Essential March Bucket List Adventures You Need To Try

The Bucket List Mermaid contains affiliate links from trusted travel partners. When you purchase through a link on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See  Privacy Policy for more information.

March is a magical month for adventurers, offering everything from vibrant festivals to seasonal natural wonders you won’t want to miss. Therefore, a March Bucket List is essential!

I know that you have seen a million March bucket lists. This one is going to special!

As a full-time adventurer, RV traveler, and jet-setting mermaid, I’ve curated this March bucket list with global experiences that are either best in March or can only happen this time of year. 

So grab your planner, and let’s get you checking off your travel bucket list!

Festivals and Cultural Celebrations in March

Participate in St. Patrick’s Day Festivities in Chicago

I know what you are thinking – why aren’t you recommending Dublin for my March Bucket List?

Listen – I used to live in the UK and sometimes it felt like the US cared more about St. Patrick’s Day than the UK. Don’t get me wrong – Dublin is a wonderful addition to your bucket list…but it’s expensive.

One unique thing that happens during St. Patrick’s Day is actually in Chicago. Believe it or not, they actually dye their entire river green!

Plus, once you are done marveling at the green river (just don’t ask me how they do it), the city erupts into a sea of green-clad revelers, lively parades, and Irish pubs overflowing with festive energy!

Celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, in Spanish Fork, Utah

Dive into the vibrant celebration of Holi at the Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork.

This American twist on India’s famous festival of colors features live music, dancing, and a rainbow of powder flying through the air. 

Make sure to wear white clothes that you don’t mind getting stained, and purchase color packets at the venue for the full experience.

Experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana

Catch the tail end of Mardi Gras festivities in early March. Enjoy parades, live music, and plenty of beads in the Big Easy. 

Head to the French Quarter for iconic celebrations or Uptown for family-friendly parades.

Participate in the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia in Mendoza, Argentina

March marks the grape harvest in Argentina’s wine capital. The Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia features parades, live music, and, of course, wine tastings. 

Don’t miss the famous grape-throwing festivities! 

For the best experience, book a guided vineyard tour that includes tastings and a behind-the-scenes looks at the winemaking process.

Experience the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan

March is the start of sakura season in Japan, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself and your March bucket list than by wearing a kimono while strolling beneath the blooming cherry blossoms. 

Top spots include Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka. 

Many parks host hanami (flower viewing) parties, where you can picnic under the blossoms with bento boxes and sake.

Attend Las Fallas Festival in Valencia, Spain

This fiery festival takes place in mid-March, featuring towering paper-mâché sculptures, parades, and nightly fireworks. 

It all culminates with the burning of the sculptures (fallas) in a dramatic finale called la Cremà. 

Arrive early in the week to see the monuments before they’re burned and enjoy the city’s vibrant street food scene.

Nature and Wildlife Encounters in March

Witness Bioluminescence in Puerto Rico

March is an excellent time to kayak in Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays, like Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island. 

The glowing waters, caused by microorganisms, create an ethereal experience you’ll never forget. 

Choose a moonless night for the brightest display, and book a guided tour for safe navigation.

See the Canola Flower Fields in Luoping, China

The golden canola fields of Luoping bloom in March, creating a breathtaking sea of yellow. 

Hike or take a drone for incredible photos. Nearby Jiulong Waterfalls provide a stunning backdrop to your flower-filled adventure.

Visit Victoria Falls in Zambia/Zimbabwe

March is peak flow season for Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. The sheer power and misty rainbows of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are unforgettable. 

Opt for a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view or a walking tour along the Knife-Edge Bridge for a close-up experience.

Plus, there are many great things to do in the surrounding area, such as a cultural immersion or a safari in Chobe National Park.

Hike Up to the Summit of Haleakalā Crater

Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii is famous for its stunning sunrise views from the summit of Haleakalā Crater, where you’ll witness a surreal landscape of volcanic terrain and clouds below. 

Don’t miss the chance to hike the Sliding Sands Trail or explore the lush Kipahulu District with its waterfalls and rainforest.

March is an excellent time to visit because the weather is generally mild, and you’ll avoid the peak summer crowds. 

Plus, this time of year offers some of the clearest skies, perfect for stargazing at the summit. Just be prepared for chilly mornings at the top, especially if you’re catching the sunrise!

Spot Gray Whales in Baja California, Mexico

March is prime whale-watching season in Baja California, where gray whales migrate to the lagoons to give birth. 

Book a boat tour for an up-close encounter. 

Magdalena Bay and San Ignacio Lagoon are top spots for sightings, with some tours even allowing you to touch these gentle giants.

Take in Iguazu Falls

Iguazú Falls is a massive waterfall system consists of over 250 individual falls, surrounded by lush rainforest, making it a paradise for nature lovers. 

Whether you’re exploring the well-maintained walkways on the Argentine side or taking a boat tour for an up-close experience, the sheer power and beauty of the falls will leave you in awe.

March is a great time to visit because the rainy season will have just passed, meaning the falls will be at their most powerful, with the water flowing at its peak. 

The weather is also pleasant—warm but not scorching, and the crowds are smaller compared to the busy holiday months.

The most iconic feature is the Garganta del Diablo, which is a semi-circle with 14 waterfalls!

