Where to Travel in February USA: Best Winter Vacations in the US

Have you always wanted to go to the US? Here’s a list we have created to ensure you have a great time over there: so, where to travel in February USA?

Best Warm Vacation Spots in the Winter in The USA

If you wish to escape the unprecedented winter cold and are looking for some sunshine, there are a number of warm places to visit in December USA (and in January). These include tropical islands and desert resorts. Be it warm places to visit in December USA or warm places to visit in January, everyone’s needs will be catered to. We will look at the best winter vacations in the US so you can prepare and strategize for your next trip! 

Santa Barbara, California

If you are looking for some warm and leisure-filled winter vacations in the US, look no further than Santa Barbara which is also known as “California’s Riviera”. Situated on the southern coast of California, Santa Barbara has great weather all year long, warm sunny beaches and great wineries.

Santa Barbara is an all-year edition as summer or winter or spring or autumn, this coastal city has a unique charisma and energy to offer. The temperatures are generally between the mid-60s to low 70s which makes it a comfortable city to visit all year. You could be lying on the beach, visiting the historic downtown, or even sightseeing at the vineyards which means there is never a dull moment.

• Santa Barbara Beaches: East beach and Butterfly beach are two of the most perfect and warm places to visit in December in USA for enjoying the warm sands and having a bit of fun by the water. 
• Wineries: Talking about Santa Barbara being a wine region, a visit to Lea Anne Wines and wine tastings are a must especially if you want stunning vineyard views. 
• Stearn Wharf Lookout: If you want to do a bit of shopping concomitantly while tasting diverse cuisines, visiting the historical pier is a great idea.
• Best Winter Warmth: Santa Barbara is perhaps the warmest place in US in January. 

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu is situated on Oahu Island and is an amalgam of rich culture, stunning beaches, and the most scenic views you can get your hands on. Plus with a hint of winter magic, Honolulu feels like a paradise on Earth. 

Honolulu enjoys a temperature around between 76 to 79-degree Fahrenheit which makes it one of the few places to visit in January USA. With Pleasant warmth and clear skies through winter, Honolulu is perfect for people who enjoy water sport activities or relaxing by the pool.

• Waikiki Beach: Don’t miss this place where you can sunbathe, surf, and enjoy a boat ride.
• Diamond Head: This famous volcano caldera can be hiked for a breathtaking view from the top.
• Pearl Harbor: This critical site serves as a tourism anchor where visitors get to know US history better.

Honolulu is an ideal winter vacation for someone who wants an island atmosphere and is getting bored of the freezing climate of most northern states of the US.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Nola is among the best winter getaways in the USA if you are looking for culture, food, and warm weather. This part of America has a great winter season. It is characterized by a strong music culture and a beautiful French quarter with exotic dishes like the perfect Creole food on offer.

In winters, New Orleans temperature stays around the 50s to 60s making it good to be around while exploring the bustling ambience of the city without the harsh summer heat. Winter months December-January are colder and less crowded making it an ideal time to visit. So, what can one do here? 

• French Quarter: Take a walk in this historic neighborhood with bars, cafes, and restaurants. 
• Bourbon Street: Dive into nightlife with jazz music and wonderful parades.
• Mardi Gras World: Learn about the floats and costumes that contribute to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

New Orleans depicts an exotic cultural experience along with its warm winter vacations in the USA; it should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is one of the US’s warm winter vacation destinations, as the winter lows reach around the 60s and 70s. This city which is set in a desert provides a blend of outdoor activities and urban city life.

If you wish to dodge snow and cold, the ideal season for you to visit Phoenix would be Winter. The sun’s presence allows for an ideal golfing session along with other activities while avoiding the summer scorch. Warm places to visit in January USA are diverse:

• Desert Botanical Garden: Research the different types of desert plants present in the region along with their vegetation.
• Camelback Mountain: A great and the warmest place in US in December for trail biking as it allows for stunning views of the city.
• Golfing: There is an opportunity to play in one of the best golf courses available.

December finds Phoenix among the warm states in December as it facilitates an unwelcoming environment for those who don’t enjoy the heat.

The Everglades, Florida

The Everglades in Florida can be a great winter vacation destination for those who want something out of the ordinary and think of warm places to visit in January in USA. This vast wetland is not only a great retreat during winter but is also an ultimate wildlife viewing area. 

It allows for bird watching, alligator spotting, or even a ride on an airboat, to name a few activities that are offered. Warm weather is always great for any activity, additionally, being a winter month, humidity and mosquito activity are both less active than during summer in the area.

