15 Magical Places to Visit in January in the USA

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Wondering what the best places to visit in January in the USA are?

Once the sparkle of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays has worn off, you might find yourself with a severe case of wanderlust.

And while January might not seem like the ideal time to go roaming around the country, you’d be surprised at how much fun you can have, and how many places you can have it in!

We hope you enjoy this guide to some of the best places to visit in January in the USA, and that you find your next winter escape.

Places to Visit in January in the USA

Tucson, Arizona

Arizona’s legendary sweltering summers can be avoided with a January visit, where temperatures can be between the mid-40s and upper 60s–definitely bring a coat and warm socks, and prepare to add or subtract layers as needed.

While potentially chilly, Tucson tends to remain largely dry and clear-skied  in January, so you can enjoy roaming the city on foot.

The national parks and zoos in the area are an excellent option this time of year as well, since you won’t have to cut your visits short due to heat exhaustion! 

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is generally low-volume on the tourist front when it comes to January, but that makes it a great time to go, especially if you’re not necessarily the beachy sort.

With oysters in season, there’s any number of festivals and markets going on all month that will allow intrepid visitors to get their half-shell on to their heart’s content.

You’ll also have several great opportunities to take in Charleston’s many historical sites without having to combat summer beach crowds. 

January weather here is often mild, relatively speaking, but this is again a destination where you’ll want to layer up. Bring a jacket, some comfortable shoes, and get ready to enjoy the Holy City during a quieter time of year.

Oahu, Hawaii

If you’re typically snowed in during January, Oahu, Hawaii, is a great escape, with temperatures from 65F up into the 80s.

It can be a bit more rainy than in the tourism-heavy summer months, but that’s the tropics for you! It’s still one of the best warm places to visit in January in the USA, rain and all.

Crowds are lighter in January and prices tend to be lower, leaving you plenty of time, space, and money to spend in small, local artisanal businesses. You can also still surf, or watch some of the pro surfing events that take place in January.

New Orleans, Louisiana

January is an ideal time to visit New Orleans, since it’s the start of Carnival/Mardi Gras season!

Twelfth Night kicks it all off on January 6th, and from there on out the entertainment possibilities are all but endless. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in January in the USA.

Unlike most of our January destinations, New Orleans isn’t exactly quiet this time of year, so it’s not an introvert’s paradise.

But if you’re looking to experience a full complement of parties, parades, historic sights, and delicious food, well, the Crescent City is the place to be.

Silverthorne, Colorado

Ski bunnies and snow hikers alike will love Silverthorne, that crossroads to all of Colorado’s major wintry playgrounds. But don’t think you have to leave Silverthorne to have fun!

January in Silverthorne offers gems like sledding in the local parks, ice fishing and skating at North Pond, or snowshoeing at Raven Golf Club.

And of course for those who prefer warmer pursuits, hot chocolate and coffee can be obtained at any number of cafes, and the people-watching is prime.

San Diego, California

Gorgeous seaside San Diego is a year-round paradise, and a fantastic option for a January getaway. While chilly this time of year, it’s not unbearably cold.

You’ll be able to enjoy leisurely walks along the beach, visiting museums, and your pick of incredible restaurants during your visit–it may well be that San Diego is one of the more romantic places to visit in January in the USA, when you think about it. 

Plus, with it’s great location, you can even take a quick trip to nearby Los Angeles or Palm Springs to explore more of southern California.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is a bustling little metropolis most of the year, but January can find it a bit less crowded, making it a fairly ideal place to get away to when you’re looking to banish your winter blues.

Obviously, you’ll have your pick of casinos and restaurants, shows and exhibits–walking the Strip offers an endless buffet of entertainment!

If you’re a sports buff, well, between UNLV, the Raiders, and the Golden Knights, January’s a great time to visit Vegas for you, too. There’s no shortage of things to do, but do pack a warm coat; even the desert can be cold in January.

Manchester, Vermont

Hey there, nature-lovers and culture hounds–want a January getaway that soothes your beautiful souls?

Head north to Manchester, then, where you’ll find cozy inns, gorgeously snowy mountains, and a wide array of arts and culture experiences to keep you occupied.

It is, of course, so very cold and snowy here in January–naturally, skiing is also a popular activity this time of year–so bundle up, but have an absolute blast.

I grew up in Vermont and lived there for 22 years, so will always recommend it for winter.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Speaking of skiing, Jackson Hole is, of course, another wildly popular ski-bunny getaway. But if you’re not the type to strap polished carbon slats to your feet and hurl yourself down a mountain, never fear–there’s more here!

