage Palmetto Bluff may just be the romantic resort you need -- it was good enough for Justin Beiber and Hailey Baldwin's wedding.

Guatemala

4/26

Escape to an under-the-radar Central American destination: Guatemala. This country offers wonderful Mayan cultural experiences and outdoor adventure in jungles and on Lake Atitlan. This Women's History Month, mom and daughters can bond on a special Naya Traveler trip to Guatemala which includes weaving workshops, exploration of Mayan ruins, visits to the UNESCO city of Antigua and small villages, and natural sanctuary hikes.

Jupiter Beach, Florida

5/26

Spring training begins in March and Jupiter Beach, Florida, is a great place to celebrate all things baseball. Stay at the oceanfront Jupiter Beach Resort before catching a spring training match at Roger Dean Stadium between teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Boston Red Sox, and more through March 22. Be sure to take advantage of the resort's MVP Play Ball package which includes breakfast for two, two tickets to the game, VIP tour at the stadium during batting practice, throwing out a first pitch, and a stay in the penthouse suite.

Albania

6/26

Albania is the perfect spring break destination. Make your way to the beautiful beaches in the Albania Riviera, or head to Elbasan to celebrate a national spring pagan holiday called Dita e Veres. If all that wasn't enough, the nation is dotted with castles, great places to hike, hot springs, and a great dining scene in small villages.

Rome, Italy

7/26

While you should totally eat your heart out on pizza and pasta and visit the biggest attractions in Rome, don't forget to celebrate the 500th-year anniversary of Renaissance artist, Raphael. On March 5th, a unique exhibit featuring his self-portrait and the Madonna of the Goldfinch will open at Scuderie del Quirinale. Hotel Hassler Roma is offering a package associated with the artist, "Raffaello Experience in Rome," which includes a historian-led visit to the Raphael Rooms in the Vatican Museums and Villa Farnesina, both of which have some of the artist's masterpieces.

Bristol, Virginia

8/26

Despite Nashville's prominence in country music, it's actually Bristol, Virginia, that is the birthplace of country music. Book a stay at a boutique hotel, The Bristol, and enjoy views of the Blue Ridge Mountain from their rooftop while sipping a local brew. After hiking on the Appalachian Trail, explore the city's best attractions like the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and the historic downtown, home to the flashy "Bristol, A Good Place to Live" sign.

Nepal

9/26

In March, Nepal welcomes spring and droves of tourists. With the snow melting, it's a great time to go white water rafting and trekking in various parts of the country. There are also quite a few festivals celebrated in March like Holi on March 9 and Ghode Jatra on March 24, a holiday meant to ward off the demonic Gurumapa with a horse race by the Nepal Army.

Dahlonega, Georgia

10/26

Haven't heard about Dahlonega, Georgia? No problem! This picturesque Appalachian mountain town is the heart of Georgia's wine country, so you can bet on some great wine tastings. Stay at the lovely Forest Hills Mountain Resort, a great jumping-off point for shopping in charming boutiques, dining at local restaurants, seeing the lavender fields at the Red Oak Lavender Farm, and outdoor hikes. Oh, and don't forget to mine for gold!

Djibouti

11/26

We love to highlight off-the-beaten locations which is why we have to rave about Djibouti. Those who like taking photos will find some extreme and unique landscapes in this African country from canyons to extinct volcanoes and salt lakes. Start out in Djibouti City, then make your way to see top sights like the emerald salty waters of Lac Assal, the petroglyphs of the Abourma Rock Art Site, and the limestone chimney structures at Lac Abbe. Be sure to get some beach time at Plage des Sables Blancs and a hike in the Goda Mountains.

Salento, Colombia

12/26

You won't regret visiting Salento, Colombia, this March. While it may be a small town, it packs a big punch with great hiking and horseback riding in the Cocora Valley, a lively main square, and the beautiful, nearby Santa Rita waterfall. Add in a tour at a nearby coffee farm, shopping among the artisan stalls on Calle Real, and tasting a local favorite -- trout -- and a trip to Salento is sure to be memorable.

The Finger Lakes, New York

13/26

This Women's History Month celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment in the Finger Lakes, New York, the birthplace of the women's rights movement. Check out historic sites that celebrate Harriett Tubman and Susan B. Anthony, and have unique female-empowering experiences with a culinary tour of women-owned restaurants, a carpentry class at a woman-owned carpentry school, and a schooner ride on a lake with a female captain.

India

14/26

Have a colorful experience at a Holi festival in India on March 9 and 10th. Classic Journeys has a special tour for Holi which includes meeting with villagers, sampling local foods, exploring local markets, stay in luxury hotels, and visiting landmarks like the Taj Mahal. And of course, you'll participate in Holi, a Hindu festival aptly named the "festival of colors."

