It may feel cold and dark this time of year, but winter is actually a fantastic time to visit many destinations across the U.S. Each state has its own magical, wintery scenery to share with locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking to ski, sip on hot chocolate while overlooking a mountain view, or escape to a tropical locale, there is something for everyone during this special time of year.
If you’re ready to beat the winter blues, here’s a list of 25 amazing winter travel destinations across the country that are sure to pique your interest. Get top-tier lodging, dining, and sightseeing recommendations here.
1. Alaska – Fairbanks
It may seem counterproductive to travel to one of the coldest states during winter, but Fairbanks, Alaska, is worth the trip if your goal is to witness the aurora borealis (also known as the northern lights). This spectacular natural phenomenon lights up the Alaskan sky from August to April, with the dark winter skies being the perfect viewing opportunity. During the day, hitch a ride on a dog sledding tour or go snowshoeing for the ultimate wintery experience.
2. Arizona – Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is a sight to behold, no matter the time of year. But winter is especially beautiful because you’ll often find a dusting of snow on the tips of red rock formations. Winter is considered the slow season at the Grand Canyon National Park, so it’ll be less crowded, and tours will likely be more available. Plus, you’ll avoid the scorching heat that Arizona summers are known for. If you’re going in the winter, try snowshoeing or riding the vintage train into the canyon from Williams.
3. Arkansas – Hot Springs National Park
After a day of hiking in the winter elements, there’s nothing better than slipping into a thermal hot spring to warm up. Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park has 47 beautiful thermal springs to soak in, with water bubbling up from the earth below. There are also indoor baths that pipe in water directly from the natural spring. The baths can reach up to 143 degrees Fahrenheit—it definitely feels like a hot tub.
4. California – Mammoth Lakes
Located right along the California-Nevada border sits the town of Mammoth Lakes. It’s nestled among the Sierra Nevada mountains, which makes it easy to forget that you’re in California at all. Mammoth Lakes is more than a sparkling, clear body of water: it’s a prime destination for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, and more. California natives and tourists love flocking to this spot every season.
5. Colorado – Vail Valley
Vail, Colorado, in the winter, is a no-brainer. The valley is home to world-class ski resorts and endless opportunities for beginners and seasoned pros to hit the slopes. But if skiing is not your thing, you can try snowboarding or snowmobiling, or simply relaxing in a ski lodge with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. Resorts like the Arrabelle or The Sebastian Vail can even turn the trip into a luxury wellness retreat, with their top-tier spas and hot springs.
6. Florida – Key West
If you’re looking to get away from the cold and snow, Key West, Florida, is the place to be. The southernmost tip of the state experiences temperatures in the 70s during winter—pretty mild for someone who lives up north! Catch some sun, surf, and much-needed vitamin D on the beautiful, sprawling beaches, and then explore the town’s diverse restaurants and shops located in quaint cottages.
7. Hawaii – Kauai
Speaking of a beach getaway, what better way to experience winter than in Hawaii? The island of Kauai is tropical, secluded, and considered a very romantic destination for couples. The average temperatures on the island range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, with a refreshing island cross-breeze all day long. There are plenty of beautiful resorts to choose from on this island, with rolling golf courses, private beach access, spas and restaurants, and much more.
8. Indiana – French Lick and West Baden
French Lick and West Baden are adjacent towns in southern Indiana, and both offer a variety of stately, historic lodging experiences that are perfect for winter. The French Lick Resort is home to three historic buildings, including the West Baden Springs Hotel, which is a National Historic Landmark. Each place is decorated beautifully for the holidays, so even if it’s chilly outside, it’s cozy and bright indoors.
9. Louisiana – New Orleans
The Big Easy is usually most crowded during Mardi Gras and the summer, so if you want to skip the crowds, winter is the perfect time to make a trip. Stroll down Bourbon Street and stop at a café for some scrumptious beignets from the famous Café du Monde or a hot, French-inspired café au lait from one of the many restaurants. New Orleans is also big on holiday spirit—most of the city is decked in decorations and lights in the wintertime.
10. Maryland – Assateague Island National Seashore
Ever seen wild horses galloping along a seashore in New England? Well, if you visit Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland, you’re bound to witness just that. The National Park’s roaming group of wild mares is separated into multiple herds—you can spot them grazing in the brush, roaming the open fields, or galavanting along the shoreline of the island. It’s quite the sight: you’ll forget all about being cold!
11. Michigan – Crystal Mountain Resort
Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Michigan, is a great spot to bring the entire family during winter break. The entire resort is decorated beautifully for the holidays, and the ski resort staff offer classes and opportunities for kids, beginners, and experts to ski all day long. Located near Lake Michigan, you can view the stunning, icy shores of the lake, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through. the town to take in the sights.
12. Montana – Whitefish
Montana is the epitome of a winter wonderland during this time of year. The town of Whitefish, in particular, is always covered with pillowy soft snow, making it the perfect setting for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and more. Stay at the Whitefish Mountain Resort for direct access to the slopes, or visit the nearby Glacier National Park, and spend some time at the local restaurants, cafés, and bars.
13. Nevada – Las Vegas
Most people think of Las Vegas during the sunny summer months, but if you’re looking to escape the sweltering desert heat, winter is the ideal time to visit. Besides, most Las Vegas attractions—casinos, luxury resorts, and specatular shows—are indoors, so there’s no need to step out into the elements. Plus, the city really does it up for holidays: the Bellagio Conservatory has beautiful holiday decor, and The Cosmopolitan hotel’s rooftop turns into an ice skating rink.
