March is one of my favorite months to get away. The stress of the holiday season is long forgotten; nature is waking up, temperatures are warming, and rates are reasonable — the shoulder season offers decent deals on flights and accommodation before the mad rush of Easter. These Airbnbs are some of the best to book in March if you want to see stunning springtime blooms, visit National Parks without the crowds, do some world-class whale watching, and attend noteworthy events. And you don’t need to go too far because these effortless getaways are all in the US.
Photos Courtesy of Airbnb
The Most Stunning Airbnbs to Book for March
Catch the tail end of whale watching season in Maui
March is still within the prime whale watching season (December — May), offering excellent opportunities to spot humpback whales migrating through Hawaiian waters. The weather is pleasant, too, with average highs in the mid-70s. Maui’s high season is also coming to an end by then, so you might find there are some last-minute flight deals.
When it comes to choosing where to stay, Maui’s beachfront resorts are likely to have a few rooms at reasonable rates, but your best bet is an Airbnb, and for that, you’ve got options galore, including some mega beachfront properties.
Although you’d need to travel half an hour or so to the ocean for whale spotting, this property in Olinda (around two miles southeast of Makawao) is a haven for nature lovers. It’s also a top 10 percent Airbnb listing. The one-bedroom cottage has a deck with a soaking tub and killer views over the island. The host promises an elegant and laid-back island stay.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $397 per night
Spring break in style with a private villa in Miami
You’ll either love or despise the suggestion of Miami during spring break. If you’re not cringing, let’s party. Miami is buzzing in March; temperatures are around the mid-70s, cultural events are on every corner, beaches are packed, and pool parties are endless.
If you want a hotel, I stayed at Pharrell Williams’ The Goodtime Hotel in March a couple of years back, and it was wild. One thing I didn’t love, though, was the sound of people in the hallway at 3 AM, so if you’re a light sleeper or would just rather have a baller pad of your own, look to the city’s Airbnbs.
If you have a group, check out this four-bedroom villa. It’s ticking all the boxes. There’s a pool, terrace views of the open bay and Miami skyline, a Sonos sound system, and an outdoor grill.
Due to spring break, it’s worth noting that many Airbnbs in Miami have a “no party” rule. But don’t let that put you off, there’s enough going on in the city for entertainment and you’ll be grateful for a beautiful haven to retreat to once the sun comes up.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,867 per night
Explore the Sonoran Desert in spring with a stay in Phoenix
Arizona is a playground in springtime for outdoor sports. Many say it’s the state’s way of apologizing for cold winters and unbearably hot summers. There’s bags of sunshine, the desert is coming to life with cacti, and cool mornings and management mid-day heat mean you have longer in the day to enjoy activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, and canyoneering.
Where you base yourself comes down to what you want to do, but you really don’t need to tie yourself in knots considering a location. Choosing an Airbnb that suits your needs first can be a better way to go around it, especially if it’s surrounded by an epic landscape or a jumping-off destination like Phonix. March is the prime season for exploring the Sonoran Desert, and snagging a lush pad in the city will offer you a retreat near amenities after a sporty day.
For a modern stay, check out this three-bedroom architect-designed luxe home. Perfect for a group, the Airbnb has an outdoor paradise with a heated pool, fireplaces, and a private putting green.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $698 per night
Celebrate the beginning of cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C.
I’m also thrilled to say that we are galloping towards cherry blossom season. And although March is a smidge early for blooms to be at their showiest, across the US, parks and gardens will be coming to life. While the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World” is in Macon, Georgia, Washington puts on an equally impressive show.
Aim for the end of March to see the trees in bloom around the steps of the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Japanese Lantern, the US National Arboretum, the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, Hains Point Loop Trail, The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and the Tidal Basin.
Washington, D.C.’s Airbnbs come in all shapes and sizes, but the site’s Design Category is a lovely place to start.
This historic East Village townhouse was built in 1850 and offers 15-foot ceilings, abundant natural light, and a perfect balance between contemporary and historical elements. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, while the master suite has a private terrace and a separate dressing room. You’ll have exclusive access to the top three floors of the townhouse and a secluded garden.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $504 per night
Or visit the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World,” Macon, Georgia
Macon enjoys an earlier start to its cherry blossom season than many other regions, with 350,000 Yoshino trees typically reaching peak bloom in mid-to-late March. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival, aptly dubbed “The Pinkest Party on Earth,” commences officially on March 15 and concludes on March 24. However, the festive spirit permeates the city weeks beforehand, with businesses adorning their windows in pink and floral motifs and the town fountain taking on a vibrant fuchsia hue.
There are a few excellent Airbnbs in Macon itself. Still, if you’d rather be a smidge more remote, I recommend staying on Lake Tobesofkee, where you’ll have peaceful surroundings and walkable opportunities for water sports or relaxed days on the beach. The lake is around 20 minutes from Macon, so you can easily pop in for festivities, too.
This stunning secluded lake house retreat offers a luxurious escape with breathtaking 180-degree sunset views of Lake Tobesofkee. Situated on two private acres with 200 feet of lake frontage, the property has a private dock, a three-tiered deck with a hot tub and fire pit, and a range of water sports equipment, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. The spacious 3,300-square-foot home features five bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a game room with an 85-inch theater screen, and a dedicated office space if you “need” to work.
16+ guests, five bedrooms
Price: $474 per night
See the California poppy in bloom at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
Despite the recent wildfires, California needs tourism. You’ll need to plan accordingly, but your tourism dollars will help rebuilding efforts. And springtime in the state is magical, especially if you love wildflowers.
