✈️ 10 Destinations for a spring 2026 vacation: events, sea and fewer tourists

March deceives you: winter is over, but the sea is still cold.

In Europe, beach season won't start until May, but you want to take your vacation earlier. We checked ten destinations for a March getaway. In most of them it's already warm, dry, and there are few tourists. Estes Park and Chicago are still wintry in March; people go there for events. For every place, we added the month's main events with exact dates. We verified the dates on the official websites of festivals and tourism offices.

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1. Tulum, Mexico

💡 In short:

Pick March if you want the sea without the rainy season: the Yucatan is still dry.
Get to the Mayan ruins at opening time; groups gather at the entrance later in the day.

Tulum rests on two pillars: Mayan ruins on a cliff above the Caribbean Sea and beaches with turquoise water. March is the dry season here, and the rains come later. The water is warm at this time, and you can swim all day.

Tulum City Hall building on the main square

The town is known for yoga studios and cooking classes that showcase local cuisine and sauces. Active travelers grab a paddleboard and go snorkeling at the coral reefs. The central market and craft shops give you a reason to stay an extra day.

Who it's for: those who want to combine the sea, ruins, and calm practices.
Not for: those who expect major museums and a packed city itinerary from a trip.

2. Savannah, Georgia

The main argument for March in Savannah is one thing: the Savannah Music Festival runs from March 25 to April 5 (as of 09/2026, GriceConnect).

Evening panorama of Savannah from a rooftop over the river

Two weeks of concerts take place at venues in the historic center. On Savannah's streets, old houses with balconies sit next to parks and the riverfront, so you can walk all day. March weather helps: the summer heat hasn't arrived yet.

You can eat everything from classic Southern dishes to new cuisines opening up downtown. Look for accommodation near the riverfront: Savannah hotels on Trip.com.

3. Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos maintains a reputation as a destination for water and sand. White beaches, turquoise water, and coral reefs are right at the shore.

Tropical beach with turquoise water and palm trees

Snorkeling among the coral reefs is part of the basic vacation program. The rest of the time goes to the beach: the sand here is white, and the water is clear. The islands welcome guests year-round, so hotels and restaurants operate without long pauses.

Who it's for: those ready to spend the entire vacation on and under the water.
Not for: those who need museums and a packed city itinerary.

Accommodation is chosen by beach: See hotels in Turks and Caicos.

4. Bali, Indonesia

Bali enters its shoulder season in March. There are fewer people, and flights and hotels cost less than usual.

Tegallalang rice terraces with a village on the slope

The month's main date falls on March 19: the Balinese New Year, Nyepi (as of 09/2026, bali.com). The island comes to a standstill for a day: the airport doesn't accept flights for 24 hours, roads empty out, and hotel guests can't leave the property.

If complete silence isn't for you, there are two options. You can go to neighboring islands, where most residents practice Islam, or choose different dates. On the other days of March, the island operates as usual.

The catch: on Nyepi you can't leave your hotel, and the airport is closed for a day.

Check hotel prices for the shoulder season in advance: Bali hotels on Trip.com.

5. Florence, Italy

Florence comes out of its winter pause in March. The city warms up, and there are fewer tourists at famous sites than in summer.

Panoramic view of Florence with the Arno River and cathedral

The main benefit this month is access: getting into the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell'Accademia is easier than in July. You can calmly view the halls with David and the Renaissance paintings. The Duomo and Boboli Gardens are also crowd-free at this time.

In March, the city hosts spring season cultural events. The museum program is complemented by a walk along the Arno River and through the historic streets. If you want more ideas, we have a separate article on what to see in Florence.

Florence hotels on Trip.com will help you choose a neighborhood near the center.

6. Estes Park, Colorado

Estes Park hosts Frozen Dead Guy Days from March 27 to 29 (verified 09/13/2026 on the official tourism office website).

Panorama of Estes Park valley with lake and mountains

The festival is built on an unusual story: the body of Grandpa Bredo Morstoel is kept in Nederland. Now the festival in his honor has moved to Estes Park. The program includes coffin races, a zombie parade, polar plunges, and a Deadman screening.

The catch: the festival is a winter event, some activities take place on snow and require warm clothing.

Finding a hotel in Estes Park is easier to do in advance.

7. Pacific Riviera, Panama

The Pacific Riviera stretches along the Pan-American Highway and combines beaches with mountains.

