Looking for the cheapest places to travel in March in the U.S.?
Yeah, me too, that’s why I wrote this post 😀
March is considered the shoulder or off-season, where you can get seasonal deals and off-peak pricing that make a spontaneous getaway realistic, which means it’s PRIME travel time for budget travellers like myself.
These are the 15 cheapest places to travel in March in the U.S.:
Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Weather: Miami and Fort Lauderdale in March have warm tropical weather in the upper 70s to low 80s°F, plenty of sunshine, and man, the beaches are nice.
This area always makes my list because flying can be shockingly affordable, which makes a warm-weather trip possible without spending massive $$$.
Start in Fort Lauderdale: Cruise along Las Olas Boulevard, hop on a water taxi to see the canals, and spend slow mornings walking the beach.
Hit Miami to explore colorful neighborhoods like Wynwood, Little Haiti, Brickell, and Coconut Grove.
Early spring here is perfect for outdoor dining, waterfront walks, and festivals without the heavy summer humidity.
Where to stay on a budget: Red Roof Inn and Suites is wallet-friendly and close to the beach.
Read: Budget Guide to Miami or The Miami Weekend Guide
Atlanta, Georgia
Weather: Atlanta has mild spring weather in March, with temps in the 60s-70s°F, cool mornings, and nice afternoons.
Atlanta is one of those cities that always has something new to explore, and March feels extra refreshing as spring starts.
Walk the Atlanta BeltLine when the weather turns mild, stop at local cafés, art spots, and patios along the way, then spend time in Piedmont Park when everything begins to bloom.
Exploring neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and Midtown always gives me that perfect mix of historic charm and modern energy, and the food scene alone is worth the trip.
Where to stay on a budget: There are tons of affordable places to stay in Atlanta; its a HUGE city, so take your pick.
Golden Isles, Georgia
Weather: Expect pleasant coastal spring weather, with average temps in the 60s and 70s°F (with cooler breezes near the water).
The Golden Isles of Georgia easily rank among the cheapest places to travel in March in the U.S.A, thanks to mild weather, fewer crowds, and good rates before peak season.
Spend slow mornings biking around Jekyll Island, reading beneath moss-covered oaks, and exploring Driftwood Beach.
St. Simons Island is perfect for climbing the lighthouse, browsing local boutiques, and eating fresh seafood by the water.
Where to stay on a budget: Both on St. Simons, Ocean Inn & Suites is a 5-minute walk from the Pier and Lighthouse, perfect for a central stay, and the Best Western Plus St. Simons is just off the main street near the shops and beach.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Weather: Hot Springs, Arkansas, is one of the cheapest places to travel in March in the U.S.A., with early spring temps averaging in the mid-60s°F, cool mornings, and pleasant afternoons perfect for exploring the outdoors.
Hot Springs is one of those places I always recommend when people ask about the cheapest places to travel in the U.S. anytime of the year, because it combines relaxing scenery, historic charm, and plenty to do without being expensive.
I love strolling along Bathhouse Row, popping into quirky local shops, and soaking in the atmosphere.
Early spring is perfect for hiking in Hot Springs National Park, driving scenic mountain roads, or unwinding at one of the historic bathhouses after a day outdoors.
Where to stay on a budget: The Red Roof Inn Hot Springs is just steps from downtown hiking trails and Bathhouse Row; The Hotel Hot Springs is in downtown and within walking distance of shops, dining, and the historic baths.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Weather: Indianapolis has average highs in the low to mid-50s°F and a mix of sunny days, rain, and occasional late-season chills in March.
Indianapolis is one of those underrated cities I always think about when planning the cheapest places to travel in March in the U.S.A., because literally no one talks about how awesome it is.
You can walk or bike the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, explore Mass Ave for local restaurants and galleries, and visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields for a mix of art and outdoor space.
March is a great time to check out cozy cafés, local markets, and live events happening around downtown.
Where to stay on a budget: Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown, which is centrally located with consistently good reviews, or the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Indianapolis Downtown‑Convention Center Area, which keeps you within walking distance of major attractions.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Weather: March in Philly sees early spring weather with average highs in the 50s°F, cool mornings, and a mix of sunny days and rain showers.
I’ve said this 1,000 times, but I’ll say it again: I LOVE PHILLY!
This city is where American history and modern energy blend.