Santa Barbara, California

15/26

Travelers don't have to go far to enjoy whale sightings -- just head to Santa Barbara. In March, the Pacific gray whale can be spotted from the Santa Barbara coast or on a whale watching tour. Beyond a whale watching adventure, you'll want to sample local boutiques and restaurants, relax on the beach, and visit the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park.

Montserrat

16/26

Montserrat is an island in the Caribbean, and while you'll enjoy black sand beaches, reefs for snorkeling, and outdoor adventure, you might be surprised to know they have a pretty big St. Patrick's Day event. As a national holiday for the island, locals celebrate with a week-long festival highlighting the country's African and Irish heritage. The festival also remembers a thwarted slave uprising on the same day in 1768, so you'll see a festival with African and Irish music performances, a recreated slave village, freedom run, and an impressive parade.

Oman

17/26

March in the Middle East may just be the trip you're looking for. Check out Oman, a safe country with some fantastic outdoor adventures, historic sites, local markets, and cultural offerings. Women looking to celebrate Women's History Month can join AdventureWomen for their women's tour of Oman which includes visiting the oceanside capital of Muscat, tasting Oman cuisine, meeting women entrepreneurs, seeing UNESCO heritage sites like Bahla Fort and attractions like the Grand Mosque, and glamping in the dunes of the Wahiba Sands.

Assateague Island

18/26

Assateague Island sits between Virginia and Maryland, but that's not what makes it special. This island is home to 300+ wild ponies that travel along the beach. Take the opportunity to see these beach-loving ponies on a sightseeing cruise or a kayaking tour. Book a stay on the nearby Chincoteague Island and make your way to Assateauge Island for a truly unique U.S. experience.

Japan

19/26

The famed cherry blossoms of Japan are expected to begin their blooms in March. You'll want to witness this wonder of nature at the end of the month in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima, Kochi and Wakayama, Fukuoka, and Osaka. For a unique experience, be in Kinosaki Onsen, a 1300-year-old onsen town on March 31st when their cherry blossoms are supposed to bloom, before going onsen-hopping among the ryokans of towns.

Farmington, New Mexico

20/26

Just because you haven't heard of Farmington, New Mexico, doesn't mean it's not worth a visit. It's surrounded by ancient historical sites like Chaco Canyon, Salmon Ruins, Aztec Ruins, and the Dinetah Rock Art & Pueblitos. You can also enjoy other outdoor adventures like fly fishing in the San Juan River, paddleboarding on Lake Farmington, or go off-roading in The Dunes or Chokecherry Canyon.

Chapada Diamantina, Brazil

21/26

Adventure seekers make your way south to Chapada Diamantina, an astounding nature reserve in eastern Brazil. Enjoy panoramic views at Pai Inacio Hill, a waterfall that evaporates before it hits the ground, gorgeous caves, and diamond-mining towns (hence the name) with colonial architecture. Hire a guide to help you navigate the many hiking trails in the reserve, and they'll be sure to take you to the best spots like Gruta Azul, a stunning blue underground river.

Bequia

22/26

Skip the same old islands this March and explore a lesser-known one: Bequia. As the second largest island of the Grenadines, Bequia offers travelers great beaches and seafood galore. Go for a hike up Mt. Peggy and explore the shops in Port Elizabeth. In addition to plantation and yacht tours, you'll want to stop by the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary.

Valparaiso, Chile

23/26

Romance abounds in the port city of Valparaiso. Take your Pisces or Aries loved one to this Chilean city to explore the city's colorful architecture and stunning street art. Take time to relax on the beach, dine in the traditional bars, and ride on the city's many funicular trains. With lots of day trips from Valparaiso, like to Vina del Mar, you could spend a full week here.

Tel Aviv, Israel

24/26

March is a month full of festivals and in Tel Aviv, you'll find the locals celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim from March 9-10. This holiday tends to bring about street parties with attendees dressed in fantastic costumes. In Tel Aviv, they're hosting a Purim Zombie Walk which sounds like a fun and unique way to celebrate Purim.

Abaco Islands

25/26

The Abaco Islands offer a more laid-back vacation than you'll find among other Bahaman islands. Since Hurricane Dorian in 2019, the Abaco Islands have been working hard to bounce back with tourism, with their shops, restaurants, and resorts reopening in early 2020. Book a flight with Air Unlimited to these gorgeous islands to enjoy the beaches, snorkeling, and great dining.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

26/26

Chattanooga may not get the love its Tennessee neighbors do, but this fascinating city deserves your attention in March during their Chattanooga Marathon. They've got great boutique hotels and a food scene you have to try through Chatt Taste Tours. Sample a range of outdoor adventure from hang gliding to hiking to Sunset Rock and an underground waterfall called Ruby Falls. Don't overlook their art scene by exploring the Sculpture Fields and the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Celebrate springtime in March with a great trip!