Want to get away? Planning a post-holiday escape? Craving some adventure? Need to use your PTO? Regardless of the question, travel is the answer!
To help send you on your way, we’ve rounded up the absolute Best Winter Vacations in the US for this year!
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Why Take Winter Vacations in the USA?
Summer trips are all the hype, but we believe winter vacations in the US are exceptional! In fact, there is a slew of really solid reasons to take off on winter getaways in the USA.
Follow the Sun
If you live in a cold-weather location, the short and dreary days can affect your mood and bring you down.
Traveling to one of the warm vacation spots in the US and getting some natural vitamin D can help you beat those winter blues!
Dump the Stress
The end of the year – and the start of a new one – can be a stressful time for many of us. At the Best USA Winter Destinations, you can de-stress, de-compress and come back recharged and ready!
Use It or Lose It PTO
Many companies require that employees take their vacation days in a ‘Use it or Lose it’ policy. Do not – we repeat, do not – let your precious earned vacation allocation go to waste.
Use up your paid time off to visit one of the fabulous winter vacation spots in the US this year!
Unique Travel Experience
Winter travel lends itself to incredibly unique experiences. You can go for a hike in the crisp air of an open desert and ski down an epic mountain in fresh powder.
Go immerse yourself in natural hot springs or snorkel in the warm and crystal-clear waters of the ocean.
In December, travelers can experience the magic of Christmas in a new locale. Winter months can also mean snow, which can transform familiar summer scenes into sparkling white landscapes.
Less is More
Another additional benefit to traveling in winter is that it could save you money. It will depend on your destination, but some of the Best Winter Places To Visit in the USA offer significant discounts.
Additionally, airports are less busy when compared to the summer travel season (with the exception of the week of Christmas), and crowds tend to be lighter.
The Gift of Travel
Winter trips make great gifts! We believe travel is one of the best presents to give and receive. When you give someone travel, you are gifting an experience filled with future memories.
We share numerous ideas on our lists of the Best Unique Travel Gifts and Top Useful Travel Gifts.
Warm Winter Vacations vs Snow Vacations in the US
The geography of the United States is immense and diverse. From mountains to beaches to deserts, America is home to an outstanding array of landscapes and climates.
Travelers have a wide choice of winter destinations in the US. Therefore you can certainly find at least one that satisfies whatever you’re craving.
Whether you are seeking warm places to visit in December for the USA or snowy winter vacations in the US, we’ve got it covered!
Planning a Winter Vacation for 2025-26
The first step to planning winter US vacations is deciding where to go. Our list of the Best US Winter Destinations below will help you find the perfect place for your trip!
That said, choosing where to go for winter getaways is just the first step. You also need to determine how to get there, where to stay and what to pack.
However, there is no need to worry. We cover all these details and much more at the end of the article!
As you begin to make your trip plans to the top winter vacation spots in the US, staying organized is key. We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the details.
Best Winter Vacations in the US
We are detailing the Best Winter Vacations in the United States. We kick off our list with the prime warm vacation spots in the USA and follow it up with top US destinations for snow vacations.
#1 Phoenix, Arizona
Without a doubt, Phoenix, AZ is one of the best winter destinations in USA! The sun shines bright on the desert city year-round, but in the wintertime, it’s sublime.
During the winter months, temperatures in Phoenix reach the high 60s and there is little precipitation, which is absolutely phenomenal.
We resided in the Valley of the Sun for more than 10 years – and winter was, far and away, our favorite season.
With ideal weather, visitors can join the locals and get outside to experience many of the Best Things To Do in Phoenix, AZ.
Golfing, biking and Hiking in Phoenix are top outdoor activities that make the Valley of the Sun one of the best places to visit in the US during winter.
We particularly like the al fresco dining opportunities and festive wintertime happenings in PHX, too!
Winter events, like Las Noches de Las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden and New Year’s Eve Block Parties, are why Phoenix is a popular place to visit in December.
