5 Best Cities to Visit in March: A Sonesta Guide to Food, Culture & Events

March is one of the best months to travel in the U.S. The weather starts to warm, spring festivals kick into gear, and popular destinations haven’t yet hit peak crowds or prices.

Whether you’re into live music, historic parades, or epic food scenes, we’ve handpicked five cities that are hosting authentic March experiences and high energy events.

Discover where to go, what to eat, and where to stay, with local tips from Sonesta teams and bonus March events you won’t want to miss.

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Crowds on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, New Orleans

1. New Orleans, LA – Best for Culture, Crawfish & St. Patrick’s Parades

New Orleans in March is a vibrant mix of Irish luck, Creole flavor, and springtime celebration. With Mardi Gras fading into memory, the city continues to buzz with parades, music, and literary charm.

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Top Events

Whether you’re donning green or diving into the city’s literary soul, there’s something special happening nearly every weekend in March.

• Irish Channel Parade (Map It): Saturday, March 14, 2026: A spirited neighborhood tradition with bagpipes, dancers, and cabbages flying through the air. The parade traditionally begins at the corner of Felicity and Magazine Streets and concludes at Jackson Avenue and Annunciation Street.
• Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday (Map It): Sunday, March 15, 2026 (Uptown): Witness elaborately beaded suits and vibrant cultural pride as the Mardi Gras Indian tribes gather and parade in full regalia. Most of the festivities and the parade’s beginning and end are anchored at A. L. Davis Park.
• Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival (Map It): – March 25–29, 2026: A literary pilgrimage featuring writer workshops, performances, and homage to the famed playwright. Festival takes place at various historic venues throughout the French Quarter, making it easy to navigate on foot.

Must-Do Activities

When you’re not chasing beads or books, New Orleans offers soul-stirring experiences around every corner.

• Frenchmen Street Jazz: Live brass bands and intimate clubs bring NOLA’s heartbeat to life every night.
• Treme Heritage Walk: Dive into one of America’s oldest African American neighborhoods, rich with cultural influence and historic architecture.
• Swamp Tours: Get out of the city and explore the bayous with local guides who’ll introduce you to gators, egrets, and Spanish moss.

Where to Eat

This is a city where meals are events unto themselves. Come hungry and curious.

• Commander’s Palace (Map It): A Garden District landmark offering world-class “Haute Creole” cuisine, famous for its turtle soup, 25-cent martinis, and iconic turquoise Victorian architecture.
• Dooky Chase (Map It): A legendary Creole restaurant with a legacy of civil rights history and rich gumbo.
• Café du Monde (Map It): No trip to New Orleans is complete without a stop for beignets and café au lait under the green-and-white awning.

Where to Stay

Sonesta offers two stellar hotel options in New Orleans, both designed for comfort, convenience, and a deep connection to the city’s rhythm.

• The Royal Sonesta New Orleans: Stylish hotel with upscale rooms and amenities and an iconic jazz bar, just steps from Bourbon and Royal Streets.
• Sonesta ES Suites New Orleans Downtown: Spacious suites with full kitchens, ideal for longer stays and travelers seeking a more residential feel.

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Sonesta Staff Recommendation
“Skip Bourbon’s crowds and head to Frenchmen Street for live music and crawfish pies. Ask our concierge for late-night food truck recs.”
— Recommended by the Front Desk Team at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Cherry trees near Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC

2. Washington, D.C. – Best for Cherry Blossoms & Free Culture

We love Washington, D.C. year-round, but spring? It’s something to behold. The nation’s capital bursts into color with its iconic cherry blossoms, transforming the city into a pastel-hued postcard.

Add world-class museums and landmark monuments, and you’ve got one of the best places to travel in March for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.

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Top Events

Washington, D.C. shines in March thanks to its famed cherry blossoms and the events that accompany them.

• Pink Tie Party (Map It): March 13, 2026: The festival’s glamorous pre-season fundraiser held at the historic Union Station, featuring runway fashion, floral-inspired cocktails, and gourmet bites from DC’s top chefs.
• National Cherry Blossom Festival (Map It): March 20 – April 12, 2026: Celebrate the seasonal bloom with parades, cultural performances, art installations, and waterfront views. Celebration is centered around the Tidal Basin, featuring the Blossom Kite Festival, Petalpalooza, and the iconic Japanese cherry trees.

