When you think of a vacation, you probably imagine sunbathing on a beach alongside some palm trees, with the waves crashing in the background and a cold drink in your hand.
However, some of the best vacations the USA has to offer are actually in the winter months!
This is mainly because the USA features a beautiful amount of geographic diversity, which means that no matter what you like to get up to on your vacations, there’ll be something for you to do!
Whether you prefer mountains or beaches, cities or national parks, there is such a wide range of options out there for you to choose from that we’re sure that there will be something you will love.
So, if you want to discover 33 of the best winter vacations to go on this year in the USA, then check out our guide below!
San Antonio, Texas
Known not only as one of the most iconic tourist cities in the state but also as one of the best places to visit in the state overall, San Antonio is favored by many people when it comes to winter vacations, especially when you consider that the southern climate means that you shouldn’t be too cold during the duration of your visit!
San Antonio is found between both Houston and Austin and has an extremely charming atmosphere compared to these two mega cities, which provides much more of a relaxed vibe!
If you’re interested in history, then San Antonio is definitely going to interest you, as the city is filled with rich history, especially considering that it was the first chartered civil settlement in the entirety of the state of Texas (see also ‘12 Cabins With Hot Tubs For The Perfect Texas Getaway‘).
So there’s a lot to see and do in the city for the history fanatics!
Whether you choose to see the five historic missions, the Riverwalk, the Alamo, or the San Fernando Cathedral.
There are plenty of sights to see when you visit San Antonio, so you should definitely draw up a list of things to do when you go, otherwise, you won’t be able to fit it all in.
The temperature in San Antonio never really tends to fall below 60 degrees fahrenheit, so even if you happen to visit during the coldest period of the winter, then you should still be fine to enjoy a walk with your family alongside the riverbank without being too cold!
Within San Antonio you will also find plenty of nice restaurants, cute and small shops, and so much nice architecture that you’ll want to take photos of it all.
So it doesn’t matter whether you plan to spend a weekend or a week in San Antonio, there is so much to do, there’s a wonderful contrast between nature and the city, and plenty of peace alongside the noise.
Plus, if you find yourself in San Antonio during the holiday season, the lights and decorations will only make the city look even prettier!
So for one of the best winter vacations, you should definitely check out San Antonio.
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Found slightly to the west of the iconic small town of Vail is Beaver Creek, which is a picturesque mountain village that is the home of the popular Beaver Creek resort!
In December each year, thousands of spectators gather to watch athletes perform in one of the best ski events in the world.
This famous resort features a vast 1800 acres of differing terrain that makes it perfect for the whole family, from gentle slopes to help get the children started, as well as some properly wild bumps and jumps that will enthral skiers of all skill levels.
However, don’t just go thinking that skiing is all that this beautiful village has to offer though!
If you’re a fan of hiking, then there’s plenty of trails for you to choose from in order to explore and take in the postcard-esque scenery.
Or, if you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, there’s also an excellent performing arts center, and even a children’s museum, so there’s enough to keep everyone entertained during your visit.
Since so many people visit this iconic location, you’ll also be glad to know that there are plenty of incredible coffee shops and restaurants, with loads of variety too, so there’s going to be something for even the fussiest of eaters among you.
And, if any of this is still yet to sell you on the idea of a vacation to Beaver Creek, then the views of the Rocky Mountain you are able to see from practically anywhere in this village surely will be!
Key West, Florida
If you’re looking to avoid the snow and cold on your winter vacation then don’t worry, we have you covered with this destination located at the southernmost point in the entire country, Key West Florida!
This is actually a super tiny island, but you won’t need to worry about figuring out how to get there, as you can easily drive over from the mainland thanks to the Overseas Highway that runs right the way through the Florida Keys.
Arguably the best thing about this small island is the climate that comes along with it, with the winter temperatures usually ranging between 64 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the tropical nature of the island is what makes Key West one of the most popular winter vacation spots!
But the scenery and warmth is just the beginning of what Key West has to offer, whether you find yourself at Higgs Beach, Fort Zachary Taylor Park, or even the offshore Dry Tortugas, plenty of places offer a whole bunch of activities that you wouldn’t even believe were possible during the winter months.
