There are many of the best places to visit in California in March, as spring is the perfect time to visit California. As the weather warms up and the flowers bloom, California has some amazing outdoor scenic things to see in March and some fun cities to visit.
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Where to Stay in California
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Best Places to Visit in California in March: Northern California
Redwoods
By Melissa of Miss Rover
The Redwoods are magical year-round, but visiting in March can be truly special. Spring is the time of year when the Redwood forests are extra green and lush, and have fewer crowds. This part of California has so much to offer, no matter how many times you’ve visited. Thus, Redwoods is one of the best places to visit in California in March.
Three to five days would be ideal to see a large amount of what the Northern California Redwoods has to offer. Renting a car is the best option for this destination due to the lack of public transportation. San Francisco is the closest major airport and offers many car and van rental options.
Arcata and Crescent City, California, are located in the heart of the Redwoods and offer some of the best things to do, as well as places to stay. Campgrounds are open year-round if you are traveling on a budget, and Airbnb and Hotels are reasonable in both cities. For a more luxurious and unique stay, check out The Front Porch Inn in Arcata.
Start at the Avenue of Giants and be sure to walk the half-mile Founders Grove Trail. Continue North to check out the Redwood Skywalk in Eureka or Trees of Mystery in Klamath for an elevated view of the forest. And don’t miss elk viewing in Orick, California, at the Prairie Creek Visitors Center.
Another perk of visiting the Redwoods in March is that permits are not required to see the stunning Fern Canyon, where part of Jurassic Park was filmed. The Northernmost Redwoods destinations are in the gorgeous Jedediah Smith State Park forests. Drive the scenic Howland Hill Dirt Road to get up close to these towering giants, and be sure to stop at Simpson Reed or Stout Grove Trail! Enjoy the neck stretch you get from staring up at the tallest trees in the world for this unforgettable destination.
San Francisco
By Victoria of Guide Your Travel
San Francisco, with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and vibrant culture, emerges as one of California’s most enchanting destinations, particularly in March. This month offers a unique blend of comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and a host of activities, making it an ideal time for a visit. The city’s weather in March is pleasantly mild, with fewer rainy days compared to the winter months, allowing visitors to explore the outdoor attractions comfortably.
A 3 to 4-day stay is usually recommended to experience the city’s diverse offerings without feeling rushed. This duration allows ample time to visit significant landmarks, enjoy local cuisine, and even venture into nearby areas.
Getting to San Francisco is convenient with its well-connected international airport, San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Upon arrival, car renting is optional due to the city’s efficient public transportation system, including the famous cable cars, buses, and the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system. This network makes navigating the city both accessible and affordable.
For accommodation, consider staying in areas like Union Square for shopping and proximity to downtown, Fisherman’s Wharf for waterfront views and family attractions, or the Mission District for a more bohemian experience and great food.
San Francisco is brimming with activities. Must-visit attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the bustling Pier 39. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, while nature lovers can explore the vast Golden Gate Park. Additionally, March offers unique events like the San Francisco International Film Festival.
The budget for a San Francisco trip can vary. It’s known for being a pricier destination, with costs for accommodations, dining, and attractions being higher than in many other cities. However, budget-friendly options are available, especially regarding food and transportation.
Lastly, it’s essential to dress in layers as the city’s microclimates can result in varying temperatures throughout the day. Also, booking attractions in advance is advisable, especially for popular spots like Alcatraz, to ensure availability. With its combination of cultural richness, scenic beauty, and diverse experiences, San Francisco in March is a delight for all types of travelers.
Los Gatos
By Jennifer of Hill City Bride
Like many California locations, Los Gatos is beautiful in early spring. With temperatures that range from the high 40s at night to the mid-60s during the day, you’ll need to pack a light jacket or sweater to see the sights. The town makes the perfect place to visit for a long weekend or in addition to a more extended trip, especially if you’re already headed to San Francisco or San Jose.
The best way to get to Los Gatos is by flying into San Jose airport and renting a car or having a car service take you to the area. If you choose a car service, the town is very walkable, so you can have a relaxing vacation and plan to walk around the destination. Center your stay at Hotel Los Gatos, which feels like a secluded paradise with its Tuscan vibes and fabulous on-site restaurant—budget around $200 per night for accommodations, which includes breakfast and other amenities.
Wine lovers will enjoy visiting Testarossa Winery to do a tasting while listening to live entertainment. For the fashionista or art collector, the downtown area is filled with locally owned shops and boutiques, and movie enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the newly renovated Cinelux Los Gatos Theatre to see the latest shows. The area also has many parks and museums to visit or feel free to relax and enjoy the hotel property. No matter what you choose to do, Los Gatos is a quaint, quiet area where you can have the perfect experience.
