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Planning a trip and wondering what the best winter vacations in the USA are? We can help!
The United States are blessed with all sorts of landscapes and climates which means that no matter what kind of vacation you are into, you will find it, right here, in America.
In this article, you will discover the best places to visit in winter in the US. This includes ski resort towns, warm destinations and awesome winter city breaks.
For each destination, we will also recommend some things to do in the wintertime.
So, are you ready to check out all these US winter destinations? Let’s get started!
1. New York City, NY
Let’s start with a classic! New York City!
NYC is one of the best places to visit in December in the USA. When it comes to Christmas celebrations, the city sets the standard.
There are so many things that will put you in the festive spirit.
Though December is hands down the best month to visit, the rest of winter is also a great time. There are a lot of indoor activities in New York and you will never be bored.
There is also something pretty magical about seeing the snow falling on the City that never sleeps!
What can you do in New York City in winter?
- Going to the Rockfeller center to see the giant Christmas tree and ice-skating.
- Going to watch The Nutcracker ballet
- Seeing the ball drop in Times Square for New Years Eve.
- Ice-Skating in Bryant Park and strolling around the Christmas market
- Visiting the MET, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Madame Tussauds or the American Museum of Natural History.
- Going to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
PRO TIP: Planning on visiting the famous sites in NYC? Buy the New York CityPass to save money!
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to New York City here.
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at The Ritz-Carlton for luxury or Leo House for budget accommodation.
2. Key West, Florida
Located at the very end of the Florida Keys, Key West is the ideal destination of you are looking for warm winter vacations in the USA.
Sunshine and warm temperatures, that’s the promise of Key West.
You can easily get there by plane. There is an airport in Key West but if you can spare another day or two, fly into Miami and go on a road trip to Key West.
The Keys are so beautiful and it’s one of the best road trips in the USA!
Once in Key West, you’ll enjoy the relaxed lifestyle. There are bars and music everywhere and it’s a paradise for water activities.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Key West Itinerary: How to Spend a Weekend in Key West
What can you do in Key West in winter?
- Going on a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park
- Sipping cocktails on Duval Street
- Going to the sunset celebration on Mallory Square. It happens every evebign for sunset and is very good fun. There is music and the sunset is incredible. Make sure to get there early as it can get quite crowded.
- Taking the Ghost and Graveyards tour. There are many haunted places in Key West and it’s one of the best places in Florida to take a ghost tour so if you like spooky stories, make sure to book it now.
- Snorkeling and discovering the beautiful coral reef
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Key West here and Miami here.
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at Ocean Key Resort & Spa for luxury and Blue Marlin Motel for budget.
3. Vail, Colorado
Vail is a popular ski town located at the bottom of the Vail Mountain in Central Colorado. Vail has one of the largest ski resorts and the best snowboarding around.
It is widely known as the place to go in the Winter to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and unique winter experience.
READ MORE: 10 Small towns in Colorado To Visit ASAP
What can you do in Vail in winter?
- Take a ski pass and have fun on the slopes. If you want to learn how to ski or snowboard, you can also book a lesson with an instructor.
- Tubing at adventure ridge takes skiing to a whole new level. Have you heard of snow tubing? In Vail, you can hop on an inner tube and slide down the snow filled hill. Once you make it to the end, there is no need to hike back up. They have a carpet belt that takes you back up the hill.
- Nothing says winter or Christmas like Sleigh Rides. Bundle up in your warmest clothing, grab a blanket and some hot chocolate and take a ride around the snowy mountains.
- The Mountain Coaster is a family friendly ride for you to enjoy in the mountains of Vail.
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Vail here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at Grand Hyatt Vail for luxury. Sitzmark Lodge is a great mid-range option.
4. Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. This is another popular ski resort in Colorado that offers skiing, snowboarding and scenic views.
This town is a small community and many people walk in the area. It is very pedestrian friendly.
Crested Butte has a lot to offer in any season from outdoor activities in the summer to skiing and shopping in the winter.
What can you do in Crested Butte in winter?
- Book your ski lift pass and enjoy skiing all around the mountains of Colorado.
- Elk Ave is one of the areas in Butte that you can enjoy the sights and walk around. You can find historical buildings and delicious dining.
- Colorado locals love to go Fly Fishing, it is a sport and a hobby to many. Enjoy Fly-Fishing at the many lakes located throughout Crested Butte.