So whether it’s snorkelling, kayaking, or even just lying around in the sun, it’s all possible!
If you’re not quite so much of a go-getter, then there are also loads of theatres, art galleries, and antique shops that you can visit too, as well as multiple museums too.
So if you’re someone who likes to learn about all of the culture of a place, then this is a great way to go about it.
There are plenty of good food options too, and if you’re a fan of seafood, this is the place to be, as plenty of different types of fish, lobster and shrimp are all caught fresh, so you’ll be sure to enjoy them.
So rather than staying at home and shivering all winter long, why not make your way to Key West for a tropical vacation instead!
Kings Canyon National Park, California
If trying to pick the perfect winter vacation spot in the US is becoming difficult, allow us to pick for you, because there’s absolutely nothing better than a visit to one of the country’s national treasures, Kings Canyon National Park in California!
If you’re looking for a true rival to Yosemite, then look no further, as this national park is full of natural beauty, and for an additional entrance fee, you are also granted access to the extremely majestic and beautiful Sequoia National Park.
If you’re someone who likes to marvel at nature, then you’ll love what this national park has to offer with gorgeous granite cliffs, steep glacier valleys, thick forests full of huge Sequoias, and the famous Kings River, which roars as it makes its way through the park.
If you’re a keen hiker then following the trail through Grant’s Grove is definitely in order, and if you’re visiting during the holiday season, then you should also make sure to visit the General Grant, which is not only the world’s second largest tree, but it’s also known as the Nation’s Christmas Tree!
If hiking isn’t your thing though, you can also make your way to this great holiday season attraction on horseback too!
Cedar’s Grove is also well known for its gorgeous views and scenery at the very bottom of the canyon, but for more dramatic landscapes, you could also pay a visit to Boyden Cavern, which is a marble cave that is laden with huge stalagmites and stalactites, and for a view that will really leave your mouth agape, then you should definitely check out the near 2000 foot high walls of marble on offer at the Windy Cliffs and the Kings Gate!
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is one of the most well known tourist destination spots, and it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, its naturally beauty is simply astonishing, with the crashing waterfalls, deep blue lakes, steep valleys and huge granite monoliths all contributing to the amazing scenery that makes up Yosemite National Park.
But whilst most people will flock to Yosemite during the summer, if you’re looking to visit a real life winter wonderland, then you need to make a trip to Yosemite after the first snowfall has been.
There are so many charming aspects to the scenery in Yosemite, but we can still never quite get over how amazing the views of the Sierra Nevada mountains are, no matter which direction you look in!
And what’s great about staying in Yosemite is that there is such a wide variety of different accommodation options too, so it doesn’t matter what sort of vacation you want to have, there’ll be something for everyone.
So, whether you want to camp and embrace nature, or want to keep cosy inside luxury accommodation, the choice is yours.
There are some amazing sights to see, including the Yosemite Falls, Tenaya Lake, El Capitan, the Half Dome, Glacier Point, and if you fancy yourself as a photographer, no image makes for a better postcard than the Firefall created as the sun sets over Horsetail Falls!
There’s also a bunch of activities too if you want to really make your vacation an adventure, such as kayaking, ice skating, skiing, and even snowshoe hiking!
This range of activities alongside the spectacular scenery is why Yosemite is considered to be one of the best vacations you can go on with your family!
Vail, Colorado
It’s back to Colorado for this US-based winter vacation, and if you’re a fan of snowsports, we’re sure you’re really going to love this one!
Vail is probably one of the most revered snowsports vacation destinations in the entirety of the US, and whether you choose to stay in the town itself, or make your way over for the day from Denver, then you’ll be rewarded with tremendous scenery and a ski resort like you’ve never seen before.
Vail is home to a 350,000 acre forest which is packed with luscious greenery as well as 5,000+ acres of slopes that you are able to ski down, with some gorgeous backdrops too thanks to the surrounding mountains.
So whether you like to ski, snowboard, or even skate, Vail is an absolute must for any adrenaline junkie and snowsports enthusiast.
