March Warm Getaway
 

Husband and I (mid 50’s) are looking to get away for long weekend mid-March. We are from MN so want someplace warm. I would love ocean but we also would consider scenic area with some easy to moderate hikes and a pool to come back to. Mostly looking to just relax and take it easy. We have done Key West, Florida West Cost (Naples area), New Orleans, Savannah, Charleston, Phoenix, Santa Fe, San Diego, and San Francisco so those are out. Want to stay away from spring breakers. I know this is very, very open, but what are some unknown favorite spots?

Well, SF wouldn't be warm at any rate lol.

Have you been to Santa Barbara? I really enjoyed it. Beautiful mission, good wine, fun downtown. Or maybe San Antonio or Death Valley? Have not been to either but have had older relatives who enjoyed them. And then there's the obvious Hawaii or Mexico.

Puerto Rico? Scenery, ocean, rainforest, to hike, history, food. Easy - no passport, regular US money, no need to buy special cell phone package, and everyone speaks enough English if you don't know Spanish. Non-stop flights on JetBlue from most east coast cities - don't know about MN.

We ended up there by default 2 years ago, and while it was not even on my list of possibilities, was very pleasantly surprised.

Mexico.

The US Virgin Islands of St Thomas/St John are perfect for this... tropical, yet a part of the US, you can do the pool, swim, snorkle, and hike, or just lay around...

As much as I love parts of Puerto Rico, El Yunque, etc. (and I would NEVER drive on that island again but that's another conversation; it can be done, but...) I agree with St. Thomas/John and you can probably get a reasonable flight out of MSP on American.

Despite the cruise ships in Charlotte Amalie you can easily escape all of that by going over to St. John (yeah, there WILL be other people around who have the exact same idea that you do) and you'll have great weather, too.

Thank you all. I am intrigued by Santa Barbra—any lodging recommendations? We have been to Puerto Rico several years ago. It is a beautiful place but we had an unfortunate incident of a stolen camera in a restaurant which somewhat tainted our trip. I did find the driving interesting! I did some checking on flights to St. John and from Minneapolis would be too much travel time for long weekend, but keeping that on the list for a week vacation. Any possibilities on the Gulf Coast? Also any idea what the Ozarks would be like in March?

It's likely to be cool in the Ozarks during March. Go here for weather stats: http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate...tates/usmo1638

How about Tucson?

If you mean Gulf Coast of Florida, you've already done Naples and part of that coast, right? Does Sarasota appeal?

Sorry but you want

WARM

A POOL (and I assume to more than just look at and also one that is OUTSIDE)

From Minnesota????? You are going to have to fly somewhere; I also agree with the Azizona possibility; FORGET the Ozarks in March.

How about Austin? Won't be hot, but the advantage to being from Minnesota is that 70's will feel warm :-)

Palm Springs.

South Beach in Miami...

Ha. Well, SB lodging is generally above what I consider reasonable. I stayed at the Wayfarer- sort of a too cool for school place that is a cross between a hotel and "luxury" hostel. They do have a pool but I doubt it's what you're looking for. Amazing showers and cute decor were the two things it had going for it.

<i>Palm Springs.</i>

This. Nonstops from MSP or easy one-connection service from other places, lots of accommodation options from romantic/luxe to golfy to funky to cheap. Visit Joshua Tree NP - glorious - or take the aerial tram up to the mountains. Shopping, lots of great food...

Thanks all. We have settled on Santa Barbara area. Husband was lobbing for Palm Springs but I was there already so I vetoed. CA had reasonable airfare and at least moderate fly time for long weekend.

"We have done Key West, Florida West Cost (Naples area), New Orleans, Savannah,..."

You <B>forgot</B> about Puerto Rico and Palm Springs I guess.

Yeah, we're busy, too.

Will it be warm enough in Santa Barbara for you in March? Santa Barbara is beautiful at anytime of the year but in March ,there may not be many pool days.

Hotels with nice pools would be the Four Seasons, Fess Parker's Doubletree, El Encanto and the Canary.