These 13 Beautiful US Cities To Visit in Winter While Everyone Else Complains About the Cold

Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.

Some US cities are surrounded by world-class skiing, while others have winter festivals that frequently break tourism records. From fantastic deals to special events, you’ll learn why these urban destinations are the best cities in the US for winter.

When the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, some cities in the US hunker down and wait for summer. Others come alive by decorating to the max, hosting massive festivals and events, and giving tourists the time of their lives.

Traveling in winter doesn’t have to be a drag, and these cities know it. Below are the 12 best winter destinations in the US.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Save this!

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

New Orleans becomes an epicenter of fun and one of the best US cities for winter vacations. From Halloween in October to Mardi Gras in March, the city comes alive in festivities when the weather gets colder.

Aside from Mardi Gras, winter in New Orleans sees lower tourist numbers, and many hotels offer money-saving deals. Also, winter is less humid and cooler, making the nights perfect for dancing in the streets and bar-hopping on Frenchman Street.

During Christmas and New Year, the Big Easy fills with lights, markets, and special events such as the West End Christmas Boat Parade. In January and February, as the locals prepare for Mardi Gras, you can enjoy the historical sites and live music away from the crowds of summer. If this doesn’t sound like the perfect winter destination, we don’t know what is.

New York City, New York

In New York City, winter equals big parties and tons of fun. The city transforms into a city of lights and festivities before Christmas time. On New Year’s Eve, millions of people cram into Manhatten to celebrate the famous Times Square Ball Drop.

After the mayhem of New Year’s Eve parties, tourists go home, and prices drop significantly. You can find the best deals of the year for hotels and events from mid-January to March.

If you visit the Big Apple in winter, you’ll experience romantic sights like Central Park covered in snow, Times Square decorated in lights, and the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to relive their favorite Christmas movies by wandering through the cold streets of Manhattan and stopping into a play on Broadway?

Chicago, Illinois

As soon as you step foot in Chicago, you’ll know right away why it’s one of the US winter travel hotspots. From its heart-warming holiday festivals to its celebrations, there’s no better time to check out the Windy City.

In December, Chicago’s businesses and homes set up some of the brightest holiday light displays in the world. Places like the Lincoln Park Zoo turn into winter wonderlands with intricate light shows, fun events, and activities.

Winter is also the best time to museum hop. You’ll find incredible deals and even free admission to some of the country’s most famous museums, such as the Field Museum, which is free every Wednesday. And if you’ve never seen Lake Michigan frozen over, you’re in for a beautiful winter sight.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is the place to be for winter, from its festivals and museums to its charming holiday lights and great travel deals. You’ll find hotel discounts and fewer crowds on popular tours such as the Hollywood Bus Tours.

Even though it’s winter, LA stays sunny and warm. You can spend the day at the beach in Santa Monica or go hiking in the San Bernadino Mountains. If museums are your thing, you’ll have the option of visiting some of the world’s most famous museums, such as The Getty or The Broad.

Another reason to visit Los Angeles for winter vacation is the festivities. From Pasadena’s famous Rose Parade on New Year’s Day to Hollywood’s holiday lights, you’ll experience more excitement than you can handle. A word of advice, don’t take the 405 Freeway during rush hour. You’ll wish you were anywhere else, maybe even icy Winnipeg, Canada.

Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City in winter will remind you that sometimes traveling a little off the beaten path can be incredibly fulfilling. Although the city doesn’t have the famous reputation of, say, New York City or LA, it sure brings plenty of fun and excitement during the winter.

You can find deals in the city’s iconic hotels such as the antique 21c Museum Hotel. Restaurants, bars, and the city’s famous craft breweries host epic winter events featuring live music and non-stop fun.

Even though the cold and blustery snow can be relentless, you’ll find locals to be extra delightful and welcoming of tourists during the winter. At night, catch a performance at the famous Kauffman Center or hit the ice at the Crown Center Ice Skating Rink.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston’s warm temperatures, historical sights, and welcoming winter events make it one of America’s best cities for winter. What makes it even better in winter, is you get to enjoy the city without sweating buckets, something anyone who lives there is accustomed to for most of the year.

You can hop into Charleston’s popular museums such as the Gibbes Museum of Art. Then, explore the old city center and marvel at its architecture and beautiful parks.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Throughout the winter, you can enjoy exciting events such as December’s A Very Electric Christmas or the Winter Wine Festival in February. You can also take a short drive to see destinations such as the McLeod Plantation and enjoy them without the summer crowds.

