Top 26 Winter Vacation Destinations in the US for 2024
When the cold weather arrives, it brings out different emotions in everyone. Some love the cold, some hate it, and for some, it means the holiday season is right around the corner. Regardless of which category you fall into, you can still treat yourself in the winter months with these exciting winter vacations. Whether that be a trip to Central Park and New York City, to the warm beaches of South Beach Miami, or even ice fishing in the heart of Alaska, these are the best affordable winter vacations to embrace or escape the cold, including heading south to sunnier destinations.
Best Cities for a Winter Getaway
With so many great places to visit in the winter, there are no wrong answers. But to help you out, here’s our guide to the best winter vacations in the U.S.
1. Savannah, Georgia
With fewer tourists but just as stunning as every other time of year, Savannah makes for one of the best winter getaways. The mild winter temperatures see the daily high never drop below the 60s, making it perfect for those who love to rug up but still want to explore. With your warm scarf wrapped around your neck, enjoy the crisp southern air as you wander down charming cobblestone boulevards flanked by Antebellum mansions and moss-covered oaks.
Just a short distance away lies Tybee Island.
During the day, take in museums and captivating antique stores in the Historic District or visit some eerily beautiful cemeteries. At night try fabulous restaurants, embark on a ghost tour or sample nightlife.
Where to stay: River Street Inn
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Providing mountains without overwhelming snowfall, Asheville is one of America's best winter vacation spots. This town has boomed due to tourism and new residents. Explore activities along French Broad River with local breweries and galleries in River Arts District.
You can reach Smoky Mountains from Asheville where waterfalls tumble and mist rises over meadows.
Where to stay: The Inn on Biltmore Estate
3. Chicago, Illinois for Ice Skating
A frozen lakeside city during winter months might not seem ideal but embracing Chicago's flaws reveals its charm during holidays.
"There is an air of festivity that can easily warm your chilly bones."
The highlight? Ice skating at Millennium Park with incredible city skyline backdrop!
Where to stay: Hotel Audrey
4.Anchorange Alaska
Where Stay: The Lakefront Anchorage
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opportunities stumble upon creatures like roaming bison deer With roads closed Most accessible regular December March harder getting around rewards sweeter tours go snowmobiling witness snowmelt against soaring geysers Travel blanket white meadows snowcat visitor center ranger-led nature programs snowshoeing read Things Tips First-time Visitors strong Where Stay Faithful Snow Lodge Read complete guide: Yellowstone10-joshua-tree-national-Park California Popular nearby cities Diego Angeles Vegas Joshua presents otherworldly landscape waiting explored Palm Springs enjoy mesmerizing drive stop whim journey across unique rock formations quirky trees environment Mojave Desert United States Parks Photos searing hot year-round brilliant spot moderate blazing night sky camp stars strong Where Stay: Pioneertown Motel11-grand-canyon-arizona any time year Grand Canyon most tourist immense canyon dwarfs creating spectacular views dense orange burst bright blue allowing exceptional photography combine things add dusting sugar sprinkles mud cake Not accessible suggests remain warm However shuttles viewpoints carry scenic trails open Fun Facts Need About strong Where Stay Bright Angel Lodge Cabins12-death-valley-national-Park names trails predictably morbid Coffin Peak Devil understand hottest desolate point earth Now happy don’t-want-to-fry kind sounds more reason through recorded pleasant embark short hiking risk imminent dehydration Pair nearby Yosemite National best-of-both-worlds-type Read Yosemite strong Where Stay: Inn13-crater-lake-national-Park In southern Oregon Crater adventurers tourists alike summer enchanting hiking lake fed only rain breathtaking scenery packed parks magical average feet sports Trails guided tours picturesque Discover Point opportunity venture further Klamath Visitors captivating adventure Awesome Places Visit Oregon strong Sun Mountain Ranch BunkHouse14-vail-colorado king ski resorts over trails lifts ready epic vacation Snowboarders visiting first mountain embrace revolutionary movement legendary place where world-class skiing meets such open plains slopes like canvas meander way down After few days hill change scenery interchangeable tickets allow places Breckenridge minutes away Best Colorado Christiania15-big-sky-Montana dump Big skyrockets