- Located on Elk Ave is the weekly Farmers Market. This Farmers Market runs from May to October every year and is held every Sunday.
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Crested Butte here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at the Nordic Inn. It’s very close to the ski lift.
5. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Those beautiful pictures of the orange rock structures all clustered together in a basin are a sight to look at.
You are probably wondering, where are these structures?
Bryce Canyon Park has an amphitheatre with these large rock structures to visit and soak in the beauty.
The scenery is wonderful in the summer and even better in the winter. Imagine that view with snow spread across the rock structures.
What can you do in Bryce Canyon in winter?
- The Winter Festival is held every year and has a variety of activities and booths at the event. You can find yoga tutorials, archery shooting, dance parties, and pottery making.
- If you enjoy looking at scenery or bird watching the Christmas Bird Count is a must do. Choose to hike on the mountain trails or take the driving path during this activity.
- Go on a ATV Adventure. If you want to discover Bryce Canyon in a fun way, book this tour.
- Winter Hiking is a popular activity in Bryce Canyon. With mountain trails located all throughout, it is best to have experience in nature and finding trails. Most hikers who walk this trail are well experienced in the environment and trail direction.
- Horseback Riding is a popular activity in Bryce Canyon. See prices here.
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Las Vegas here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel.
6. Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is another rocky mountain town, located at the bottom of the Rocky Mountains.
This was a huge mining town years back and is known for its historical Gold Rush.
You can see many colorful buildings and real estate dated back to the late 1800s. It is a little piece of winter paradise.
READ MORE: Beautiful American Small Towns: 26 Prettiest and Coolest Small Towns in the USA
What can you do in Breckenridge, CO, in winter?
- Buy a ski pass and have fun on the slopes!
- Breckenridge has a Historic Main Street Shopping center with over 200 shops, all stocked with different items. Everyone is bound to find a store or two they enjoy. During Christmas time, the streets light up at night with Christmas lights and it almost feels magical.
- With Breckenridge’s rich mine history and being a large historical district, the Ghost & Mine Tours are not to be beaten. Journey to the past and see how the miners lived back in the day. Maybe even spot a ghost or two!
- The Snow Cat Tours are a great way to experience the natural wildlife of Breckenridge. Get professionally guided through the snowy forests in hopes to see a Snow Cat in its natural habitat.
- Enjoy a spa day while looking at the snowy mountains
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Breckenridge here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at The Lodge at Breckenridge, a beautiful boutique hotel with spa.
7. Miami, Florida
Looking for a warm winter vacation spots in the US? Miami is the perfect destination.
Located in Southern Florida, Miami is the perfect place to go if you want a beach getaway and love food!
The most famous part of Miami is Miami Beach. That’s where you’ll find South Beach and Ocean drive. It’s the perfect spot for parties, beach days, sipping cocktails and have fun.
If you are more into cultural activities, Little Havana and Downtown will be better areas for you.
The weather in Miami is amazing all year round so make sure to pack your dresses and shorts for this one!
READ MORE: 23 Unique & Fun Things to do in Miami, Florida
What can you do in Miami in winter?
- Eating delicious Cuban Food in Little Havana. This Cuban neighborhood is perfect for foodies. You can opt for a food tour or just walk up Calle Ocho and pick one of the Cuban restaurants. Versailles is one of the best!
- Taking beautiful photos with the Lifeguard stations on South Beach. There are dozens of them and they are all so colorful and unique.
- Visit the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.
- Go on a day trip to the Everglades. Discover this beautiful ecosystem, take an airboat ride and see alligators.
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Miami here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at 1 Hotel South Beach for a luxury vacation.
8. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is surrounded by large mountains and when it snows, it is a sight to see.
The mountain ski resorts are family-friendly and world-class. They did host the Winter Olympics after all!
Salt Lake City is known for its large Mormon population which means there are beautiful temples located around the city.
During the winter and Christmas time these temples are decorated with lights or snow!
What can you do in Salt Lake City in winter?
- Skiing snowboarding. This is an obvious one but it’s still worth mentioning it. With so many ski resorts near Salt Lake, it would be a shame not to hit the slopes!
- Snowmobile. Many local companies offer this in Salt Lake City. It’s great fun and something to add to your bucket list.
