Places to Vacation in March

The winter months in Hawaii are the high tourist season, which slides into a lull in April before summer break sends it picking up again. Whales are still in the warm Hawaiian waters in March, and there is a good chance you can spot them from land. For an up-close experience, however, consider booking a whale-watching cruise.

The desert climate of the southwest experiences temperate weather during March, which makes it a good time to visit a place such as Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. The United Nations has declared this canyon area a world heritage site due to the historical significance of the structures in the park. From 850 AD to 1250 AD, prehistoric Chacoan people planned out the structures in the park hundreds of years prior to their construction. At the same time, they carried on trade that reached as far as Central America. Parents will appreciate the cultural and educational value that the park imparts on visitors.

In the summer, parts of Utah can reach temperatures well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Hiking during the summer months should be confined to early mornings and late afternoons. The rugged beauty of midday Utah is best appreciated in the cooler more temperate month of March. Outdoor hiking spots of note include national parks such as Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef.

If you want to avoid the spring break crowd at the beaches in Florida, head over to Biscayne National Park. The mostly underwater park is popular with divers and snorkelers alike. The shoreline also contains the longest continuous stretch of mangrove forest on Florida's coast. The state park offers a "Family Fun Fest" program from January through May. Other activities include fishing seminars, glass-bottom boat trips, camping, snorkeling and diving.