14. New Hampshire – North Conway
This quaint New Hampshire town is one of the best winter vacation destinations. The main area of North Conway is filled with local shops, cozy restaurants and cafés, and boutique lodging, but surrounded by dozens of popular ski resorts and winter sports facilities. It’s the perfect combination of cozy and sporty vibes. You can even go for sleigh rides and dog-sledding rides at select resort locations.
15. New Mexico – Taos
New Mexico isn’t often at the top of travelers’ winter bucket list, but the town of Taos is actually known for its ski resort—Taos Valley Ski Resort. During seasons with milder weather, the town is known for its camping, fishing, and sightseeing opportunities near the iconic New Mexico pueblos. But in winter, Taos turns into a ski lover’s dream, with perfect slopes, guided snowshoe tours, and relaxing outdoor hot tubs to top off those chilly days.
16. New York – New York City
Name a more iconic duo than winter and New York City—the two are simply made for each other. The Big Apple goes all out for the holidays, installing a larger-than-life Christmas tree in the middle of Manhattan, opening up the famous ice rink at Rockefeller plaza, and hosting several outdoor holiday markets in places like Union Square and Bryant Park. Every burough is just beautiful during this time of year. You won’t regret a wintertime galavant through the greatest city in the world.
17. North Carolina – Asheville
Many people flock to Asheville in the summer for cideries and festivals, or even the fall for the stunning foliage, but winter is also a great time to visit this charming, artsy town. Bundle up and go tubing, sledding, or skiing at the Hatley Pointe or visit some of the must-see attractions like the Biltmore Estate (which is always decorated for Christmas) or Chestnut for a bite to eat and craft cocktails. Downtown Asheville always has fun events and activites to join during this season, too.
18. Oregon – Mount Hood
Just a couple-hour drive from Portland, Oregon, is Mount Hood—a huge volanic mountain that’s a prime spot for winter sports. Locals and tourists flock to the multiple ski slopes nearby, including Skibowl and Timberline Lodge, where you can enjoy a day of skiing and then cozy up at the lodge with a glass of cider or mulled wine. It’s the perfect spot to take in the wintery scenery.
19. Rhode Island – Newport
It can get pretty frigid in Newport, a small Rhode Island town on Aquidneck Island. But between the New England charm and variety of warm indoor sights to see, it’s a perfect place to stow away for the winter. After a day of ice skating or sledding, stop at The Chanler’s hot chocolate bar for a cup of rich, artisanal cocoa. Then, reserve a pop-up igloo at The Reef for a scrumptious dinner. Bonus: the igloos are heated!
20. South Carolina – Myrtle Beach
Winter is the slow season in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which means that hotels will be less expensive and crowds won’t be as large. The beach town is home to a fun boardwalk, filled with amusement park rides, carnival games, and food vendors with all sorts of yummy, beachy fare. Sure, the water might not be warm enough to swim (unless you’re a polar plunge fanatic), but you can still enjoy lounging in the sand and taking in the waterfront views.
21. Tennessee – Nashville
Whether you’re visiting to stroll through downtown and take in the holiday decorations, or to escape to the suburbs filled with wintery delights, Nashville, Tennessee, is a bucket-list destination this time of year. Music City is bustling during the holidays, with tons of live music and events to attend that’ll get you in the spirit. You can even go ice skating or meet reindeer at the historic Gaylord Opryland Resort.
22. Utah – Park City
Utahans claim the state has “the greatest snow on earth,” and if you’ve ever been to Park City, it’s hard to disgree with that statment. The iconic ski town draws tourists from all over the globe, thanks to its world-class ski resorts and stunning scenery. Stay at the luxurious Stein Erikson Lodge Deer Valley or Waldorf Astoria, and book a relaxing spa day after time spent on the slopes. Or, stroll through the historic downtown area, where you’ll also see tons of cozy cabins inhabited by locals. Just be sure to bundle up—it gets frigid here.
23. Virginia – Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia, attracts U.S. history buffs all-year round, but winter is an especially wonderful time to visit. Yes, it will be cold, but there’s something so magical about touring historic Jamestowne, Yorktown, and other colonial attractions with a fresh dusting of snow. After taking a guided tour, visit one the many breweries in town or bring the family to the nearby Great Wolf Lodge for indoor activities.
24. Washington – Leavenworth
Leavenworth, Washington, is a Bavarian-themed city that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe without leaving the U.S. Winter in the peak season for this festive town, which hosts a ton of holiday activities and Christmas markets, all while covered in thousands of lights and decorations. After walking the cobblestone streets to see the apline-style homes and lodges, head out into the snow for tubing, sledding, and sleigh rides. It’ll be busy, but so worth the trip.
25. Wyoming – Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a popular winter travel destination, thanks to it’s world-class lodging and dining options. Stay at one of the many luxurious ski lodges and hit the slopes, go snowboarding, or hitch a ride on a dog sled. Or, pay a visit to the National Elk Refuge for a one-of-a-kind sleigh ride, go on a fat tire bike ride, or dip in the nearby hot springs.
Which of these destinations is at the top of your winter travel bucket list? Whether you’re looking to bundle up and experience the snow, or chill out on a tropical island, there’s something for everyone during this time of year across the U.S. Start planning your getaway now, and use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to get customized lodging, dining, and sightseeing recommendations.
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
link