Are you looking for a few of the best winter vacations in the USA? You have come to the right place! Throughout this list, there are both snowy mountain vacations and tropical beach towns, all within the US.
Whether you’re looking for an epic cross-country road trip, or just a quick weekend getaway, there are plenty of amazing places to choose from. The wintertime is the perfect excuse to cozy up by the fire, enjoy hot cocoa, and feel the magic of the holidays.
On the other hand, it is also a great time to get away from the cold and find one of the best winter vacations in the USA where the weather is still warm. Whichever you prefer, treat yourself to a wonderful vacation this winter.
Best Winter Vacations in the USA
Savannah GA
One of the best places to visit during winter in the USA is Savannah GA. There is so much to enjoy during the winter months. One of the most popular events is the Savannah Boat Parade of Lights. This annual event is held every December with festive boats decked out in twinkling lights.
Another event to see is the Annual Holiday Tour of Homes. The historic homes and mansions of downtown Savannah home their doors to show off the amazing architecture in Savannah.
Every year there is also a City Market during the open house. Here you can shop locally, enjoy live music, and even book a carriage ride downtown! If you are looking for the best winter vacation in the USA, Savannah is a great place to start.
Where to Stay in Savannah, GA: JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. This beautiful hotel is in an amazing location and is the perfect mix of modern and southern charm.
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys is always one of the best places to visit in the winter in the USA. You can enjoy the warm weather, epic beaches, and laid-back island vibes. One of the most popular islands in the Keys is Key West. This vibrant island is known for its historic area and lively nightlife.
Another hot spot for the Keys is Dry Tortugas, National Park. You can take a day trip here if you decide to stay in Key West. You can get there by ferry boat, or seaplane if you are feeling adventurous. Enjoy snorkeling in the clear ocean waters, and coral reefs.
Where to stay in Key West: Casa Marina Key West, this beachside resort is a historic 1920s resort with all the modern touches. You can book a massage, facial, jet skis, and even a ride over Dry Tortugas Park from the front desk!
Honolulu Hawaii
The warm and tropical climate makes Honolulu one of the best places to visit in the USA in winter. In December there is a month-long festival known as the Honolulu City Lights. There are festive parades, winter markets, and even a giant Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in the center of town.
Another reason to visit Honolulu for one of the best warm winter vacations in the USA is that it is the peak season for whale watching. Book yourself a whale-watching tour to witness these majestic giants migrate across the warm waters of Hawaii.
The winter months also bring big swells to the North Shore of Oahu. You can watch the world’s best big wave surfers take on these monster waves. Famous spots in Hawaii for watching big waves are Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. The biggest competition is the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing in blah blah.
Where to stay in Honolulu: Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach– Enjoy this amazing beachside hotel. There is an amazing two-story aquarium filled with colorful and native Hawaiian fish.
South Padre Island
One of the best American winter vacations is South Padre Island located right on the southern tip of Texas. Although the weather is not scorching hot, the temperatures stay comfortably around 60-70°F.
There are plenty of beaches to explore on South Parde Island. And if you head to town in October you will be able to see the Sand Castle Days event. Master sculptors head to town to create incredible works of art out of sand.
Winter birding also brings a big drawl to South Padre Island. Many migratory birds flock to the area to escape the colder weather up north. Grab a pair of binoculars and visit the South Parde Island Birding and Nature Center to get an up-close look at these beautiful birds. The Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is another hot spot for bird watching.
Where to stay in South Padre Island: Beachfront Resort with Heated Pool– When staying at the Saida Royale you will be close to all the best things about South Parde including the Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center.
Asheville for Christmas
If you are looking for fun states to visit in the winter North Carolina is always one of the best, but Asheville is extra special. The Biltmore Estate is full of stunning Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and historic decorations. The Candlelight Christmas evenings are fun for the whole family. These events feature Christmas choirs, markets, and the perfect Christmas atmosphere.
There is also Omni Grove Park Inn and Downtown Asheville to explore. The Omni Grove has a massive fireplace and giant gingerbread houses on display.
Downtown Asheville is the perfect place to stroll around and soak up the spirit. And if you are visiting with your children you have to ride the Polar Express Train. They have set it up just as the beloved children’s book with cozy pjs, hot cocos, and even Santa Clause comes along for the ride. Asheville, NC is one of the best warm places to visit in December in the USA for Christmas fun.
Where to Stay in Asheville for Christmas: The Inn On Biltmore Estate is beautiful any time of the year, but at Christmas, it is especially beautiful.
