If you’re planning on visiting the USA, you might want to consider visiting in the winter. Sure, summer vacations are more traditional but they are also more common. Why not avoid some of the summer tourists and travel to the US in the winter? Here you can choose from warm winter vacations to white winter wonderlands. In order to help you thin out the lengthy list of options, here are the best places to visit in the USA in the winter.

Best Places To Visit In The USA In Winter

1. San Francisco, California

This Northern California city is famous for Alcatraz Prison, the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, diverse cultures, Victorian homes, and world-class cuisine. Visiting in the winter translates to fewer tourists and better hotel rates. In the winter you can visit the sea lions off Pier 39, go whale watching, enjoy the Chinese New Year parade, take in the towering Christmas trees, colorful two-story gingerbread houses, the brightly-lit boat parade, and even take part in a fun Santa-themed pub crawl. Other winter highlights here include the popular Illuminate SF Festival of Light, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and the Uncorked Wine Festival. Average temperatures are in the high 50s, so pack accordingly.  

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Telluride, Colorado

This former silver mining town is located in a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains. It’s been a super ski resort since the 1970s but it still retains its Old West vibe.  Telluride is a great place for biking and hiking in the summer but in the winter the ski slopes are surprisingly uncrowded.

It’s exclusive and significantly remote as well. This is due to the fact that it’s a good five-hour drive from Denver, the location of the closest major airport. Thus it also hosts fewer tourists than such other well-known ski resorts as Breckenridge, Eagle, or Vail. There are only 2,500 residents and the gondola to Mountain Village is free!

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Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is famous for being the location of numerous world-class wineries, and California’s comparatively mild winter is a great time to enjoy a cozy cabernet on a comfy heated patio. Providing it’s dry, you can take an outdoor winery tour and do a patio tasting. Being low-season, even the most famous wineries are comparatively crowd-free.

This means less competition to make reservations at the wineries (and some restaurants as well). Fewer tourists translates to a more individualized tasting experience too. Some travel bloggers specifically suggest a stop at the popular Robert Biale Vineyards. Here you can see the vines from the patio. Be sure to sample the red wine as well.

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Bend, Oregon

Located east of the Cascade Mountains, Bend is reported to be the state’s premier outdoor playground. It features lovely lakes, majestic mountains, raging rivers, and both volcanic and desert landscapes. It is also a year-round wonder for photographers and nature lovers. From November to April, it is also one of the best places for downhill skiing and snowboarding if you head to Mount Bachelor.

Indeed, it’s great for other winter sports as well. Here you can take advantage of the ice skating rinks, and sledding hills. There are also many miles of trails where you can go snowshoeing or even Nordic skiing. Several of the hiking trails here remain accessible and generally snow-free too. 

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Mammoth Lakes, California

Enjoy seeing snow-dusted mountains, frozen lakes, and some of the country’s very best skiing? Visit Mammoth Lakes this winter. Indeed, here you will find the popular Mammoth Mountain ski resort featuring the state’s highest chairlift-serviced mountain peak.

Mammoth has one of the nation’s longest ski seasons. It’s been known to last as late as sometime in August. It’s also a great place for snowboarding, sledding, and watching the sunset at one of the frozen lakes. Finally, cozy up in a cabin and defrost in front of a roaring fire complete with some hot chocolate or your fave adult beverage! Don’t forget to check out the quaint used bookstore, the Booky Joint, either!

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is the historic birthplace of the USA. In the winter, you can escape the chill air by visiting Independence Hall where you’ll see for yourself where the American Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed. The hourly tours are free and other historic must-see sites are less than one block away, so you can easily visit the American Constitution Center and the Liberty Bell.   

See the site of the nation’s first Presidential Mansion. Yes, George Washington slept here, as well. Check out the great Christmas trees at City Hall and LOVE too. Other highlights include the Christmas markets and outdoor ice skating sites. Take a day trip to ski in the Pocono Mountains.

