If you’re anything like me, then the winter gets you down. Luckily, there are so many incredible winter getaways in the US to escape the cold! So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bathing suit, your towel, and your sunscreen and get ready to plan your next vacation!
I’ve been to all 50 states and I’ve spent a lot of winters trying to seek out the warmth. I’ve traveled in my van and I’ve traveled by plane looking for the very best places to enjoy the sun and escape the winter. Now, I’m sharing all of my favorite locations for the winter, so that you can also get rid of the winter blues.
Read below to find out about my favorite US warm weather destinations from romantic locales to family-friendly vacations. There’s truly something from everyone and you’ll get to bask in the sun during the coldest months of the year.
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Best Winter Getaways USA
1. Key West, Florida
Key West is the southernmost spot in the continental U.S., making it the perfect escape from the cold. With temperatures staying in the high 70s to low 80s, it feels like a tropical paradise. Key West has an amazing vibe with a lively bar scene, great seafood restaurants, and beautiful beaches to soak up the sun. ☀️
Beyond the beach, winter in Key West is full of unique experiences. Wander through Old Town, take a ride on the Conch Train 🚞, visit Ernest Hemingways’ House, or go for a sunset sail. And if you have time, take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. This remote park has some of the bluest water you’ll ever see, along with abundant sea and bird life. I’ve visited 56 national parks, and it’s still one of my favorites!
Winter in Key West combines warm weather, laid-back island vibes, and endless things to do—it’s a destination you’ll want to return to every year.
Things to Do in Key West
- Stroll down Duval Street
- Visit the Southernmost point in the continental US
- Take the Conch Train Tour
- Visit Dry Tortugas National Park for a day
Where to Stay in Key West
Key West has tons of fantastic resorts and hotels to choose from, whether you’re after a relaxing beach retreat or a family-friendly spot. Where you stay depends on what you’re looking for—like walkability, amenities, or a quieter vibe. Check out a few of my top picks below!
Lodging in Key West
2. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is one of my favorite winter destinations and I’ve spent three different winters exploring this gorgeous red rock area. It’s known for having a healing energy with vortexes throughout the area and tons of spas to relax in 😌. While the crowds come in spring and summer, winter is often quieter with nice temperatures.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Sedona area that are perfect for individuals with a variety of passions from arts to the outdoors. Spend your days hiking some of the most beautiful trails in the country, wander into incredible art galleries, or just chill out at the spa. It’s sure to be a restorative winter getaway no matter what.
Things to Do in Sedona
- Visit a spa and relax
- Go on one of the many incredible hikes in the red rocks
- Take a Jeep tour
- Go on a hot air balloon ride
Where to Stay in Sedona
Sedona is famous for its beautiful resorts nestled into the red rocks, complete with incredible spas. But if you’re on a budget or want something different, there are also amazing free camping spots right among the red rocks. I highly recommend these if you’re looking to enjoy more time outdoors.
Lodging in Sedona
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3. Joshua Tree & Palm Springs, California
My grandparents spent every winter flying across the country to Palm Springs California. With weather in the 80s, gorgeous resorts, and tons of great restaurants restaurants- who could blame them? Head down to Palm Springs for the winter and you’ll see why it’s a fantastic destination.
So spend the winter months relaxing by the pool 👙, exploring art museums, or exploring the desert. Plus, you can attend the Palm Springs International Film Festival to see some of the most incredible movies.
Then, I would allocate at least a full day in Joshua Tree National Park hanging out among the Joshua Trees. Drive through the scenic park, see the unique cacti 🌵, go on a hike, and visit the funky town of Joshua Tree outside the park. You will surely love it!
Things to Do in Joshua Tree & Palm Springs
- Relax by a pool at a resort
- Explore the landscape of Joshua Tree
- Go spend a day golfing
- Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is known for their beautiful and fun resorts with large pools to lay by or jump in. Even if you don’t have a large budget, they have fun hotels with funky styles that are usually a bit cheaper. We were able to stay at a hotel with a great pool and fun vibe for well within our budget.
Lodging in Palm Springs
4. Austin, Texas
Austin is one of most fun cities in the US that everyone needs to visit at least once! It has incredible food, a lively music scene 🎵, tons of outdoor activities, and great events year round. Winter is the perfect time to go with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Austin has so much to offer all season long.
Drive through the Trail of Light in Zilker Park, hike up to Mount Bonnell for sunset, and gorge yourself on great food like tacos and BBQ. There are endless possibilities of ways to spend your time in Austin, so you will never get bored.
I haven’t lived there, but I spent a month there in January and it was the best winter getaway. Escaping the snowy weather in DC, eating endless tacos, and enjoying daily walks made it an incredible experience!
Things to Do in Austin, Texas
- Go shopping on Congress Street
- Paddle on Lady Bird Lake
- Get delicious Austin BBQ
- Take a dip in Barton Springs
- Spend a day at Zilker Park
Where to Stay in Austin
Austin is a large city, but there are only a few areas that I would recommend staying in for first time visitors. Downtown Austin is a central location that is close to many of the best attractions, while East Austin and Rainey Street are more lively areas with good food. Below are some of my recommendations for great hotels in the city!
Lodging in Austin
5. Moab, Utah
Moab is the perfect winter getaway for those outdoorsy individuals. It’s home to two national parks, incredible rock climbing areas, and tons of off-roading paths. It’s really the quintessential spot to escape the cold and enjoy outdoor adventures.
Spend a few days enjoying the warmth of Southern Utah while you explore everything the area has to offer. Start your mornings early by going on a sunrise hike, tackle one. of the incredible rock climbing routes 🧗🏻♀️, or take an off-roading tour through wild red rock routes. Fuel up for your adventures at Moab Garage or the Food Truck park. Moab is truly the quintessential winter destination for the outdoors lover.
Things to Do in Moab
- Explore Arches National Park for a day
- Go on a 4×4 Jeep Ride
- Take on a rock climbing route
- Venture into Canyonlands National Park
Where to Stay in Moab
Moab is a fairly small town, so luckily all of the lodges are nearby. You can choose from nice relaxing resorts or spend time camping under the stars. We’ve stayed at Red Cliffs Lodge as well as the free camping areas nearby and they were all incredibly scenic. No matter what there will be endless options of activities to indulge in.
Lodging in Moab
Final Tips for Planning a Winter Getaway
Even though winter is often a cheaper time to travel, just know that if you plan on going over the holidays places can be pricey. If you have any flexibility, I recommend taking your winter trip during the rest of the season. Also, even in some of these destinations things may be closed, so it’s important to look them up in advance. Otherwise, have a wonderful winter escape and get out into the sun!
Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this post!
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