10 Best Places to Travel in the Winter Domestic
2024 is the year of wanderlust. How many of us added traveling more to our 2024 bucket list? The easiest way to travel more is to explore USA destinations. Visiting cities that are quick to drive, flight, or train hop away will save you time and money. Here are the ten best places to travel in the USA.
Best Warm Places to Travel in the Winter (USA)
5. Key West, Florida
January is one of the best times to visit Key West, Florida. There’s less crowds and so much to do. You can go snorkeling or scuba diving and you might even see a manatee!
Catch a quick bite at Latitudes while enjoying some fantastic views. If you enjoy history, check out Fort Zachary or the Hemingway Home and Museum. Key West is warm, and only a short plane ride away.
4. St. John, Virgin Islands
St. John is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. Reef Bay Trail is a gorgeous Virgin Islands National Park hiking trail. Enjoy views of the mountain and the ocean and then head down to one of the many seafood eateries. If scuba diving, you can swim with sea horses, eels, and many turtles. You can also explore one of the many beaches located on the island or listen to jazz at Old Stone Farmhouse.
3. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is known for its desert beauty and its countless wellness resorts. It’s warm all year round and features hot springs, beautiful hikes, and many outdoor activities. There are also wild horses who live near the Salt River. It’s a great place to disconnect from the outside world. Don’t forget to pack your reusable water bottle, as it gets very hot.
2. Maui, Hawaii
It’s only been a few months since a wildfire abruptly swept through Lahaina, causing lots of loss for local residents who have been there since the beginning of time.
Recently, those living in Maui have said that they are ready for more tourists, as many depend on tourism as their main source of income. While enjoying the beach, eating amazing food, and surfing please support local owned businesses and hotels. As always, sustainable travel is key.
1. Malibu, California
As someone from the East Coast, I grew up with a certain idea of Malibu but I was wrong.
Malibu is a great place to travel in January. You can hike up Escondido Falls and catch the sunset. Afterwards you can relax on El Matador beach. There’s lots of amazing restaurants to choose from. If you want an amazing view with your dinner, Nobu is a great choice. CAMP is great for casual and authentic Vietnamese food.
Snowy Places in the USA to Travel in the Winter
5. Alta, Utah
If you love skiing then Alta is the place for you. It’s a very laid back city. The snow quality is ideal for skiing. It’s accessible for skiers of all levels and doesn’t allow snowboarders.
Alta has some top-notch hiking as well. In the winter it looks like a winter wonderland. Don’t leave without visiting the beautiful alpine lake at Devil’s Castle.
4. Concord, Massachusets
I’m all for romanticizing your life. Concord is the perfect place for romantic dreamers.
Concord is a very charming city with lots of history. Book nerds may enjoy visiting the home of Louisa May Alcott, writer of the Little Women series or Ralph Waldo Emerson ( flashbacks to English AP class ).
3. Lake Tahoe : A Romantic Winter Destination
When was the last time you went snowmobiling? Carson Pass offers snowmobiling. You can ice skate in Heavenly Village or learn to ski at Diamond Peak.
Later, Visit Eagle Falls for a morning hike. You’ll see cascading waterfalls and a gorgeous lake. Later on check out Spooner Lake. There, you can enjoy hiking and ice fishing.
2. Alyeska, Alaska: Least Visited USA Winter Destinations
It’s hard to find something you can’t do in Alyeska. Alyeska Resort is one of the best-known resorts in Alaska.
You may even be able to see the Northern Lights in Alaska on some nights. Try heli-skiing or cross-country skiing. Check out bears, moose, and wolves at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Afterward, relax in the outdoor tub at the Nordic Spa.
1. Mt. Hood, Oregon
Tilly Jane Campground is an excellent getaway for winter camping. Mt. Hood also boasts a epic waterfall. After a day hike, head out to Lake Oswego Farmer Market for hot cider and snacks.
These are the best places to visit in January in the USA. Which will you be visiting? Pin it to add to your bucket list.