But that’s not all it has to offer though, as there are some fantastic dining options too, which makes finding food that suits all of the family super easy, and there are also plenty of different lodging and accommodation options as well, which is great for people with differing tastes and different budgets!
If you want a more relaxed vacation, Vail can do that too, with a whole host of shops and lining the small town, and nothing quite beats making your way through the cobbled streets of Lionshead, Golden Park, or Vail Village, and the picturesque town will have any photographer clicking their camera at every turn.
So for a great winter vacation in the US, you should certainly consider paying a visit to Vail!
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Making our way back down south with this US-based winter vacation, this time to the Big Bend National Park, which can be found on the southwest border with Mexico and Texas, and it is just adjacent to the incredible Rio Grande River.
It makes for a winter vacation that is soon going to warm you up!
Peak temperatures in this national park can reach as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which causes some parts of the park to be closed off to the public at certain times of the year.
However, it does mean that if you want to explore the full depths of the Big Bend national park, that winter is definitely the best time to make a visit.
The mild weather will make hiking easy and comfortable, which is great for new and amateur hikers looking to explore beyond what’s on their doorstep, and there are plenty of great trails to choose from, such as the Window View trail, the Grapevine Trail, or the amazing Santa Elena trail, which will see you take you through the incredible Santa Elena Canyon!
Our favorite trail has to be the Lost Mine trail though, but no matter which one you end up choosing, we’re sure you’ll love it!
And if you’re looking for a way to relax after a long day on the trails, then the hot springs that can also be found in the park are great when the cold creeps up in the evenings!
If you’re looking for some of the best hot springs, then the ones on the Rio Grande are some of the best, but this is common knowledge, and it can be quite busy, so we recommend making your way down for sunrise in order to enjoy a peaceful time in the hot springs.
Alternatively, if you’re someone who gets warm easily, you can always splash into the Rio Grande River to cool off too.
In comparison to some of the other national parks dotted around the US, we think that Big Bend National Park is somewhat underrated, but in reality it’s a hidden gem of a winter vacation, and is perfect if you’re looking for something in the US.
Mount Hood, Oregon
Mt Hood ominously stands in the centre of a million acre forest, and ascends to the enormous height of 11,240 feet, which means that this now doorman volcano is most certainly a dominating figure in the landscape of the Mt. Hood national forest, and with it only being a small drive away from Portland, it’s a popular, year-round attraction that draws in thousands of tourists each year.
Better yet, during the winter, it becomes a snowsports playground!
Snowshoeing, snowboarding, tubing and skiing and more is all possible in this snow-filled wonderland, and the scenery that you’ll witness in the background whilst you’re out there fueling your appetite for adrenaline will mean that you’ll create some fantastic memories of your trip.
There’s also countless different options when it comes to the style of accommodation you want to stay in too, with everything from ski resorts with forest cabins, as well as plenty of places to pitch up a tent too!
So it doesn’t matter what sort of adventure you’re looking to go on, Vail has something for everyone.
Must see places include the likes of Burnt Lake, Ramona Falls, as well as Tamanawas Falls and Trillium Lake, and all of them have great views of Mount Hood for you to take in too, and when it’s covered in snow, it seems even more spectacular than usual!
Mount Rainier National Park
If you’ve considered a winter vacation in the USA, then chances are that you’ve probably considered a trip to Mount Rainier National Park, but if you’ve never quite made it there before, then you will soon want to after reading this.
Mount Rainier is the tallest peak in the entire Cascade range, at 14,410 feet above sea level, and is a fully active volcano, but don’t worry, it’s last eruption was all the way back in 1894!
Surrounding this volcano is a vast wilderness, featuring crystal clear alpine lakes, picturesque glaciers, waterfalls and valleys, roaring rivers, as well as some beautiful meadows, all of which are teeming with wildlife.
If you’re looking for great views of this colossal volcano, then Longmire is a great place to start, which is also host to the national park’s historic district, as well as its museum.
Alternatively, Sunrise is also another great place to view this mountain, and it’s the highest point that any vehicle can reach in the national park itself.
