Whether it is an extended family vacation, a romantic getaway or a day trip, travel isn’t relegated to just the summer months. Just because it’s winter in the United States, that doesn’t mean you need to leave the country to visit an unforgettable destination. From warm beaches to snowy slopes, here are our top 20 picks for winter destinations around the United States.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas has no seasons. And there’s always something exiting to do on the Strip or nearby! From casinos to shows and eclectic museums, there is something for everyone. Take a helicopter flight and see the city by air, catch a Cirque du Soleil show, or go on a food tour. Vegas is a perfect getaway for families, couples and single folk looking for entertainment around every corner. Be prepared for warm weather year round!
Yuma, Arizona
Yuma is sunny year-round, an average of 320 days per year to be exact. With an average temperature of 78°F, it the perfect place to beat the winter blues. If cold dreary weather has you stuck indoors and feeling some cabin fever, a trip to Yuma, Arizona will give you all the fresh air and sunlight that you need to feel refreshed.
New York, New York
New York City is similar to Las Vegas in that you can always find something to do there no matter what time of year it is. Barring a complete winter storm, it’s rare that you will find things closed, even in the winter. There are plenty of indoor activities especially museums, shows, and shopping to indulge in. Plus, if you go on January 1st, you can ring in the New Year in the most famous spot in the world, Times Square.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a great winter destination because being located in the deep south means that the weather will be significantly milder. You can enjoy a ton of history in New Orleans, and the food and music scenes are world famous. If you find yourself there in the late winter/early spring, you might even be able to get in on Mardi Gras.
Denver, Colorado
What would any winter destination list be if there wasn’t a great ski location involved? Denver has several great places to ski. Even if you aren’t an expert on the slopes, you can always enjoy a great ski lodge. Consider a cool Air B&B for a more private approach.
St. Louis, Missouri
Winter temperatures in St. Louis can be mild compared to colder cities, but indoor activities abound if it feels too cold. The St. Louis Art Museum, established in 1879 and relocated during the 1904 World’s Fair, is a top museum. Visitors can also enjoy stunning city views from the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch.
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, famous for the Kentucky Derby, Bourbon Trail, Louisville Slugger baseball bat, and great food, offers numerous indoor activities and bourbon to keep you warm in the winter. Situated on the Ohio River near Indiana, it rarely snows. Visitors can explore the Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum, and nearby distilleries.
Palm Springs, California
About two hours east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs boasts warm winter temperatures, golf courses, spas, casinos, and hot springs. Visitors can enjoy trendy restaurants, boutique hotels, resorts, and elegant shops. Outdoor activities include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with views of the San Jacinto Mountains and exploring Joshua Tree National Park’s unique landscapes.
Key West, Florida
Key West, the southernmost point in the continental U.S., is ideal for winter sun seekers with temperatures in the 70s. Tourists enjoy water sports, historic sites, and scenic drives across 42 bridges to Miami. Popular activities include diving, snorkeling, and visiting Duval Street’s lively nightlife, historic architecture, and the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh offers plenty for winter travelers who enjoy indoor attractions. Art enthusiasts can visit The Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Museum of Art, founded in 1895. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History offers entertaining and educational exhibits. Pittsburgh’s dining scene is thriving, featuring local favorites like pierogies, kielbasa, and Primanti Bros. sandwiches.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii attracts winter travelers with ample sunshine, stunning beaches, and palm trees. Oahu, with its 80-degree temperatures, offers snorkeling, big-wave surfing, and luxury shopping in Honolulu’s boutiques. This is the absolute ultimate place to go if you are looking to beat the winter weather in colder states.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain attract ski enthusiasts with large snowfalls. Other winter activities include snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, and backcountry skiing. Snowcoach tours to Yellowstone offer warm, comfortable exploration of Old Faithful and wildlife. This is a dream vacation site for snow lovers.
St. George, Utah
St. George, a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City or two hours from Las Vegas, boasts a mild desert climate. Winter daytime temperatures often reach the 50s or 60s, though nights can be chilly. The historic downtown offers museums, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. Nearby, Zion National Park provides year-round hiking and biking, and Snow Canyon State Park features red rock mountains and horseback riding.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont, on Lake Champlain, is a top winter destination for snow lovers. Nearby ski resorts include Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch, and Bolton Valley. Downtown features shops, restaurants, microbreweries, live music venues, and the charming Church Street Marketplace. Accommodations range from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to chic hotels in Vermont’s largest city.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley is a historic ski destination, founded in 1936 and attracting stars like Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable. The resort offers 2,400 skiable acres across two mountains and a popular snow sports school. Non-skiers can enjoy ice skating, snow biking, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides, or explore the town’s dining spots, live music venues, and coffee shops.
Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota attracts winter visitors with its mild 70-degree temperatures and pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. The city offers diverse attractions including shell collecting, shopping, art galleries, and notable midcentury modern architecture. The Ringling complex stands out as a cultural cornerstone, featuring both art and circus history museums.
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island, a Texas barrier island, offers mild winter conditions ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore nature trails, observe wildlife at the Birding Center, watch dolphins, or visit Sea Turtle Inc.’s rehabilitation facility. The destination also caters to water sports enthusiasts and seafood lovers with abundant local catches.
Miami, Florida
Miami offers perfect winter escape with mid-70s temperatures and sunny skies. Visitors enjoy South Beach’s shoreline, Art Deco architecture, and cultural hotspots like Little Havana and Wynwood’s art scene. Winter brings premier events like Art Basel, while nearby natural attractions include Biscayne National Park and the Everglades.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas captivates winter visitors with mild temperatures and diverse attractions. The city blends urban sophistication with Texas charm, featuring world-class dining, the Arts District’s cultural venues, and iconic sites like Dealey Plaza. Sports enthusiasts enjoy Cowboys games, while shoppers explore Highland Park Village and North Park Center’s upscale offerings.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky Resort dominates Montana’s winter scene with extensive skiing terrain beneath Lone Peak. Perfect powder conditions support diverse winter activities from dog sledding to Yellowstone snowmobile tours. The Mountain Village offers comfortable lodging and dining, while the surrounding wilderness provides spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities in snowy landscapes.
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