Where to go in

March

Where to go in

March

March – gateway to Spring in many places and a month of transition and transformation all over the world. After enduring the chill of January and February, the arrival of lighter days and blooming flowers feels like a much-deserved reward. It's the perfect time to swap heavy layers for lighter clothes and celebrate with an invigorating trip - and shoulder season offers excellent travel deals. Whether experiencing the bohemian beach life of Mexico or the cultural beauty of Florence, March presents countless possibilities for adventure. Here are our top destinations this month.

Mexico

Those in the know hit up Mexico in March thanks to the pitch-perfect weather, cultural events, and hotspot beach destinations. The warm, dry climate makes it ideal for exploring white sand beaches in Cancún in the Yucatan Peninsula, where crystal-clear waters and Mayan ruins create the quintessential experience. March is also when Spring Equinox occurs at Chichén Itzá where, at the Temple of Kukulcan, the pyramid’s steps appear to cast a snake-like shadow that ends at a carved stone serpent’s head. Looking to party? Head to Cancún for its legendary nightlife and beach clubs, while Tulum offers a more bohemian escape.

Los Angeles

What we love about Los Angeles is that there’s always something new to offer every time you visit. In March, the temperature hovers around a warm 18°C, so depending on your preferred travel mode, it’s perfect for hiking up to the Griffith Observatory for the ultimate LA vistas, barefoot strolls along the beach or hitting up Downtown’s art scene. Sports fans can catch NBA Lakers and Clippers games and the LA Marathon brings thousands of runners through iconic city landmarks on 16 March. Then there’s the food. In between activities, refuel – LA is famous for its food trucks and being ahead of the gourmet curve. Happening every Sunday, head to Smorgasburg LA to discover future foodie stars. Feast on Maine lobster from Lobsterdamus, Michoacán-style carnitas from Los Cochinitos, and plant-based Mexican fare from Cena Vegan.

Portland

March is absolutely buzzing in Portland with celebrations happening throughout the month. It kicks off on the 1st with the Seafood and Wine Festival where you can enjoy fresh Oregon seafood at the peak of Dungeness Crab season. This is swiftly followed by Mississippi Avenue’s Mardis Gras festivities on the 4th. Beer lovers won’t want to miss the SheBrew Festival on 8 March, celebrating women in brewing. After a few beers head to Milwaukie-Portland Elks Lodge for the Winter Music Festival for a Blues fix. Oh, and it’s St Patrick’s Day on the 17th and Portland likes to go big. Across the whole month it’s Ticket To Dine across the city where you can check out the culinary scene and snag free drinks or desserts, or an even bigger prize. Outside of all the fun, food and festivities you’ll also find the city’s green spaces starting to bloom.

Baha Mar

Swap grey skies for a bright white beach in the Bahamas. Those in the know head for these tropical islands in March for the pristine sands, laidback lifestyle and 18th-century streets tinged with the scent of frangipani. Just a ten-minute drive from the capital Nassau, the Baha Mar resort is perfect for an indulgent escape thanks to its location right on Cable Beach. March is the ideal time to try outdoor activities like snorkelling, golfing, and exploring nearby islands like Paradise Island (yes, really). Paradise can also be found at our SLS resort - a 1000-acre island retreat, with 14 restaurants, a casino, water park and tennis court. It’s also a chance to check out 818 Shack, from 818 Tequila and Kendall Jenner. Kick back with the beautiful people in this Tulum-style cocktail lounge inside the resort’s waterpark, Baha Bay.

Florence

March is the start of ‘Bella’ season in Florence with sunnier days giving this ornate Renaissance city a magical glow. The mild early spring weather - without peak-season crowds - makes it the perfect time for exploring landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery. Florence has a dizzying array of blockbuster art on offer and if you’re around for Festa Della Donna (International Women’s Day) on 8 March then women are granted free entry into the incredible state museums. Bonus! Another March highlight is the Capodanno Fiorentino (Florentine New Year) on 25 March, a traditional celebration with an historic parade, outdoor feasts and evening concerts around Piazza della Santissima Annunziata. Foodies will be delighted that fresh ingredients like truffles and artichokes are in season and, as Easter approaches, bakeries offer delicious Colomba di Pasqua (Easter Dove Cake). Another solid reason to visit? The Hoxton opens on 1 March with 50% off rates for Disloyalty members.