If you want to visit some of the other incredible places in this national park, then we would definitely recommend paying a visit to Ohanapecosh and the White River Campground to experience the vast expanse of trees and crashing waterfall, as well as the Reflection Lakes, which provide the most gorgeous reflection of the looming Mount Rainier, even in the depths of the winter months.
There’s also plenty of trails available to explore too, and it doesn’t matter what your fitness levels are or what your hiking experience is, as they’re trails for all sorts of skill and fitness levels throughout the park, and arguably the most popular trail is a simple 1.1 mile hike located at the Grove of the Patriarchs, which takes you right alongside the river, with beautiful Douglas firs and old giant red cedars lining the path too.
So if stunning views are a priority when it comes to your winter vacation, then Mount Rainier is the perfect choice for a US winter vacation.
Castle Rocks State Park, Idaho
A winter vacation doesn’t mean that you have to surround yourself with people however, and if you’re looking for a true getaway from the hustle and bustle of life, then we think you might just love this next US winter vacation option!
The Castle Rocks State Park can be found right at the bottom of the Albion Mountains in Idaho, and if you’re a fan of hiking in the snow, then this vacation is going to suit you perfectly, with numerous snowshoe and Nordic trails available for you to explore during your stay there.
There’s also an abundance of pine forests, huge rock formations, and spacious farmlands which all help to feel like you’ve severed your connection with modernity, so it’s a great way of truly leaving all of that stress of modern life at home and feeling much more at one with nature again.
If you enjoy wildlife, then this is a great place to find yourself on winter vacation, with various different animals populating the park, including coyotes, deers, cougars, mooses, as well as birds such as northern shrikes, horned owls, and even the occasional rough-legged hawk.
The state park is almost transformed during the winter periods, with the snow covering the huge rock formations and massive icicles forming on the entrances to the caves, it truly feels like a magical place to be!
There are traditional lodgings available, as well as Mongolian-style huts, also known as Yurts, available if you want a truly unique winter vacation experience.
Cibola National Forest, New Mexico
Another great winter retreat, the Sandia Mountains, which can be found in the Cibola National Forest, and has some of the most uniquely beautiful landscapes, which are all thanks to the granite that can be found throughout, giving the mountain it’s recognizable and distinct pink hue, which makes for great sunset photos!
It is also home to the longest tramway in North America, and the second longest in the entire world.
So as you ascend to over 4,000 feet, the tram will reach the crest so that you can explore some of its many trails, with views of both the Albuquerque as well as the expansive New Mexico landscape.
All the traditional winter accommodations and activities are available here too, so it provides all of the fun and comforts your usual US winter vacation would!
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Want your breath taken away? Then there’s no greater place to visit than the stunning Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.
And whilst this spectacular place is gorgeous all year round, it somehow becomes even better during the winter months, but a visit isn’t for the faint of heart though, as it can reach an elevation of 8,000 feet, which not only becomes incredibly cold, but also means that the air is much thinner too.
If you want to try and catch as many of the great viewpoints as possible, then you can easily take a leisurely drive through the park too.
But the crown jewel in this national park is definitely the Bryce Amphitheatre, which is an enormous, 800 foot deep, 12 miles long and 3 miles wide canyon carved into the cliffs thanks to the many thousands of years of erosion.
Sleigh riding, skiing and ice skating are also possible activities you can participate in throughout the park, and there’s all sorts of lodging available, so you can plan and create the perfect winter vacation to suit you and your family with ease!
San Diego, California
We’ve talked enough about snowy mountains and canyons for a little while, so why not escape the brisk chill of winter, no matter how beautiful it looks, and take yourself to the sunny city of San Diego, located in California!
The sun never really stops shining in San Diego, so if you want to try and thaw yourself out from those winter blues then this is definitely the place to be, with long stretches of beach ripe for sunbathing, as well as all of your favorite beach activities available too, such as kayaking, surfing and snorkelling all possible!
Our favorite beaches are easily La Jolla Beach and Pacific Beach, but you can be sure that Coronado Beach is an absolute blast too.
There’s also plenty of museums, exhibitions, galleries, theme parks, and shops too if lounging on the beach isn’t your thing, and we definitely recommend making use of the tour bus that allows you to jump on and off when you want to get around!