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Key West, Florida

Key West is a great warm winter destination. It’s part of the Florida Keys. The most popular place here is arguably Duval Street. Here you can explore bars, boutiques, and restaurants.

As the day closes, be sure to stop in Mallory Square for the striking sunset celebration. Take the traditional picture of the well-known Southernmost Point Buoy which marks the continental USA’s southernmost point. Go on one of the ghost tours, visit a couple of the noteworthy museums, and stop at Ernest Hemingway’s old residence too.  

Go snorkeling or just relax. Are you up for a day trip? Take the ferry and go explore Dry Tortugas National Park. Don’t miss Fort Jefferson either. 

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Marquette, Michigan

The town of Marquette is found on the coast of well-known Lake Superior. It’s reportedly the snowiest place east of the Rockies. Indeed, this winter wonderland receives almost 150 inches of snow on average.

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy miles of trails for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and even snow biking. Need more excitement? Head to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and try your hand (and foot) at ice climbing on the striking sandstone cliffs there. Go snowshoeing around popular Presque Isle Park. Head downtown and go ice skating then have a beer by the fire at one of the local breweries. Visit in February and see the start of the well-known UP 200 dog sledding race. 

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Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is close to the town of North Pole, the state’s second-largest city, and one of the country’s best winter destinations. Visit at the beginning of Winter Solstice and watch as the city is blanketed in snow and the storefronts and streetlights are decked out in garland, lights, and tinsel. Perhaps the most popular activities here are focused on dog sledding, hot springs, reindeer ranches, and seeing the Northern Lights. You should also see the Christmas gift shop known as Santa’s Workshop. If you wait until early March, you can see a number of different cultural or artistic events such as the Festival of Native Arts, and the World Ice Sculpting Championships.

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Wisconsin

Yes, this state has some of the nation’s coldest temperatures in winter. Still, there are many fun winter activities to be found here. Visit Door County and go ice fishing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

You can also take a fun winter wine tour and snowy sleigh ride, and then warm up with a real, old-school fish fry. There are also the ice caves of Apostle Island located in Bayfield. Found along lovely Lake Superior, they are in part the result of waves splashing onto the rock and partially freezing onto the cliff. Visit between late January through late February, since the lake has to be frozen solid in order to access the caves.

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Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth is found in the northern part of the state on the shores of well-known Lake Superior. There’s a surprising variety of both indoor and outdoor activities here and thus it is one of the country’s most underrated winter destinations. For example, there’s the annual Bentleyville “Tour of Lights”, which is the biggest, free seasonal light festival in the nation.

Spirit Mountain is great for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and snow tubing too. Indoor activities include a weekend tour of the local assorted eateries. Veteran visitors recommend the Zeitgeist. It’s a nice diner complete with a boutique movie theater that focuses on indie films. There’s also the Rathskeller cocktail bar, situated in the old city hall building.

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Denver, Colorado

Denver is a great place for a winter weekend getaway. It’s close enough to the mountains to go skiing but it offers other activities. Head to Union Station where you’ll take in the sight of the quaint historic train station decorated for the holidays.

Do some ice skating in Skyline Park. If you have your own skates, it’s free. If not, you can rent adult skates for $9.00 or $7.00 for children aged 12 and under. Foodies can explore the Denver Central Food Market and get some culture at the Denver Art Museum. Be sure to see the towering 110-foot tree of lights in the center of the city throughout December.

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Joshua Tree, California

Some say this is one of those must-see places that is often too hot in the summer to truly enjoy. After all, most of the year, it’s generally 99 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Ah, but if you want to beat the heat, visit Joshua Tree from December through March when you can more comfortably explore this beautiful 794,000-acre area.

Hike the Indian Cove Trail, which leaves clues about the Native American tribes that once lived here, or climb the famous “Chasm of Doom” which is the result of numerous huge boulders that are pressed together to form a rugged tunnel-like canyon. Get a good look at the iconic trees there as well.

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 Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is yet another place that becomes a wonderful winter wonderland when the temperatures drop. While a portion of the park is closed in the winter, there is still a lot to do here. You can go cross-country or back-country skiing.