November in Phoenix kicks off the multi-month Arizona Musicfest and January ends with the Arizona Hot Air Balloon Classic.
Phoenix in February sees a flurry of events – like Arizona Beer Week, the Arabian Horse Show, The Phoenix Open Golf Tournament and the start of Cactus League Spring Training Baseball.
With so much going on, it is easy to understand why Phoenix is one of the Best Winter Places to Visit in USA!
#2 Key West, Florida
Florida has long ranked as one of the Best US States to Visit in the Winter – and for good reason. With abundant sunshine and more than a thousand miles of shoreline, Florida is hard to beat!
Key West, in particular, is one of the best warm winter vacation spots in the US. Temperatures top out in the mid-70s, which is ideal for longs days of outdoor activities.
Whether you are looking for warm places in January in the USA for family trips or the best places to visit in February in the US for a little romance, Key West is a fantastic destination!
Visitors can walk on the beach, explore the mangroves by kayak or set off on an epic dolphin spotting and snorkeling cruise.
Entertainment for kids can also be found at the Shipwreck Museum, Butterfly Conservatory and Key West Aquarium.
Meanwhile, couples can cuddle up on a Sunset Sailboat Cruise – complete with an open bar, live music and tasty appetizers.
In fact, most spots in the Florida Keys – from Marathon to Islamorada to Key Largo – are beautiful places to visit in winter. Stop dreaming about the sunshine and book a trip to the Florida Keys!
#3 Malibu, California
Home to celebrities, fashion boutiques, chic eateries and superb beaches, Malibu, CA really has a lot to offer!
The wonderful warm weather and outstanding outdoor activities make it one of the best destinations for winter in the US.
Malibu sits on a gorgeous stretch of coastline, sandwiched between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Trekking in the hills, whale spotting on the water and surfing in the sea are Top Things To Do in Malibu.
The Southern California Coastline has a temperate climate – and we’ve often been drawn to its shores during the winter months.
With average highs in the upper 60s and little chance for rain, Malibu easily ranks as one of the best winter getaways in the USA.
Malibu also marks a great starting point for a multi-day California Coastal Drive. Take an adventure north to Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Monterey and perhaps even on to San Francisco!
#4 Maui, Hawaii
There may be no better place to take a US winter vacation than tropical Maui, HI. The Hawaiian Island destination is popular throughout the year, but there are a few reasons why visiting Maui in wintertime is a top choice.
First, the weather tops out at a balmy 75 degrees, which – let’s face it – is perfection. Second, the winter is whale watching season in Maui. Beginning in mid-December, Humpback whales make their migration to the warm Hawaiian waters.
Finally, Maui ranks as the best place for winter vacation in the USA for fun events. The biggest in January is the PGA Tournament of Champions and in February, you can partake in Chinese New Year festivities.
Maui is a top destination in every season – so there are many things to do on the island during a winter trip.
Top Maui activities are to drive the Road to Hana, visit Haleakala National Park, walk on the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park and hike the Pipiwai Trail to stunning waterfalls.
NOTE: Maui is open after the devasting wildfires, but it is not yet business as usual and some areas remain closed.
#5 Las Vegas, Nevada
It’s true; there is no other place on earth quite like Las Vegas. The oasis in the Mojave Desert is nicknamed the Entertainment Capital of the World.
While the legendary pool parties are on hiatus during the winter season, there is still tons to See, Do and Eat in Las Vegas.
We have spent many winter weekends in Vegas – and can attest to there being plenty going on! At Christmastime, Las Vegas resorts rev up for the holidays with phenomenal festive displays.
Seriously, Vegas is one of the best places to visit in the US in December just for the abundant Christmas decor!
Throughout the winter in Vegas, the evenings do tend to be cool, but you can always warm up in the casinos.
If that is not your style – go out for an entertaining evening and watch one of the fabulous Las Vegas shows.
That said, Vegas winter travelers don’t need to be stuck indoors. With daytime temps in the 60s, the mild winter weather is the perfect for exploring the amazing outdoors near Vegas.
#6 Orlando, Florida
Ranked as one of the best warm winter vacations in the US with kids, Orlando is a top fun-in-the-sun winter destination for families!
The city’s amusement parks – like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Legoland and SeaWorld – are top attractions all year round, but we think they are even better to visit in the wintertime.
December Florida theme park visitors get to experience the magic of Christmas in the days leading up to the holiday. Plus, Orlando is one of the Best Places To Spend New Year’s Eve!
However, the absolute best time to visit Orlando’s theme parks is in January and February. Not only can you get off-season deals, but it’s less crowded and the weather is much more agreeable in winter.
With days that warm up to the mid-70s and outdoor attractions galore, it’s hard to find a better warm winter family vacation in the US!
#7 New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a top pick for fun US winter vacations. We’ve made winter trips to the southern city as a couple and I’ve met up with friends for Girls’ Trips during Carnival.
The Big Easy excels at entertaining its guests, serving up comfort food, splashing out with jubilant parades and living it up with live music.
Visitors can partake in a Creole Christmas tradition during the month of December and indulge in a hearty Reveillon meal.
Otherwise, warm up with gumbo or slurp down some oysters, as they are in their prime in early winter.
To be honest, the food alone is a solid reason why New Orleans ranks as one of the best winter vacations in the south. Consider joining a food tour and sample the full array of flavors!
The Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras parade is the pinnacle of NOLA entertainment (and debauchery), but the New Orleans parade season actually kicks off in January.
The first parade is on King’s Day – January 6 – which marks the official start to the Carnival season.
There are several festive parades in February, with New Orleans’ biggest spectacles taking place the weekend before Fat Tuesday.
Live music played in cozy enclaves is another reason New Orleans is one of the best places to go in the winter in the US. Be sure to check out all of our Top Tips for a New Orleans Trip.
#8 San Diego, CA
When it comes to the best vacations for winter, San Diego, CA is a top choice! The temperate climate – with highs in the mid-60s – is ideal for enjoying the top sights in San Diego.
While the coastline at Sunset Cliffs is one of the prime places to watch a stellar sunset in San Diego, it’s also a fantastic vantage point for spotting migrating gray whales.
Naturally, one of the best experiences on a winter trip to San Diego is setting off on a whale watching cruise.
Visiting Balboa Park makes our list of the Top Things To Do in San Diego any time of year. However, the festive December Nights event is a good reason why SD ranks as one of the best December vacations in the US.
The many food festivals are yet another reason why San Diego is one of the best places to visit in winter.
Of course, the local cuisine (hello, fish tacos!) is always appealing – and we think it tastes even better when you savor it al fresco.
#9 Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia – with all its seductive southern charm – certainly ranks as one of the Best Winter Vacation Destinations USA.
The winter weather is mild and pleasant, as high temperatures typically reach into the low 60s. The city is also steeped in history, features fantastic ghost stories and excels at classic comfort cuisine.
All of which, in our opinion, is simply divine during the cooler winter months. We highlight the best things to do in our Savannah Travel Guide.
Savannah is one of the top destinations for the best vacations in December, too – as the festival-loving city hosts numerous Christmas celebrations.
Not only is the entire town bedecked in twinkling lights and extravagant decorations, but visitors can partake in the fun Holly Days activities.
Attending an entertaining holiday performance at the famed Savannah Theatre and spending an evening at the Botanical Gardens light show are other popular winter events in Savannah, GA.
The ample activities, fine weather and warm welcome combine to make Savannah one of the top Winter Vacation USA Destinations!
#10 Austin, Texas
Travelers seeking temperate climates and skies full of sunshine should make winter travel plans to go to Austin. We highlight all the great things to do in our 3-Day Austin Itinerary!
The Lone Star State – undoubtedly one of the best states to visit in the winter in the USA – is home to several wintertime destinations, but Austin is our favorite.
Known for big attractions, live music, delicious BBQ and a raucous nightlife, Austin appeals to visitors year-round.
What makes it one of the best places to visit in USA in winter, however, is the ample outdoor recreation.
Boasting high temperatures in the low 60s during the winter months, Austin weather is ideal for hitting the urban hiking trails and visiting the city’s spacious parks.
Visitors can climb to the top of Mount Bonell or stroll through the grounds of the Mayfield Park Nature Preserve.
Hike the loop trail around Lady Bird Lake or take a swim in Barton Springs, which maintains a temperature of about 70 degrees all year long!
Austin also has a fantastic coffee culture (Cosmic Coffee is a top pick), incredible museums (the best are located on the UT at Austin Campus) and plenty of heated patios where you can indulge in local eats.
#11 Hot Springs, Arkansas
The namesake springs are the top reason why Hot Springs, Arkansas is one of the best places to visit in the winter.
Although wintertime temperatures only climb to the low-50s, visitors can warm up with the naturally hot thermal waters.
The town, nicknamed ‘The American Spa,’ is home to traditional and luxurious spas where visitors can dip into the healing waters.
Additionally, the hot water is potable from the fountains in town – just bring your own thermos, a tea bag and enjoy!
Active travelers rank it as one of the Best Winter Travel Destinations for the miles of hiking paths and mountain biking trails within Hot Springs National Park. Plus, winter is a great time to watch for American Bald Eagles!
After a relaxing day at the spa or exploring outdoors, visitors can socialize at the historic Ohio Club bar, which dates to 1905.
Then sample the locally produced craft beer at Superior Bathhouse Brewery – the only brewery inside a US national park!
#12 Charleston, SC
While not as warm as some of the spots on our list of best winter vacation spots in the US, Charleston, South Carolina is absolutely charming and well-worth a winter visit!
The city experiences mild winters, where high temperatures hover around the low 60s. Even though many might not consider that to be ‘warm’, we still think Charleston, SC is one of the top places to visit in the winter.
To start, the winter weather in Charleston is much more palatable than in most of the country. What truly makes Charleston so appealing in the wintertime, however, is the off-season offers.
By December, the hordes of beach-bound visitors are long gone – leaving cheaper hotel rooms and open restaurant reservations in their wake.
Winter visitors to Charleston, SC will also notice far fewer crowds at the museums and monuments.
It’s also an ideal time to take a famed carriage tour to see the city’s mansions, churches and gardens – or a Cooper River boat tour to Fort Sumter National Monument.
Charleston, SC is also one of the best places to travel in the winter in the US for foodies. The city hosts heaps of culinary events between January and March.
Top food-based events are Charleston Restaurant Week (mid-January), the Lowcountry Oyster Festival (late January) and the Charleston Wine and Food Festival (early March).
If you miss out on those Charleston festivals, join a popular food tour to get a taste of the town!
#13 New York City
Without question, New York City is the best winter vacation in USA for travelers who want to get into the holiday spirit. We absolutely love how the city brims with excitement!
Yes, it gets cold, but the Big Apple is a stunning sight with NYC holiday lights and a blanket of snow. In fact, we rank NYC as one of the most beautiful winter destinations in US.
Brightly lit Christmas trees and creative department store holiday windows decorate the streets. Visitors can shop at the best NYC holiday markets and eat at restaurants decked out in holiday garb.
Christmas shows and Broadway plays entertain guests throughout the holiday season. During Christmas in NYC, the jolly atmosphere is intense and undeniable!
That said, visitors who Plan a Trip to New York after the holidays are in for an equally enthralling treat.
The outdoor ice-skating rinks stay open until spring. Central Park is gorgeous covered in snow and other top attractions are less crowded.
Plus, hotel prices plunge after the New Year celebrations, making it the prefect time to take a Budget Trip to NYC.
#14 Breckenridge, CO
An absolute winter wonderland, Breckenridge is one of the prime places to visit in the US during winter.
Snow covered mountains rise around the picturesque town that beckons visitors during the winter season.