Plus, being a big city, there’s also all of your favorite restaurants around too, or you can go out there and try some of the popular local places too, it’s whatever suits you best.
Okay whilst it might not be as warm as San Diego, it most certainly isn’t as cold as some of the other choices on this list, so if you don’t mind bearing the brisk and chilly weather, then a trip to New Orleans in the winter time can be incredibly rewarding.
New Orleans is laden with plenty of the charm that the south is so well known for, and has some great culinary delights for you to explore alongside its excellent jazz clubs, so if you’re a fan of some good old-fashioned southern cuisine, then make your way down to New Orleans and enjoy heaps of fried chicken, jambalaya, muffulettas, and beignets!
Being in the south, the winters aren’t overly frosty, and make for a much more enjoyable experience than the stifling summer heat, plus there’s also a lot less visitors in the winter, so as long as you don’t mind packing a coat into your suitcase or bag, then you’ll be fine.
There’s loads to explore, including the famous cemeteries, the bayou, and even some spooky ghost tours! So there’s plenty of fun to be had even in the colder months, which makes it great for a weekend winter vacation in the US!
Sandpoint, Idaho
Returning back to snowy surroundings, a trip to Sandpoint, Idaho is the epitome of a true winter vacation in the USA, so if you want to truly experience and embrace the winter’s chill, then a visit should definitely be in order!
Sandpoint isn’t too far away from Lake Pond Oreille, which is actually Idaho’s biggest lake, and as backdrop to this wonderful city you have the stunning trio of the Cabinet, Selkirk, and Bitterroot mountain ranges too.
There are plenty of ski resorts around if you fancy making the most of the snow, as well as hiking trails suitable for all sorts of experience and fitness levels, which ensure that this natural beauty can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone.
The winter carnival that happens annually here is also something you should make sure you don’t miss if you’re planning a trip here, and there’s also plenty of options when it comes to shopping and eating, so you certainly shouldn’t struggle for things to do!
So whether you’re treating yourself to a day on the trails, or just looking to relax and browse and buy your way through the selection of shops available, Sandpoint is perfect for a US winter vacation.
Whitefish, Montana
If you’re something of an adrenaline junkie and when winter comes around, all you want to do is to go out and make the most of the winter weather by participating in snowsports, then Whitefish, Montana is going to be one of the best places to visit for an action packed trip you’ll never forget!
The Big Mountain is one of the best skiing mountains you will ever have the joys of hurtling down, there are also large dumps of knee-deep powdered snow, as well as plenty of inversions, which means that the top of the mountain is actually much warmer than the valley below, and the opportunities for off and on-piste skiing are endless!
If you want to go even more extreme however, then make your way to Whitefish in January and take part in the Skijoring World Championships – a sport where skis are towed through a difficult obstacle course by someone on horseback.
Whitefish isn’t just its snowsports however, and the food options are fantastic too, especially its burger joints, so be sure to pay a visit to a few of them during the duration of your stay!
So if the thrill seeker in you wants to get away to somewhere US-based for an action packed winter vacation, why wait? Book it now!
Breckenridge, Colorado
Nothing quite says winter vacation in the US like a small city break, and we’ve got just the city for you.
Nestled at the bottom of a valley in Colorado is the beautiful little city of Breckenridge, which has everything you could ever want from a relaxing time away from the stress of work and everyday life.
The town is built on its historic Victorian mining town roots, and is possible as a day trip if you’re as close as Denver, but there’s plenty of stuff to do if you want to extend your stay a little longer.
With some excellent skiing options if that takes your fancy!
The city itself is great for just meandering around and browsing the shops, and the architecture and scenery is simply beautiful, and you’ll find it incredibly hard to stop taking so many photos of this cute town.
It’s also great if you have kids, as there are museums and play parks to keep them entertained during your trip, as well as plenty to do for the adults too.
So whether you want to get involved with some of the adrenaline-filled snowsports, or want to spend a more relaxing time doing things such as snowcat tours and ice sculpture contents, Breckenridge is best enjoyed with a nice warm hot chocolate in your hands!
Sugarite Canyon State Park, New Mexico
Lying just 20 miles away from Raton is this hidden gem of a winter vacation spot, especially if you’re a fan of wildlife and the outdoors.
