These 13 Winter Getaways in the US Are So Good, You’ll Want To Stay Until Spring

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Winter is the perfect season to take a trip to the United States. From epic skiing to tropical getaways, you’ll find plenty of amazing destinations to experience in the US in the winter.

The US is full of places that celebrate the winter with a bang. You’ll find snow-covered mountains, beautiful beaches, and non-stop fun adventures.

Several places in the US do winter better than anywhere else. Below are the 12 best places in the US to travel in the winter.

Aspen, Colorado

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Few mountain getaways have inspired so many people as Aspen. From famous writers and actors to winter sports heroes, this small Colorado town has truly made an impact on American culture.

When you visit Aspen in the winter, you’ll be treated to some of the best skiing in the country. From Aspen Mountain to the Aspen Highlands, you’ll find amazing ski resorts and world-class slopes surrounding the town.

If you’re not enjoying the outdoors, you can find famous spas, incredible shopping, and excellent restaurants. If you visit during the last two weeks of December, you can experience winter activities like the 12 Days of Aspen festival. With live music, Christmas lights, and tons of fun events, it’s a winter celebration like nothing else in North America.

San Diego, California

Warm destinations for February San Diego — © f11photo / Adobe Stock

California’s southernmost city stays sunny and warm for most of the year. In winter, you can find plenty of sun, surf, and sand. You can catch outdoor events, live music and enjoy plenty of activities.

Head to San Diego’s theme parks to experience some of the biggest winter celebrations in the country. From SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration to Holidays at LEGOLAND, no matter how old you are, you’ll find endless fun.

One of the biggest draws to the city is the world-famous San Diego Zoo. During the winter, the zoo celebrates the winter season with the Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park event. You can experience a truly wild safari right downtown.

Park City, Utah

If you want to experience some of the best skiing in the world in an amazing setting, head to Park City. This small town is just a short drive from Salt Lake City. It’s full of world-class restaurants, entertainment, and unparalleled natural beauty.

During the winter, Park City comes alive. On top of skiing, you can experience sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snow tubing, and even dog sledding in the countryside. Then, as the sound goes down, head to one of the town’s famous restaurants or bars for live music and holiday events.

If you visit in January, you can experience the Sundance Film Festival, one of the world’s most famous celebrations of the world of film.

Burlington, Vermont

Vermont may be famous in the fall, but come winter, the state transforms into an icy paradise. In Burlington, you’ll get to hit the slopes at one of the town’s famous ski resorts, such as Bolton Valley. Or, head out on snowshoes or cross-country skis through the town’s forests and trails in this winter wonderland.

After taking on the mountains and wilderness, take a drive around Lake Champlain for stunning winter views. You can even try your luck at ice fishing when it gets cold enough. Stowe, the charming town in Vermont, is just a short drive away.

Downtown Burlington transforms into a beautiful winter shopping paradise. Don’t miss the annual Church Street Marketplace, one of the most charming holiday markets in the country. For a wintery getaway, it’s hard to find a better destination.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, the third largest city in the US, is full of winter fun. You can start your day marveling at Chicago’s architecture. Then, head to the Christkindlmarket Chicago, one of the largest Christmas markets in the country.

Afterwards, check out one of the city’s iconic museums, such as the Art Institute of Chicago. Then, head to the Lincoln Park Zoo for the popular Lights Festival. Here, you’ll enjoy the entire zoo covered in special Christmas decorations and colorful lights.

At night, Chicago transforms into a winter celebration. You’ll get to dine in iconic restaurants and sit at historic bars while the snow falls outside. With so much to see and do during the winter, it’s no wonder Chicago is at the top of the list.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, America’s Sin City, is an iconic winter destination unlike anywhere else. You won’t be competing with the high tourist numbers of the summer. And with so much to see and do, you’ll feel like you have the entire city to yourself.

Las Vegas is full of amazing hotels, casinos, and theme parks that become full of festivities and lights during the winter holidays. You’ll get to enjoy events such as the Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, one of the country’s biggest holiday lights celebrations.

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On the strip, you can catch endless live entertainment, from musical acts to comedy shows. At night, you can spend the entire night soaking in the city’s nightlife. You can even get married by Elvis or Santa at one of the city’s drive-in chapels. Only in Vegas!

