You might be inclined to stay cooped up inside once the cold weather hits, but there are so many spots that are just as fun – if not better – in the winter than they are in the summer. Whether you want to ski, visit museums and art galleries, eat insanely delicious food, or escape the cold weather entirely, we’ve got you covered with the best winter getaways in the United States. You’ll be planning a trip for every single weekend this season.
Gorham’s Bluff, Alabama
Gorham’s Bluff is a quaint community atop Sand Mountain that overlooks the scenic Tennessee River Valley in the Heart of Dixie. Find your home away from home at the mainstay lodge and enjoy plenty of local attractions in the surrounding area – there’s even the treehouse of your childhood dreams nestled in the woods nearby.
BOOK NOW The Lodge at Gorham’s Bluff
Anchorage, Alaska
The Last Frontier State, and Anchorage in particular, thrive during the winter months. With festivals, ski races, dog sled tours, ice fishing, and prime northern lights sightings, this popular destination boasts crystal clear days that lead into ideal star-gazing nights.
BOOK NOW Historic Anchorage Hotel
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Check the Grand Canyon National Park off your bucket list this winter when tourism is at an all-time low. Escape the hustle and bustle of your daily routine in one of the most picturesque destinations across the United States. Just remember to bring a warm jacket and waterproof socks as frosty temperatures average around 30 degrees.
BOOK NOW The Grand Hotel at The Grand Canyon
Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas
Travel to Petit Jean State Park for a rustic getaway. The iconic 3,471-acre park is filled with plenty to see and do including 20 miles of hiking trails around Petit Jean Mountain with overlooks, bridges, and historic structures.
BOOK NOW Mather Lodge
Mammoth Lakes, California
Trade your sandals for snow boots and head to Mammoth, one of California’s premier ski resorts. If a day on the slopes isn’t your thing, you can also go snow shoeing, visit the waterfalls, or go snowmobiling.
BOOK NOW Juniper Springs Resort
Breckenridge, Colorado
Head to this cozy town for some skiing, spa-time, and strolling around what feels like one giant snow globe. Not a skier? No problem! Downtown is dotted with colorful shops and quaint eateries making this destination the perfect getaway for everyone.
BOOK NOW Beaver Run Resort
Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Although this coastal Connecticut town is known as a warm weather haven, the calming ocean sounds and marina views make the winter months feel like summer.
BOOK NOW Saybrook Point Inn & Spa
Wilmington, Delaware
With a top-rated art museum and a spectacular orchid population at Longwood Gardens, there is plenty to do during the winter in this waterfront city. For a quick day trip, drive through Chateau country, home of the grand DuPont mansions.
BOOK NOW Hotel du Pont
Miami, Florida
Melt away your winter woes with a trip down south to Miami Beach. Experience 70 degree weather, salsa dancing, and a renowned art scene.
BOOK NOW Shore Club South Beach
Savannah, Georgia
A drop in temperature in the southern city of Savannah, GA, means a drop in hotel rates with still plenty to do and see. Enjoy comfortable sweater weather (between 40-60 degrees), but if it’s chillier than usual, there are plenty of one-of-a-kind mansion tours and museums to explore.
BOOK NOW The Kehoe House
Maui, Hawaii
Say goodbye to slushy snow and aloha to sandy toes in Hawaii. Winter time is technically tourist season, but well worth the money and travel. Surf it up on the north shore with some of the biggest waves of the year, or spot a humpback whale during their famous migration to the Aloha State from January to March.
BOOK NOW Four Seaons Maui
Sun Valley, Idaho
You can experience every type of skiing in Sun Valley, Idaho, but if you prefer life off of the mountain, there are plenty of cute shops, tranquil spas, and cozy eateries to enjoy.
BOOK NOW Sun Valley Lodge
Chicago, Illinois
Don’t be put off by the blistering cold – there’s plenty indoors to keep you occupied. The Windy City is known for its iconic deep dish pizza and impressive array of world-class museums and aquariums like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Shedd Aquarium.
BOOK NOW Ritz-Carlton Chicago
French Lick, Indiana
If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure, check out this quaint town, known for its historic mineral springs. Home to two hotels, three golf courses, two spas, and a casino, the French Lick Resort has loads of winter activities to enjoy while you’re there.
BOOK NOW French Lick Springs Hotel
Fort Madison, Iowa
Settled between two scenic bluffs, Fort Madison has the longest double deck swing-span bridge in the world. After experiencing the sites, hit the town for some of the best antique shopping around.
