21 Best Winter Vacations in the US (2024)

Everyone experiences distinct feelings as the cold weather arrives. Some people enjoy the cold, while others detest it, and for some, it signals the start of the holiday season. And American winter vacations are fantastic! There are actually a ton of excellent reasons to travel to the United States during the winter. It can be difficult towards the conclusion of the year and the beginning of a new one. You may relax and unwind at the top winter getaways in the US.

Winter vacations allow for some truly unusual adventures. In the winter, you can embark on a stroll across the wide-open desert, ski down an imposing mountain, soak in natural hot springs, or go snorkeling in the azure ocean. In a different location, visitors can also enjoy the wonder of Christmas. Snowfall during the winter months can turn typical summer vistas into glistening white landscapes. If these get you excited for an extraordinary gateway, here are the 21 best winter vacations in the US in 2024.

Best Winter Vacations in the US

1. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is one of the best winter vacations in the US because it attracts less visitors while yet being as beautiful as any other time of year. It’s a great climate for individuals who prefer to bundle up but continue to go exploring because the typical high never falls below the 60s during the winter. Visit the fascinating museums and antique shops in the old town during the day, or go to Tybee Island or one of the eerily gorgeous cemeteries. Try one of the fantastic eateries at night or go on a ghost tour.

2. Phoenix, Arizona

Without a doubt, Phoenix offers one of the best winter vacations in the US. The desert city is always bathed in dazzling sunlight, but the winter months are particularly beautiful. Phoenix is favored for winter holidays because of winter activities like the downtown New Year’s Eve Block Party and the Desert Botanical Garden Holiday Las Noches de Las Luminarias. Arizona Musicfest, which spans many months, begins in January and concludes with the Arizona Hot Air Balloon Classic. Additional activities like Arizona Beer Week, the Arabian Horse Show, golfing, and hiking make traveling worthwhile.

3. Asheville, North Carolina

In recent years, Asheville has prospered thanks to robust tourism and an influx of new people. Along the French Broad River in Asheville, there are a variety of things to do, including numerous regional breweries and domestic galleries in the River Arts District. You may also take favor of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains for a daring adventure or tour the downtown area and famous sights like the Biltmore Estate. You may travel to the Smoky Mountains from here, where waterfalls cascade and mist envelop the nearby fields.

4. Key West, Florida

Key West ranks as one of the top warm-weather getaways in the US. The location is highly regarded and frequently visited. Beach strolling, kayaking through the mangroves, and embarking on a thrilling dolphin-spotting and snorkeling excursion are all options for visitors. The Shipwreck Museum, Butterfly Conservatory, and interactive Key West Aquarium are additional attractions for children. An open bar, live music, and delectable snacks are all included in the sunset sailboat cruise for couples.

5. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago can provide one of the best vacations in the US if you can accept some of the city’s shortcomings. With so many festivals and activities that bring people together, there is a festive atmosphere that may quickly thaw your frigid bones. Winter Wonderfest, a yearly winter carnival in Chicago, offers a wide variety of entertaining experiences that include art, food, and culture. The best part might be ice skating in Millennium Park. Glide across the surface alongside dozens of other people as you take in the amazing metropolitan skyline and the sense of unity.

6. Malibu, California

Tucked between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Malibu is located on a long and stunning stretch of beach. Two of the top activities to do in Malibu are hiking in the surrounding hills and surfing in the sea, and the weather is suitable for both in the winter. Malibu makes a fantastic starting place for a multi-day journey along the California coast. Venture north to visit Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Monterey, and even San Francisco.

7. Anchorage, Alaska

For many people, Alaska in the wintertime sounds absurd. During the winter, there are roughly five hours of daylight in Anchorage. However, you already know what that makes room for—the breathtaking Northern Lights. After viewing that spectacular display, you’ll have a variety of thrilling winter activities to choose from that you might not typically get the opportunity to enjoy. You can go ice fishing on the lakes, take part in an exciting dog sledding excursion, or go cross-country skiing.

8. Maui, Hawaii

While there are a number of reasons to visit the Hawaiian island location during the winter, Maui is particularly well-liked for these factors. Whale-watching season is in the winter, and it’s amazing! The migration of humpback whales to the tropical waters of Hawaii begins in the middle of December. The yearly lighting of the Banyan Tree in Lahaina, Santa sightings, and holiday concerts all add to the festive atmosphere of Maui around Christmastime.

9. New York City, New York 

For a visit in the winter, New York is perfectly suited. Even though it may seem like the city goes on forever, all the major attractions are within easy reach by subway. Put on some clothing and start at Central Park, where the frozen lakes sparkle in the winter sun. Put on your ice skates and navigate the park among the imposing northern red oaks, much like you would in Chicago. From there, visit the top art spaces in New York, like MoMa and the American Museum of Natural History. For a chance to see the enormous Christmas Tree, go to Rockefeller Center.

