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Winter is one of the most magical times to travel in the United States. You can embrace the cold with winter wonderlands. Or, you can escape the cold to beach towns and deserts. So if you’re asking yourself, “what are the best winter weekend getaways near me?” I’ve got the perfect trip for you.
How To Travel the U.S. on a Budget
This post includes road trips, ski resorts, national parks, cities, small towns, popular vacation spots, and off-the-beaten-path places in every region of the U.S. So I’ve got the perfect destination for any trip you want to take.
Here’s the answer to the question, “what are the best winter weekend getaways near me!”
Southeast
New Orleans, Louisiana. Because of Mardi Gras, New Orleans is one of the most iconic winter destinations. But if you want to avoid the crowds, come in December or January when the weather is mild, the city is decorated for the holidays, and you can score some great Airbnb and hotel deals. Eating your way across the city is one of the best things you can do when you’re in the “Big Easy,” so check out my foodie destination guide for New Orleans!
The Florida Keys. If you want a tropical winter vacation without leaving the U.S., then The Keys are for you! You’ll have your choice of incredible islands, resorts, and vacation homes to escape the cold.
Highlands, North Carolina. This quaint, picturesque mountain town is a true winter wonderland from December to February. When you’re not playing in the snow, you can chase waterfalls, shop, have a spa day, and enjoy the town’s incredible foodie scene.
St. Simons, Georgia. Winter is the off-season for this island, but the mild weather means you can still enjoy the outdoors with just a light jacket. You can score some incredible hotel and Airbnb deals in these months, and you’ll practically have the island to yourself.
Northeast
Lake Placid. This lake town, and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains, are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can do every kind of snow activity imaginable, and the town’s shops, restaurants, and resorts are the perfect places to warm up.
Woodstock, Vermont. In the winter, this picture-perfect New England town looks like it belongs in a snow globe. You’ll be close to skiing and other snow activities, but the town’s restaurants, shops, inns, and breweries are the real stars of this destination.
New York City. The Big Apple’s window displays, Rockefeller Center ice rink & Christmas tree, snow-speckled Central Park, and chestnuts roasting on a street stall make this an iconic December destination. But if you go in January or February, you can enjoy the snow and winter activities without the crowds or high prices. Check out the best Airbnbs in NYC!
Acadia National Park. If you want to escape the crowds and get off the beaten path, head to Acadia National Park. You can snowmobile around the national park, stay in one of the island’s stunning inns, and enjoy having one of the most-visited national parks practically to yourself.
Read More
The Best Getaways in the Northeast
Your Guide To The Northeast United States
Top Vacation Homes and Hotels in the Northeast
Midwest
Chicago. The Windy City is very cold in the winter, and you’re not guaranteed snow. But Chicago has one of the best Christmas markets in the country, and you can score some incredible accommodation deals in these months. Check out the best hotels and vacation homes in Chicago!
St. Louis. St. Louis is home to the second-largest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans, so February is a great month to come if you want to party. All of the winter months will be cold and windy with high snow chances, but the crowds and prices will be at their lowest – you can practically have the Gateway Arch to yourself! So check out the best hotels and Airbnbs in St. Louis.
West
Breckenridge, Colorado. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains’ Tenmile Range, Breckenridge is famous for its Gold Rush history, alpine activities, five peaks, 2,908 skiable acres, 187 trails, four terrain parks, and the tallest chairlift in North America. Browse the best Airbnbs in Breckenridge!
Yellowstone National Park. Come here if you want an adventure! Most roads will be closed, so you’ll need to take snow transportation around the park, and the majority of trails will need to be explored by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. In the winter, there are no crowds, and the wildlife viewing is at some of its best.
Las Vegas. Winter is a wonderful time to visit Las Vegas. The city will be sunny and cool, and if you avoid the holidays and Spring Break weeks, the crowds will be manageable.
I highly recommend visiting Valley of Fire State Park when you’re in Vegas, and I’ve rounded up the best hotels and vacation homes in the area. I’ve also got the top things to do in Vegas for a birthday trip, romantic getaway, girls’ trip, and bachelorette party.
Southwest
Sedona, Arizona. Winter is Sedona’s low season because tourists “snowbird” further south in Arizona. You can score some great accommodation deals at wellness retreats, resorts, and Airbnbs, and you can have many of the trails practically to yourself.
San Antonio, Texas. Come to San Antonio if you’re a foodie, history buff, snowbird, or city lover. The best activities to do here are to visit The Alamo, have a picnic in Breckenridge Park, stroll along the River Walk, explore the Natural Bridge Caverns, and go up in the Tower of the Americas.
Santa Fe, New Mexico. Most people know that Santa Fe is sunny almost every day of the year. But what you may not know is that Winter has below-freezing temperatures, making this a perfect ski destination in the Southwest.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona. Winter is a great time to enjoy the glitz and glam of these neighboring cities because it will be warm enough to enjoy the pool at your vacation home or resort but cool enough to explore the desert.
