As one of the most culturally and geographically diverse countries in the world, the US boasts an incredible variety of winter getaways for all tastes.
Snow, beaches, mountains, cities, national parks, you name it–great America has it all!
And, as the summer comes to an end, it’s time to plan your winter vacation in the US. Whether you prefer snowy or sunny winter vacations, this article will give you some incredible ideas for your USA bucket list.
Here’s the list of best winter vacation spots in the US.
San Antonio, Texas, is not only one of the best places to visit in the state but also one of the state’s most touristic cities.
Its moderate Southern climate and charming atmosphere make it a great destination for a winter getaway in the US.
Located midway between oil-city Houston and hip-town Austin, San Antonio preserves a unique vacation vibe unlike the mega-cities just hours away.
It also holds an interesting piece of history, as it is the first chartered civil settlement in Texas, and as such, there are numerous things to do in the city.
The Alamo, the Riverwalk, the five historic missions, and San Fernando Cathedral are just some of the attractions of this incredible place.
As the city’s temperature generally stays above 60℉ on the coldest of its days, a casual walk along the riverbank is an enticing way to spend an evening with family and friends.
San Antonio’s riverside is complete with adorable architecture, fancy restaurants, small shops, and street musicians.
A stone’s throw west of Vail lies the postcard picture mountain village of Beaver Creek.
This is the home of the famous Beaver Creek Resort, which attracts hundreds of athletes and spectators every December for one of the world’s premier ski events.
With no less than 1800 acres of terrain that range from gentle slopes to steep bumps to thrill skiers of all skills, this picturesque village offers much more than snow-related activities.
The performing arts center, children’s museum, and the numerous hiking trails on the edge of the village ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
An abundance of coffee shops and restaurants provide a wide range of mouth-watering sensations to suit all tastes and budgets.
If all this is not enough for you, the unbelievable views of the Rocky Mountain from virtually every spot in Beaver Creek are something you will not forget for a while.
This national treasure is famous for its all-year-round breathtaking scenery of soaring granite monoliths, spectacular waterfalls, lakes, and deep valleys with towering ancient sequoias decorating this stunning landscape.
With the first snowfall, the Yosemite National Park is transformed into a fairy-tale winter land, making it one of the best places to visit in the winter season.
No matter where you are, spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range are in every direction.
Among the must-see sights are the El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Tenaya Lake, Tunnel View, and Glacier Point. Catching the Firefall at sunset on Horsetail Falls could easily be the highlight for photographers.
The February setting sun ignites the frozen falls in a blaze of red-orange cascading fire that is a sight to behold.
Accommodation is available to suit everyone – from luxury resorts to camping. Kayaking, hiking on snowshoe trails among the giant redwoods, skiing, snow playing, ice skating, and just taking in the spectacular scenery make Yosemite one of the best winter vacations in the US for any family.
If you’re scratching for a winter getaway in the USA that does not involve cold, snow, or rain, there is no better place than the country’s southernmost point – Key West, Florida!
This tiny island can even be reached by car from the mainland via the Overseas Highway that runs through the Florida Keys. (Top it off with a stop in Miami Beach!)
If you’re scratching your head for winter vacation ideas, look no further than the other national treasure that is Kings Canyon National Park.
This park easily rivals Yosemite for natural splendor, but one entrance fee also gets you into the adjacent and equally majestic Sequoia National Park.
It’s spectacular scenery in the form of gigantic granite cliffs, deep glacier-carved valleys, the roaring Kings River, and dense forests of colossal sequoias to take your breath away.
Hike or ride on horseback through Grant Grove and view the General Grant, also known as the Nation’s Christmas Tree, the world’s second-largest tree!
More dramatic scenery can be viewed at Cedar Grove at the canyon’s bottom.
At the same time, Zumwalt Meadow, the massive stalagmites and stalactites of the marble cave at Boyden Cavern, and the 2000 ft high marble walls of Kings Gate and Windy Cliffs will leave you in awe.
If skiing is your game, then Vail just has to be a top contender for your next winter getaway.
Surrounded by 350,000 acres of pristine forests and over 5,000 acres of skiable slopes with breathtaking mountain scenery, Vail has everything to offer for that memorable family winter vacation.
Nestled in the foothills of the Vail Mountain range, this charming chocolate box picture town offers so much.
Apart from incredible skiing, snowboarding, skating, and all the usual snow activities for all skill levels, there are also unlimited shopping, dining, and lodging options to suit all tastes and pockets.
For the not so energetic, strolling through the heated cobblestone streets of Vail Village, Lionshead, and Golden Park, you will be awed by the stunning scenery around every corner. Photographers will not know when to stop clicking.
This dormant volcano, barely 90 minutes drive from Portland, is a major tourist attraction all year round. Still, it is the snow that turns this magnificent mountainous landscape into a magical winter playground.
Numerous family-friendly ski resorts, forest cabins, and basic camping facilities, all within proximity, offer an array of accommodation styles, winter activities, and breathtaking scenery.
Skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, hiking, snow playing, or taking leisurely sightseeing drives through this magical landscape during winter is something one would not forget for a while.
Trillium Lake, Burnt Lake, Tamanawas Falls, and Ramona Falls are just a few must-see places, all offering magnificent views of Mount Hood as a backdrop. It is places like this that make winter such a special time of the year.