This state park is much smaller than others at just 3,600 acres, and yet it is filled to the brim with amazing natural scenery, including luscious meadows, creeks, lakes, and canyons.
Most importantly though, is the amazing wildlife that inhabits it!
For this vacation, we definitely recommend camping, as it really helps to bring you closer to what this state park is all about, and whilst it might be slightly too chilly for some, it’s a great way of switching off and becoming one with the natural world again.
There’s also some great history to learn about if you’re interested in such things, and if you make your way to the visitor center located in the park, they’ll be more than happy to teach you about the amazing history that this park has to offer.
So if the modern world is pulling you down slightly, this nature focused winter vacation is a great way of recalibrating yourself with nature!
Page, Arizona
Never heard of Page?
Don’t worry, a lot of people haven’t, which is exactly why it makes for the perfect place to take yourself on a US winter vacation.
The highlight of Page is definitely the Antelope Canyon, but this can get extremely busy in the summer months, which is exactly why we recommend making your trip there during the winter months, as the crowds will vanish!
But the joys of Page don’t just stop at higher and lower Antelope Canyon though, and the other slot canyons really won’t have anyone around, which means that you’ll have all the time and space to really take in these magnificent natural spectacles.
Plus since you’re nearby, you should definitely check out the Horseshoe-Bend that’s close by also!
So if you want some quiet natural spots to visit in the US this winter, certainly make your way over to Page!
Salt Lake City, Utah
What’s better than staying at a ski resort for a winter vacation? Having access to four of the best ski resorts in the world without having to leave the city limits, that’s what!
If that piqued your interest, then that can only mean one thing, that a visit to Salt Lake City in Utah is in order this winter!
Since Salt Lake City receives more snowfall than most other ski destinations throughout North America, you can be sure that the “steep and deep” ski trails will provide plenty of fun and challenges no matter your skill or experience level when it comes to the slopes.
Each of the four ski resorts are different too, so which one you decide to visit is entirely dependent on what sort of skiing you enjoy doing.
But if you’re not a fan of the slopes, then you can also enjoy the variety of hiking trails on offer, as well as some of the great coffee and beer on offer within the city too!
So if you want a city break combined with a good amount of skiing involved, then Salt Lake City should be right at the top of your list for a winter vacation in the US!
Washington DC
There’s no argument that experiencing a white Christmas is something magical, and if you’ve never had the opportunity to spend the special day with the skies decorated with an abundance of falling snow, then why not make your winter vacation this year all about experiencing the holiday season with some snow?
Thankfully, we have the perfect place for it!
Making your way to Washington DC is a fantastic way to see snow in the holiday season, but whilst it might be cold, it’s most certainly not too cold to explore the amazing sights that the capital has to offer, so put on your warmest jacket and take a look around!
If you’re a history or politics buff, you’ll feel right at home in the capital, and there will be plenty of things to visit whilst you’re there, the Smithsonian Museum is definitely worth a visit, and of course you should stop by the White House too!
The National Mall is also a great place to visit, especially if you want to get yourself out of the cold, and there’s plenty of food places and coffee shops around that will make sure that you keep warm!
What’s great about Washington DC is that many of the most popular tourist attractions are located close by to one another, so navigating your way around is fairly easy.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Most people tend to think of the sun and the sea when you mention California, but it’s also home to one of the best winter vacation spots in the US! Located in Eastern Sierra is the ever-popular Mammoth Lakes, and whilst it is known to be beautiful all year round, the frozen landscape that forms in the winter is truly something to be witnessed for yourself.
Luscious densely packed green forests surround the small town, as do looming mountains which culminates in quite the backdrop to this incredible winter wonderland!
There’s a whole host of snow-based activities to enjoy, from skiing, snowmobiles, snowboarding and much more.
You could spend weeks here and still not do everything there is to do, which is why people keep coming back here time after time.
One thing to note however is that Mammoth Lakes is a popular destination, so you should ensure that you book your spot early in the year!