10. The Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is a well-liked tourist destination in the US at any time of year. The vast canyon dwarfs you and offers stunning views in every direction. You can click beautiful photographs combining the intensely colored orange terrain with the vivid blue sky. This is how the Grand Canyon appears during the winter. Although you may not be able to visit the full area in wintertime, buses to vistas continue to run and some beautiful paths remain available.

11. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Going to the beautiful shores of Gulf Shores is one of the best winter vacations in the US especially with your family.  The top things to do while visiting Gulf Shores in the winter include golfing, fishing, and hiking. Of course, spend a day in sandy feet at the beach whenever the sun is out. You can take a leisurely stroll or engage in beach activities even if it may not be the best location for tanning. Visit Orange Beach’s The Wharf for family entertainment.

12. Camden, Maine

Camden, one of Maine’s loveliest towns, is more than just a summer vacation spot, but the warm weather does offer a certain liveliness. It appears like a scene out of a movie when the winter sun bounces off Penobscot Bay’s seas. It’s definitely worth layering up to take a stroll along the waterfront, go hiking in Camden Hills State Park, and ski downhill at the only ocean-view ski resort on the East Coast. You might have success finding seats to a performance at the renovated Camden Opera House.

13. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is recognized as the “World’s Entertainment Capital.” There is still a lot to see, see, and dine in Las Vegas even when the famed pool parties aren’t happening during wintertime. Awe-inspiring holiday decorations are put on display at the city’s resorts during the Christmas season. Although Vegas’ nights might get chilly in the winter, you are free to get comfortable in the casinos or, if that’s not your thing, go out for a fun evening and check out one of the world-class performances that are performed there.

14. Orlando, Florida

The city’s theme parks, like SeaWorld, Legoland, Walt Disney World, and Universal Orlando, are popular destinations all year long, but in our opinion, the winter months are the best for visiting them. In the days preceding Christmas, the parks invite guests to enjoy the holiday’s charm. Winter in Florida offers much more pleasant weather and less visitors to the parks.

15. New Orleans, Louisiana

For enjoyable US winter holidays, New Orleans is a popular choice. The city excels in entertaining visitors by preparing sumptuous feasts of comfort food, going all out with exuberant parades, and having a good time with live music. During December, visitors may take in a Reveillon feast, a large savory meal, and participate in a Creole Christmas custom. Despite the fact that the Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras parade is the highlight of the city’s festivities, New Orleans’ parade season actually begins in January, and the parades there are spectacular.

16. San Diego, California

When it comes to the best winter vacations in the US, San Diego is a top choice. Winter travelers love to visit the Sunset Cliffs shoreline. It’s without a doubt one of the best spots in San Diego to catch a spectacular sunset, and it also offers a great vantage point for seeing gray whales as they migrate. One of the most popular San Diego activities is a visit to Balboa Park. However, a visit to this park is made much more delightful by the joyous December night event. Another factor that draws tourists to San Diego is the city’s numerous festivals, particularly its food festivals.

17. Hot Springs, Arkansas

Traditional and opulent spas where guests can soak in therapeutic waters can be found in the town known as “The American Spa.” The hot water from the city’s fountains is also potable. Along with its numerous hiking and mountain bike paths, Hot Springs National Park is a popular destination. Additionally, winter is a fantastic time to observe American Bald Eagles. The geothermal waters allow tourists to stay warm even when wintertime highs only reach the low 50s.

18. Charleston, South Carolina

To begin with, Charleston’s winters are significantly more tolerable than those of the majority of the nation. For foodies, in particular, as the city holds a ton of culinary events from January to March. The Lowcountry Oyster Festival, Charleston Wine and Food Festival, and Charleston Restaurant Week are some of the best food-related occasions. Winter is also an excellent time for taking a Cooper River boat cruise to Fort Sumter National Monument or exploring the town’s palaces, churches, and gardens on a famous carriage tour.

19. Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge is a true winter wonderland with snow-capped peaks rising all around the charming and attractive town, which draws tourists in the winter. Breckenridge experiences subzero temps all year long. It is a better location for a stunning winter gateway because it offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and dog sledding in addition to peaceful spas, local galleries and stores, and a fantastic craft beer scene that visitors can partake in.

20. Washington, DC

Washington, DC, is a fantastic wintertime vacation, despite being freezing and occasionally covered with snow. Holidays are magical in the US capital. There are a lot of things to do in DC in December, like the kid-friendly Enchant Christmas event, the National Christmas Tree, eye-catching light shows, and the Downtown Holiday Market. Even in the mid-40s, visitors could warm themselves in one among the numerous free Smithsonian Museums.

21. Whitefish, Montana

Downhill skiing is a prized attraction at the renowned Whitefish Mountain Resort, however, it’s not the sole winter activity. Wintertime activities in the surrounding Glacier National Park include snowshoeing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, fat tire bicycling, and snowmobiling. Shopping, visiting the local history museum, and consuming Montana craft beer are all options for visitors in downtown Whitefish. The area’s natural thermal springs or spa services are other options.

Conclusion

And that brings an end to our list of 21 best winter vacations in the US. If you are planning a visit to the US this winter or you live in the country, do not forget to check out these places. Happy winters!!!

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