Winter vacation is the perfect cure for the disappointment that often follows the holidays and the “winter jitters” that set in as the season progresses. But everyone has a different idea of what the perfect winter vacation is. Some people want to go skiing or at least enjoy everything that comes with a snowy environment. Think cozy fireplaces, hot cocoa, mulled wine, crisp air, and white-capped mountains. Some people want to avoid the cold at all costs, relax in the sun, and swim in warm tropical waters.
To help you decide what kind of trip is right for you, here are our top 13 winter vacation ideas for destinations across the United States. Whether you’re looking for the perfect winter wonderland or prefer sandy beaches to snowy mountains, here are some of the top places to go this winter.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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With an average annual snowfall of 458 inches, the area’s ski resorts, especially the popular Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain, attract sports enthusiasts. You’ll also find other winter activities such as snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and backcountry skiing. Snowcoach tours to nearby Yellowstone National Park allow you to explore the area in a warm, comfortable vehicle and access Old Faithful, bubbling mud pots, and wildlife. For another exciting winter adventure, snowmobile tours are offered in Yellowstone and even closer to Grand Teton National Park.
St. Louis, Missouri
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With daytime temperatures often hovering in the 40s, St. Louis winters may seem quite mild to some residents of the cold city. However, if you find it too cold to go outside, there are plenty of things you can do indoors. The palatial St. Louis Art Museum, founded in 1879 and moved to its current location during the 1904 World’s Fair, is one of the nation’s premier art museums. Visitors can ride the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the United States at 630 feet, and get stunning views of the city.
St. George, Utah
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A scenic four-hour drive from Salt Lake City (or two hours from Las Vegas), St. George has an attractive, mild desert climate. Although it can get cold at night, daytime temperatures here typically reach the 50s and even the low 60s during the winter months. The historic downtown is filled with interesting museums, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. The spectacular Zion National Park, about an hour away, is open year-round and offers hiking and mountain biking trails. Just 15 minutes from St. George, Snow Canyon State Park features red rock mountains, horseback riding, stunning views, and despite its name, it rarely snows.
Louisville, Kentucky
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Known for the Kentucky Derby, the Bourbon Trail, Louisville Slugger baseball bats, and delicious food, Louisville has plenty of indoor attractions and plenty of bourbon to keep you warm. Located on the Ohio River along the Indiana border, the city rarely experiences snow or freezing temperatures. But if highs in the 40s and 50s are too cold, there’s still plenty to do. The Kentucky Derby Museum explores the history of the annual Thoroughbred race, while the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory appeals to baseball fans. Bourbon lovers, on the other hand, will want to check out all the nearby distilleries.
palm springs california
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About a two-hour drive east of Los Angeles, this charming desert city has warm winter temperatures, golf courses, spas, casinos, and nearby hot springs. Trendy restaurants, boutique hotels, resorts, and elegant shops offer something for everyone. You also have options if you want to enjoy the outdoors. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers spectacular views on its way to the snow-capped peaks of the San Jacinto Mountains. And Joshua Tree National Park (about an hour away) boasts amazing rock formations, cacti, and starry skies.
key west florida
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The southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West is the perfect destination for travelers seeking winter sun. Winter temperatures in the 70s, centuries of history, and world-class water sports all attract tourists. There’s also a chance to take part in one of America’s most beautiful road trips, a nearly three-and-a-half-hour drive across 42 bridges that connects Key West and Miami. . Reef diving and snorkeling are popular activities during the day, but in the evening, lively Duval Street takes on a Caribbean-style atmosphere and is home to many great restaurants and bars. The historic building, Key West Municipal Cemetery, and Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum are among this quaint city’s most popular attractions.
Burlington, Vermont
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Located on the shores of Lake Champlain in northwestern Vermont, Burlington is one of the best places to visit in the winter if you love snow. Several popular ski resorts are within an hour of the city, including Stowe, Smuggler’s Notch, and Bolton Valley. Meanwhile, downtown Burlington is filled with shops, restaurants, craft breweries, live music venues, and the charming Church Street Marketplace. When you’re ready to spend the night, Vermont’s largest city offers a variety of cozy B&Bs and chic hotels.
sun valley idaho
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If you want to ski in the footsteps of old Hollywood royalty this winter, Sun Valley is the place for you. Sun Valley Resort was founded in 1936 and from its inception it gained a reputation as the birthplace of skiing, with celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Clark His Gable skiing in style. Today, the resort is home to his 2,400-acre ski area spanning two mountains, as well as a popular snowsports school. Non-skiers can also check out other winter activities such as ice skating, snowbiking, snowmobiling, and sledding, or visit the town, which has a variety of dining spots, live music venues, and coffee shops.
pittsburgh, pennsylvania
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Travelers looking to spend their winters enjoying indoor attractions will find plenty to do in Pittsburgh. Art lovers will love the Andy Warhol Museum (the artist was born and raised in Pittsburgh) and the Carnegie Museum of Art, founded in 1895 by Andrew Carnegie. Meanwhile, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History boasts exhibits that are both fun and educational. Pittsburgh’s dining scene continues to grow, with dozens of restaurants, cafes, breweries, and modern food halls. Local favorites like pierogi, kielbasa, and Primanti Brothers sandwiches should be on your dining list.
Sarasota, Florida
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Thousands of snowbirds flock to Sarasota each winter. With temperatures in the 70s, white sand beaches, and a thriving cultural scene, it’s easy to see why. Travelers of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to collect seashells and splash in the warm waters of the Gulf. The town is also home to a variety of shops and galleries that you can browse for hours. Other highlights include the city’s extensive collection of mid-century modern architecture, as well as the Ringling complex, which boasts an impressive art museum and circus history museum.
South Padre Island, Texas
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Winters are pleasant with temperatures in the 60s on this small barrier island off the coast of South Texas. The area is a nature lover’s paradise with outdoor attractions such as the Laguna Madre Nature Trail and the South Padre Island Birdwatching, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary with its five-story observation tower. Original Dolphin Watch and Breakaway Cruises offer dolphin tours. Sea Turtle Inc. also operates a turtle rescue and rehabilitation center where visitors can see the creatures up close year-round. Boating, fishing, and kiteboarding are also popular activities, and you’ll find plenty of fresh local seafood, including oysters, red snapper, and flounder.
Asheville, North Carolina
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Winters are mild in this city in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Hikers can access trails throughout the season, and those seeking winter sports can find nearby ski areas. Asheville is home to quirky galleries, museums, and some of the best restaurants in the country, and it’s an ideal time to explore them all with minimal crowds. There’s no shortage of history here either. The 2.7-mile Asheville Urban Trail features bronze sculptures depicting people and events from the city’s past. Additionally, the Biltmore, Vanderbilt’s expansive home and mansion, offers guided tours that offer a glimpse of Asheville in its Gilded Age.
Honolulu, Hawaii
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During the colder months, plenty of sunshine, beautiful beaches, sparkling sunsets, and graceful palm trees beckon travelers to Hawaii. Oahu in particular is one of the best places to go in the winter, as temperatures hover around 80 degrees and attractions range from snorkeling and big wave surfing to high-end shopping at Honolulu’s boutiques. . Explore the only royal castle in the United States with a visit to Iolani Palace, and learn about Hawaii’s history at Bishop Museum and Polynesian Cultural Center. The Polynesian Cultural Center is located on Oahu’s scenic North Shore, about an hour outside the city.