St. Thomas
If you are looking for warm places to visit in November in the USA, ST. Thomas always delivers. The temperatures are typically in the high 70s to low 80s, and tourism is at an all-time low! Plus, the waters are still warm enough for swimming and snorkeling.
Popular beaches are Magens Bay, Secret Harbour, and Lindquist Beach. Here you can relax under tall palms, or take advantage of the watersports. St. Thomas also has scenic hiking trails. Try hiking up the Hassel Island Trail or St. Peter Mountain. Both offer stunning views with amazing landscapes on the way.
The US Virgin Islands are always good winter vacation spots in the USA. Imagine spending your Thanksgiving break with a picnic on the beach, instead of cooking the day away! Or you can head to one of the many resorts throwing feasts to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Places to stay in St. Thomas in November: The Pink Palm Hotel – has an amazing rooftop pool with amazing views of Morningstar Beach. Enjoy a complete Mary breakfast and luxury around every corner.
St. Croix
Another US island to visit for popular winter vacation destinations in the USA is St. Croix. This tropical island is famous for its Christmas Festival. The entire island lights up with cultural performances and parades with yummy Caribbean food around every corner.
Or if you were thinking about ringing in the New Year at one of the best winter vacations in the USA, St. Croix also delivers on that aspect too. There is a wonderful firework show when the clock strikes midnight in the popular Christiansted Harbor.
Christiansted is also where you will find the best nightlife and food scene. Popular food dishes in St. Corix are conch fritters, stewed goat, and freshly prepared seafood, Carribean style.
Where to stay in St. Croix Christiansted: King Christian Hotel– stay right on the boardwalk at this beautiful boutique hotel in St. Croix. There is an amazing outdoor swimming pool and bar with stunning views of the city.
NOLA
Next up for warm places to visit in February in the USA is New Orleans. February starts Mardi Gras season, an amazing tradition that has been celebrated since the 18th century. The entire city comes to life for about a month, starting in early January. But the main party is always in the French Quarter of the city.
You can expect amazing parades, dancing in the street, fancy Carnival balls with brightly colored costumes and masks, and live music around every corner making for one of the best winter vacations in the USA.
Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, ends the entire shindig. People indulge and party before the season of Lent begins. Most of the big parties happen the weekend before Fat Tuesday, starting early in the morning and carrying on late into the night.
In total Mardi Gras lasts about two weeks, and makes NOLA one of the best winter vacation places in America in February.
Where to stay for Mardi Gras: Omni Riverfront New Orleans is about a mile away from all the fun. So you will be close enough to the party, but far enough way to still be able to get a good night’s sleep.
Aspen Colorado
Aspen Colorado is one of the prettiest mountain towns and is one of the best-united states’ winter vacation destinations. It offers both winter sports and a lovely art and culture scene.
Seriously, it has everything. You can ski, snowboard, cross-country ski, snowshoe, winter hiking, snowmobiling, and ice skating. There are four major ski resorts in Aspen to enjoy while on one of the best winter vacations in the USA.
They are the Aspen Mountains (Ajax), Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Ajex and Aspen Highlights are for more experienced riders, while the other two are family and beginner friendly. The annual Winterskol celebration is held every January.
This fun event has snowman-building competitions, parades, and big-name concerts. Or you can check out the Aspen X Games held annually at the Buttermilk Mountains. This is an event where all the best extreme winter sports athletes gather to compete for the gold. If you are looking for places to go in the USA in winter, Aspen always delivers.
Where to stay in Aspen: The Inn at Aspen after your long day of snow adventures relax out in the hot tub and sun terrace.
San Juan Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is one of the best USA winter travel destinations. There is a fun blend between Caribbean charm with a big of the US mixed in as well. And you do not need a passport, you can travel here with your state ID.
Old San Juan is full of colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and there is even a giant castle in the center of town. There are also a few beaches located near San Juan. The most popular to check out are Condado Beach, Ocean Park Beach, and the Isla Verde Beachfront.
After you are done beach hopping the El Yunque National Forest is Puerto Ricos biggest tropical rainforest. You can hike the trails, chase the waterfalls, or take a guided tour to explore secret spots and observation towers.
You have to try the chicharron, or local food stalls while in Puerto Rico. This is where you will find cheap and delicious meals like roasted pig and freshly caught seafood dishes. If you are looking for cheap winter vacations in the USA, look into Puerto Rico.