Honolulu, Hawaii

Surfing Santas, yup, they’re here in Hawaii. The capital city of Aloha State is full of holiday cheer but with perfect weather and lots of outdoor activities for the whole family.

Don’t miss the chance to go deep-sea fishing or explore the coral reefs on a glass glass-bottomed boat. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn about the incredible history of Hawaii and its culture. The best winter vacations might be totally different from what you think.

Then, head downtown to try the famous cuisine. Don’t miss out on a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch before taking a drive to experience the island of Oahu’s interior parks and famous North Shore beaches where surfing evolved.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Tucked in the northwest corner of Wyoming near the famous Yellowstone National Park is the town of Jackson Hole. As soon as you step foot in the town, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the Wild West in winter.

On top of all the cowboy pazazz, you’ll get to enjoy the fantastic holiday celebrations and beautiful lights. Downtown’s restaurants and bars come alive with live entertainment and amazing decorations.

The biggest draw to Jackson Hole for many visitors is the world-famous ski resorts and outdoor winter sports. You can take horse-drawn sleigh rides, hit the slopes, and travel by snowmobile through the countryside, all on the same day. Whatever you do, don’t miss Yellowstone’s famous glaciers and natural monuments.

Asheville, North Carolina

It’s hard to beat Asheville during the winter. During the season, the city turns into a sea of holiday lights and festivities.

Check out famous architectural monuments such as the Biltmore. Then, head downtown to experience Asheville’s craft beers, renowned restaurants, and holiday markets.

For an experience unlike any other in the US, hit the road and drive the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. This winding road takes you through the beautiful mountains where you can take in stunning views and natural landmarks.

Key West, Florida

Let’s face it, not all of us like snow. In Key West, you can enjoy a warm winter getaway. Only beach bums, cocktails, palm trees, and some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the country for your warm winter vacations.

Key West is part of the Florida Keys archipelago. To see the edge of the country, head to the southernmost point in the US. Then, take a tour of the island’s famous buildings, such as the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.

With 260 days of sunshine a year, wind down with a cocktail on the beach at one of the island’s famous restaurants and bars. During the day, you can cool off in the warm ocean, rent a jet ski, scuba dive, or even go deep-sea fishing. Don’t worry, you can wear your Santa hat if you please.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The city of Pittsburgh is full of wonderful museums and entertainment to enjoy during the cold days and nights. You can watch the snow fall on the surrounding hills and experience downtown’s romantic restaurants and parks.

Don’t miss the famous Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History, two of the country’s most celebrated museums. Then, head to the Andy Warhol Museum to learn about Pittsburgh’s most famous artist.

At night, the city comes alive with live music and entertainment. Pittsburgh’s booming restaurant and bar scene will give you plenty more reasons to visit in the winter. For a little holiday cheer, check out the Peoples Gas Holiday Market, a family-friendly holiday market full of artisanal goodies.

New York City, New York

It’s hard not to find a holiday film that hasn’t featured New York. With all its lights, skyscrapers, fun festivities, and beautiful parks, the US’s largest city comes alive when the snow falls.

Imagine shopping for gifts on Fifth Avenue, ice skating in Central Park, admiring the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, and dining at a world-famous restaurant while the city is covered in snow. On top of all this are the festive events like New Year’s Eve, Union Square Holiday Market, and holiday parades.

Just outside the city, you can find yourself in a sea of holiday lights in places like Long Island. Just driving around the city can feel like a holiday postcard. Whatever you do, don’t forget to grab a NY Coffee Cup and walk through Manhattan, a true New York winter tradition.

Fairbanks, Alaska

U.S. Destinations for a Magical Winter Getaway Fairbanks — © Ion Mes / Shutterstock

Fairbanks is the perfect winter escape in the United States if you want to experience the magic of the Arctic. Known for its stunning Northern Lights displays, this Alaskan city is the place to view the Aurora Borealis. On clear winter nights, you can head out of the city to watch the sky light up.

During the day, explore the snowy wilderness on a hike or take a guided snowshoeing tour through the surrounding forests. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try dog sledding or snowmobiling. To relax, soak in the natural thermal water surrounded by snow in Chena Hot Springs, just 60 miles from Fairbanks.