March brings a great time to travel in spring weather with fewer crowds and lower prices just before the summer rush. So, if you’re planning to stretch your travel dollar, plenty of destinations around the States are waiting to offer everything from hopping culture to stunning landscapes and one-of-a-kind experiences without breaking the bank. Here are the best budget-friendly places to visit in the USA in March:
San Diego, California
San Diego actually has a lot to offer for travel on a budget. Because it is between the chilly cold and the really warm sun, it is one of the most affordable travel destinations if you are trying to escape the high temperatures. The great thing about it is that everything is either free or ridiculously cheap. From its gorgeous beach to showcasing its various free museums, this place literally has it all.
Highlights: Visit Balboa Park (free), Old Town San Diego, or take a trip to the free Pacific Beach. Watch the beauty of La Jolla Cove and its coastlines.
Budget Tip: Help yourself by booking ahead for accommodation and staying in motels and Airbnb instead of hotels.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans might set you back quite a bit during Mardi Gras, but if you visit the city in March, after the festival, it means fewer crowds and much cheaper hotels. The fabulous culture, music, and food onsite can be enjoyed on a budget.
Stroll through the French Quarter, listen to live jazz at the local bars (a lot of it is free), visit Jackson Square, and check out the one-of-a-kind cemeteries. And don’t forget to stop by for local gumbo and po’boys at all the spots that serve them for cheap.
Budget Tip: Many of the city’s attractions, including the Garden District and historic sites, are free or inexpensive.
Washington, D.C.
Something magical happens around March in the United States. One of the unforgettable events one can find in Washington, D.C. is the National Cherry Blossom Festival. It has been years since this city thrived in the Rodentia flowering trees that surround the Tidal Basin and was alive with colors and cheers. The festival usually takes place in late March; therefore, visiting the cradle of the United States in this beautiful month is ideal.
It includes walking tours of the monuments, world-class museums located along the National Mall, and beautiful gardens where people can stroll not only to admire the cherry blossoms during what is expected to be great mild spring weather for outdoor sightseeing but also to escape the summer heat.
Highlights:
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument
Smithsonian Museums
Salt Lake City, Utah
An inexpensive base for outdoor lovers, Salt Lake City is perfect for venturing into the mountains and national parks nearby. March usually features mild weather for both winter sports and spring hiking.
Highlights: The Great Salt Lake, the Wasatch Mountains, and the Utah Olympic Park await you. There are other cultural attractions as well, like the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, that are affordable.
Budget Tip: Free activities include much of what you might do in the outdoor realm, from hiking to park exploration, and public transport is cheap in Salt Lake City.
Austin, Texas
The city has earned fame for the proximity of live music in the vicinity, coupled with the awe-inspiring quaintness peculiar to it, and for the whole lot of outdoor activities it offers. March works great for visiting before the heat kicks in, but if one is here during SXSW, free events abound throughout the city.
Highlight: Zilker Park, boat ride on Lady Bird Lake, and live music venues on Sixth Street. Spend time here to revel in some of the free events, as well as enjoy internationally famous round-the-clock food trucks in Austin.
Budget Tip: Year-round free live music and hostel or budget motel stays can save you money.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine enjoys the title of the oldest US city, and thereby makes it even lovelier and cheaper during the month of March. The weather lends itself beautifully to meandering through cobblestone streets, old forts, and gorgeous beaches.
Top highlights are the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (with an inexpensive entry fee), a stroll along St. George Street, or some time at the beach. Free attractions include beautiful public gardens and historic districts.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is an economical yet culturally engaging destination with an assortment of historic sites, art galleries, and outdoorsy adventures packaged together. March would be the right time to visit before the summer hordes set in, and weather-wise, it’s great for strolling around.
Don’t Miss Walking through the historic plaza, spending some free time in art galleries, and visiting the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum (entry is reasonably priced). Hiking within national forests nearby is also easy on the pocket.
Budget Tip: An array of the best things to do in Santa Fe, like art shows and gallery walks, are either free or inexpensive, and the city can be explored on foot. The nearby desert landscape is just right for some free fun in the sun.
Savannah, Georgia
March comes with some great deals, and Savannah, Georgia, with its moss-laden oak trees, cobblestone streets, and pretty squares, is the ideal budget-friendly place to visit in March. Mighty travelers can now flock to see a city’s rich historical heritage with Southern charm and without summer crowds.
Highlights include taking a walk along the historic waterfront; lovely parks and squares such as Forsyth Park (which is free); and a visit to free or low-cost museums like the Telfair Museum. The history district would certainly enchant you with its stunning architecture.
Budget Tip: Most of the delightful attractions in the city are free for roaming: parks and squares. Find yourself free walking tours or simply walk the historic district at your own pace. As for meals, scope out the variety of low-priced Southern eateries and food markets.
Conclusion
March is that specific month when budget travel is very doable; these destinations inside the U.S. have something to offer every different kind of traveler. Looking for outdoor adventure? Culture? Or just chilling out? These cities and regions can provide an affordable vacation. Budget accommodation, public transport, and activities that are free or low-cost make this possible for an enriching vacation without breaking the bank. Happy travels!
FAQs
What are the best places to visit in the USA in March?
Top destinations include New Orleans (Mardi Gras), Washington D.C. (cherry blossoms), Arizona (Grand Canyon), and Florida for warm weather.
Is March a good time to travel in the USA?
Yes! March offers a great mix of spring festivals, mild weather, and fewer crowds in many popular destinations.
What are some budget-friendly travel spots in the USA for March?
Consider Asheville (NC), San Antonio (TX), Sedona (AZ), and Savannah (GA) for affordable and scenic travel experiences.