15 Warm Winter Destinations in the USA to Escape the Cold

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Want to escape the cold and visit warm winter destinations in the USA? I’ve got you covered!

Your favorite travel destinations may be the lofty peaks of the Utah mountains, the concrete jungle of New York City, or even the seaside streets of Seattle, but these may not be the best choices when winter grips its icy fingers around these climates.

But, there are some warm winter destinations in the USA that you will enjoy just as much while waiting for your favorites to be visitable again.

I get it – I love skiing and winter hiking just as much as the next person, but sometimes a warm getaway is all you need. Keep reading to learn all about the best USA warm winter getaways!

Warm Winter Destinations in the USA

Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii has quite the reputation to live up to, beautiful beaches, good food, and sun all year round. And every year, it never fails to deliver.

The average daytime winter temperature normally doesn’t dip below 78 degrees. The water is also the perfect temperature every season of the year. I’m not sure how Hawaii does it, but it is certainly the magical island it’s cracked up to be.

When you visit, remember that there are locals there who work hard to keep their island clean and in the same state it was before visitors started crowding the shores. Be respectful and pick up your trash!

South Padre Island, Texas

Depending on where you are, going to Hawaii might be quite a long trip. If you’re looking for an island location closer to the mainland, South Padre Island is another warm winter destination in the US.

South Padre Island has miles of beach for you to enjoy, as well as a rich cultural district where you can see some of Texas’ famed attractions and photo spots.

You can spend your time walking, biking, golfing, or fishing because the weather is the perfect temperature for it.

If you plan your trip right, you’ll be able to enjoy some of South Padre Island’s holiday festivities, like the Holiday Light Show or the Holiday Sandcastle Village.

San Diego, California

California should always be on your list of top winter destinations in the USA. Notoriously warm all year round, this is one of the best places to escape when you don’t want to deal with the snow.

Spend your winter vacay in San Diego exploring La Jolla Cove in kayaks, hiking the beautiful trails all over the city, or beach cruising on a rented bike.

Mid-December to April is whale watching season, and San Diego is placed right in the annual 10,000-mile trip of the gray whales. Book a whale-watching cruise to see these magnificent creatures up close.

Charleston, South Carolina

In my opinion, Charleston is one of the underrated winter destinations in the USA. This beautiful southern city on the water has plenty of charm to go around all year long.

Winter temperatures stay around 60 degrees, dipping into the 40s on the coldest days, and snow is very rare. Sometimes, in December or February specifically, temperatures can rise up to 70 degrees.

If you visit during December, there are a myriad of holiday activities to enjoy, such as light shows, concerts, and performances.

If you will be there during one of the other winter months, you’ll be able to enjoy many of Charleston´s most famous attractions without all the crowds.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

If you’re looking for a relaxing destination to take a special someone, Gulf Shores is one of the best romantic warm winter getaways in the USA.

Glistening bleach-white shores, pleasant temperatures, and delicious restaurants are just a few reasons to visit Gulf Shores in the winter. On top of that, winter is the slow season, so you’ll have all the privacy you desire.

Don’t overlook this beautiful southern paradise when looking for a warm winter destination in the USA.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Our next destination is another southern one but with an entirely different vibe. New Orleans is a city without stops. There is always something going on for you to enjoy. Even in winter, New Orleans is a whirlwind of fun.

First, you’ll need to try some Gumbo. This traditional New Orleans dish is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly winter day. If visiting during the holiday season, make time to see the lights at Celebration in the Oaks. You won’t be disappointed.

For sports fans, purchase tickets to a Saints or Pelicans game and see the electric energy New Orleans brings to its teams. You’ll also want to make a stop at Frenchmen Street and enjoy some of the fabulous music New Orleans is known for.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is one of the best cheap warm winter destinations. Since much of what you can do is outside, all you’ll be paying for is lodging and food. 

Spend your vacation exploring the beautiful Sedona scenery in the crisp 60-degree weather while hiking or biking (you can bring your own or rent some).

If you want to spend a little on activities, you can take a jeep tour or even a hot air balloon ride to see autumn from the sky.

This is also a great place to take a significant other and have a romantic weekend getaway together.

Palm Springs, California

When you think of warm winter destinations in the USA, you picture a balmy breeze, a bright sun, and maybe a pool. Let me name that vision for you: Palm Springs.