- Snowtubing. If skiing is not your forte, you can opt for a fun and beginner option: snowtubing. It’s exactly like water tubing except that you will go down the slope and get to experience the adrenaline rush skiers know so well.
- Ice Skating. A winter classic that never gets old! You’ll find several ice rinks in Salt Lake City.
- Go back country skiing in Cottonwood Canyons with a certified ski guide. See prices.
- Ice Climbing. Utah is home to some of the best ice climbing venues in the United States. From Salt Lake, you can easily book a ice climbing tour that will bring you to one of the local canyons.
- Discover the beautiful Holiday Lights on the Mormon Temples
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Salt Lake City here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City Downtown
9. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is located in central Texas which means the winters don’t get too cold there.
Most of the time you will find chilly days but don’t expect snow to be there.
San Antonio has the famous Riverwalk and during the Christmas season it is decorated to the nines.
Enjoy a walk down the Riverwalk with Christmas Lights lighting your way throughout.
READ MORE: 8 Beautiful Small Towns in Texas to visit this year!
What can you do in San Antonio, TX, in winter?
- The Riverwalk is located downtown, it has lots of great dining on the river, and a large shopping mall with entertainment and shops throughout.
- Visit the Historical Alamo in downtown San Antonio. Experience the rich history of Texas and how it came to be.
- Check out the Natural Bridge Caverns and tour the inside of an underground cavern. This is a fun activity for the family with occasional tight spaces throughout the tour.
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to San Antonio here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at O’Brien Riverwalk Boutique Hotel near San Antonio Riverwalk.
10. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
How do you picture a mountain town? Rustic buildings, snow-topped, local businesses and pedestrian-friendly? Gatlinburg is just this and is the perfect mountain getaway.
It is nestled in the Smoky Mountains and one of the great attractions in Gatlinburg is the views it has to offer.
READ MORE: 9 Beautiful Fall Towns in the USA to visit this fall!
What can you do in Gatlinburg, TN, in winter?
- Check out the frozen waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains. Several waterfalls freeze in winter and it’s such a unique thing to do! Amongst them, you’ll find Laurel Falls, Rainbow Falls and Hen Wallow Falls.
- Winter hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Spend a day in Anakeesta, the theme park in Gatlinburg.
- Shop in downtown Gatlinburg
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Gatlinburg here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Downtown Gatlinburg
11. Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish is located near the Glacier National Park and a mountain town to enjoy year round.
In the wintertime, you can find an abundance of snow days, which means skiing and snowboarding!
Over 3000 acres of it! Find some of the best coffee shops and shopping in Whitefish as well after you are done hitting the slopes.
What can you do in Whitefish, Montana, in winter?
- Skiing and snowboarding. Who says Montana says skiing. If you are into winter sports, you will in for a treat in Whitefish.
- Cross-Country skiing. If you don’t want to go down the slopes but still want to explore the area with skis, cross-country skiing will be perfect for you.
- Winter Trails for Miles. If you like winter hiking, make sure to hit one of the trails.
- Dog Sledding. Perfect for kids!
- Ice Climbing. You can book this through one of the local operators.
- Going to the Winter Carnival in Whitefish. Held in February, this winter festival is so much fun!
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Kalispell here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Whitefish.
12. Orlando, Florida
Located in Central Florida, Orlando is the ultimate winter destination for people who love theme parks.
Home to Disney World, Universal Studios and many others, Orlando is the theme park capital of the world so if there is one thing you can be sure of, it’s that you will have fun.
It’s also an excellent base to start exploring central Florida and its beautiful natural springs.
Orlando airport is one of the biggest in the country and you can find very cheap flights so if you are looking for a cheap winter vacation in the US, this could very much be it!
READ MORE: The Best Things To Do In Orlando, Florida
What can you do in Orlando in winter?
- Going to Disney World. Made of 5 theme parks and 2 water parks, Disney World is the ultimate place to visit for kids and grown-ups!
- Visiting Universal Studios. If you are more into movies, make sure to go to Universal too. It’s the perfect place for Harry Potter fans!
- Taking a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center.
- Hiring a clear kayak at Rainbow Springs or Rock Springs. Florida is home to beautiful natural springs and visiting at least one of them should be your bucket list!
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Orlando here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at Marriott Orlando Downtown Hotel.