St. Augustine, Florida
If winter comes around and you’re fed up of having to brave the brisk cold each and every morning, then it might be time for you to book that winter vacation you’ve been meaning to and finally get away to somewhere a bit warmer.
If you’re stuck on where to visit though, why not check out St. Augustine in Florida!
You might be confused at first, but there’s actually a lot to do in St. Augustine, so if you’re looking for a warmer destination with plenty of things to keep you and your family entertained, then this is certainly the place to go.
Whether you want to relax on some of the gorgeous sandy beaches, or explore some of the local history from the city with the nickname: “The Nation’s Oldest City!”.
You should bring a sweater with you for the evenings and cooler days, but you will still find it much milder than most places in the depths of winter!
Boston, Massachusetts
Filled with beautiful architecture and a rich history, Boston is one of the most popular cities to visit in the US no matter what time of year it is, and is especially popular amongst couples, so if you’re looking for a romantic getaway this winter, it’s a great place to visit.
Attractions are plentiful too, including the Freedom Trail, Harvard Square, and Fenway Park!
Or if you’re looking to dodge the cold weather, why not spend a day shopping inside Faneuil Hall Marketplace, or check out some of the amazing museums that can be found throughout the city.
Usually you could take a boat ride across the Boston Common Frog Pond, but as the cold settles on the East Coast, this is quickly replaced by ice skating!
If you enjoy a small town vacation during the winter months, then a visit to Crested Butte would be a great choice for a winter vacation in the USA this year!
Found in the Rocky Mountains, this small town is perfect for the snow lovers out there, with every kind of snow related activity you can think of being on offer for you to participate in, which is partnered excellently with the amazing backdrop of the mountainous landscape!
The town has different accommodations depending on what sort of vacation you’re looking for, and there’s plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from that will suit everyone’s tastes.
So if you’re looking for a small town snowy adventure this winter, why not set your sights on a wonderful winter vacation in Crested Butte!
Lake Tahoe, Nevada And California
Another destination that is known for its beauty year round, but it has to be said that Lake Tahoe really comes alive when the cold sets in and the ski resort opens for the winter!
The sapphire blue water that fills the lake is a treat to the eye when it reflects the winter sun, especially as you make your way up the mountain on a ski lift, and the slopes on offer are some of the best in the world.
So much so, that Squaw Valley actually played host to the 1960 Olympics!
Once you’ve finished fuelling your adrenaline though, you can relax and enjoy a wide variety of food and drink that’s on offer throughout the various villages found in the resort.
So as long as you make sure to be careful of the ice and snow that can disrupt the roads on the way to this wonderful resort, we’re sure that it will make for an unforgettable US winter vacation!
Park City, Utah
Utah’s prime destination is Salt Lake City, which of course we mentioned earlier, but did you know that just 30 minutes away from Salt Lake City is yet another gem when it comes to snowsports and activities?
So if you think that the crowds at Salt Lake City are going to be too much, then worry not, as Park City is home to one of the biggest ski resorts nationwide!
It features all of the typical activities your winter resort would, such as snowboarding, skiing, and even bobsled riding.
The city’s resort is also steeped in snowsports history, as whilst Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002, it was Park City where a lot of the events took place, especially the snowboarding and skiing!
Aside from that however, Historic Main Street adds something special to the town too, with a whole host of boutiques, bookstores, and eateries for you to explore whilst not on the slopes.
So if you’re looking for somewhere that can provide you with all of the thrills and fun of a snowsports resort whilst still offering you the opportunity to relax and explore the quaint city, then a trip to Park City in Utah should definitely be in order, so when it comes to finding a winter vacation in the US, Park City makes for an excellent choice!
Chicago, Illinois
Not many people decide to take vacations during the winter months, as they’d rather wait for the warmth and sun that comes along in the spring and summer.
However, if you do want a vacation during the winter and you’re considering a break in the US, then Chicago, Illinois is an absolutely perfect place to find yourself, despite the cold!
The winter is a great season to vacation in thanks to the price of accommodation being much lower, and most places being a lot less crowded too.
Known as the Windy City, bringing some warm layers is an absolute must during your visit to Chicago, but there are also plenty of things to do inside to keep you warm as well.