Best Places to Visit in California in March: Central California
Yosemite
By Shweta of Zest in a Tote
Yosemite is a stunning natural park that draws millions of visitors each year. It is one of the top 10 landmarks in California. Being a popular destination in peak season, Yosemite is a great park to visit in the spring to avoid summer crowds, thus making it one of the best places to visit in California in March.
I would recommend driving down to Yosemite with your own car. It will give you flexibility to cover the large area of the park. You need to plan ahead as to where to stay inside the park and what spots/trails to cover. There are a few hotels that get booked much in advance. If you are going with a group of friends/family, I recommend booking a mountain lodge or cabin within the park on VRBO. These are spacious and more budget-friendly. You can spend anywhere between 2 to 7 days exploring this national park.
Valleys, waterfalls, giant Sequoia trees, hiking trails, Yosemite has it all. One of the best things to do at Yosemite National Park is a visit to Glacier Point. This has stunning vistas and the view of the Half Dome without any need for hiking whatsoever. You can enjoy the Lower Yosemite Falls, another popular spot. There are several hiking trails in this national park for outdoor lovers. Sentinel Dome hike is an easy hike with great views of the Half Dome and El Capitan. You can visit Mariposa Grove for the giant sequoia trees.
San Simeon
By Tom & Katie of Trekking the Dream
The beaches of San Simeon are arguably some of the most spectacular in California. Whether you are looking for adventurous water sports or just somewhere to relax and soak up the sun, there will be a beach for you!
There is, however, something very special indeed about one particular stretch of this coastline where you can find the world’s most easily accessible and free to visit, Elephant Seal Rookery. These large, ocean-going mammals really do need to be seen (and smelt!) to be believed. Weighing up to 5,000kg and with a trunk-like nose, they look like nothing else on earth.
March is at the end of the Elephant Seal birthing season and is the perfect time to see large numbers of them on the beaches with lots of adult females and, usually, a couple of much larger males. It is not uncommon to see males squaring up to each other, making a lot of loud grunts and growls. These altercations can lead to fights, and whilst they can look brutal, it is all part of the breeding process and helps ensure the strongest and fittest bulls get to mate.
To help you get the most from your visit, the Friends of the Elephant Seal are available to answer questions at the viewing areas from 10am to 4pm daily. Being just off Highway 1, it is super easy to get to either by car or Public Transport from San Jose or Los Angeles. There are several affordable places to eat and stay, including a campsite, several hotels, and a Mexican Restaurant.
You are unlikely to need more than half a day if you only want to see the Elephant seals, but if you would like to explore the other beaches, you could easily find plenty to do for a week.
Mammoth Lakes
By Allison of She Dreams of Alpine
Mammoth Lakes is a wonderful destination in California in any season, but March is an especially excellent time to visit this Eastern Sierra mountain town. You can enjoy many of the outdoor activities Mammoth is famous for in ideal conditions in the spring while avoiding the big summer and winter crowds.
If you’re a skier, you can still hit the slopes for spring skiing at Mammoth Mountain in March, and even though you’ll still find plenty of snow at the higher elevations here, you can enjoy many Mammoth hiking trails on snowshoes. Definitely check out Minaret Vista for snowshoeing and one of the most breathtaking views in Mammoth. All of these trails make Mammoth one of the best places to visit in California in March.
To get around in March, you’ll probably want to rent a car since a lot of the shuttle services won’t be running. Mammoth Lakes can be pricey if you splurge on lift tickets and resort accommodations, but you can mostly do Mammoth on a budget if you spend the majority of your time outside and book cheaper lodging on Main Street.
A long weekend would make the perfect March getaway to Mammoth, but if you want to dabble in all the outdoor adventures, you might want to spend some more time in this magical place!
Best Places to Visit in California in March: Southern California
Death Valley
By Charlie of She Roams the Globe
Death Valley, known as being one of the hottest locations on earth, is definitely one of the best places to visit in California in March. This is one of the only months of the year where the weather is characterized by warm days without being too hot, which is perfect for exploring the park’s unusual and dramatic landscapes. If the previous winter brought rain, March is when colorful wildflowers can emerge across the dusty terrain.
Located in the Mojave Desert, Death Valley is in a very remote location, and the best way to reach it is by car. It’s a great addition to a Southwest Road Trip, as it takes around 4 hours to drive from Los Angeles and about 2 hours from Las Vegas. Once in the park, there are very few places to fill up on gas and it is much more expensive here.