BOOK NOW Boulders Inn & Suites
Oakley, Kansas
It’s worth the trip if only to see the 80 million year old national landmark, Monument Rocks. If you’re in the area, check out Castle Rock, too. Or, when in Kansas, head to the Oz Museum in Wamego.
BOOK NOW Kansas Country Inn
Louisville, Kentucky
There’s more to Louisville than mint juleps. Get a taste of this sweet Southern city’s charm by checking out the Urban Bourbon Trail, a bluegrass bar (like Stevie Ray’s Blues Bar), or any of the area’s art galleries.
BOOK NOW 21c Museum Hotel
New Orleans, Louisiana
No matter what season it is, the city of NOLA is a buzzing with energy. Filled with jazz clubs, so many beignets, and French-Creole architecture, visit this vibrant city while there is a comfortable cool in the air.
BOOK NOW Hotel Monteleone
Portland, Maine
The beer-flowing breweries, Victorian-era mansions, and of course, the epic lobster rolls are just a few reasons to visit this New England waterfront city. Nix the beaches and opt to explore the cobblestone streets of Old Port where live music plays on almost every block.
BOOK NOW The Press Hotel
Annapolis, Maryland
This capital city is famous for its blue crabs, charming 18th century architecture, and museums, which will keep you entertained and out of the cold.
BOOK NOW Historic Inns of Annapolis
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Best known for unbelievable fall foliage, you can also cozy up here during the winter months. Whether you’re out snowboarding or simply getting snowed in, you’ll get a healthy dose of nature.
BOOK NOW Hampton Terrace Inn
Traverse City, Michigan
Make Traverse City your playground for a winter weekend with hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing trails, and loads of nearby wineries and micro-distilleries. Wine not, right?
BOOK NOW Cherry Tree Inn & Suites
Bluefin Bay, Minnesota
Stay snug in any of Bluefin Bay’s waterfront hotels with sweeping Lake Superior views, or venture out to explore nearby attractions like the Temperance River State Park or the Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort.
BOOK NOW Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior
Tishomingo State Park, Mississippi
Get your hiking boots ready and head to this scenic park with plenty of trails and a lake located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. There are both campsites and hotel suites fit for whichever type of rustic getaway you’re in the mood for.
BOOK NOW Victorian Inn
St. Louis, Missouri
Escape to the Show Me State for a low-key trip in the Midwest. St. Louis is home to the famous Gateway Arch and the heralded City Museum. If you’re looking for some one-on-one time with nature, head to Forest Park that includes four museums and a zoo inside the public space.
BOOK NOW Four Seasons St. Louis
Glacier National Park, Montana
Besides the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, the park has so many options for winter fun, including skiing and snowshoeing. With over 700 miles of hiking trails in addition to stunning rivers and lakes, Glacier National Park is the perfect destination for an outdoorsy vacation any time of year.
BOOK NOW Belton Chalet
Toadstool Geological Park, Nebraska
The rock formations in northwestern Nebraska’s Toadstool Geological Park are definitely worth a visit. The park is open 24 hours a day, all year long, and offers camping May through November.
BOOK NOW Fort Robinson State Park Lodge
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Nevada may be known for its desert, but visitors can still take in the splendor of Lake Tahoe (which sits on the California and Nevada border). Whether you’re in the mood to ski or more of an après ski kind of person, the Tahoe area has something for everyone.
BOOK NOW Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
If you’re looking for a winter getaway with a historical twist, Portsmouth is the place. The quaint New England town has everything from a retired Navy submarine to the homes of famous colonial figures.
BOOK NOW The Port Inn
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Take a gamble on your winter escape with Atlantic City. The boardwalk isn’t as busy during the winter, but you can still get your poker face on in any of the casinos. With proper planning, you might even be able to catch your favorite musical act passing through town at one of the town’s big concert venues.
BOOK NOW Caesars Atlantic City
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Ski your way through Santa Fe and then warm up in the nearby hot springs. After tiring yourself out, scope out the local art scene at the galleries and studios on Canyon Road.
BOOK NOW Sunrise Springs Spa Resort
New York, New York
You want a perfect winter’s day? Try ice skating in snow-covered Central Park followed by hot chocolate at Jacques Torres.
BOOK NOW The Greenwich Hotel
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is the ultimate destination for foodies. The artsy city in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains has a vibrant restaurant scene and a ton of microbreweries for the beer connoisseurs. There are also plenty of winter hiking trails for people itching for some outdoor fun.
BOOK NOW The Lion and The Rose Bed & Breakfast
Lake Metigoshe, North Dakota
Located in the Turtle Mountains, Lake Metigoshe State Park offers a number of lodging options even in winter months so you can explore the local trails on skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles. It’s also close to the Bottineau Winter Park ski resort and the Canada border.