Where to stay in San Juan: Fairmont El San Juan Hotel there are four outdoor swimming pools, a swim-up bar, and beautiful luxury cabanas.
Park City, Utah
Park City Utah has two of the top winter resort destinations in the USA. They are the Park City Mountain and the Deer Valley Resort. These two parks have over 7,300 acres of slopes to ski, snowboard, or tube down. There are easy bunny trails, to black diamond slopes used in the Olympics.
In late January the Sundance Film Festival is always held in Park City. This famous festival shows independent films and you can attend screenings, panels, and big parties throughout the 10-day long festival.
You can also check out the many winter festivals in Park City. Snowfest is in December with events like ice carving, parades, and fireworks. Or check out the Gruv festival in late winter and go pond swimming to celebrate the upcoming spring. Park City has a great comparison of the best things to do in the winter in the USA!
Where to stay in Park City, Utah: Book a room at the St. Regis Deer Valley for the ultimate ski-in, ski-out room right on the side of the Deer Valley mountain.
Mount Hood, Oregan
One of the best cities to visit in the USA in winter is Mount Hood in Oregon. This small Oregon town is a winter paradise with a bunch of different activities to enjoy. Including skiing at several ski resorts.
Besides the ski resorts, there is also a national forest where you can try out snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. There is also a scenic byway that circles the Fort Hood mountain ranges. Be sure to check the weather reports before you take off as the roads can be slippery with ice.
In the winter Lake Trillium freezes over and becomes a popular destination for ice skating. After your long day of winter activities, many people visit the local brewery, Mount Hood Brewing Company. Here you can enjoy a crisp craft beer and your favorite bar foods to warm you up. Fort Hood is full of wonderful winter vacation ideas in the united states!
Where to stay in Fort Hood: Timberline Lodge- is in the southern section of town has a rustic charm and is very popular for not only the skiing but also the views. Visting Mount Hood is one of the best winter vacations in the USA.
Where to stay in Mount Hood: Inn at the Gorge is a lovely bed and breakfast inside of Mount Hood.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico is always one of the top winter trips in the USA. When you think of New Mexico, you most likely do not think of snowfall, but Taos gets over 300 inches of snow every year. The Taos Ski Valley is a world-class mountain range that offers snowboarding and ski slopes.
But Taso also has a UNESCO world heritage site, the Taos Pueblo. This ancient pueblo is open to the public and shows the heritage of the local Native American tribes. You can visit art galleries, and adobe buildings, and learn about their special customs.
There is also the Taos Plaza and Historic District in the heart of town. Try the New Mexican cuisine or stop by the Taos Art Museum. And just outside of town, you can visit the Taos Gorge on the Rio Grande River.
This deep canyon offers amazing views and you can even walk across the Rio Grande bridge. Taos is one of the best winter getaways in the USA for nature and culture lovers!
Where to stay in Taos: Hotel La Fonda de Taos is located inside the historic Taos Plaza full of shopping and local eats.
San Diego, CA
San Diego has a mild winter which makes it one of the best winter vacation spots in the USA for a little fun in the sun. The coastline is beautiful and can enjoy all year long. In the winter the beaches may be a little too chilly for swimming, but still warm enough to enjoy the view. Popular beaches are Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Coronado Beach.
You must check out the Balboa Park in the middle of town. Take your time and stroll around the many gardens and museums. This is where you will find the San Diego Museum of Art, the National History Museum, and the Photography Arts.
You can also take a whale-watching tour, check out the Old Town State Park, or tour the USS Midway Museum. The Midway is a retired aircraft carrier at the San Diego waterfront with interactive experiences and fun flight simulators. If you are looking for warm places to visit in January in the USA San Diego should be on the top of your list.
Where to stay in San Diego in the winter: San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle is in an amazing location near all the best things to do in San Diego.
Austin, Texas
There is so much to love about visiting Austin, TX in the winter. It is one of the best cheap warm places to visit in winter in the USA. The weather is warm enough to be outside, and there are plenty of festivals and events to attend.
Austin is also known for their lively music and food scenes. Some of the best live music can be heard at the Continental Club, Stubbs BBQ, or the historic Broken Spoke. Here they play country, blues, rock n roll, and even a bit of indie.
Indulge in the Tex-Mex restaurants, and check out a few food trucks, on South Congress Avenue. But whatever you do, you have to try the famous Texas BBQ! Austin is not only fun but it is also one of the cheap places to visit in the USA during winter!
Where to stay in Austin: The Westin Austin Downtown is in the best location for all the best things to do in Austin!
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