Extremely amazing and diverse wildlife during winter months makes the Everglades a must visit. In contrast to summer months, winter allows for comfortable exploration of the sea, trails, and flora and fauna. The mild weather conditions help allow for comfortable use of the Everglades’ wonderful trekking paths, and fighting the heat is not required. Let’s see what to do here.

• Airboat Tours: Come to the Everglades and take a once in a lifetime airboat ride and watch alligators and other animals like birds in the water, that swim around in the swamp waters. 
• Wildlife Watching: Have visits to national parks in the everglades which have the most appealing display of wildlife animals coupled with their habitat.
• Hiking Trails: Great walking paths are found in everglades like the shark valley trail which make for good locations with many animal life to be spotted.

St. John, US Virgin Islands

To experience a vacation during the winter, filled with tropical allure, you can look forward to St John, a breathtaking tropical island in the US Virgin Islands; the beaches, warm climate, and a small town relaxed atmosphere make St John a great fit for a warm winter getaway alongside the rest of the US. 

With St John boasting stunning waters, vibrant cultural offerings, and smaller crowds during winter – you will be able to enjoy an amazing vacation surrounded by a picturesque landscape. Indeed, it is one of the top cheap warm places to visit in December in USA.

St John features warm weather all year, with every winter averaging around 80°F temperatures, meaning regardless of when you visit, the elements will be in your favor. Whether you snorkel in the warm reefs or take a glance at the Virgin Islands National Park, this location is the perfect blend of calm and scenic views, making it ideal for relaxation or exploration.

What are the top attractions of the region? 

• Explore Virgin Islands National Park, the gorgeous St. John: With a total area of over 5000 acres – delve into a combination of protected wildlife with hiking trails, historical ruins and of course, pristine sandy beaches.
• Diving and Snorkeling: If you want to take a look at fascinating marine life, you can head towards Trunk Bay, where you can view some exceptional coral reefs ideal for snorkeling.
• Cinnamon Bay: This picture perfect beach is ideal for a calm day, you can also rent kayaks as well and wander the coastline to explore further.

South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island, Texas, has beautiful sandy beaches, clear water and a relaxed atmosphere, being one of the best warm winter vacations USA. Offering relaxation and fun, it is an exceptional choice for people wanting a more outdoor winter vacation. The Mexican gulf island experiences winters that are in the sixties and seventies, ensuring comfort for vacationers. For a warmer winter retreat in the USA, it is an ideal location.

During the winters, the Island is relatively less crowded as compared to the summers but the temperatures are still comfortable enough for visiting the beach, making it a great time to visit South Padre Island. The island features a myriad of outdoor recreation ensuring it is an all year round vacation spot.

• Beach: Pamper yourself on a relaxing South Padre Beach, windsurfing or kiteboarding your way into a new experience.
• Sea Turtles, Inc.: Check out this non-profit service for sea turtle conservation.
• Dolphin Watching: Take a boat to venture off the southern coast to relax and watch dolphins in their natural habitat.

Snowy Winter Escapes

With skiing, snowboarding or a winter retreat in mind, you definitely should visit the US if you are looking for an amazing winter vacation full of cozy resorts, breathtaking scenery alongside plenty of snow. The best winter vacations USA has to offer include everything a snow lover could possibly wish for.

Aspen, Colorado

Being one of the most famed ski towns in the US, Aspen offers a wide variety of elegant resorts alongside stunning views and world class skiing opportunities making Aspen a winter dream.

Aspen is famous because it possesses the best ski resorts in the US, combined with the wide array of restaurants, shops and a marvelous nightlife, it is the perfect place to visit for anyone looking for fun or some rest. 

• Steal a few runs: start your day with some snowboarding or skiing at Buttermilk, or take some runs down Aspen Mountain snowboard.
• Explore the awesome sights of the outdoors with cross-country spit on snowshoes for an athletic challenge, or try some classical XC skis.
• Skip along the windy and centered strolls to explore local libraries and eateries for high-brand shopping and delicious food.

Park City, Utah

If you are looking for one of the best winter Getaways in the USA, then Park City is the place for you. This winter paradise is famous for its stunning Sundance Film Festival and ski resorts, which is not the only reason to visit Park City.

Fully dressed in snow with a couple of ski resorts around, Park City ranks high on the list of suitable places to visit in winter in USA to enjoy snow-based activities; the place also has a deep, rich heritage in art and cultural scene, making it suitable for the explorers out there who love culture in their fun. 

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Go ski or snowboard at Park City Mountain Resort, which is the second biggest ski in America. 
• Sundance Film Festival: Visit during the end of January to enjoy some of the best movies and programs at this international movie festival. 
• Historic Main Street: Have a look around the quaint historical part of Park City which comprises various galleries, restaurants and boutiques. 

Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place to go, and if you have a liking for winter sports it caters to that too. It is one of the top places to go in December in USA. Sitting right on the California and Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a spectacular site as you are surrounded by snow capped mountains while the view of the lake adds to the beauty while the snow coats it making it perfect for a winter escape.

Apart from being a skiing and snowboarding haven, Lake Tahoe has much more to offer and also has resorts that are worth winter skiing. Whether enjoying a warm evening next to a fireplace or adventuring outdoors, Tahoe winter vacation spots are ideal. 

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Popular resorts such as Northstar and Heavenly feature stunning snowboarding and skiing opportunities. 
• Snowshoeing and Ice Skating: Outdoor rinks are available for those who want to go ice skating during the winter season, or they can explore wonderful views on snowshoes. 
• Scenic Views: If you want to take in the breathtaking winter views, you could use a boat to dodge the crowds and travel around the lake instead of using a vehicle. 

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, promises snow-covered regions, a picturesque small town, and an extensive collection of winter sports for those really interested in a winter wonderland. This place remains one of the best ten to seek during the winter in the USA, especially for outdoorsy people. 

Apart from skiing, where else can one experience Jackson Hole? Nature delivers unrivaled beauty in Jackson Hole, together with Grand Teton National Park, which has the finest mountain range in the nation.

• Ski and Snowboard: Carve your way through the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort as you shred their advanced features. 
• Wildlife Tours: See bison, elk, and many more animals during a snowcoach and snowmobile tour.
• Winter Hiking: Head over to Grand Teton National Park for accessible trails that are scenic during the snowy months.

Winter City Vacations in the US

What about the best winter destinations in USA? For those who enjoy the wintertime appeal of urban settings and the pulsating atmosphere of twinkling city lights, a few winter travel spots in the United States might prove to be the ideal lively cities to visit during the winter season. These locations combine an urban experience with some snow and famous attractions and special events ideal for a winter vacation.

New York City, New York

There is nothing comparable to the experience of winters in New York City: top winter destinations USA are numerous here. New York City during holidays with all the lights, ice skating places and holiday markets is incredible to experience with a charm of its own.

Some of the main attractions in New York City include the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and Broadway shows, which guarantee ample fun during winter months. New York during the holiday season is a wonderful experience, and there is never a dull moment owing to the many sights and activities available.

What can one do here? 

• Skate in front of the Christmas tree located at Rockefeller Center.
• Shop for the latest items while enjoying the winter decorations on Fifth Avenue, then head over to the Union Square Holiday Market. 
• Watch one of the many shows performed during the Broadway seasons.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a city which should be on your bucket list to visit in the winter season. Chicago can be called one of the best winter vacations USA and it is also known for several cultural events. It is a city that has incredible architecture and a waterfront as well which pops even more in the chilly months.

Chicago is renowned for its holiday lights and festivals in winter and expressive Winter tourism advertisements. The Magnificent Mile gets mesmerizing decorations and the skating rinks are smooth along with the indoor entertainment out there making the city perfect for winter travel plans.

• Ice Skating at Millennium Park: Ever wanted to skate while having the city’s skyline all around you? Then don’t wait any further, as this skate park is iconic.
• Museum of Science and Industry: Kids will certainly enjoy this the most! It is one of the nation’s biggest science museums, and there are lots of activities to perform there.
• Holiday Lights Tour: The vibrant lighting shows along the Magnificent Mile and the cooler temperature make a joyous combination. Also, check out the Christkindlmarket.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is the city for you in winter if you have an interest in history or culture Boston is full of historical buildings whilst providing warm winter fun. Ice skating on Boston Common or A slew of perfect world class museums makes Boston a perfect winter escape.

Wonders of snow and American history meet in this delightful city. Boston remains as one of the cuter places to stay during the cold time of the year with plenty of cozying up to do with people because of all the lessened crowds in comparison to the summer almost because of the Boston iconic warm warmth. 

• Boston Ice Skating Rink: Great for casual visitors looking to spend smack in the middle of a gigantic park covered in fresh snow and frozen water. 
• Visit the Freedom Trail: Anyone out there hoping to learn more about the time when Americans fought for a change should drop by the Freedom Trail to learn about Boston and the time of the Revolution. 
• Visiting Christmas Markets: Anyone out there looking to grab unique gifts for their friends and family lose no time and try to be among the first to visit the annual Boston Christmas Festival.

Conclusion

In the US, winter vacations range from being beach and sun-centered to being all about snow and warmth. Depending on what you want, you’re able to head to a vacation that would provide you with memories to cherish. 

Be it cold utopias or warm paradises, there are a variety of the best winter vacations that are good for every kind of traveler. 

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