Best Relaxation Destinations for March: Beaches, Wineries, Culture, and Wildlife
Craving ultimate relaxation? Escape to serene beaches, world-class wineries, sun-kissed islands, and enriching culture in these top March destinations.
From Antigua to Australia, immerse yourself in paradise where whale watching, snorkeling, beach lounging, and vineyard hopping top your agenda.
Spring Coastal Escape in San Diego, USA
Known as 'America’s Finest City,' San Diego offers a surprisingly laid-back vibe despite its size. March brings pleasant warmth, better value, and fewer crowds at major attractions.
Iconic beaches abound: Mission Beach features a wooden roller coaster, Pacific Beach draws surfers, Moonlight State Beach is family-friendly, La Jolla excels for kayaking and snorkeling, Del Mar offers tranquil ocean views, and Coronado is simply stunning. Explore uncrowded Balboa Park with its museums and zoo, or enjoy the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter. Venture north to Carlsbad's Flower Fields for blooming ranunculus or Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for clifftop hikes spotting dolphins and migrating gray whales (December-March).
- Trip plan: San Diego International Airport is just miles from downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter.
- Need to know: Avoid Spring Break dates when students flock to town.
- Other months: March-May & September-November: warm, less crowded; June-August: hot; December-February: cooler.
Australia's Wineries and Beaches During Grape Harvest
In March, grape harvest season transforms South Australia's rolling hills. While Barossa Valley attracts most wine tourists, the Fleurieu Peninsula boasts over 70 cellar doors specializing in robust Shiraz, plus charming towns like Willunga, quirky Victor Harbor, and pristine Gulf St Vincent beaches with surf spots at Middleton and Christies Beach.
- Trip plan: Stay in McLaren Vale or beachside spots south of Adelaide, exploring wineries by day.
- Need to know: Hike sections of the 750-mile (1,200 km) Heysen Trail from Cape Jervis to Flinders Ranges for an active twist.
- Other months: September-May: pleasant spring to autumn; June-August: winter.
Caribbean Bliss in Antigua: Sunshine and Breezes
Antigua boasts a legendary beach for every day of the year. March offers dry, hurricane-free weather with fewer crowds post-winter peak.
This family paradise blends relaxation and adventure: snorkel vibrant reefs, bodysurf, or explore Nelson’s Dockyard and 18th-century Fort James for pirate history.
- Trip plan: Fly into VC Bird Airport near St. John’s; easily reach Falmouth and English Harbours. The compact 13-mile (21 km) island puts beaches everywhere.
- Need to know: Spot frigate birds' mating displays at Codrington on Barbuda, a major breeding colony.
- Other months: December-April: driest; May-June: hot; July-November: showers; July: Carnival.
Sri Lanka: Relaxation, Culture, Wildlife in Dry Season
March delivers island-wide good weather, ideal for Yala and Uda Walawe parks' leopards, elephants, and monkeys at waterholes, coastal blue/sperm whales, and pleasant Adam’s Peak hikes.
Lounge on west coast sands or south surf beaches, then delve into Kandy's sacred Buddha relic, Sigiriya's Lion Rock palace, and the Cultural Triangle's ancient ruins. Savor fusion cuisine blending South Indian, Arab, Malay, and Portuguese influences.
- Trip plan: Fly to Colombo, relax in Galle, then drive or train to wildlife reserves and central cultural sites.
- Need to know: Secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa online at eta.gov.lk/slvisa.
- Other months: January-March & July-August: mostly dry; December-mid-January: peak season; April-June & September-November: wet in southwest/center.
Need more ideas? Explore our book Where To Go When for 360 ultimate escapes, from family adventures to wildlife and retreats.