BOOK NOW Northern Lights Inn
Cincinnati, Ohio
Explore the “Paris of America” this winter. Cincinnati has something for everyone, whether you’re the type who eats and drinks their way through vacation (Findlay Market) or prefers to take in the local culture with museums and theatre (Cincinnati Art Museum).
BOOK NOW 21c Museum Hotel
Lake Murray, Oklahoma
There are lake houses and then there are the Lake Murray floating cabins. The cabins can accommodate large or small groups and the rates are cheaper during November through March. You may not get to enjoy all of the warm weather activities, but there’s something to be said for the tranquility of a cabin on a lake in winter.
BOOK NOW Lake Murray State Park & Lodge
Portland, Oregon
Oregon’s biggest city has everything you’d want from an urban winter getaway. Spend your day exploring some of the city’s beautiful gardens (which are just as picturesque in winter) and then enjoy Portland’s live music scene at night.
BOOK NOW Sentinel
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
There’s so much history in the City of Brotherly Love, it’s hard to know where to start. Grab a map and a cheesesteak while taking in one neighborhood at a time. The Winter Fountains are a must and Winterfest on the Delaware River is the perfect place to grab a hot toddy, do some skating, or play cornhole by the fire.
BOOK NOW The Rittenhouse Hotel
Newport, Rhode Island
Book a stay at one of Newport’s many B&Bs or the historic Chanler hotel and explore this enchanting New England community. Do a walking tour of the Gilded Age mansions on Bellevue Avenue or head downtown for some ice skating on the waterfront. Don’t forget to warm up with clam chowder from The Black Pearl.
BOOK NOW The Chanler
Charleston, South Carolina
Sprinkle some southern charm into your trip with a weekend in Charleston. Fill up on some tasty barbecue and then get lost walking around the French Quarter and Battery districts. If you’re game for it, a ghost tour is a fun way to learn about the city’s history.
BOOK NOW Zero George Street
Deadwood, South Dakota
Take a trip back in time to the Gold Rush days of the Wild West with an escape to Deadwood. The whole city is actually a national landmark preserving the architecture from that period. Explore Black Hills National Forest during your stay and be sure to stop by the graves of historical figures like Calamity Jane at Mount Moriah Cemetery.
BOOK NOW Martin Mason Hotel
Nashville, Tennessee
If live music is your thing, Nashville needs to be your vacation destination. Seeing a show at the Ryman Auditorium should be on everyone’s bucket list.
BOOK NOW The Hermitage Hotel
Austin, Texas
The capital of Texas is the epicenter for arts and entertainment in the Lone Star State. If you can’t book your trip around South by Southwest in March, there’s still plenty of fun to be had when there isn’t a festival in town. Just make your way down to South Congress Avenue.
BOOK NOW Lone Star Court
Park City, Utah
Park City is not just a winter getaway, it’s *the* winter getaway. This mountain town is home to the Sundance Film Festival every January and some of the best winter sport offerings in the country.
BOOK NOW Montage Deer Valley
Burlington, Vermont
If the skiing and snowboarding options don’t sell you, the beer and ice cream should. Burlington is home to the Magic Hat Brewing Company and a short ride from the Ben and Jerry’s factory in Waterbury.
BOOK NOW Twin Farms
Williamsburg, Virginia
The history in Williamsburg is as rich as the signature peppermint hot fudge served at Busch Gardens amusement park during the holiday season. If you’re hoping to escape the cold, make an appointment at some of the colonial town’s luxurious spa resorts.
BOOK NOW Williamsburg Inn
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Even folks who aren’t “winter people” will find it hard to resist falling in love with a freshly-powdered Mount Rainier. Hire a ranger for a guided snowshoe tour or take to the trails on your own. It’s a winter wonderland.
BOOK NOW National Park Inn
Snowshoe Mountain, West Virginia
Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers 60 slopes for those looking to enjoy winter activities, and spa options for people who just want to kick back.
BOOK NOW Silver Creek Lodge
Door County, Wisconsin
Door County is gorgeous 12 months out of the year, but even more so when the land freezes over. Located on a peninsula, it’s a prime spot for ice skating and ice fishing on the bay.
BOOK NOW Waterbury Inn
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This valley between Teton Mountain Range and the Gros Ventre Range offers you the ultimate mountain town experience. The area has every winter activity imaginable with views that you need to see to believe.
BOOK NOW Four Seasons Jackson Hole
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