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Washington, DC
Washington.org
Hello, cherry blossoms! The famed DC trees are expected to reach peak bloom on March 23 to 26 — a bit earlier than usual. Keep tabs on the Bloom Watch and check the activity schedule for the National Cherry Blossom Festival running from March 20 to April 14 to zero in on the best time for you to visit. Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, a historic hotel that’s offering a Cherry Blossom package from March 13 to April 14. It includes a cherry blossom amenity, breakfast for two and a bike rental (pedal your way to the Tidal Basin near the National Mall where there’s a large number of cherry blossoms). While you’re in town, don’t miss the International Spy Museum and the newish exhibits at the free National Air & Space Museum. Heads up that both museums require timed tickets.
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2
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri
This Midwestern city is moving and shaking—and we’re not talking about Taylor and Travis sightings. March ushers in a handful of new openings that make this city a strong contender for a spring-break getaway. Got a soccer fan in the family? Kansas City’s new CPKC Stadium — the world’s first stadium purpose-built for a women’s professional sports team — will host its premiere match on March 16. As amazing as it is, it may be one-uped by an imaginative children’s museum that’s set to open on March 12. The Rabbit Hole will feature interactive exhibits themed after some of the most beloved children’s books, including Frog and Toad, Where The Sidewalk Ends and Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters. Other must-sees for families visiting KC include the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum and The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Stay at the new Aloft Kansas City Country Club Plaza, which is the heart of it all.
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Russian River Valley, California
Russian River Valley
A hidden gem in Sonoma Wine Country, Russian River Valley hosts its 46th Annual Wine Barrel Tasting weekend on March 2 and 3. You’ll be able to meet more than 50 local wine makers, learn about the wine-making process and even sample the goods directly from the barrel. Stay at the woman-owned Stravrand Russian River Valley (pictured), a 21-room historic hotel, that received a glow-up a few years ago. Some rooms have fireplaces plus an outdoor cedar hot tub.
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4
Orlando, Florida
Grande Lakes Orlando
Hop over to Orlando for an Easter Egg Hunt that will blow your kids’ minds. On March 31, The Grande Lakes Orlando (which includes both the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels) will host a hunt with thousands of eggs; they had 3,200 eggs last year! The egg-stravgant hunt is exclusive to overnight guests ages 12 and under. Other weekend festivities at Grande Lakes, a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award winner, include a Cottontail Tea, cookie workshop and springtime festival with games and crafts.
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5
Boston, Massachusetts
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March Madness marches into Boston the last week of the month. Beantown will host the East Region men’s basketball round at TD Garden from March 28 to 30. Score tickets for a game (or three!) and work in some other sightseeing, including the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail and the View Boston Observation Deck. Make The Boxer Hotel your home base. The industrial chic, pet-friendly property is just a five-minute walk to TD Garden.
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6
Carlsbad, California
Flower Fields of Carlsbad
Flowers and LEGOs — they’re a match made in Carlsbad. The Northern San Diego County locale is home to both the year-round Legoland California theme park and The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, which re-opens on March 1. That’s when visitors can take a tractor wagon ride to see the rainbow of Ranunculus flowers that adorn 55 acres of rolling hills. Kids have a bunch of activities just for them, like a mini maze made with sweet pea flowers (aww!). Over at LEGOLAND California, Dino Valley, which features an interactive dinosaur safari and other fun attractions, will open this spring. Wind down your roarin’ good day in one of the new roomy family suites at The Cassara Carlsbad, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
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7
Easton, Pennsylvania
Peeps Brand
Bunny ears up! Families can spend the night at a suite that’s themed after PEEPS, the iconic Easter treat. The brand adorably decked out a space at Home2 Suites by Hilton Easton, near its headquarters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Starting at $159 per night and available to book from March 18 to 29, The PEEPS Sweet Suite includes a treat-filled Easter basket plus a tasting and photo op at the Peeps Factory (which usually isn’t open to visitors). While you’re in Easton, drop in on the Crayola Experience, which is packed with hands-on, art-related exhibits.
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8
Naples, Florida
Karen Cicero
For a spring break trip that both kids and parents can get behind, Naples delivers. Beach, pool, eat and repeat at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, which has wrapped up its much-anticipated expansion and redesign. There are thoughtful family touches all around, from pool toys to a kids’ activity room with books and games in a massive new Club Lounge. If you do go off-property, visit The Naples Botanical Garden, which offers activity kits for kids to use as they’re exploring. Take artsy teens to Artis—Naples: The Baker Museum, which has fascinating special exhibitions in various mediums, including photography.
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9
Beaver Creek, Colorado
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Early March typically brings peak skiing to Beaver Creek Resort in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Named one of Good Housekeeping’s 10 Best Ski Resorts for Families, the resort is a solid pick for beginning and intermediate skiers of any age. Off the slopes, its charming village hosts a Fun Fest with carnival games every Saturday in March. Stay at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, a ski-in, ski-out spot at the base of the mountain. The chateau-style lodging, winner of a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award, is conveniently located next to the building that offers ski and snowboard lessons for kids ages 3 and up.
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10
St. Martin
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A one-of-a-kind island shared by two nationalities, St. Martin (also called St. Maarten) has a spring climate that’s tailor-made for beach-hopping, water sports and nature experiences. March has the lowest average rainfall and the best temperatures to boot: Bask in sunny days with highs around 80 degrees. Where should you stay? If you like all-inclusives, the Dutch side offers plenty, including the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort. On the French side, you’ll find more intimate options, like the new Le Martin Boutique Hotel. With plenty of direct flights from the U.S. to the airport on the Dutch side of the island, St. Martin is a strong contender for both family spring break and a romantic getaway.