13. Stanley, Idaho
Stanley, Idaho is one of the coldest places to visit in the winter time.
This means lots of snow so the majority of transportation turns into snowmobiling.
How fun is getting around by a snowmobile instead of a car? Winter lasts a bit longer in Stanley, Idaho which allows for more opportunity to enjoy the snowy recreational activities.
What can you do in Stanley, Idaho, in winter?
- Backcountry skiing. Stanley isn’t a ski resort per se which means you won’t find any ski lift however, this doesn’t mean you won’t get the opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings with skis. If you are up to the challenge, go backcountry skiing!
- Snowshoe hiking. Another way you can explore the area is with snowshoes. There are some beautiful hikes you can take and it’s so much fun!
- Hot Tub Soaking. If you prefer to have a relaxing vacation, opt for a spa day!
- Outdoor Ice Skating
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Boise here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay in a beautiful cabin with views of the Sawtooth mountains
14. Maui, Hawaii
If you are looking for a warm winter destination or enjoying the beach day on Christmas, Maui is the place to visit.
Maui is the second largest island in Hawaii and during the winter the temperatures drop to about 70s in the evening, which is still perfect beach weather.
Maui hosts holiday events during the winter time but you can also enjoy the island activities in the winter as you can in the summer.
One of the biggest attractions besides the gorgeous beaches is whale watching on the island. How cool!
What can you do in Maui, Hawaii, in winter?
- Staying at a resort. Hawaii is home to some of the best resorts in the US and enjoying a relaxing winter vacation in a resort is a bucket list item! There are many of them including some particularly stunning ones such as Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
- Holiday events for Christmas. There are many Christmas events organised on the island and that’s something you shouldn’t miss out. Among them, you’ll find the lighting of the Banyan tree, the holiday markets and the Christmas Day Beach Luau.
- Relaxing on the world-Class beaches such as Makena Beach State Park, Ka’anapali Beach and Baldwin Beach Park.
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Maui here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea for a luxury vacation.
15. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Have you ever visited Wyoming?
It might be time to, and a great time to go is in the winter season.
Jackson Hole is located close to the border of Idaho and has a large state park and wildlife population.
If you aren’t into skiing there are still plenty to do in Jackson Hole.
Hiking is a popular activity to do in Jackson Hole during the winter and the summer seasons. With plenty of wildlife and trails to explore.
What can you do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in winter?
- Trail Hiking
- Dog Sledding tours. This magical experience will allow you to discover the beautiful surroundings while spending time with the adorable dogs.
- Riding the Cowboy Coaster. Perfect for kids anf grown ups who want to have fun!
- Going to Grand Teton. It would be impossible to visit Jackson Hole without paying a visit to the stunning Grand Teton. Even in winter, this place is magical and if you want to make the best of your time, you can opt for a winter tour of Grand Teton.
- Going on a day trip to Yellowstone National park.
PRO TIP: If you want to enjoy winter activities in Jackson Hole, book the Big King All Activities Pass. It includes King Tubes, the Cowboy Coaster, Skiing and Snowboarding lift access and Night skiing.
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Jackson Hole here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at Bentwood Inn for a authentic and cozy winter vacation.
16. South Padre Island, Texas
In South Texas it stays a bit warmer than usual, and South Padre Island is okay with that.
South Padre is a busy beach town located in southern Texas on the Gulf Coast.
While temperatures do drop to low 40s in the winter time, you can still enjoy the beach during this time.
Taking a stroll through the sand, searching for seashells, or fishing.
What can you do on South Padre Island in winter?
- Souvenir Shopping
- Boating. The best thing about choosing a warm winter destination is that you get to do many water activities. This can be going on a dolphin cruise, jumping on a banana boat, hiring a jet ski or even going fishing.
- Fresh Seafood Restaurants
- Parasailing. If you are looking for adrenaline-filled activities, book a parasailing adventure in South Padre Island.
- Sancastling. This is big here on South Padre Island and if that’s something you’d like to experience, book this.
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Brownsville South Padre Island here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at Courtyard South Padre Island.
17. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is a large city in Arizona that tends to stay warm year round.
In the winter the temperatures drop to the 70s during the day and low 40s during evenings. Phoenix has mountains surrounding it that are perfect for hiking and trail biking.