Put on your microspikes or snowshoes and do some winter hiking. Hike to Dream, Nymph, and Emerald Lakes. It is quite pretty in the winter and is less than four miles total. The trailhead is at Bear Lake. If you enjoy spotting wildlife, you are in luck. Indeed, it is not uncommon for park visitors to see such four-legged residents as bighorn sheep and even elk. 

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Mt Baker, Washington

If you enjoy snowy adventures, head to Mt Baker in Washington State’s Cascade Mountain range. The friendly Mt Baker Ski Resort is one of the nation’s few existing family-run ski resorts. Here you’ll find newbie-friendly runs to off-piste skiing for skiers who are more advanced.

It’s not one of the larger resorts and thus there are generally not long lift lines and the slopes are comparatively quiet. The prices are lower here too. Furthermore, this place usually gets the largest snowfall of any of the other resorts in the lower 48. If you’d rather go snowshoeing, the Artist Point snowshoe trail is highly recommended. It’s a well-marked trail and only four miles in length.

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Leavenworth, Washington

If you can’t afford to go see the Christmas Markets in Europe, despair not! Travel to the charming Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. Although it’s just two hours from Seattle, your drive will take you to a place that seems far from there.

As the December holidays approach, Leavenworth becomes a twinkling scene from a seasonal snow globe. Visit the town’s gazebo and enjoy live music by performers in traditional German clothing as your kids go sledding there. Enjoy the famous Christmas lighting events held there on the weekends.  

Want to avoid the crowds? Visit after Christmas, as the businesses there keep the lights lit throughout winter. You can go skiing, snowshoeing and hot-tubbing too.

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New York City, New York

New York City is a cosmopolitan metropolis that pulls out all the stops when temperatures drop, and the snow begins to fall. Marvel at the sight of the Empire State Building lit for the holidays. See the snow-covered city from high atop the famous building too.

Visit Rockefeller Center and see the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. You can even ice skate there (although it’s often crowded and costly.)! Veteran visitors suggest the Standard Rink or the Sky Rink as exceptional alternatives for ice skating. Stop at Radio City Music Hall and take in the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular and watch the Rockettes literally kick up their heels as well.

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Hawaii

Hawaii, the Big Island, offers visitors lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, and great weather all year long so it’s an exceptional winter destination and a great way to beat the summer crowds. Sources disagree on which island is the best, as it depends on one’s interest. The Big Island has exceptional resorts, and Volcanoes National Park which features active volcanoes and the biggest volcano on the planet, and the Kona Brewery.

Kauai, the Green Island, is highlighted by lush greenery and Waimea Canyon State Park. Maui includes the Road to Hana, and arguably the best sunrise on Haleakalā. Oahu, the birthplace of yours truly, has Disney’s Aulani Resort, North Shore, Pearl Harbor, and Waikiki Beach.

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 Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Head to South Florida where you’ll find another hot US winter destination, Fort Lauderdale. Known to some as the “Venice of America”, it is becoming more popular as a great place to kick back on the beach and soak in some Vitamin D. Roughly 24 miles from its giant neighbor, Miami, it is reportedly literally becoming the “Queen of Florida.”

Yes, Fort Lauderdale has a gay scene that has significantly blossomed over the past couple of decades. Indeed, today it is one of the world’s “top LGBTQ destinations.” The best time to visit is from December to March. It’s outside of hurricane season and temperatures range between the high 50s and the mid-80s.  

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New Orleans, Louisiana

Sure, Mardi Gras is on a lot of bucket lists. However, New Orleans is a fun, unique place to visit in winter too. The summer can be oppressively hot.

Even if you get a little chilly checking out the local architecture and culture, it’s perfectly legal to carry a warming adult beverage with you. (Of course, if you’re riding the streetcar, you best finish it before you board.) If you’ve already taken the French Quarter tour and are feeling more adventurous, check out Frenchmen Street.