wonderland downhill over vertical elevation cover work cut experiencing part stunning terrain total four mountains acres runs choose Meanwhile charming Village awaits après-ski reward tired legs Lone Mountain16-Lake-Tahoe ski resorts South playground host Olympics sure runs Heavenly popular highest vertical drop massive get away Sugarbowl closest Francisco Sacramento favorite locals old-school highest amount snowfall region North Star views complete family resort village personal But isn’t about beautiful Emerald Bay trails Casinos Nevada hosts annual Snowfest unfilled fun Beaches Ritz Carlton17-Park-City-Utah former home Olympics unforgettable For travel takes cake It’s year-round destination right adventure parks hair-raising bobsleigh ride hiking biking Beyond sports consistent powder lock bluebird largest nation nightlife another highlight thanks pumping live music scene Peaks18-Stowe-Vermont icy weather Vermont may Utah Colorado state cross-country If avoiding lift lines crowds general trip unlock paradise woods dozens smooth navigate Pack lunch hot chocolate meander forests sun shining canopy causing sparkle Trapp Family Lodge19-New-Orleans-lousiana Looking places have Ready blistering enjoy long summer transported France French Quarter explore historic USA Sure temps pleasant vibe keeps trucking Easy slows down streets mouthwatering Creole Cajun cuisines venture Magazine Street shopping haunted spacious public parks many museums National WWII Museum give glimpse history culture reminisce bitter traipse Bourbon hurricane hand French Spanish African influences leave enchanted wanting back Essential Days Royal Sonesta20-key-west-florida average dropping amazing getaway case better time southernmost contiguous Bid adieu blues Florida stifling heat floats Spend jumping shops bars Dry Tortugas visiting Hemingway Home Museum sitting Mallory watching alongside performers adoring crowd Best Stops Road Trip Courtney’s Place Historic Cottages Inns21-sedona-arizona When comes destinations packed adventures Arizona springs Have chance amazing scenery Desert Verde Valley For much year teeming tourists come hike famous local light dusting peaks quieter hikes Cathedral Rock exploring Desert Botanical soothing evening downtown cozy loved Hikes Creek Bed Breakfast22-st-John-us-Virgin-Islands two-thirds national park visitors gorgeous white sand beaches civilization flying Thomas ferry Cruz settling accommodation bay jump taxis entire Along impeccable from Hawksnest Maho Trunk lot spend each beach week mouthwatering tacos Limeout floating restaurant reason say balmy Gallows Point Resort23-Austin-Texas capital live music rivals known country moderate perfect explore offering flurry delectable eats vibrant Beyond plenty shining Kayak walk Lady Bird Barton Springs stunning Travis Later return sunset hike Mount Bonnell epic golden hour Austin Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt24-san-diego-california Like above exciting nightlife doesn’t let drops much mild pleasant all venture between storied coastline happening Although chilly when sand Experience Coronado Pacific Ocean latter burgers Hodads bougie La Jolla Town food Gaslamp date dim-lit Best California Make check guide!25-maui-hawaii top combines series pristine swaying stuff dreams reason escaping choose spending lazing sipping tropical cocktails venturing inland amazing Top whale watching November May whales migrate Hawaiian reaching February Unique Adventures These recommendations Kauai26-Kauai Kauai known “Garden Isle” emerges idyllic As blankets much contrasting paradise tropical climates landscapes Distinct commercialized haven seeking tranquil connection island’s diverse topography cliffs Napali cascading Wailua Falls vast Waimea termed promises breathtaking vistas adventures Pristine Hanalei Poipu beckon turquoise surfing Adding appeal maintains cultural heritage traditional luaus Hawaiian dance immersive experiences Winter Vacation Ideas Outdoor Lovers If lover plenty ideas pumping From skiing snowboarding climbing sledding shortage adventure Head Tahoe top-notch skating frozen Salt Lake City snowshoe mountains climbing sledding ultimate experience Road Trips something Road trip covered landscapes cabin stops cups coffee roadside diners wonderland Rocky Mountains scenic byways views topped Pacific Coast Highway coast charming beach towns natural coziness real Budget You fortune options fun memorable breaking tag smaller Hunter Bachelor fraction cost big Look package deals include accommodations lift tickets perks Rent cabin condo instead hotel affordable amenities planning creativity breaking bank Final Thoughts There’s better geography climates than offer everything epic resorts towns beachside communities Whether embrace chase weather options endless exactly