Wander through Old City to see the historic landmarks, grab coffee near Rittenhouse Square, and walk along the Schuylkill River Trail when the weather begins to warm up.
Museum days are perfect here too, especially at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, followed by exploring neighborhoods filled with local food spots and classic markets.
Don’t miss beautiful Elphreth’s Alley, the oldest (1703) street in the country!
Philly easily earns a spot on my list of the cheapest places to travel in March in the U.S. because you can experience so much culture, history, and badass food without needing a huge budget.
Where to stay on a budget: Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, which is centrally located, and Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia‑Midtown by IHG, which includes breakfast and keeps you within walking distance of major attractions.
Read More:
Best Downtown Philly Hotels on a Budget
Las Vegas, Nevada
Weather: March in Las Vegas is all about lovely spring temperatures, with daytime highs in the low to mid-70s and clear desert skies.
March in Vegas is one of my favorite times to explore because you can walk the Strip without summer heat slowing you down or spend an afternoon at Red Rock Canyon when the desert colors look especially rich under the spring sun.
Evenings still cool off quickly after sunset, so layering with a light jacket or sweater makes a big difference.
Where to stay on a budget: For affordable options right on the Strip, look into The Flamingo Las Vegas or The Luxor, which have lower nightly rates compared to luxury resorts while still keeping you close to the action.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Weather: In March, Albuquerque typically sees sunny desert days with average highs in the mid to upper 60s°F, low humidity, and cool mornings.
I’ve visited Albuquerque in every season, but March has its own kind of magic as the desert starts warming up and the skies seem forever blue.
Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway for sweeping views, wander through Old Town’s adobe-lined streets, and spend mornings hiking in the Sandia Mountains.
Early spring is a great time to explore without the intense summer heat.
One of my fav day trips is cruising the Turquoise Trail (between Albuquerque and Santa Fe), stopping along the way to explore tiny art communities, mining towns, and hidden roadside gems.
Where to stay on a budget: El Vado Motel for a fun, retro boutique stay near Old Town, or Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn, which is clean and well located.
Read More:
4 Day New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary
The Turquoise Trail between ABQ and Santa Fee
Top Souvenirs to Buy from New Mexico
Portland, Oregon
Weather: Portland has cool early-spring weather with average highs in the mid-50s°F, rain showers, and tons of flowers everywhere you look.
I will always feel a little nostalgic about my time living in Portland!
Early spring here means misty mornings, blooming trees, and the perfect excuse to wander through Powell’s City of Books, sip locally roasted coffee, and explore neighborhoods that are uniquely Portland.
I love walking through the Portland Japanese Garden when everything starts turning green again, browsing weekend markets, and hopping between food carts downtown for something new to try.
Even with the occasional rain, the city feels fresh and alive, making it ideal for slow exploring and scenic walks along the Willamette River.
Where to stay on a budget: Hotel Rose – A Staypineapple Hotel has a fun boutique vibe right downtown, or Hampton Inn & Suites Portland-Pearl District.
Read:
What to Do in Portland, Oregon
Best Street Art in Portland, OR
Top Hotels in Downtown Portland
Nebraska
Weather: One of the cheapest places to travel in March, the U.S.A., expect early spring temperatures with highs in the upper 40s to mid-50s°F, cool breezes, and a mix of sun and chill across Nebraska in March.
Nebraska is an underrated road trip destination to me because of the manageable driving distances between stuff to see.
Start in Omaha for a walkable downtown, incredible food, and a stroll across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (Nebraska + Iowa), which lets you stand in two states at once while taking in sweeping views of the Missouri River, then drive west toward scenic stops like Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff National Monument.
Top roadside things to see across Nebraska:
- Morris Press Cookbook Store (Kearney): Known for community cookbooks written by locals. So cool!
- World’s Largest Ball of Stamps (Boys Town): A a massive sphere covered in thousands of canceled postage stamps.
- Monowi (Monowi): America’s smallest incorporated town, famous for having a single resident who runs the local tavern and library.
- Carhenge (Alliance): A fun replica of England’s Stonehenge made entirely from vintage cars, blending art, history, and roadside Americana.
- Toadstool Geologic Park (near Crawford): A surreal landscape of mushroom-shaped rock formations and badass, badlands scenery.
- World’s Largest Covered Porch Swing (Hebron): Self explanatory (and cool).
- Indiana Cave State Park (Shoshone): A scenic park with natural cave formations, hiking, and rugged outdoor beauty.