Here you’ll find numerous bars complete with a reportedly “eclectic clientele” perfect for people-watching. Other highlights here include the eateries and boutiques on Magazine Street and historic St. Charles Avenue.

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Death Valley National Park, California

This national park is almost 215 miles out of L.A. Spanning more than 5,000 square miles, it’s the largest in the contiguous United States and includes a number of different landscapes. It’s also one of the hottest places on the planet.

Since it can be as hot as 120 degrees Fahrenheit here in the summer, why wouldn’t you visit in the winter? During the winter months, the weather is more agreeable and sightseeing and hiking the more than 30 hiking trails here is much more comfortable. The best time to visit is between November and March. Highlights include Badwater Basin, the Artist’s Palette, and Zabriskie Point.

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Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe is one of the country’s ultimate ski destinations. Therefore, it should be no surprise to see this place on this list. World-class slopes surround the lake and thus draw skiers from across the globe.

The 1960 Olympics were even hosted here at the resort once named Squaw Valley. In fact, visitors can still ski some of the slopes used by the competitors. Not feeling quite that skilled?  

You can opt for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snow tubing. Check out the well-known Olympic museum atop one of the ski lifts too. Fly into Reno and score a free lift ticket from one of the area resorts as well!

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Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock, Vermont is a historical destination. In the winter, however, it can be almost magical. After all, this area has a cold, long winter and snow is common from late November until early April.

The neighboring mountains are wonderful for skiing and snowboarding. Additionally, Woodstock has long been considered one of the country’s prettiest towns.

Indeed, this classic Currier-and-Ives-like village is art come to life. Picture the little homes and old covered bridges dusted with fresh snow. Be sure to check out the popular Wassail Weekend, and watch Woodstock transform into a beautiful Victorian Christmas world, complete with breakfast with Santa, charming horse-drawn sleighs, and more.

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Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is popular all year. However, it’s a great addition to any winter destination bucket list because you avoid the crowds and school tours. In the winter you can enjoy the holiday festivities and the usual tourist stops such as the National Mall, the fun-filled, adventurous Smithsonian Museums, the zoo, memorials, monuments, theaters, and even Michelin Star restaurants in the city. Be sure not to miss the yearly National Christmas Tree lighting on The Ellipse, next to the White House. Other highlights include the Christmas Market, the light maze at Enchant, the Zoolights at the National Zoo, and the art exhibit known as GLOW.  

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Sedona, Arizona

The intriguing topography and striking red rock scenery make Sedona a worthwhile addition to any list, especially if you enjoy hiking. During the day the temperature stays somewhere in the 60s. Sedona is also known for its healing culture.

Here you will meet energy healers, enjoy healing massages, and experience the Sedona Vortex. Whether you believe in energy emanations and vortexes, veteran visitors confess to feeling great while there. One of the most popular attractions here is Devil’s Bridge.  

The out-and-back hike to see it totals 4.2 miles, but it’s well worth the effort. Be sure to cross the natural bridge. It might look scary from afar but you actually have a wide path that doesn’t feel scary at all. (Sedona also has the only McDonald’s with green arches!)

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We know everyone loves summer vacation! Summer is a great time to go places. But the truth is, winter is also an excellent time to travel if you know where to go! Just because it might get darker sooner, the days seem shorter, and the temperature may be cooler, doesn’t mean you can’t go places and have a great time! Indeed, as proof of that, we now present to you the 10 best winter cities in the world.

10 Best Winter Cities in the World

1. New York City, USA

New York City is arguably the most famous city in the US state of New York. The “Big Apple” is a festive place for the winter holidays. The iconic Empire State Building is lit up and the view of the snow-dusted city below is almost magical.

The Rockefeller Center comes complete with a brightly shining, towering Christmas tree and a fun ice-skating rink as well. Visit after the holiday weeks and you’ll notice that the drop in temperature results in the sidewalks, numerous stores, and assorted attractions being comparatively devoid of tourist crowds too.  