The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in the Mojave Desert offers a breathtaking spectacle each spring. While the exact timing of the bloom varies depending on rainfall and temperature, the reserve typically comes alive with carpets of the California poppy from mid-February through May. Peak bloom generally occurs in late March or early April, but it’s worth checking out the reserve’s official website or social media channels for the latest updates. You can explore the eight miles of trails that wind through the rolling hills at the park. The trails cater to various fitness levels, including a paved wheelchair-accessible section.
For a nearby stay, check out this spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the heart of Tehachapi. You’ll be perfectly positioned to explore the reserve from this base and it’s also a short drive from some of the region’s finest vineyards. The highlight of Airbnb has to be its stunning views over the nearby mountains and exceptional stargazing conditions — perfect for an outdoorsy family getaway.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $367 per night
Visit the “Wildflower National Park” also known as the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, often referred to as the “Wildflower National Park,” has an astonishing diversity of plant life, with over 1,600 species calling this unique ecosystem home. As spring awakens the mountains, a tapestry of wildflowers transforms the landscape into a breathtaking spectacle.
March marks the beginning of this wildflower season, with a succession of early bloomers gracing the forest floor. Among the first to emerge are the delicate Spring Beauty, identifiable by its dainty pink-striped petals that bloom in white or pale pink shades. The Trout Lily, named for its distinctive spotted leaves that resemble the markings of a brook trout, also makes an early appearance. These 6- to 8-inch-tall plants produce solitary, drooping yellow flowers, adding a splash of color to the spring landscape. Explore the Porters Creek Trail or the Cove Hardwood Self-Guided Nature Trail to witness these early bloomers.
Choose a stay with some character to complement your exploration of the park, such as this custom-built tiny cabin 25 minutes from the Smoky Mountains. The one-bedroom is ideal for a couple or small family. From here, you’ll have unobstructed views of the sunset and surrounding mountains.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $297 per night
Take in the beauty of Zion and the Grand Canyon National Park without crowds
The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike has one of the most competitive hiking permits in the US, so planning a trip around this route in March might be a long shot. But, the month does offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring, and you’ll witness the canyon in a different light as wildflowers bloom along the rim and add color to the landscape. It’s also one of the most-visited parks in the US, so going in springtime will allow you to enjoy the landscape sans crowds. That also goes for Zion National Park, where the desert floor of a muted palette of browns and reds comes alive with pink, purple, yellow, and orange wildflowers.
Airbnbs near the Grand Canyon are remote. There are no major towns near the park, but there are many jaw-dropping options within driving distance. Now, for something memorable, I’ve found this sprawling desert home on 40-acres in South Zion. But it’s not a quick 30-minute drive from the Canyon. You’ll be looking at around three hours. Stay with me here. It’s an excellent base for visiting both Zion and the Grand Canyon. If you’re an early bird, a day trip to the Canyon is more than doable, and the drive will take you through some of the most impressive scenery in Utah and Arizona.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $297 per night
Book an outrageous stay in Austin for SXSW
Tickets for South by Southwest (SXSW), one of Austin’s hottest festivals in mid-March, are still available. But you’ll need to get a move on. Conference event tickets are $1495, film and TV $1295, and music passes are $845. Or, you can get an all-access pass for $2095 if you want to see (and do) everything. The city will be packed with music, film, and industry leaders, so it’s an excellent opportunity to network. If you love large-scale events, Austin delivers. But you’ll still need to learn how to avoid the chaos. For that, I suggest getting an Airbnb in a peaceful place so you can dip in and out and take the festival at your own pace.
Austin is one of the many cities in the US where you can get stuck down an Airbnb rabbit hole really quickly. For time well spent, filter by Airbnb categories like tiny homes, design, or OMG. This listing is within the OMG section, and it’s hardly surprising why. It’s located in Westlake Highlands and is described as a “giant seashell, part Willy Wonka, part Big Lebowski.” Although it will feel remote, you’ll only be 15 minutes or so from downtown Austin. Two UT architecture students built the residence as a quirky retreat that works in harmony with the environment. Previous guests state you’ll need to see it to believe it. Bookmark this property for future trips to Austin if it’s unavailable on your dates, and check out Matador’s list of guest favorite Airbnbs in the city for more options.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $530 per night
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a luxury French Quarter pad
New Orleans is still in the morning of the attack that occurred on Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day. However, the city must recover and restore its joie de vivre, with many large-scale events such as Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl on the horizon. New Orleans and its people are famously resilient, and there will be an increase in federal security resources for all future events. The city relies heavily on tourism, so if you’re considering Mari Gras, do some trip planning beforehand and again book soon if you want a pleasant Airbnb experience.
New Orleans has some wild group-sized Airbnbs. The city caters well to those traveling with families and in mixed groups visiting to celebrate an event. Built in the 19th century, this home was completely renovated in 2022. It’s centrally located between the French Quarter and Garden District and five minutes from the famous St.Charles Streetcar. It ticks all the boxes for a bachelorette Airbnb: A year-round heated pool, outdoor kitchen, tropical landscaping — the perfect backdrop for group pictures — and plenty of space for dining and entertaining. There’s a noise cap between 10 PM and 8 AM, but this rental’s regulation is not unique. The city requires Airbnbs of this size and in this area to be equipped with a noise monitoring device. But, let’s be honest, the ruckus party can happen in one of the bars a streetcar ride away. 
10 guests, five bedrooms
Price: $462 per night