Must-Do Activities

Between the blossoms and the monuments, D.C. offers a dynamic balance of nature, history, and art.

• Tidal Basin Blossoms: Walk beneath thousands of blooming cherry trees around this scenic loop.
• Smithsonian Museums: From Air and Space to African American History, enjoy free entry to some of the best museums in the world.
• Monuments at Night: See the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and more, beautifully lit and crowd-free after dark.

Where to Eat

D.C.’s culinary scene is as diverse and vibrant as its population. Here’s where locals and visitors fuel up between cherry blossom photo ops.

• Union Market (Map It): A trendy food hall with everything from Korean tacos to gourmet donuts.
• Ben’s Chili Bowl (Map It): A landmark eatery serving up legendary half-smokes with a side of history.
• Maketto (Map It): A creative fusion spot combining Cambodian and Taiwanese flavors with cool, minimalist vibes.

Where to Stay

Sonesta makes it easy to stay in style whether you want to be in the heart of the city or just outside the buzz.

• The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill: Modern hotel with easy access to Union Station, the Capitol, and the National Mall.
• The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle: Sophisticated and stylish, nestled near historic embassies, nightlife, and leafy neighborhoods.
• Sonesta Simply Suites Falls Church: A quiet, suburban extended-stay option with space to spread out, ideal for longer trips or family visits.

Sonesta Staff Recommendation
“Blossoms bloom fast so visit early March and hop the Metro to beat the crowds. We’ll even help you map your own Cherry Blossom photo walk.”
— Recommended by the Front Desk Team at The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill

Spring training, Phoenix

3. Phoenix, AZ – Best for Spring Training & Desert Adventures

March in Phoenix feels like a well-earned reward. It’s finally warm enough to ditch the jacket, but not so hot you’re running for shade every five minutes.

The skies are bright, the desert flowers start to pop, and if you’re a baseball fan, there’s nothing better than a Cactus League game under the sun with a cold drink in hand.

Top Events

March in Phoenix offers a blend of athletic energy and playful nostalgia. From pro baseball to medieval revelry, there’s no shortage of things to see and experience.

• Cactus League Spring Training: Feb 20 – March 24, 2026: A beloved baseball tradition featuring 15 MLB teams playing daily exhibition games, including the Cubs at Sloan Park, the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium, and the D-backs/Rockies at Salt River Fields.
• Arizona Renaissance Festival (Map It): Saturdays, Sundays, and Presidents’ Day Monday through March 29, 2026: A sprawling 50-acre medieval village in Gold Canyon where history comes alive through jousting, artisan markets, and giant roasted turkey legs.

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Must-Do Activities

March in Phoenix is the city’s “Golden Hour”, the ideal window of 77°F weather where the Sonoran Desert is in full bloom. It’s a season that invites you to trade the indoors for wide-open desert spaces, a thriving modern art scene, and panoramic sunset views.

• Camelback Mountain Hike (Map It): For an unforgettable view, hike the Echo Canyon or Cholla trails to the 2,704-foot summit. It offers a 360-degree look at the Valley of the Sun that is especially breathtaking at sunrise.
• Roosevelt Row (Map It): This walkable creative district is famous for its massive street murals, indie galleries like Modified Arts, and the “First Friday” art walk, one of the largest monthly outdoor art events in the U.S.
• Desert Botanical Garden (Map It): Stroll through 55 acres of towering saguaros and vibrant wildflowers. In March, the “Spring Butterfly Exhibit” is a must-see as thousands of North American butterflies fill the lush gardens.

Where to Eat

Phoenix’s food scene blends local ingredients and creative twists, ideal for refueling after a day in the sun.

• Pizzeria Bianco (Map It): Nationally renowned for its wood-fired pizzas and rustic charm.
• Rustler’s Rooster (Map It): A quintessential Arizona experience, offering “Old West” hospitality with live country music, rattlesnake appetizers, and a famous indoor tin slide for the kids.
• Hana Japanese Eatery (Map It): A local gem serving authentic, handcrafted sushi and homestyle Japanese dishes.

Where to Stay

Sonesta has you covered with comfortable stays and great value, whether you’re in town for spring training or a desert escape.