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Berlin, Germany

Regular readers recall that during the holidays this city includes countless Christmas markets featuring festive stalls selling steaming-hot mugs of good Glühwein, sizzling German sausages, and such seasonal sweet treats as gingerbread houses. Yet even after New Year’s Eve, the capital still reportedly rocks winter. After it snows, Tiergarten Park transforms into a winter wonderland and there are actually official snowball fights in the city parks complete with DJs and even live music. See the remains of the iconic Berlin Wall and sample some currywurst at a cozy local eatery too.

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London, United Kingdom

London, England has a lot going for it in the winter. Shopaholics will be happy to know that the shopping is world-class even in the winter. The iconic tourist stops remain remarkable and some travel journalists say there is something quite “British” about a walk through Hyde Park when your breath steams out into the air and the grass is crisp beneath your feet. The friendly little pubs and intimate eateries emit a soft amber glow as the locals step out onto the streets swaddled in caps and scarves.

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Sydney, Australia

For those who can’t get enough summer sun, you can always journey to the popular Northern Hemisphere when winter winds begin to blow. Go Down Under to Sydney where the temperature is always around 27 degrees Celsius. Hit the beach and go surfing or top off your tan. See the iconic sights and check out the local nightlife too. Veteran visitors say the best thing about Sydney in the winter is you pack your bathing suit and sandals instead of your winter coat.  

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Dublin, Ireland

Ireland may not be a tropical paradise, but it is the only place to experience the infectious, indomitable Irish spirit. The warm, welcoming Dublin pubs and taverns quickly counteract the chilly air. Sample a pint and some live music with the locals. As previously reported, the Irish capital has something that instantly makes you feel at home. There’s also something to be said for exploring the breathtakingly beautiful Dublin Castle in the chill of winter. It sets a certain mood that makes it all the more enticing.

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San Diego, USA

When you think of Christmas, you might not think of golfing, surfing, or paddleboarding. Nevertheless, those in the know can confirm that it’s a lot easier to find an intimate bit of beach when the tourists have traveled elsewhere, and the athletic types have gone to the mountains to go skiing. Why the others are wrapping up for winter, you can chill at La Jolla, tour the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, check out scenic Coronado, take a harbor cruise, and even take the kids to Legoland. 

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Chamonix, France

On the other hand, if you think winter wouldn’t be winter without a ski trip, then this is the place to be. Who can deny that the best part about the season can be schussing down the frozen side of a snowy mountain to end up all cozy with a steaming hot chocolate? Here in this stunning setting, you can also enjoy incredible panoramic views of the famous French Alps – including massive Mont Blanc. You don’t have to be an Olympic-class athlete to appreciate the splendor.  

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Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is cold in the winter, but it is world-famous for both its celebrations and its overall charm. Also known as the “City of a Thousand Spires”, the noteworthy baroque architecture and striking skyline towers over the frosty ground and is full of fun festivals. Visit in December and stroll the brightly-colored Christmas markets that line the olden streets and stay until New Year’s Eve and watch the sky erupt with fantastic fireworks. You can bid winter farewell in February or March at the masked Bohemia Carnival.

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Reykjavik, Iceland

For this trip, you’ll not only need your wooly winter wear but your bathing suit too. Yes, you read that correctly, here you can not only explore vast glaciers but also volcanic landscapes, and erupting geysers too. Here you can actually soak in the natural geothermal baths while watching the skies for the Northern Lights.

What’s more, you will be doing it in one of the world’s most peaceful and safest countries. Check out the numerous restaurants and pubs too. Indeed, you simply must sample the wares at the Baejarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand, whose well-known customers include Kim Kardashian. 

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Havana, Cuba

Like the water but want to avoid the wintery waters of Europe? Put on your bathing suit and hit the Caribbean here in Havana. Stroll the cobblestone streets often lined with classic cars, sample seafood fresh from the sea and eateries on the pretty palm-lined beaches, then drop in at a nightclub and you can salsa away the night. While the other athletic types are skiing on the slopes, you can be scuba diving off Cuba’s coast, discovering the colorful coral reefs under the sea.

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