The drive itself is part of the experience, with big skies, quiet towns, and unexpected roadside stops.
The Black Hills, South Dakota
Weather: Underrated and beautiful, the Black Hills of South Dakota are one of the BEST and cheapest places to travel in the U.S.A. in March.
Gorgeous mountains, tons of nature, authentic old Western towns, and Mount Rushmore less than an hour away, the Black Hills should be on your travel bucket list!
After Mount Rushmore, head through Custer State Park, where you can spot bison along scenic drives like Needles Highway, and continue toward Deadwood for cool Wild West history.
The landscapes shift quickly, from the granite peaks of the hills to the dramatic formations of Badlands National Park.
Where to stay on a budget: Near the Badlands, try Best Western Plains Motel. To be near Mount Rushmore, K Bar S Lodge in Keystone.
Texas Beaches: Galveston, South Padre
Weather: Texas beaches like Galveston and South Padre Island usually see mild coastal spring weather with average highs in the 60s and 70s°F.
When I think about the best places to travel in March in the U.S.A., Texas beaches like Galveston and South Padre Island always come to mind because they are easy, relaxed coastal escapes that are still affordable (and familiar to me after years of visiting!).
I’ve been coming to Galveston since I was little, and I never get tired of lying on the brown beaches, browsing the Strand for cute stuff and sweet treats, or taking slow walks along Stewart Beach.
South Padre Island is also special for me, from long scenic drives along the shoreline to spontaneous beach days filled with dolphin-watching tours, sunset cruises, and the Laguna Madre Nature Trail.
Early spring feels especially magical here because the weather is warm, the wildlife activity picks up, and you can enjoy everything before the big crowds start rolling in.
Tip: Houston is the closest major airport to the Texas Coast.
Where to stay on a budget: In South Padre Ocean Inn, South Padre Island has clean, affordable rooms with a pool and easy beach access; in Galveston, there’s a tried and true Holiday Inn right across the Seawall that I’ve stayed at manytimes.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Weather: One of the cheapest places to travel in March in the U.S.A, the Grand Canyon sees cool early spring weather with temps in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F at the South Rim.
The Grand Canyon is one of those places that never stops feeling awe-inspiring to me, and visiting in early spring gives it a quieter, more peaceful energy.
I love walking sections of the South Rim trail when the air feels crisp, and the views stretch endlessly across the canyon, stopping at scenic overlooks where the light changes the colors of the rock throughout the day.
March is perfect for photography, ranger programs, and shorter hikes without the intense summer heat.
Where to stay on a budget: Yavapai Lodge inside Grand Canyon National Park, or Red Feather Lodge in Tusayan, which is just minutes from the South Rim entrance.
Phoenix, Arizona
Weather: Expect sunny days in the 70s°F and low humidity in March.
Phoenix is one of my favorite desert escapes when I want sunshine without the extreme summer heat, and March feels perfect.
I love starting mornings with a hike at Camelback Mountain or Papago Park, then spending afternoons exploring local markets, resort pools, or grabbing tacos and fresh juice.
It easily makes my list of the cheapest places to travel in March in the u.s.a because you can find great flight deals, affordable accommodations, and endless outdoor activities.
Where to stay on a budget: In Phoenix, La Quinta Inn Phoenix Chandler and Red Lion Inn Phoenix Tempe (just outside of Phoenix) are affordable and are close to beautiful nature and food.
Read: Full Guide to the Grand Canyon
Chicago, Illinois
Weather: Expect unpredictable early spring weather, with highs in the 40s and 50s°F, cool winds off the lake, and a mix of sun and rain.
I love visiting this time of year because flights and hotel rates are more affordable while the city starts waking up after winter.
Make time for a walk through Millennium Park to see The Bean, then wander the Riverwalk as the ice melts and patios begin reopening.
March is perfect for museum days, so I like spending hours inside The Art Institute of Chicago or exploring neighborhoods for coffee and good food.
If you time it right, you can catch St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, including the iconic green Chicago River, which adds a fun, energetic vibe to the whole city, although prices can go up during this time.
Where to stay on a budget: Staypineapple, The Loop for a fun boutique vibe in a super walkable downtown location, or SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North.
Check in
Where will you travel to this March?
Comment below and let me know!
More Budget Tips:
8 Budget-Friendly Travel Tech Items
28 Tips on Packing for a Budget Flight