Whether it’s going to a jazz concert, stand up comedy, one of the many museums (our favorite is the Adler Planetarium!) or finding your way to a theatre, Chicago is a city brimming with activities, and chances are you’ll find it hard to decide what you want to do next!
And need we mention all of the amazing places to eat?
So if you want a city that is going to keep you entertained each day you’re there, then you should definitely book your flights to Chicago now for a US winter vacation you won’t forget!
Redmond, Oregon
If you want to get outdoors this winter, then the wonderful climate in Oregon will make for the perfect weather to explore the outside world whilst on your vacation, and what better place to enjoy it than in Redmond!
Redmond is located in the High Desert, and is only a 30 minute drive from Mount Bachelor Ski and Snowboard resort if you want to try out some of their many fun slopes.
Plus Redmond is also home to some fantastic coffee shops and breweries, as well as having some excellent restaurants too, so you don’t have to spend all of your time here hurtling down the slopes, as there’s plenty of opportunities to relax too.
So if you want to enjoy some of the best ski slopes in the country, as well as some amazing food and beer, then why not set your sights to Redmond, Oregon for your next US winter vacation!
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
If you’re looking for a way to get you and your family back into nature this winter, then what better way than to visit the stunning natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park!
This national park is well known for its amazing trails and beautiful scenery, so it’s a great way to get into the outdoors.
The wildlife that can be found here is incredible too, as the cold weather means you’ll be likely to spot elk, coyotes, and snowshoe hares as you trek your way around and through this picturesque landscape.
There’s also some amazing lakes that you can visit too, with Bear Lake and Nymph Lake being popular amongst tourists and hikers!
Just make sure that you pack plenty of warm clothing as well as some reliable and comfortable hiking shoes too, as it’s down to weather to determine how far you decide to hike.
If you forget your own snowshoes or simply don’t own any, there are also numerous places that will let you rent a pair for the day, and you can always ask them about what the best trails to visit are as well!
So, if you’re considering a winter vacation in the USA, a visit to the Rocky Mountain National Park could be in order.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
A visit to the Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming should be on everyone’s bucket list when it comes to places to visit in the USA, it’s famous worldwide and is full of some of the most unique scenery in the country, so you should absolutely visit atleast once in your lifetime.
Since the summer is usually when Yellowstone is at its busiest, especially July and August, visiting in the winter months is a great way of dodging a majority of the crowds, and the landscape is totally changed when the snow starts, so it’s definitely something of a winter wonderland!
If you want the choice of the best accommodation options then the best thing to do is to book as early as possible in the year, but there’s a wide variety of different options available when it comes to staying and visiting Yellowstone, so you shouldn’t worry about missing out at all.
So, for a winter vacation in the US that will make a mark on your memory forever, you should definitely consider a visit to Yellowstone National Park!
New York City, New York
When you say “What is the most popular winter vacation spot for tourists in the US?”, New York City is definitely everyone’s first answer, but for good reason!
It’s home to some of the best holiday season vibes you can find, and the hustle and bustle of the city partnered with the winter chill is an incredible feeling.
So whether you want to go shopping, see a show on Broadway, or even just visit some bars, New York City is definitely a great place for a winter vacation in the USA!
Coldfoot, Alaska
It doesn’t really get much colder than this, being just 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, Coldfoot, Alaska, is about as cold as it gets, with degrees reaching -82 degrees fahrenheit at some points.
You might be wondering what brings people to this tiny town, and the answer is simple: It’s right under the Aurora Borealis Belt – AKA the Northern Lights!
So if you want to tick them off your bucket list, Coldfoot, Alaska should be the next place for your USA winter vacation!
Summary
So, no matter what you’re looking for, the USA has some fantastic places to vacation even during the winter, so whether you want an adrenaline rush by participating in some snowsports, or a warm getaway on a beach, all is possible!
So all you have to do now is decide where you want to go, and book it!
Isn’t the world simply amazing? There are countless places to visit – places that no one has even explored yet… How could you ever just stay in one place?
Hi, my name is Mylene Mace and I have been a travel blogger for almost six years now. I write freelance, for any blog that wants my articles. It takes me all over the world!