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11
Lake Como, Italy
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Get to Italy before everyone else! Many of Lake Como’s seasonally operated hotels re-open in mid-March at rates that are a fraction of the summer prices. High temperatures are typically in the upper 50s to low 60s during the later part of the month — and wisteria, early hydrangeas and other pretty petals are springing back to life all around the lake. The art-centric Grand Hotel Tremezzo, which re-opens on March 15, boasts sumptuous accommodations with three pools, gourmet dining options and a man-made beach. The latter, called T Beach, is a unique lido where guests can dip their feet in the sand and take a refreshing plunge in the floating pool surrounded by the Lake.
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12
Dana Point, California
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Celebrate the return of the California gray whales at the 52nd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales from March 1 to 3. While this year’s activity schedule is still in the works, the weekend usually includes a parade, street fair, concerts, beach cleanup and more. You can also book one of the city’s many whale-watching excursions. Stay at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, a Victorian-style resort overlooking the California Coastline and Dana Point Harbor — just steps away from the festival.
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13
Moab, Utah
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Home to two national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, Moab is a hot spot for nature enthusiasts. You’ll beat the heat (and still enjoy all the splendor) by visiting in March. With plenty of daytime activities to choose from like hiking, rock climbing and horseback riding, it’s an adventurer’s dream. But the fun doesn’t stop after the sun goes down. Boasting some of the darkest skies in the country, it’s one of the best places to stargaze. Visitors can get spend hours staring at the brilliant stars dotting the pitch-black sky. Stay at Red Cliffs Lodge, winner of a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award. It’s nestled between dramatic cliffs and sprawling canyons and has a variety of cabin-style accommodations at different price points.
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Keystone, Colorado
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If you want to spend spring break on the slopes, Keystone Resort is the way to go. Named one of Good Housekeeping’s Best Ski Resorts for Families, the winter wonderland in the Rockies educates and enthralls. Kids as young as 3 can take ski and snowboard lessons in its school. (You can even borrow a red wagon to help haul the gear.) Or they can play in two spectacular snow forts — complete with slides — on the mountaintop. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, the resort offers comfortable lodging for families big and small with stellar amenities throughout. Whether you’re looking to stay at a hotel or a private residence, you’ll find your perfect home away from home.
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15
Dublin, Ohio
Dublin, Ohio
Can’t swing a trip to Ireland this St. Patrick’s Day? As luck would have it, a midwestern town throws the “The Greenest, Grandest Parade” on March 9. It will feature marching bands, bagpipers, giant inflatables and leprechauns. The fun actually starts bright and early with a pancake breakfast featuring green syrup. Or you could head to town the following weekend for its St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl on March 16. If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s more charming than the hotel chains in Dublin, venture a couple of miles away to The Timbrook Guesthouse in Columbus.
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16
The Palm Beaches, Florida
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If you’re taking the kids to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando for spring break, tack on a few extra days for relaxation at the end. Thanks to the new Brightline high-speed passenger train, you can zip from Orlando to West Palm Beach in about two hours. A 2024 Family Travel Award winner, The Palm Beaches have 47 miles of dreamy shoreline for kids to build castles and for you to rest your weary feet from those 20,000-step theme park days. For the most easygoing experience, stay at Crane’s Beach House Boutique Hotel and Luxury Villas in Delray Beach. Moderately priced for the area and just a block from the beach, it boasts full kitchens, two saltwater pools and tropical gardens.
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17
Savannah, Georgia
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Savannah is charming any time of year, but in March you’ll really be able to walk its oak-lined streets and soak up all the history, culture and shopping without breaking a sweat. Although you may not think of Savannah as a St. Patrick’s Day hotspot, 2024 is the 200th anniversary of its Celtic Celebration. Featuring marching bands, dancers and elaborate floats, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on March 16. Stay over at The Alida Hotel, located in the Entertainment District. The Luck of Savannah package includes custom-designed T-shirts, snacks and locally brewed beer.
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18
Franklin, Tennessee
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Let the crowds go to Nashville and bring your family about half an hour away to Franklin. Brimming with history, music, shopping and restaurants, this mid-size southern city is hosting the 10th annual Kids’ Art Festival of Tennessee on March 23. You can expect hands-on creative activities plus live performances. Stay at Southall Farm & Inn, a new luxury nature-focused resort, or in the historic downtown at The Harpeth Franklin Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton.
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19
Zurich, Switzerland
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Fresh clean air and majestic snow-capped mountains peppering the horizon are just a couple of things that come to mind about Zurich. And March is a surprisingly good time to visit thanks to lower room rates and spring wildflower blooms. An exceptional day in the largest city in Switzerland includes stops at one of the many outdoor produce markets, the historical square Lindenhof and a Limmit River Cruise, which re-opens on March 29. Stay at Sorell Hotel St. Peter — a good value — which provides a free organic breakfast and complimentary bike rental for you to explore the city.
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20
Austin, Texas
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Calling all movie and music super-fans: Badges are still available to SXSW (South by Southwest) taking place on March 8-16. The music festival portion alone showcases 340+ artists! But even after the festival rolls out of town, venues like Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live) at The Moody Theater and Antone’s Nightclub feature country and down-home blues tunes. After grooving to music, visitors can check out the city’s other main attraction: barbecue. Stiles Switch BBQ and Interstellar BBQ are trusted go-tos for grubbing on succulent ribs and mouth-watering smoked meats. Turn in for the night at Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, which boasts renovated rooms, outstanding views of the cityscape, top-notch amenities and easy access to the bustling downtown area.
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