Explore the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia

March is the tail end of the wet season, when Bolivia’s salt flats turn into a natural mirror. It’s the perfect time for surreal photos of the sky reflected on the ground. 

Bring waterproof boots and hire a local guide to access the best reflective areas.

Adventure Sports and Activities in March

Surf in Bali, Indonesia

March is a great month for surfing in Bali, as it falls between the wet and dry seasons. 

The combination of manageable crowds and consistent swells makes it ideal for surfers of all levels. 

Popular spots include Uluwatu for advanced surfers and Kuta Beach for beginners. 

After catching waves, explore Bali’s vibrant culture, from its iconic temples to its thriving café scene.

Dive in the Philippines

The Philippines’ dive sites, like Tubbataha Reef and Coron, are at their best in March. 

Enjoy crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and marine biodiversity. 

Beginners can explore shallow wreck dives, while advanced divers can tackle deep walls teeming with life.

Go Island Hopping in Thailand

March offers dry, sunny weather in Thailand, making it an ideal time to explore islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, and Phuket.

Snorkel, dive, or simply relax on pristine beaches. 

For a unique adventure, book a long-tail boat tour to hidden coves and private beaches.

Ski in St. Anton, Austria

March is an excellent time to hit the slopes in St. Anton, Austria. Known as one of the best ski resorts in the Alps, it offers world-class skiing, lively après-ski scenes, and stunning alpine views. 

With longer daylight hours and softer snow in the afternoons, it’s a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. 

Don’t miss the famous Valluga run or the cozy mountain huts for hearty Austrian meals.

Hike in Arches National Park, Utah

March offers cool, comfortable weather for exploring Arches National Park’s iconic red rock formations. 

Don’t miss iconic like the Windows Section or Balanced Rock for stunning sunrise or sunset views. 

If you prefer less crowded trails, check out Devil’s Garden for an adventurous loop featuring multiple arches. 

Pack plenty of water and check weather conditions before heading out, as spring showers can occur.

Luckily for you, I have written a ton of articles about Arches National Park👇

Read More – Adventurer’s Guide to Arches | Best Arches Ranked | Photography Guide to Arches National Park | Best Sunrise Spots

Unique March Experiences

Bask in the Emerald Isle’s Cliffs of Moher

Celebrate the Irish spirit in March by visiting the Cliffs of Moher. The lush green cliffs paired with dramatic ocean views are quintessential Ireland. 

Arrive early to beat the crowds and take the coastal walking trail for the best views.

Explore Petra in Jordan

March brings pleasant temperatures to Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Take a guided tour to uncover the history of this ancient city carved into rock. Don’t miss the Treasury by candlelight during a nighttime tour.

Seasonal Delights in March

Attend the Keukenhof Tulip Garden in the Netherlands

While the tulips fully bloom in April, March offers a sneak peek at the Keukenhof Gardens. 

It’s a quieter time to explore this floral paradise which makes it a great addition to your March Bucket List.

Combine your visit with a bike ride through the surrounding flower fields.

Enjoy Harvest Season in the Cape Winelands, South Africa

March is harvest season in South Africa’s wine country. 

Tour vineyards, sample freshly pressed wines, and even join in grape stomping. 

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are top destinations for wine lovers. You can explore these and more with one tour👇

See the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.

March marks the start of cherry blossom season in the U.S. capital.

In late March to early April, there is food, fun, and culture during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. 

Take a stroll around the Tidal Basin for iconic views of the blooms. 

Check the National Park Service’s bloom forecast to time your visit perfectly.

If you aren’t sure where to look, I would recommend getting a tour. This way, you don’t miss anything and you can see some iconic DC sites while you are at it!

Visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields in California

The vibrant ranunculus fields in Carlsbad start blooming in March. 

They are normally open from March 1st to Mother’s Day.

Walk among the rows of colorful flowers or take a wagon tour. Plus, the onsite flower market is perfect for picking up souvenirs.

Relaxation and Scenic Escapes in March

Unwind in the Maldives

March is part of the dry season in the Maldives, making it perfect for overwater bungalows, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun. 

Soak in the Onsen Hot Springs in Japan

Pair cherry blossom viewing with a relaxing soak in an onsen. Onsen translates to “hot springs” and it is the perfect time to immerse yourself in Japanese culture!

Popular hot spring destinations include Hakone and Beppu. 

Many onsens offer outdoor baths with stunning natural views.

Once, I went to an onsen that was a giant ramen bowl and we had an assortment of ramen food pairings on our heads! 

See Fall Foliage in the Blue Mountains, Australia

March marks the start of fall in Australia, and the Blue Mountains are a perfect destination to enjoy vibrant foliage.

Go for a hike to viewpoints like Govetts Leap or explore the scenic railway. Pair your visit with a stop at local wineries for a truly relaxing getaway.

Conclusion to This March Bucket List For Travelers

Whether you’re chasing festivals, diving into nature, or indulging in unique cultural experiences, March has something for every adventurer. 

With this March bucket list, you’ll be inspired to make the most of this dynamic month and check off some unforgettable adventures. 

Happy exploring this March!

More Seasonal Bucket Lists

More Travel Resources for Your Bucket List