The 8 Best Places to Visit in California in March

March is a quietly spectacular month in California. Winter’s sharp edges soften, wildflowers begin to push through coastal bluffs and mountain meadows, and cities feel refreshed before spring break hits. Temperatures settle into a comfortable middle ground, making it an ideal moment for travelers choosing the best places to visit in California in March without the summer crowds or peak-season pricing.

This guide focuses on eight destinations that shine in early spring—from green coastal hillsides to desert trails, from wine-country calm to snow-dusted alpine vistas. Several also align with Wander’s California vacation rentals, giving you beautifully designed spaces to return to after days outdoors.

1. Big Sur

Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in March

March turns Big Sur into something close to a dreamscape. Rains from earlier in the season leave the cliffs vividly green, waterfalls run strong, and wildflowers begin lining Highway 1. Cooler mornings give way to bright, clear afternoons, and the iconic viewpoints feel far more accessible than during peak summer.

For travelers searching for the best California vacation spots in March with dramatic scenery and quiet mornings, Big Sur lands near the top. The air feels crisp, the trails less crowded, and every bend in the road offers a surprise view.

Things to do

• Walk beneath towering redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

• Stop for coastline views at McWay Falls and Partington Cove

• Explore the bluffs and beaches of Garrapata State Park

• Spend slow hours at Nepenthe or Big Sur Bakery

• Wander through windswept cypress groves near Point Lobos

Where to stay

• Wander Big Sur Coast

• Wander Pebble Beach

Travel tips

• Highway 1 can experience closures; check conditions before driving

• Mornings often start misty, clearing beautifully by midday

• Pack layers for wind shifts along the cliffs

Expert Tip from a Wander Travel Specialist
Start at the north end of Big Sur and move south. Light hits the coastline more evenly early in the day, and you’ll reach the most popular overlooks before they fill.

2. Sonoma

Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in March

Sonoma opens spring quietly. Vineyards glow with mustard flowers, tasting rooms feel relaxed, and countryside drives weave through rolling hills that turn vivid green in March. Daytime temperatures stay comfortable, ideal for exploring small towns or enjoying long lunches outdoors.

If you’re deciding where to visit in California in March for slow, scenic days, Sonoma is a standout. New seasonal menus roll out across restaurants, and many wineries release spring bottlings around this time.

Things to do

• Tour boutique wineries around Dry Creek and Russian River Valley

• Explore the galleries, cafés, and shops around Healdsburg Plaza

• Walk the coast near Jenner for misty morning views

• Enjoy orchard tastings and farm stands in West County

• Visit Armstrong Redwoods for quiet forest trails

Where to stay

• Wander Healdsburg Oasis

• Wander Sonoma Farmhouse

Travel tips

• Roads may still be damp from early-spring rains

• Reservations help for weekend tastings

• Temperatures drop quickly after sunset

3. Palm Springs & the Coachella Valley

Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in March

March is the desert at its best. Warm afternoons, cool nights, and reliably clear skies make the region ideal for poolside days, art tours, or hikes through palm canyons. The light feels soft and golden across the mountains, and mid-century neighborhoods come to life as patios reopen.

This is one of the best California vacation spots in March for those craving sunshine without extreme heat. Events add energy to the season, yet the valley retains its relaxed rhythm.

Things to do

• Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway into alpine scenery

• Hike Murray Canyon or Tahquitz Canyon with flowing creeks

• Browse vintage shops and galleries downtown

• Take a scenic drive to Joshua Tree

• Explore mid-century architecture on a self-guided route

Where to stay

• Wander Palm Springs Haven

• Wander Palm Springs Edge

Travel tips

• Early hikes offer the best temperatures

• March is high season; make dining reservations in advance

• Evenings are cooler than expected — bring a layer

4. Lake Tahoe

Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in March

Tahoe in March is a blend of winter and spring: soft snow under warming sunlight, longer afternoons on the slopes, and clear lake views once storms pass. Ski resorts thrive this time of year, but the crowds ease compared to holiday weeks. Lakefront towns also feel quieter, ideal for relaxed meals or shoreline strolls.

For travelers choosing where to visit in California in March for outdoor adventure, Tahoe remains a reliable favorite.

