Winter brings freezing temperatures and pure white snow, along with long vacation days and a new spirit for traveling. When we talk about winter vacations, we won’t leave the United States out. Spectacular white-cloaked landscapes, fantastic ski spots, and twinkling cities are what we can expect in the US during winter. So, are you thinking of spending the winter holiday in the US this year? Here are the 12 best winter vacations in the US. Whether you are living in the country or thinking about flying there, they are ready to give you the best vacation ever!
Best Winter Vacations in the US – Summary
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada
- Vail, Colorado
- Dunton, Colorado
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Burlington, Vermont
- New York City, New York
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Sedona, Arizona
- Kauai, Hawaii
- Anna Maria Island, Florida
Salt Lake City, Utah
Tucked on the slopes of Wasatch Range, Park City looks magical during the winter. Storybook houses and colorful concrete buildings are cloaked in pure white snow. Travelers pack in the town’s cozy ski resorts, looking forward to experiencing the winding slopes. Utah Olympic Park has kept its head up since 2002, offering wholesome snowboarding and ski attractions.
Salt Lake City stays unmatched as one of the best winter vacations in the US. It has a little bit of everything for everyone. Most visitors come to the town to enjoy world-class skiing. However, if you are not feeling like going outdoors, the town offers plenty of alternatives. You can go shopping in town, dip yourself in hot tubs, or munch on some sizzling staples.
Things to do in Salt Lake City: Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, dog sledding, snow biking, hot air ballooning, and staying in famous ski resorts like Deer Valley Resort
Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada
Winter is the time to see an ethereal snow-veiled landscape. Lake Tahoe is the perfect example of it. Nestled in the basin of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the alpine lake shows you a scene out of a movie. Brilliant blue waters froze into a mirror-like surface, snowflakes adorn the lake’s series of pine trees, and thick snow covers the banks. The freezing cold temperatures of Lake Tahoe are bearable as you get the magical scenery.
Besides being beautiful, Lake Tahoe is a popular ski destination. With an average snowfall of 400 inches, the region makes awesome snow-covered slopes. Some of the best ski resorts in Lake Tahoe are Heavenly and North Star, which fit all levels. Moreover, Lake Tahoe welcomes visitors to enjoy other types of adventures. Outdoor junkies are down for snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Alternatively, you can choose slower activities such as ice skating or sleigh riding. Nonetheless, Lake Tahoe offers one of the best vacations in the US.
Things to do in Lake Tahoe: Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sleigh riding, tubing, and staying in ski resorts
Vail, Colorado
The United States never runs out of fantastic ski destinations and Vail is one of them. Surrounded by winding alpine slopes, Vail calls you for an exciting ski adventure. Snow-cloaked back bowls and vast terrains of Vail Mountain are perfect for all levels, whether you are a ski pro or a motivated beginner. So, if you are looking for an awesome ski trip with your travel buddies, Vail is your go-to!
Besides ski adventures, Vail offers a plethora of winter activities for you. The powdery trails are also great for snowmobiling or snow tubing. Then, if you are looking for something different, you can try ice bumper cars. Moreover, the classic, wooden houses in the Beever Creek Village twinkle with warm lights. Stroll around the heartwarming spot and shoo the cold away by stopping by a cafe and grabbing a hot chocolate. That way, Vail welcomes you for one of the best winter vacations in the US.
Things to Do in Vail: Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating, visiting the town of Minturn, visiting ice castles, and strolling around Beever Creek.
Dunton, Colorado
Are you looking for relaxing winter vacations in the US? Well, do hot springs and tasty chocolates sound good to you? Then, head to Dunton. This quaint area in Colorado houses sizzling hot springs that will melt the cold away. Several wooden lodges dot the snow-white area, setting themselves as bathhouses and resorts for visitors. They are set in the middle of the wilderness, allowing you to reconnect with Mother Nature.
Dunton Hot Springs dates back as old as 1885. Mining activities give an idea that Dunton is rich in minerals, as well as geothermal sources. For that reason, hot springs were built for the mine workers. Now, Dunton has become a ghost town. On the other hand, it gives a serene atmosphere that is perfect for escaping the bustling everyday life.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This relaxed town in Wyoming draws you closer to Mother Nature. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and winding valleys, Jackson Hole looks picturesque. Besides being beautiful, Jackson Hole is a heaven for winter sports. It has 458 inches of snowfall annually, delivering great spots for snowy adventures.
As November approaches, Jackson Hole is packed with people. Visitors look forward to put on their ski boots and glide through the snowy valleys. Cable cars will take you to witness Jackson Hole’s exquisite scenery, comprising sparkling white valleys and snow-covered pine woods. Ecotourism is also a hot topic during winter, in which you can see impressive animals roam around Jackson Hole’s untouched wilderness. With all it has to offer, Jackson Hole offers one of the best winter vacations in the US.
Burlington, Vermont
Tucked near the Canadian borders, Burlington features a freezing winter. However, the charming historical town has the power to shoo the cold away. European-styled buildings line the city with gaudy colors, church towers aim at the sky, and twinkling lights decorate the streets. Burlington looks lovely during winter. It is one of the best winter destinations in the US.
Visiting Burlington means strolling through the city and admiring its classic beauty. Make sure to visit Church Street, which is a four-block pedestrian market. Besides that, you can experience the heartwarming hospitality of the town. Order a winter special menu in a restaurant, drink a scotch at the bar, or stay in a cozy family-run accommodation. Moreover, if you want to head out of town, you can go on ski trips to nearby resorts.
Things to Do in Burlington: Exploring the town, skiing, hunting for food, shopping, and photography.