The mountainous area also experiences an abundance of sunshine during the winter months. There’s not much better than a snowy landscape under a brilliant blue sky!
Downhill skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing are reasons why Breckenridge ranks as the best winter vacations with snow. However, those a just a few of the fun outdoor activities in Summit County.
Breckenridge is also one of the great winter vacations in the US for the relaxing spas, local galleries and an incredible craft beer scene.
Those traveling to Breckenridge for a winter getaway will likely fly to Denver, which is a fun place to spend a day or two, as well!.
To get from Denver to Breckenridge, we recommend taking the reliable and top-rated Summit Express.
We offer more tips on transport options to all of our recommended winter destination and the end of the article.
#15 Washington DC
Let’s start with the biggest reason why Washington DC is one of the best places to see in Winter in USA: Christmas!
From the family friendly Enchant Christmas event to the National Christmas Tree to dazzling light displays to the Downtown Holiday Market, there is plenty to see and do in DC in December.
January and February in DC can be great as well. All of the Best Things To Do in Washington DC are open in winter – and there are far fewer crowds to contend with.
Booking a tour at the White House and getting tickets to the National Archives Museum to see the Declaration of Independence are much easier in the winter months.
Temperatures may only rise to the mid-40s, but visitors can warm up in the many free Smithsonian Museums. The National Air and Space Museum is our top pick!
While we typically enjoy walking in Washington DC, wintertime visitors can get out of the cold and snag a free ride on the DC Circulator to get to the top attractions.
#16 Whitefish, MT
As far as the best snowy places to visit in USA, it doesn’t get any more magical than Whitefish. The region sees more than 300 inches of snow during winter – and Whitefish is a quintessential wintery US resort town.
The highly rated Whitefish Mountain Resort is the place for downhill skiing, but it’s not the only winter attraction.
Fat Tire biking, snowmobiling, sleigh rides and snowshoeing in nearby Glacier National Park are top activities during the long, cold and snowy winters.
Outdoor adventures are top attractions, but there are more Things To Do in Whitefish. Travelers can go shopping in downtown, visit the local history museum and sip Montana craft beer.
Enjoying a spa treatment or the area’s natural thermal waters is another fabulous way to spend time around Whitefish.
Quinn’s Hot Springs and the eccentric town of Hot Springs (which we recommend on our Montana Road Trip) are two top destinations just a short drive from Whitefish.
#17 Anchorage, Alaska
Not often touted as one of the best winter destinations in North America, Anchorage, AK is downright frigid during winter. Despite the cold, there are heaps of reasons to explore Anchorage in the wintertime.
For us, the mysterious and beautiful Northern Lights are what make Anchorage one of the top US winter destinations.
From our trip to Iceland in Winter , we can confirm that it is well worth braving the cold to see the natural phenomena on a Northern Lights Tour.
Other epic wintertime experiences in Anchorage are walking on the Matanuska Glacier, and joining a local guide for the Wonders of Anchorage in winter.
Wintertime is also when Anchorage puts on quirky and fabulous events. The month-long Fur Rendezvous events – called Fur Rondy by locals – have been taking place during January and February in Anchorage since 1935.
Visitors can expect outrageous competitions, such as outhouse races, snow sculptures and the running of the reindeer.
With the proper winter gear, Anchorage can be one of the best winter vacation destinations in the US for adventurous travelers!
#18 Louisville, KY
Like many mid-western cities in the United States, Louisville gets cold in the wintertime. Regardless of the chill, it is still a great place to visit in the winter in the US.
One of the Top Things To Do in Louisville is discover the plethora of museums, which provide a fantastic cold-weather escape.
Popular venues include the famous Louisville Slugger Museum, the inspiring Muhammad Ali Center and the fabulous Speed Art Museum.
A unique Louisville attraction, Mega Cavern, is ideal during a winter visit. The underground theme park – inclusive of a thrilling zipline – boasts a year-round temperature of 58 degrees.
