Winter Destinations in the US
Summer is typically the time everyone wants to travel, but winter can also be magical. There are usually less people, it can be more budget friendly, and there are so many winter destinations in the US to choose from. Typically, when you look up winter destinations you will get a lot of ski resorts and places to ski. Personally, I am not a skier so I’m not going to include them on this list.
What I am going to include are places to enjoy the cold and places that are warm too. Read on to learn about top winter destinations in the US. You’ll notice I mention Viator quite a bit. It is my favorite place to book tours on, I use it on almost every trip I go on.
Once you choose your destination see if it’s one of the places I offer a custom itinerary too.
Dinner in an igloo at Daniel’s Vineyard in Indianapolis
1. Indianapolis, Indiana
I know you’re shaking your head right now…. but hear me out. I had an absolute blast last winter in Indianapolis! You can go to some museums, have a relaxing spa day, catch a show, and eat some good food. I’m not saying you have to stay a week here, maybe just a weekend.
Check out the shows coming to Old National Centre and book one of them. As for museums check out the Indiana Medical History Museum. I’ve visited a lot of museums over the years and this one is one of the most interesting I’ve been too. Have brunch at The Oakmont — it’s absolutely delicious! You do need reservations though.
Take a look at my Winter Weekend in Indianapolis pre-made itinerary. It’s free to download and use. My fiancé and I used it last winter when we wanted to get away for the weekend.
2. Savannah, Georgia
When talking about winter destinations in the US, Savannah is a hit. It’s not very cold or warm here in the winter months. The daily highs rarely drop below the 60s. There are significantly fewer tourists in the winter but still plenty to explore.
Take a stroll on River Street and explore the shops. Head over to the Historic District and be in awe at the antebellum mansions. Book a tour of the city on Viator. They offer all kinds of tours, but I really like the historical ones. Have dinner at the Olde Pink House. It’s amazing and you will need reservations. Have brunch at Collins Quarter in Forsyth Park and then explore the park when you’re done. They have really good chicken and waffles, and you probably want to make a reservation there too.
3. Dunton, Colorado
This is a snowy destination, it’s actually known as a winter wonderland. However, their hot springs are perfect for winter! The hot springs is a wonderful place to watch it snow while you enjoy the warmth. There are pools inside and outside, I love the idea of being in the ones outside while it is snowing.
You can also enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, snow shoeing, and so much more. Some of these are included with a stay at Dunton and some are add-ons. The add-ons include snowmobiling, a full service spa, skiing and more.
4. Charleston, South Carolina
Winter is a great time to visit Charleston! The weather is similar to Savannah, not very warm or very cold. It’s mild and the highs can range from the high 50s to the high 60s. There aren’t many tourists around and the prices are a lot more budget-friendly.
If you like oysters then you’ll love it here in the winter. It’s known as oyster season so it’s the best time to get some of the yummiest oysters. There are so many great restaurants, you can’t go wrong. Brown Dog Deli is great for lunch. Carmella’s Dessert Bar is nothing short of amazing. They have personal sized cakes that are to die for.
There is so much to explore in the city. I love walking around and looking at the beautiful homes. Pay a visit to rainbow row, walk the battery down to white point gardens, and visit the Joe Riley waterfront park. Book a tour with Viator. They offer food tours, ghost tours, historical tours, and more. Personally, I really like the historical tours. The city is so full of history it’s nice to have a guide who can tell you about things. There are also a lot of plantations to explore if you want to learn more about African-American history. But, be warned they’re heavy and hard to visit.
Take a look at my week in Charleston pre-made itinerary. It’s free to download and use. My family and I used it on our trip and we had a wonderful time.
One of the homes along the Battery
5. The Florida Keys — Specifically Key West
Winter destinations in the US: Key West is the best one if you’re looking for warm weather. My family goes here every winter. They say it’s best to go in February. The place is a laid back vibe and the temps are in the 70s. In other words if you’re looking for sun this is the place to go. It can be pricy though…
I suggest flying into Miami and then driving down the coast to Key West. It’s known as one of the most scenic drives in America and the flights are sometimes cheaper if you fly into Miami and then make the drive.
Rent some bikes and bike around the island. You can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants, they’re all delicious and most of them have Caribbean inspired dishes. Check out the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Go diving and snorkeling. And, book a tour on Viator. They have sunset dinner cruises, wildlife viewing tours, hop on and hop off tours, ghost tours, and more.
6. Fairbanks, Alaska
I know…. Alaska in the winter?! But, it is probably the best winter destination in the US because it’s a great place to see the northern lights! Fairbanks is farther north than Anchorage and Juneau so you’re more likely to see them there. Some other more remote places in Alaska that are even better than Fairbanks to see the northern lights in are Coldfoot and Utqiagvik.
You can book a tour on Viator for viewing the northern lights. Some of them are day tours and some of them include overnight stays. Some of the include photography, visiting the hot springs, going to Coldfoot, the Yukon River, and more. Typically, they say the best time to visit Fairbanks to see the northern lights is between late August and late April. However, they peak in March.