Miami, Florida

American Cities with a Unique Architectural Charm Miami — © littleny / Adobe Stock

Miami appears in pop songs, hit movies, and almost every form of pop culture out of the US. In winter, as the rest of the country suffers from hypothermia, the rhythmic mantra of Mi-a-mi plays on repeat in people’s minds. Yes, Miami is one of the best cities in the US for a warm winter getaway, for many reasons.

First, is the weather. Miami is tropical, and you’ll get to lounge around the beaches under coconut palms while getting a perfect sun tan or painful sunburn. If Miami’s beaches lose their thrills, you can rent a jetski or go on a deep-sea fishing excursion.

In the city, you’ll find some of the best entertainment on the planet, from dance clubs to theaters. And then there’s the delicious food scene. Don’t miss grabbing local delicacies and comfort food in the Wynwood and Little Havana neighborhoods. Trust us, it’ll be worth the plane ticket.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando may lack the cultural attractions and beaches of its big sibling, Miami, to the south, but it’s still an epic city to visit in the winter. If you love theme parks, rides, and holiday-themed parties, grab your tickets to Orlando.

From December to March, many theme parks and hotels offer incredible discounts. You’ll also be able to hop from ride to ride without waiting in the long lines of summer.

Winter is also the time of festivities such as Universal’s Holiday Parade and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. If you want a break from the theme parks, head downtown to check out the city’s famous restaurants and nightclubs or take a drive through the beautiful countryside and orange orchards.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is where winter sports and cultural activities converge to make one of the best winter getaways in the US. Bring your skis or snowboards and book your tickets to this winter paradise.

As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice the city covered in holiday lights and snow. Restaurants, bars, and theaters are packed with live entertainment, and there’s always something going on in the town’s open spaces, like Pioneer Park’s Lights On! 2024 in December.

After getting your fill of the big city fun, head outside the city or explore nearby Park City. Here, you’ll find Olympic-level ski slopes and some of the best snow on the planet for winter sports.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu is a culturally rich city with year-round tropical weather and warm water. If that’s not enough to put it on the list of top American cities to visit in winter, just dream of colorful sunsets, plate lunches, and bottomless roasted pork at a traditional luau, and you’ll want to start packing.

On Oahu’s southern shore, Honolulu features world-class shopping, dining, golfing, whale watching, surfing, hiking, and pretty much everything else aside from skiing. You’ll get to spend the day at the beach on Waikiki or see live music downtown.

Come night, the city comes alive with entertainment and events. The next day, check out Ala Moana Center for winter shopping deals or hit the road to experience the beautiful countryside of Oahu.

Austin, Texas

Austin makes having fun a top priority, especially in winter. You’ll get to take advantage of holiday deals at hotels while enjoying fewer tourists at events and attractions.

You’ll enjoy popular events such as the Blue Genie Art Bazaar and the Austin Trail of Lights in December. During the first week of January, you can see live music from some of the city’s top performers for free during Austin’s Free Week.

What makes Austin such an amazing winter destination is its warm weather. It rarely snows, and you can still enjoy the city’s outdoor activities throughout the winter. So put on your cowboy hat and boots, and get ready to experience the live music capital of the US in winter.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is more than the nation’s capital—it’s one of the best winter getaways in the US. Imagine visiting all the iconic landmarks like the White House and Washington Monument covered in snow. And the best part is, there will be fewer tourists.

As the temperatures plummet, you can find ice skating rinks and holiday markets such as the Downtown Holiday Market. The city’s parks become packed with carolers and vendors selling hot drinks.

During winter holidays like New Year’s Eve and Martin Luther King Jr Day, the city celebrates with live music, fireworks, and special events for the whole family. If those are not enough reasons to visit DC in the winter, Winter Restaurant Week happens every January or February.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is one of the best spots in North America to witness the Northern Lights, where the Aurora Borealis paints the night sky with shades of pink, green, and purple.

Fairbanks is not just about the night skies. Strap on snowshoes or hop on a snowmobile to explore the rugged terrain. Try dog sledding, where huskies lead you through frozen landscapes. End the day with a dip in Chena Hot Springs surrounded by a blanket of snow.