Temperatures in this destination range from low to mid-70s in the winter. Here, you can relax in luxury. Lounge by the pool, enjoy a game of golf in perfect weather, or browse the collection at the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Time your trip to align with some of Palm Springs’ best events, like the WildLights during the holiday season, the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival in January, or Modernism Week in February.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Some of Las Vegas’ best shows and performances come out of the winter season, and you won’t want to miss them.

Las Vegas does the holidays like it does everything else, big and fabulous. Spend a day marveling at the decorated lobbies of famous hotels, all spruced up for the season.

You can go ice skating at the Cosmopolitan, where they turn the Boulevard Pool into an enchanting ice rink.

It may surprise you, but Vegas also has a variety of outdoor experiences you can turn into a day trip without the bearing down of the summer sun. Check out Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, or Lee Canyon for a few options.

St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

Not only is winter a good time to go to the Caribbean, but it may actually be the best time. The average temperature from December to February is 78 degrees, and the precipitation is low, so get ready to enjoy the ideal beach vacation.

This is also the time of year to catch sight of the humpback whales passing through these waters. It is an incredible experience to see these creatures that feel larger than life right in front of your eyes.

And although it’s in the Caribbean, it still counts as one of the warm winter destinations in the USA that you should put on your agenda this year.

Death Valley National Park, Nevada/California

Death Valley National Park is an underrated warm winter destination in the USA, so if you’ve ever wanted to see the expansive desert that maintains a deceptive ecosystem, winter is the time to do it.

Any other time of the year is honestly almost too hot to get to really enjoy Death Valley. In winter, the temperatures are much more pleasant and can even get a little chilly. There’s also plenty to do here in winter.

Snowshoe up to Telescope Peak, explore the many sand dunes, or get lost in the reflecting pools on Furnace Creek’s valley floor. 

If there have been heavy rains that year, you may be able to enjoy Lake Manly’s elusive appearance. It was a massive lake that dried up years ago, but sometimes winter precipitation can bring it back out of history.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is a whirlwind of culture, lights, and color, and these aspects really shine through the holiday season.

Holiday lights adorn every surface on San Antonio’s River Walk. Alamo Plaza is fully outfitted with a Christmas Tree, and the city is lit by hundreds of luminarias in anticipation of the festivities.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas even gets into the holiday spirit with holiday-themed concerts and rides. They also sell hot chocolate and Christmas cookies for their thrill-seeking visitors. 

New Year’s Eve is also a big event here. You can enjoy live music, Latin American dance performances, and tons of delicious food booths.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park is unique among national parks in the US. It features miles of beautiful desert and one-of-a-kind vegetation, but it can be hard to enjoy in the summer months.

In the winter, exploring a park with close to no shade is no problem because the heat of the sun is mild, and there is little to no precipitation.

You can hike the most amazing trails, coming home to a yurt or enchanting desert cottage, which will be the cherry on top of your stay.

Picking lodging like that takes Joshua Tree National Park from a warm winter destination in the USA to a romantic warm winter getaway in the USA.

Orlando, Florida

This city is popping almost all year round from visitors going to enjoy the theme parks, but there are a few periods in the winter when it slows down, making it a great time to visit some places on your bucket list.

Of course, if you don’t care about crowds, then you might consider experiencing the parks during the holidays for some seasonal fun. 

When you’ve had your fill of rides, make sure to spend some time in the city as well. See the world’s largest McDonald’s or watch the classic car cruise every Saturday night in Kissimmee.

Savannah, Georgia

This warm, southern paradise is the perfect place to consider visiting for a winter vacation.

The holidays are so fun here. The city adds another persona that includes a Santa hat and all kinds of holiday treats.

And just because the city is a little warmer than where you may be coming from, that doesn’t mean that it won’t have all of the best winter activities. You can still do things like ice skating and witness a fabulous tree-lighting ceremony.

The winter season in Savannah also includes a film festival and a book festival. You can’t go wrong with picking Savannah as your ideal warm winter destination.

Final Thoughts: Best Winter Destinations in the USA

Warm winter destinations in the USA all have something special and unique to offer, but the main takeaway is there are fun, seasonal, and warm things to do all over the country.

If you pick one of these destinations above, you are guaranteed to enjoy this upcoming winter season, even if you are dealing with mounds of snow at home.

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