Although you can certainly see some of the iconic sights in just a day, I recommend planning two full days here. One of the best places for sunrise, in my opinion, is Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. You will need to walk about 15 minutes to reach the bright white salt flats as the area near the car park is quite muddy.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is the best place to visit for sunset, as the daytime can be too hot to climb up the mountains of sand. Other points of interest that you shouldn’t miss are Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Palette, and Dante’s View Point.
Furnace Creek is the best place to stay. Not only is this pretty central to all the sights but you have a good choice of accommodation for all budgets from hotels to camping. Access to Death Valley is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or you can use the America the Beautiful annual pass, which is $80.
La Jolla
By Michelle of The Trav Nav
La Jolla is a cute seaside town about 14 miles north of San Diego. The weather in March is generally mild, making it a terrific place to get away for a few days and one of the best places to visit in California in March. To get to La Jolla, consider either driving or flying into San Diego Airport. Once in La Jolla, you don’t need a car, but it would be easier to have one if you plan to leave Downtown La Jolla.
March is an excellent time to walk along the coast and see the ocean, teaming with sea life. For those who prefer to be more active, surfing, kayaking, and scuba diving are popular things to do in La Jolla.
La Jolla has two walkable areas near the coast. In Downtown La Jolla, many people visit the La Jolla Cove area to check out the sea lions, seals, and birds. While downtown, there are plenty of shops and art galleries to browse and delicious restaurants to try.
La Jolla Shores also offers a small walkable area with several restaurants and a few stores. The nearby La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is an excellent place to stay for a family getaway. Families can find several activities to do together, such as swimming, golfing, playing tennis, or enjoying the playground with the younger kids. La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club also has its own private beach.
For a unique dining experience, guests might book an upscale dinner at the Marine Room, where the waves crash against the restaurant’s windows under the right conditions. La Jolla also offers plenty of educational opportunities, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Joshua Tree
By Emily of Pets Around the World
March is an ideal time to visit Joshua Tree National Park. The weather is comfortably mild, avoiding the intense heat of summer. Plus, with no major school vacations, it’s less crowded and more affordable. It’s also the time of year when you have the best chance of seeing Joshua trees bloom. For a fulfilling experience, a weekend is perfect to explore the park’s highlights. But if you’re interested in visiting nearby destinations like the town of Joshua Tree or Palm Springs, consider extending your trip to at least five days.
Getting there does require your own vehicle, as there’s no longer a shuttle service in the park. A regular car is fine unless you’re planning some off-road adventures, in which case a 4×4 would be necessary. For accommodations, try to grab a camping spot within the park for an authentic natural experience (advanced planning required). Alternatively, the town of Joshua Tree offers a range of options, from cozy tiny homes to luxurious villas.
There’s no shortage of activities in Joshua Tree. Whether it’s hiking, bouldering, star gazing, or enjoying local art walks and honky-tonks, there’s something for everyone. While it is a favorite for adventure travelers, everyone from children to grandparents to those traveling with a dog can enjoy themselves.
Budget-wise, it can be quite economical, especially if you camp in the park with an annual pass and bring your own food. However, most people should expect to spend at least $150 per night for accommodations plus the cost of dining out once a day, placing it in the mid-range budget category for California.
Joshua Tree National Park is a unique and otherworldly place to visit, so it’s definitely worth adding to your bucket list and one of the best places to visit in California in March.
Palm Springs
By Kristin of Global Travel Escapades
One of the most fabulous places to visit in California in March is Palm Springs! During this time of the year, the city experiences an average high temperature of 81°F and an average low temperature of 52°F, which means you can beat the sweltering heat that normally makes this desert region insufferable during the summertime!
Another reason to visit this city during this time of the year is to check out the exciting annual BNP Paribas tournament! This is a massive event where guests can see the world’s best tennis players compete against one another. The event promises exceptional tennis, festive decorations, and an all-around unforgettable time! But, if tennis isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other things to do in the area. For instance, you can go hiking along the many trails. There’s also the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens!
In terms of cost, you can expect to spend about $800 for a long weekend stay. This is assuming you stay at a mid-range hotel that’s well-located near downtown Palm Springs, such as Los Arboles Hotel. That said, this estimate does not include the cost of flying into the Palm Springs International Airport or your cost of driving to the city! All in all, Palm Springs is a great place to visit in March if you’re looking to escape the cold and enjoy some warm weather and exciting events!
Final Thoughts on Best Places to Visit in California in March
There are so many amazing places to visit in California in March. Aside from the ones listed above, make sure to check out Catalina Island, the Channel Islands, Santa Barbara, and Los Olivos. No matter what, you will have a wonderful time visiting California.
1 thought on “10+ Awesome Places to Visit in California in March: Magical Outdoorsy Destinations”
Lovely! These are such great ideas. California has such a diverse landscape, and I can’t wait until my next visit!