• Sonesta Select Phoenix Camelback:Located in the Biltmore/Camelback financial district, close to shopping and dining.
• Sonesta Simply Suites Phoenix Glendale: All-suite hotel near Downtown Phoenix, with full in-suite kitchens and easy access to top area attractions.

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Sonesta Staff Recommendation
“I always tell my guests: don’t just look at the desert, taste it. Head to the Desert Botanical Garden in the late afternoon. After you explore the cacti, I love grabbing a “Prickly Pear Margarita” at their patio cafe. It’s a vibrant neon pink and made from the fruit of the cacti you just walked past”
— Recommended by the Front Desk Manager at Sonesta ES Suites Scottsdale Paradise Valley

Forsyth Fountain, Savannah

4. Savannah, GA – Best for St. Patrick’s Day & Southern Charm

Savannah in March just feels magical. The azaleas are starting to bloom, the weather’s warm enough for long walks under the oaks, and the whole city feels like it’s waking up in color.

You can wander the historic streets, sneak off to the coast for the afternoon, and, if you time it right, catch one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country for a hint of mischief.

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Top Events

Savannah comes alive in March with green streamers, marching bands, and soulful music echoing through its moss-draped squares.

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Tuesday, March 17, 2026: A must-see, all-day celebration featuring floats, bagpipes, dancers, and a sea of green that sweeps through downtown. The parade traditionally begins near the intersection of Gwinnett and Abercorn Streets, winds through Lafayette and Madison Squares, and typically concludes on Harris Street.
• Savannah Music Festival: March 25 – April 5, 2026: A world-class event showcasing jazz, classical, folk, and global music in gorgeous historic venues like the Lucas Theatre for the Arts, Trustees Garden, and St. Philip A.M.E. Church.

Must-Do Activities

Whether you’re soaking in history or catching ocean breezes, Savannah invites you to slow down and take it all in.

• Walk the Historic District (Map It): Cobblestone streets, leafy squares, and antebellum architecture make every step a photo op.
• Bonaventure Cemetery (Map It): A hauntingly beautiful spot made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
• Tybee Island Trip (Map It): Just 20 minutes from downtown, this coastal getaway offers sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and relaxed beach town vibes.

Where to Eat

Savannah’s culinary scene combines elevated Southern classics with modern creativity.

• The Grey (Map It): Housed in a restored 1938 Greyhound station, this award-winning restaurant offers inventive dishes and unforgettable ambiance.
• Leopold’s Ice Cream (Map It): A vintage-style parlor serving up house-made scoops and old-school floats since 1919.
• Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room (Map It): A true Savannah institution, world-famous boarding house-style restaurant where guests sit at large communal tables to share platters of fried chicken, cornbread, and seasonal vegetables.

Where to Stay

Sonesta offers cozy hotels and great value in Savannah, whether you’re in town for the world-famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade or the eclectic Savannah Music Festival.

• Sonesta Essential Savannah: Located just off I-95, this hotel offers free parking, a complimentary hot breakfast and quick access to both the airport and the historic district.
• Americas Best Value Inn Savannah: Situated near the intersection of I-95 and GA-204, this budget-friendly option provides essential comforts like free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.

Sonesta Staff Recommendation
“I always tell my guests: the best way to see the parade is from above. The streets get incredibly packed, so I love booking a spot at a rooftop bar like Rocks on the Roof or The Lost Square. You get the full view of the “sea of green” along the riverfront or the squares.”
— Recommended by the Front Desk Manager at Sonesta Essential Savannah

Rodeo Austin, a true Texas experience.

5. Austin, TX – Best for Music, BBQ & SXSW Energy

Austin really comes alive in March. The weather’s just right, the city’s packed with energy, and there’s always something going on: SXSW, Rodeo Austin and live music on every corner.

One minute you’re listening to a new band in a tiny venue, the next you’re eating some of the best BBQ of your life.

Add in a dip at Barton Springs and a stroll through a few funky neighborhoods, and you’ve got an unforgettable March trip.

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Top Events

March is Austin’s biggest month, and the city knows how to throw a party. From high-tech panels to cowboy boots and country tunes, there’s something for everyone.