Sandy beach with dense palm trees by the ocean

The beaches here come in different types: black sands in Coronado and golden ones in Bijao, Playa Blanca, and Buenaventura. For surfing, head to Chame and El Palmar, and March comes right after the peak of the fishing season. Nature lovers should take the road to Anton Valley: there are waterfalls and La India Dormida mountain.

Hiking trails run along the Ruta de la Caldera. Another reason to dig into the topic: the best surfing spots.

Browse hotels on the Pacific Riviera by area.

8. Chicago, Illinois

In Chicago, March revolves around one date: on March 14, 2026, the river downtown is dyed green in honor of St. Patrick's Day (as of 09/2026, USA Today). Divers from Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130 hit the water at 10 a.m. on the stretch between Columbus Drive and State Street.

Green Chicago River on St. Patrick's Day

Beyond the parade, the city has a winter program: the skating rink in Maggie Daley Park and walks through Millennium Park with the Cloud Gate sculpture.

If you're planning to spend more than one day in the city, we have a quick guide to Chicago.

Hotels in downtown Chicago are convenient if you want to walk to the river.

9. Ocala, Florida

Ocala is called the "Horse Capital of the World," and in March that's more noticeable than usual. From March 17 to 22, the World Equestrian Center hosts a Longines League of Nations stage, the team final is set for March 21, and the tournament features the 10 strongest national teams (verified 09/13/2026 on the official website).

Outside tournament week, downtown Ocala runs on its farmers market, food scene, and public art. The natural springs around the city offer an option for hot days: kayaking, paddleboarding, and glass-bottom boat tours.

Check hotels in Ocala ahead of time.

10. The island of Malta

Malta is compact: drives are short, and there's enough history to fill a week.

Panorama of Valletta with dome and fortification walls

The core of the itinerary: Valletta, the fortresses of the Knights Hospitaller, and medieval walls that have survived almost entirely intact. In March, the island hasn't switched to beach mode yet, so your time goes to architecture and museums.

The island's cultural program has reached an international level: it hosted an art biennale with a Mediterranean focus.

Hotels in Malta on Trip.com are chosen by area.

March 2026 calendar: key events

Destination	What's happening	Dates
Savannah	Savannah Music Festival	March 25 - April 5 (festival website)
Bali	Nyepi, the day of silence	March 19 (Nyepi calendar)
Estes Park	Frozen Dead Guy Days	March 27-29 (Estes Park program)
Chicago	River dyeing green	March 14 (dyeing chronicle)
Ocala	Longines League of Nations	March 17-22 (event schedule)

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where to go in March if you want a warm sea?

Choose by the type of trip. For reefs and white sand, head to Turks and Caicos; for Mayan ruins and yoga, Tulum; for low season and quiet, Bali.

What is Nyepi and can you spend it in Bali?

Nyepi is called the Balinese New Year, and it follows the lunar calendar. In 2026 it falls on March 19, and the island comes to a standstill for a day. You can spend it in Bali, but you'll have to stay in your hotel all day.

Where in Europe are there no summer crowds in March?

Florence and Malta offer a full city itinerary without the summer crowds. Getting into the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell'Accademia is easier in March than in July. In Malta, you can see the fortresses before beach season starts. Both destinations work well for a short trip of a few days.

What's happening in the US in March 2026?

The US has four notable events in March. Savannah hosts the Savannah Music Festival from March 25 to April 5, Chicago dyes the river green on March 14, and Colorado holds Frozen Dead Guy Days from March 27 to 29. Ocala hosts a Longines League of Nations leg from March 17 to 22. Check the dates again before buying tickets.

Is Ocala worth visiting in March?

Yes, if you're into equestrian sports. From March 17 to 22, the World Equestrian Center hosts a Longines League of Nations leg, where the strongest national teams compete. On other days, Ocala runs on its farmers market, public art, and natural springs with kayaking.

In short: what to book

March offers a rare combination: warm seas in the Caribbean, festivals in the US, and Europe without the summer crowds. Here's a quick decision matrix.

Want reefs and white sand: Turks and Caicos or Tulum.
Want a festival and music: Savannah or Chicago.
Want equestrian sports: Ocala.
Want quiet and ritual: Bali before or after Nyepi.
Want architecture: Malta or Florence.
Want surfing: Panama's Pacific Riviera.

It's easier to look at hotels in these destinations in advance. Find a hotel on Trip.com.

March 2026: 10 destinations for a vacation with sea, museums and festivals