California and The Pacific Northwest
California and The Pacific Northwest
Death Valley National Park. This is one of the best off-the-beaten-path national parks to visit. In the winter, daytime temperatures rarely fall below the mid-60s, perfect for exploring the desert. I highly recommend staying at The Oasis At Death Valley, hiking the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, driving Artist’s Drive and Palette, and booking a Farabee Jeep Tour to Racetrack.
Leavenworth, Washington. Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village that will make you feel like you’re in Europe. You can stay in an Alpine-style hotel and eat at restaurants serving German beer and food!
Palm Springs. Known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses, and spas, Palm Springs is the perfect destination to escape the cold. You’ll be close to Joshua National Park if you want an adventure, or you can sit poolside with a cocktail in hand.
Lake Tahoe. Set in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this lake town is the perfect winter getaway. You’ll be close to ski slopes, and the lake is stunning in the winter. You can do any winter activity you want, and you should hike and drive around the lake.
Hawaii
Winter is an incredible time to visit Hawaii if you want to escape the cold. The winter months are slightly cooler than the rest of the year, and this is surf and whale-watching season.
Tips for Traveling To Hawaii on a Budget
All four of Hawaii’s main islands – Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai – have some of the best beaches, national and state parks, water sports, and outdoor activities in the world. So I’ve rounded up the top 101 things to do in Hawaii and the best adventure activities in Hawaii. I’ve also got the top things to do for a birthday, honeymoon, mother-daughter trip, and bachelorette party in Hawaii.
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How would you answer the question, “what are the best winter weekend getaways near me? Tell us in the comments below!
For Planning The Rest Of Your U.S. Trip
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The Best Winter Weekend Getaways Near Me
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number 1 vacation spot in the US?
This depends on who you ask. New York City is the most-visited city, Napa Valley is the most-visited wine region, California is the most-visited state, and The Great Smoky Mountains is the most-visited national park. You can’t go wrong with any of The United States’ cities, road trips, or national parks!
How much does it cost to backpack America?
United States travel guide budget costs:
You can get by on less than $100 per day backpacking through the U.S. Camping, staying in hostels, using public transportation, cooking your own meals, limiting your drinking, and doing free activities such as walking tours, hiking, and visiting public beaches will save you money.
How much money in US dollars do I need for 2 weeks?
On average, you should follow these suggested daily budgets:
Budget/Backpacking: Less than $100 a day.
Lower End: $150 a day.
Midrange: $250 a day.
Higher End: $350 a day and up.
How can I travel across the US cheaply?
1. Travel in the shoulder and off-seasons.
2. Take day trips to more expensive cities. Visiting New York City, Napa, Anaheim, Chicago, Miami, and other popular cities in the U.S. as day trips can save you a lot of money on accommodation.
3. Do free activities – scenic drives, self-guided walking tours, hikes, and visiting public beaches.
4. When you’re visiting national or state parks, go camping instead of staying in a hotel.
5. Use your points. Reward points from the best travel reward credit cards can go a long way to offset the cost of a U.S. trip.
6. Instead of flying between destinations in the U.S., rent a car, hop on a Greyhound bus, or take an Amtrak train.
7. Bring a cooler on your road trip. Fast food might seem cheap when you get it, but it can add up. So if you’re road-tripping, bring a cooler and pack out food to save some money.
8. Eat out for lunch instead of dinner. Lunch prices are always lower. So when you do eat out, dine in the afternoon instead of the evening.
Is a passport required to travel within The United States?
All nationals require a valid passport to enter and leave The United States. Most nationals don’t need a visa when visiting the U.S. for less than 90 days. The exceptions are countries excluded from the Visa Waiver Program.
A passport is not required for domestic travel, but you will need a government-issued photo ID if you want to rent a car or fly.
Is it safe to travel to The United States?
The United States is one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. I’ve traveled extensively through my home country of The United States, and I’ve never felt unsafe. But, as with any destination, you need to take precautions to keep yourself safe. Don’t walk by yourself at night, stay in a secure and well-located hotel or vacation home, use slash-proof, lockable, and RFID-protected bags and purses, and always have a charged cell phone with you.
Can an immigrant travel within The United States?
Immigration laws and levels of enforcement are constantly in flux, so always consult an immigration attorney or reputable sources for up-to-date information. In general, immigrants with a valid visa status or green cards will not be restricted from traveling domestically by air, train, bus, or car. However, domestic travel is not advised for those who are undocumented or who have immigration applications pending.
Where should I travel to in April in The United States?
April is one of my favorite months to travel in The U.S.! The wildflowers will be blooming, the snow will be melting, wildlife will re-emerge, and it won’t be too hot or humid in the southern states.
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This article about the best winter weekend getaways near me is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Some of the links in this post about the best winter weekend getaways near me are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this post about the best winter weekend getaways near me.