Alternatively, a fun and freezing Louisville event is the annual Polar Plunge. The February festival encourages people to take a plunge in the Ohio River, all in the name of raising funds for charity.
While Louisville is not one of the warm places in the US during winter, there are plenty of opportunities to warm up with Kentucky’s best drink: Bourbon.
Visitors can get a taste at one of the distilleries on Whiskey Row (Angel’s Envy is our top pick). Then check out some Louisville Craft Breweries, where they pour seasonal winter ales, porters and stouts.
#19 Bend, Oregon
Bend, OR is surrounded by striking mountains that host the region’s best ski resorts…but the city itself gets relatively little snow.
The combination of the snowy mountains and a navigable city make Bend one of the best US winter vacation destinations.
Playing in the powder on the mountains near Bend is the biggest draw for winter travelers. From skiing to sledding to snowmobiling to ice skating, there are a copious number of ways to get out in the snow.
After a long day on the slopes, visitors to Bend can stay outdoors, but warm up in natural hot springs.
In fact, most of the Top Things To Do in Bend are in the great outdoors. With the right gear, they can be just as lovely to visit in the winter months.
Trek to Tamolitch Blue Pool, explore the lava caves in Deschutes National Forest, take a walk in Smith Rock State Park or go see the epic Sahalie and Koosah waterfalls.
If it gets too cold outside, head into one of the many craft breweries. Pop into a few of the best spots – like Bend Brewing Company – or get an official Bend Ale Trail map and route your way to the more than 20 brewpubs.
#20 Door County, Wisconsin
Although Wisconsin is not one of the typical states to visit in the winter, Door County in the northeastern reaches is an exceptional winter retreat.
Winter is the quiet season in Door County…and it is very quiet. However, with ample outdoor adventures, we think it is one of the best places in the US to visit in the winter.
Temperatures rarely rise above freezing, but that is half the fun (really!). The cold is necessary for cross country skiing, snowshoeing through the forests, ice skating and playing pond hockey.
Moreover, it’s due to the extreme winter weather that the amazing ice sculptures form along the 250 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.
Cave Point County Park, with its rock formations and lookout points, is breathtakingly beautiful when covered snow and ice.
Tips for the Top Places to Travel in Winter USA
Now that you have our recommended places to travel during winter in the USA, it’s time to start planning!
We are sharing our advice for finding cheap flights, booking great hotels along with important packing hacks.
Flights for USA Winter Vacations
One of the things we love about wintertime trips in the US is that airfare is often cheaper than summer.
While it is possible to score a last-minute deal to top winter vacation spots, start searching as early as possible.
We recommend using SkyScanner to book flights for your winter destination. Read our complete article on Finding the Best Flights for more tips.
Car Rental for US Winter Trips
If you fly to your winter retreat, you will likely need to rent a car on arrival. As with flights, it is best to book as early as possible for the cheapest car rates.
Keep in mind that not all places on our list will require a car. There is no need for a vehicle in New York City, DC or Las Vegas. However, for US Parks and Door County, renting a car is essential.
Hotels at Top Winter Destinations
A highlight of winter trips is that you can often get rock-bottom deals on accommodations. Some of the great places in the US for winter vacation – like Orlando and Anchorage – offer significant discounts during the winter months.
However, US wintery destinations with ski resorts, like Breckenridge and Whitefish, can see prices surge during ski season. Before you begin your hotel search – read our advice for Finding the Best Deals.
Packing for Winter USA Trips
The key to good winter vacations in the US is packing the right clothes and gear! Even the warmest winter destinations in USA can be cool – especially at night.
That said, when traveling to warm places to visit in winter, you will also want to bring sunscreen, your favorite sunglasses, shorts and a bathing suit.
When visiting snowy winter places in the US, you will need to be outfitted with proper gear. Waterproof shoes, a heavy coat, gloves and a scarf are essential items to pack.
Looking for more ideas for your US Vacation? Great! Be sure to read our posts on the Top USA Weekend Getaways and Best Underrated US Destinations!
Start planning your winter US Trip! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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