This is one of the best USA destinations in January, skiing or no skiing.

Grand Teton National Park is still open in January, as is Yellowstone, and you can take wildlife tours in the comfort of a heated snowcoach at both parks.

There’s also the Aerial Tram, for stunning views from the peak of Rendezvous Mountain. And, of course, downtown Jackson Hole boasts a wide variety of incredible restaurants for the traveling foodie. 

Moab, Utah

John Muir once said, “The mountains are calling, and I must go,” of California’s mountains, but hiking enthusiasts will say it applies to the beautifully rocky area around Moab as well, especially in January.

Not as snowy as one might expect, Moab is nonetheless a dream destination for the winter hiking set.

Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park are stunning against the backdrop of a gloomy winter sky, beautiful to hike into and to snap some phenomenal pictures in.

Moab also has an active initiative for supporting local businesses practicing sustainability, the Green to Gold program, so be sure to dine and shop in businesses that display the logo in their windows.

You’ll be sure to find unique treasures and partake in some delicious meals, all locally owned and made and sustainable!

Boston, Massachusetts

Oceanside Boston is at its coldest and snowiest in January–and therefore, a fantastic escape for the coziness connoisseurs among us.

With hotel prices typically at their lowest in the post-Christmas rush of January, it’s often easy to find a snug little getaway, perfect for cozying up in with a few books and a pot of tea or two. If that’s your thing, this is one of the best US getaways in January.

But of course, you don’t have to stay in!

Bundle up and head out into the streets to shop at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, or cèilidh the night away in one of Boston’s famed Irish pubs.

You’ll find joy in the January sports scene in Boston as well–the Bruins and the Celtics both have full schedules, so snag a ticket and enjoy a game or two.

I lived in Boston for 4 years for college, and truly, it’s most magical in the winter months.

Louisville, Kentucky

When you think of Louisville, you probably think of three things: whiskey, horse racing, and baseball. Good news for those looking for places to visit in January in the USA!

You can get a taste of all of them in Louisville, even while it’s cold out, and it’s a fun time all around.

The Louisville Slugger Museum, home to the world’s largest baseball bat, is practically a required visit for any baseball fan.

Learn about the history of the most crucial piece of equipment in America’s Pastime, and take home your own personalized Slugger as a souvenir!

Then visit the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs for an inside look at the history of America’s biggest horse race. 

Centralize your visit by staying on Whiskey Row, where splashy hotels, superlative restaurants, and a number of Kentucky distillers make for a full city block of food, fun, and frolic.

Death Valley National Park, California

If you’ve always been interested in exploring Death Valley but are less keen on the potentially lethal summer temperatures, then January is an excellent time to indulge your curiosity.

The weather is marvelously temperate in the early months of the year, allowing you to hike in a t-shirt at a time when such an idea would usually be madness.

In fact, January is really the only time of year when hiking and mountain biking is possible in Death Valley. And it is worth the trip!

Beautiful Darwin Falls is a surprising green patch in America’s most arid desert, while lovely Artists Palette is a watercolor dream to take in. 

Death Valley is such a large area you would need several days and a car to see it all, but it is one of the best warm places to visit in the USA in January. 

Chicago, Illinois

With Chicago, we’re back in the cold weather January destinations–but there is much fun to be had in the Windy City even when the weather is frightful! 

As with Boston, basketball and hockey seasons will be well underway, so catching a Bulls or Blackhawks game is always a fun pastime.

And engaging in winter sports yourself is always an option! Rent some ice skates at Maggie Daly Park or go sledding at Soldier’s Field.

If you’re still feeling a little bit of the Christmas Sparkle, Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier is a spectacle of holiday fun with inflatable attractions, indoor snow tubing, and a carousel to ride.

Zion National Park, Utah

A January trip to Zion National Park is an absolute dream for the budget-conscious introvert–this is one of the cheap places to visit in January in the USA.

The normal bustling crowds at the park are considerably diminished at the start of the year, leading to a quieter park experience. The lower visitor numbers in the off-season also contribute to lower accommodation prices, so it’s very wallet-friendly.

The rocks and mountains here will be snowcapped and photogenic, so it’s great for the photography-minded winter traveler. Plus, you’ll have a chance to see winter wildlife, hike the trails, and take guided tours to get the best views. 

Final Thoughts: Best US Getaways in January

There’s no shortage of places to go in the USA when you want to shake off the year-end blues. With an array of temperatures and climates, there’s something to suit just about every taste.

Be sure to keep this list of the best US getaways in January handy when your feet begin to lead you toward the open road!

Save this post for later: