Warm Winter Vacation Spots in the US

It’s freezing outside, and you want to get away to somewhere warm this winter. Every time February rolls around, I think I can’t stand another day of New England Winter. Last year, my family and I decided to go to Orlando to visit Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando; that little bit of warm sun was such a pick-me-up that I vowed we would go somewhere warm every February.

If you are feeling the winter blues, here are some awesome getaways that are a short plane ride away!

 San Diego, California

With an average winter temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, San Diego is a great place to escape the cold weather.

There are also plenty of things to do in this Southern California city, from exploring the world-famous San Diego Zoo to soaking up the sun on one of the many beaches. San Diego may not be offering beach weather in the winter, but it is still beckoning with blue skies and outdoor activities.

Make it a week-long vacation and visit some of the other great attractions in the area, such as SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California.

Miami, Florida

The average temperature in January is 74 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a perfect spot to enjoy some time in the sun.

Miami is a winter paradise! There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, from visiting the Everglades to hitting the beach. Winter may be the best time to visit Miami, as the crowds are fewer, and you don’t have to deal with overwhelming heat and humidity.

Stay for a week and explore some of the other great attractions Miami has to offer, such as the Zoo Miami and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Honolulu, Hawaii

The average temperature in January is a warm 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you’re looking for a true tropical getaway, Honolulu is the place for you. Nowhere else in the United States is warmer in the winter than Hawaii.

You can spend your days exploring all that Hawaii has to offer, from hiking to snorkeling to having an honest-to-goodness beach day. Be sure to visit some of the area’s most popular attractions, such as the Honolulu Zoo and the USS Arizona Memorial.

Tucson, Arizona

The average temperature in January is a comfortable 71 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you’re looking for a warm winter vacation that’s a little off the beaten path, Tucson is a great option. There are plenty of things to do in Tucson, from exploring the desert to visiting the Old Tucson Studios.

While Tucson is not a beach vacation, there are still lots of ways to soak up some vitamin D while doing a little site seeing. (Plus, you are in for some awesome dry heat!)  Make it a week-long vacation and visit some of the other great attractions in the area, such as Sabino Canyon and Saguaro National Park.

 Key West, Florida

The average temperature in January is a balmy 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

For a true summer feeling, and warm weather vacation, head to Key West.

There are plenty of things to do in Key West, from exploring the island’s history to enjoying the nightlife on Duval Street.

Stay for a while to visit some of the other great attractions in the area, such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Key West Lighthouse.

Check out my post on the best things to do in Key West!

 

 Phoenix, Arizona

The average temperature in January is a comfortable 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

Phoenix is beautiful in the winter, and you will be able to explore the outdoors without a coat if you visit in the winter. There are also plenty of things to do in this desert city, from hiking and biking in the nearby mountains to exploring the desert landscape.

While you are there, you can also visit some of Phoenix’s most popular attractions, such as the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo.

 

 Las Vegas, Nevada 

The average temperature in January is a mild 62 degrees Fahrenheit.

Las Vegas is another great option for a warm winter vacation. And, of course, there’s plenty to do in Sin City, from gambling and seeing shows on the Strip to exploring the many hotels and casinos.

But the outdoors is not to be missed either, with nearby attractions such as the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon.

*Be aware that Las Vegas can get quite chilly at night during the winter, so you will want to pack your winter travel gear.

 San Antonio, Texas

The average temperature in January is a comfortable 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

For a warm weather vacation with a distinctly South of the Border feel, head to San Antonio. There is plenty to do in this historic city, from exploring the Alamo to taking spending a day at the Riverwalk.

Eat some of the best Tex-Mex food in the US, head to the zoo, or visit some historic missions.

Make it a longer vacay, and visit some of the other great attractions in the area, such as SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

 Los Angeles, California

With an average temperature of 66 degrees Fahrenheit, Los Angeles is a great place to escape the cold weather.

The sheer amount of things to do in Los Angeles makes this a great warm-weather winter vacation, from exploring the many museums and attractions of Downtown LA to soaking up the sun on one of the many beaches nearby. Los Angeles has tons to do.

Make your kids happy and stay a little while and visit Universal Studios Hollywood and Disney Land. 

New Orleans, Louisiana

The average temperature in January is 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

New Orleans is another great choice for a warm winter vacation spot. Plus if you time it right you can visit during Mardi Gras!

Enjoy your time outside with a tour of the French Quarter or you could take a ride on a steamboat down the Mississippi River.

Don’t forget that you are in for some of the best food you can imagine. Try the shrimp étouffée, beignets, and gumbo.

 Austin, Texas 

The average temperature in January is 62 degrees Fahrenheit.

You will love this vibrant city that tries to keep the weird in Texas. Some of the things you can do are visit the State Capitol, taking a walk or bike ride on Lady Bird Lake, and enjoy the live music scene.

And don’t forget to try some of Austin’s delicious food, such as BBQ and Tex-Mex.

Austin has enough to do for you to spend the week there happily. Try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding, visit the Austin Zoo, or take a scenic drive down to Hamilton Pool.

 

 Charleston, South Carolina 

The average temperature in January is 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

The historic city of Charleston is a great place to walk around and explore the seaside. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride, visit the City Market, or visit one of a dozen mansions.

And don’t forget to try some of Charleston’s delicious seafood, such as shrimp and grits.

If you want to get out of the city, you can take a drive down to one of Charleston’s many beaches or visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

For a detailed itinerary, check out my post on Charleston in the Winter.

 Orlando Florida

The average temperature in January is a warm 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Orlando is what many people think of when they plan the perfect place to escape the cold weather, and there is a good reason!

There’s plenty to do in this city, from visiting the many theme parks to exploring the many shops and restaurants at Downtown Disney.

Go beyond Disney and head to Universal Studios and the Kennedy Space Center. You could also learn about the local alligator population at Gatorland.

For a detailed itinerary for Orlando with kids, check out this post!

 

These are just a few of the great places to escape the cold weather this winter. So whether you’re looking for a sunny beach vacation or a historical city tour, there’s sure to be a warm destination that’s perfect for you. Sometimes that’s enough to get rid of those winter blues and hold on until Spring!