Scottsdale is also affluent area with lots of great entertainment, shopping and dining.
READ MORE: 12 Best Small towns in Arizona for a vacation away from the crowds!
What can you do in Phoenix in winter?
- Visiting Japanese Friendship Garden and the Desert Botanical Garden. Just before Christmas, you can admire the beautiful 8,000 lights at Las Noches de las Luminarias.
- Exploring Old Town Scottsdale
- Hiking. There are many hiking trails near Phoenix and most of them can also be taken during the winter.
- Topgolf. This is perfect for people looking for a fun indoor activity. Topgolf is a giant golf complex with many other games as well.
- Discovering the Zoolights at Phoenix Zoo
- Going to the World Lantern Festival downtown
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Phoenix here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix.
18. St Petersburg, Florida
Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, St Petersburg is an absolute paradise when it comes to warm winter vacations in the US.
This lively city has everything you need and will be perfect to escape those cold days.
Downtown St Pete is a very lively place where you will find loads of bars, restaurants, cafes and music venues.
For the perfect evening, grab a delicious Cuban sandwich at Bodega and go see a gig at Janus Live (it’s an outdoor music venue!).
During the day, hit the beach and enjoy seeing the dolphins jumping around.
READ MORE: Where to stay in St Petersburg, Florida: Best areas & hotel recommendations
What can you do in St Petersburg in winter?
- Going to the beach. St Pete is home to some of the best beaches in Florida. This includes St Pete Beach, Sunset Beach and Clearwater Beach (30 min drive).
- Play shuffleboard. This is one of the most popular activities in Florida and it’s such a fun thing to do! Every friday St Pete’s shuffleboard club opens its door to non-members for free. Give it a try!
- Opt for a day trip to Honeymoon Island and Caladesi. These two hidden gems are located about 40 minutes drive from downtown St Pete. They are the perfect place to relax and go on nice and relaxing walks.
- Visiting the Dali Museum. St Pete is home to the largest collection of work by Salvador Dali outside of Spain. If you like to see unusual art, this is for you!
- Busch Gardens. With Tampa so close by, it would be a shame not to visit Busch Gardens.
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Tampa here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at The Don Cesar in St Pete Beach (yep, that’s the pink hotel!)
19. Savannah, Georgia
Located at the border between Georgia and South Carolina, Savannah is one of the most famous cities in the USA as well as an excellent winter destination.
The city is incredibly charming and has a bit of a European feel. Here you can expect cobblestones, horse-drawn carriages and stunning architecture.
While Savannah might not be the first place you think of when it comes to winter destinations in the USA, it’s actually a great place to spend a weekend or short vacation.
Winters are pretty good here compared to most of the other states. Some days are better than others when it comes to temperatures but it never goes to the extremes which makes it a fairly safe choice.
Things to do in Savannah in winter:
- Ice Skating at The Civic Center
- Joining the Savannah Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour. This is ideal to learn about the history of the city and discover all the main landmarks.
- Food tour of Savannah. If you want to learn about the history but also try some delicious local dishes, the food tour of Savannah will be a great option. Also, since you are going to local food spots, you will spend a lot of time indoor which is particularly nice in winter.
Tips to plan your trip:
✈️ Flights: Check out the best fares for flights to Savannah here
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at Justine Inn Savannah, a beautiful inn set in a French-Renaissance townhouse
20. Stowe, Vermont
If you love the idea of a snowy vacation in the US, then Stowe in Vermont would be an excellent option.
Located at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Stowe is known to be one of the cutest small towns in the country.
It’s an excellent destination all year round since it’s blessed with amazing fall foliage, ski slopes and other activities.
In the winter, it turns into a winter wonderland! It’s also a more affordable option compared the famous Colorado resorts.
Here are some ideas of things to do in Stowe in winter:
- Skiing and snowboarding around the resorts. There are some of the best slopes in Vermont here.
- Take the Gondola SkyRide and enjoy the incredible views. You can even eat at the restaurant at the top. It’s very scenic.
- You can go ice skating at the rink in the village.
- Relax in one of the cute spa (or book one of these hot tub getaways).
✈️ Flights: Burlington Airport is the most convenient to get to Stowe. Check fares here.
🏨 Accommodation: Stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak.
With all these ideas of winter destinations in the US, you should now have more than enough to pick your next winter getaway!
Have fun!
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