Things to do

• Ski Palisades Tahoe, Northstar, or Homewood

• Snowshoe forest trails near Tahoe City

• Explore Truckee’s historic downtown

• Watch sunset from Kings Beach

• Relax with lake views after a morning on the mountain

Where to stay

• Wander Tahoe Hollow

• Wander Tahoe Estate

Travel tips

• Roads may still require chains after storms

• High-altitude sun is strong — sunscreen is essential

• Midweek skiing offers notably fewer lift lines

5. Malibu

Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in March

Malibu settles into a soft, pleasant rhythm in March. The air warms, surf conditions mellow, and the bluffs turn green after winter rains. With fewer visitors than summer, beach days feel calm and spacious. Restaurants along the coast begin extending patio hours, and trails in the Santa Monica Mountains are at their prime.

For coastal travelers deciding on the best places to visit in California in March, Malibu offers scenery and serenity within easy reach of Los Angeles.

Things to do

• Explore tide pools at Leo Carrillo

• Hike Solstice Canyon’s shaded trail to the ruins

• Surf beginner-friendly breaks at Zuma

• Walk the Malibu Pier at sunrise

• Drive Malibu Canyon Road for golden-hour views

Where to stay

• Wander Malibu Horizon

• Wander Malibu Broad Beach

Travel tips

• Parking fills quickly at popular beaches on warm weekends

• Ocean breezes keep mornings cool

• Sunset views are especially vivid after spring storms

6. San Diego

Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in March

San Diego’s spring weather is reliably pleasant, making March ideal for families, beach lovers, and travelers seeking a laid-back coastal city without summer crowds. Wildflowers bloom in nearby valleys, marine life is active along the shoreline, and the city’s neighborhoods feel energized but not yet overwhelmed.

Among the best California vacation spots in March, San Diego stands out for its gentle climate and variety of coastal and cultural activities.

Things to do

• Walk Torrey Pines State Reserve

• Visit La Jolla Cove to watch sea lions

• Explore the museums and gardens of Balboa Park

• Take a day trip to Anza-Borrego for early wildflowers

• Enjoy long, calm beach days in Coronado

Where to stay

• Wander San Diego Hillcrest

• Wander San Diego Glow

Travel tips

• Evenings cool off near the water

• Overcast mornings (“June Gloom”) can appear early some years

• Parking in La Jolla is easiest before mid-morning

7. Joshua Tree

Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in March

March is one of the most comfortable months in Joshua Tree, with warm days, crisp nights, and desert wildflowers beginning to appear after wet winters. The park’s rock formations and vast landscapes feel especially striking under spring light.

For travelers narrowing down where to visit in California in March for clear skies and outdoor time, Joshua Tree delivers an unforgettable mix of stillness and scale.

Things to do

• Hike Hidden Valley or Barker Dam

• Picnic among Joshua trees in Queen Valley

• Climb the boulders around Hall of Horrors

• Drive out to Keys View for sunset

• Explore artists’ studios in Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley

Where to stay

• Wander Joshua Tree Breeze

• Wander Joshua Tree Sage

Travel tips

• Temperatures drop sharply after dark

• Stay stocked with water — desert air is extremely dry

• Weekdays offer easier access to main park roads

8. Yosemite National Park

Why it’s one of the best places to visit in California in March

Yosemite in March feels like a secret season. The Valley begins waking up after winter, waterfalls surge from snowmelt, and sunny days create perfect conditions for exploring lower-elevation trails. The iconic views — El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls — appear even more dramatic with lingering snow on the surrounding peaks.

For travelers choosing the best places to visit in California in March for photography and quiet, Yosemite is unmatched.

Things to do

• Walk to Lower Yosemite Fall when water volume is high

• Explore Cook’s Meadow with sunset light

• Snowshoe in the high country depending on road access

• Visit Mirror Lake before it thins later in spring

• Stop at Tunnel View for classic panoramas

Where to stay

• Wander Yosemite Valley

• Wander Yosemite Park

Travel tips

• Tire chains may still be required depending on weather

• Glacier Point and Tioga Pass remain closed

• Weekdays see significantly fewer visitors

Expert Tip from a Wander Travel Specialist
For the best morning light, start at Valley View, then loop slowly through Cook’s Meadow. The combination of rising fog and waterfall spray makes the landscape feel otherworldly.

Plan Your California March Getaway With Wander

March rewards travelers who prefer open trails, green hillsides, quiet beaches, and 

Wander’s California homes offer the kind of setting that elevates these early-spring trips: thoughtful design, indoor–outdoor living, and locations that bring you close to the season’s best moments.

Choose the corner of California that fits the pace you’re craving, then find a luxury California vacation rental that lets each day unfold naturally. Your March escape starts there.