• SXSW (South by Southwest): March 12–18, 2026: A global convergence of music, film, tech, and culture. Expect pop-up shows, panel discussions, and non-stop energy centered around the Austin Convention Center and the Red River Cultural District.
• Rodeo Austin (Map It): March 13–28, 2026: A true Texas experience at the Travis County Expo Center with livestock shows, rodeo competitions, carnival rides, and big-name country concerts.

Must-Do Activities

When you’re not venue- or stage-hopping, Austin’s outdoor lifestyle and iconic neighborhoods offer the ideal break between sets.

• Barton Springs Pool (Map It): A spring-fed, three-acre swimming pool that stays 68–70°F year-round, ideal for a midday cool-off.
• Zilker Metropolitan Park (Map It): A lush green escape in the heart of the city, perfect for a picnic, people-watching, or renting a kayak on Lady Bird Lake.
• South Congress (SoCo) (Map It): Austin’s coolest strip of shopping, murals, vintage stores, live music, and local eats.

Where to Eat

Austin’s culinary scene is bold, flavorful, and unapologetically Texan. Here’s where to dig in between shows and strolls.

• Franklin BBQ (Map It): Widely considered one of the best BBQ joints in the country. Arrive early; the line forms fast.
• Terry Black’s (Map It): A more accessible (but still incredible) BBQ experience with brisket, sausage, and all the classic sides.
• Torchy’s Tacos (Map It): An Austin original known for creative taco combos and addictive queso.

Sonesta Staff Recommendation
“I always tell my guests: the best SXSW moments aren’t on the official schedule. While the big badges get you into the convention center, the “unofficial” day parties on Rainey Street and East 6th are where you’ll find the best free shows and surprise appearances. Just RSVP to everything you see on social media a week before you arrive!”
— Recommended by the Front Desk Manager at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel

Where to Stay

Sonesta hotels in Austin put you right in the mix of all events, or just far enough out for a recharge between events.

• The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel: A historic downtown landmark with elegant rooms, stylish design, and a prime location just steps from SXSW venues, 6th Street, and the Capitol.
• Sonesta Select Austin North: A laid-back, commuter-friendly stay just off I-35 with easy access to downtown and the Domain, great for travelers who want comfort and a little more breathing room.

 

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Honorable Mentions: More Exciting March Events

While our top 5 cities highlight the best places to travel in March, there are a few other noteworthy events and celebrations happening around the U.S. that might inspire your itinerary.

• 2026 SheBelieves Cup (March 1–7, Multiple Cities): Catch the world’s elite women’s teams, USA, Argentina, Canada, and Colombia, competing in Nashville, Columbus, and Harrison (NJ). The final match in New Jersey on March 7 will feature a special retirement ceremony for USWNT star Tobin Heath.
• Route 66 Centennial Exhibit (Opens March 14, St. Louis): The National Museum of Transportation kicks off the highway’s 100th anniversary with “Roads, River, Rooms, and Reels.” Highlights include a restored 26-foot model of the S.S. Admiral and a tribute to vintage drive-in culture.
• 98th Academy Awards (March 15, Los Angeles): Hollywood’s biggest night returns to the Dolby Theatre, ideal for cinephiles looking to time a Southern California trip around glamour and entertainment. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony will feature the first-ever Oscar for Best Achievement in Casting.
• ULTRA Music Festival (March 27–29, Miami): EDM fans descend on Bayfront Park for major anniversary sets, including Armin Van Buuren and Steve Aoki. This year also features a rare, headline-grabbing back-to-back set from Alesso and Martin Garrix.

Travel Smarter with Sonesta Travel Pass

Exploring the best cities in March is even better when you’re getting rewarded for every stay. With Sonesta Travel Pass, you unlock travel perks that help you stretch your budget, upgrade your experience, and plan your next trip with ease.

Whether you’re road-tripping to Savannah, flying in for cherry blossoms in D.C., or soaking up SXSW in Austin, Sonesta Travel Pass makes it easy to stay smart, earn fast, and enjoy more.

Member Perks Include:

• Points on every stay, redeemable for free nights
• Exclusive member-only rates and offers
• Room upgrades and early check-in when available
• Flexible redemptions at over 1,200 hotels worldwide

Join now (it’s free!) and turn every March adventure into points for your next one.

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