New York City
Nothing matches the Big Apple’s vibes during winter. From the sparkly Rockefeller’s Christmas tree to the famous ice rink, New York City is immaculate. Holiday markets and twinkling lights fill the city, displaying a cheerful atmosphere. Moreover, the city’s hype restaurants and cafes offer winter-special menus. In a nutshell, there is always something new in New York City during winter.
Whether you fancy warm indoors or snow-covered outdoors, New York City has a little of everything for everyone. Put on your coat and get ready to explore New York City’s open-air holiday markets, such as Bryant Park Market. Alternatively, you can go ice skating in Rockefeller Center while admiring the twinkling Christmas tree. If you fancy cozy indoors, you can go cafe hopping or holiday shopping. Therefore, New York City is one of the best winter vacations in the US.
Things to Do in NYC: Ice skating, shopping, cafe hopping, visiting holiday markets and winter festivals, strolling through the neighborhoods, and sightseeing
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Cold and crispy air greets you as you step into this off-the-radar metropolis. The earth-colored buildings and concrete structures are covered in sparkling white snow. Minnesota might wants to compete with the Northern Hemisphere when it comes to cold winters. Nonetheless, you can find something beautiful and worth checking out in Minneapolis. Get ready to step into the hidden winter wonderland!
Minneapolis lights up with exciting festivals during winter. Get ready for the Great Northern, which features winter carnivals, hockey championships, and thriving art performances. Besides that, you can also witness the USA Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Nokomis. Furthermore, winter means an amazing culinary scene in Minneapolis. You can expect tasty delicacies and hot dishes during the frozen season. Although it is underrated, Minneapolis offers one of the best winter vacations in the US.
Things to Do in Burlington: Going to winter festivals, ice skating, trying out pond hockey, snowtubing, snowmobiling, and hunting for food.
Asheville, North Carolina
Reconnecting with nature is always a good idea, including during winter. If snow-veiled mountains and flaky wilderness are your thing, Asheville is for you. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the city displays a landscape of stretching woodlands, winding valleys, and frozen hills. Moreover, it welcomes both outdoor junkies and comfortable indoor fans.
Spending your winter in this Appalachian region will be exquisite. Get ready to be captivated by the landscapes of Asheville and its surrounding wilderness. You can drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy a scenic, white-covered scenery. If you are into nature and animals, you can sign up for a bird watching tour. Spot unique winter bird species during this time. Alternatively, if you want something warm and cozy, you can go bar hopping in Asheville town. Picturesque and exciting – Asheville offers one of the best winter vacations in the US.
Things to Do in Asheville: Sightseeing, bird watching, snowshoeing, hiking, cafe or bar hopping, shopping, and culinary adventure.
Sedona, Arizona
If bone-biting temperatures are not for you, Sedona can be your go-to during winter. As the part of blazing Arizona, Sedona has milder winters than other part of the country. Although the state has a desert climate, snow and crispy air are part of Sedona’s winter. However, a temperature hovering around 16°C and snow-covered rock formations make the region worth visiting. It is one of the best warm winter destinations in the US.
Sedona looks surreal in winter. The crimson rock structures are cloaked with snowflakes and ice, creating one-of-a-kind landscapes. Going outdoors without a fluffy coat or thick jacket is comfortable. So, make sure to get your hiking shoes on and witness the unique winter landscape of Sedona. Additionally, if you think exploring Sedona on foot is not enough, you can hop on a hot air balloon. Get a spectacular bird-eye view of the frozen desert.
Things to Do in Sedona: Hiking, hot air ballooning, going on jeep tours, shopping, and visiting Tlaquepaque Village
Kauai, Hawaii
Are you looking for a warm winter destination in the US? Look no further than Kauai! This gorgeous Hawaiian island is blessed with an all-year-round sunshine. The tropical climate of Hawaii knows no snow, making it nice and warm during the winter months. However, expect drizzles if you are traveling in November or December, as it is the rainy season. Nonetheless, Kauai welcomes you to enjoy the sun during the freezing winter.
Jungle-clad mountains, dramatic cliffs, and brilliant blue ocean make Kauai looks like a masterpiece. Thus, the island is perfect for outdoor junkies and nature lovers. From adrenaline-rushing jungle trekking to impressive whale-watching, there is always something to do in Kauai. Moreover, make sure to check out the island’s powdery beaches. Sit back on a sunbed with a coconut in your hand – winter seems months away! Therefore, Kauai becomes one of the best winter vacations in the US.
Things to Do in Kauai: Hiking, whale watching, jungle trekking, cruising along the Na Pali Coast, beach hopping, and kayaking
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Anyone who miss sunshine during winter will happily go to Florida. Warm temperatures, mild weather, and sun rays of Florida harmonizes into a perfect getaway. Then, check out Anna Maria Island for this year’s winter. Situated between Saratosa and St. Pete, Anna Maria Island offers an all-year-round beach vacation. It features powdery beaches fringed with palm trees, top-notch vacation rentals, and a laidback beach town.
Anna Maria Island is one of the best warm winter destinations in the US. Everyday is a beach day, as the sun casts its light on the island. People are enjoying the days under the sun, going for a sunbathing session or playing beach volleyball. Fresh seafood is an unmissable all-day menu. Munching on them will make you forgot that it is already winter. Moreover, make sure to stay on the beach as the sun goes down. Sunsets on Anna Maria Island are dazzling!
Things to Do in Anna Maria Island: Beach hopping, swimming, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, sightseeing, and staying in a holiday lodge
Traveling to the United States during the winter is always a good idea! Then, which winter destination in the US that you like to visit the most this year?
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