As the winter chill sets in and snow blankets the landscape, there’s no better time to seek out cozy retreats that embrace the magic of the season. Whether you’re dreaming of snuggling by a crackling fire, sipping hot cocoa in a quaint cabin, or exploring charming towns adorned with twinkling lights, the United States offers a wealth of winter destinations that promise warmth and comfort.
From picturesque mountain getaways to charming coastal escapes, these 20 coziest winter destinations will inspire you to bundle up and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
Park City, Utah
As a former host of the Winter Olympics, Park City has plenty of winter sporting opportunities to offer. White slopes and snowy meadows offer endless fun of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and bobsledding. Afterward, stop by Historic Main Street, which is lined with restaurants, cafes, boutique stores, galleries, and bars to match.
Lake Tahoe, California
While Lake Tahoe is fantastic all year round, there’s just something about its winter beauty that demands a visit. Hike to the top of Cave Rock or enjoy the renowned Emerald Bay hike and watch as the sun glistens off frozen lakes enclosed by snow-capped trees. There’s no shortage of winter sports either as the alpine lake is also home to various ski resorts. The Lake Tahoe area gets record levels of snow, so skiing and snowboarding are always on the itinerary.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is renowned for its luxurious ski experience, boasting four distinct ski areas with diverse terrain and breathtaking mountain views, complemented by a vibrant après-ski scene filled with gourmet dining and lively nightlife. Visitors can also explore art galleries and boutique shops in the charming downtown area.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, a quintessential New England destination, offers exceptional skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort, along with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through picturesque trails. The Trapp Family Lodge provides a unique experience with its extensive network of cross-country trails and a cozy lodge atmosphere.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride captivates with its stunning mountain scenery and world-class skiing at Telluride Ski Resort, where visitors can traverse over 2,000 acres of diverse terrain. Beyond skiing, the town hosts exciting winter festivals, such as the Telluride Fire Festival, and offers opportunities for relaxation at luxurious spas, making it a perfect retreat for both adventure and relaxation.
New York City, New York
Holiday charm aside, the city that never sleeps is a winter wonderland every month of the season. The sprawling city enthralls visitors with snowy strolls and ice skating in Central Park, ice skating in Rockefeller Center, and a million different holiday shows, events, and festivals to attend. Find it too cold to take in views of NYC’s iconic landmarks? Head indoors to museums like the Museum of Modern Art or the Museum of Natural History, and galleries like the Guggenheim or Gladstone Gallery.
Chicago, Illinois
Winter isn’t Chicago’s peak season, but that doesn’t mean the Windy City loses any of its charms. There are plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. During the evenings, you can cozy up in a restaurant with a fireplace, like Fireside Restaurant & Lounge. Brave the cold and head to Millennium Park, where you can ice-skate at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink and enjoy views of the city skyline and the renowned Cloud Gate, and the Bean.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg, nestled at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains, transforms into a winter wonderland where visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Ober Gatlinburg, along with thrilling snow tubing and ice skating at the resort’s outdoor rink. The charming town comes alive with its annual Winterfest celebration, featuring millions of twinkling lights and festive events.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is famous for its stunning natural beauty and challenging ski terrain, making it a favorite among experienced skiers and snowboarders. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers some of the best vertical drops and powder skiing in the country. The town of Jackson exudes a rustic charm, with its wooden storefronts, art galleries, and a vibrant nightlife scene. In addition to skiing, visitors can explore the nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, offering opportunities for winter wildlife viewing and snowshoeing.
Yosemite National Park, California
This park becomes a winter wonderland explored by few once the cold creeps in. Head here in February to witness one of Yosemite’s top attractions. The sunset lights up Horsetail Falls and gives the illusion of a Firefall. Your hiking and driving options are limited in Yosemite in winter, but the crowds are much smaller. You can still hike along the valley floor, along the Mist Trail’s winter route, or the Valley Floor Loop. Other activities include the walk through the Indian Village of the Ahwahnee, the native plant garden, and the 1897 Yosemite Chapel. The Yosemite History Museum is also open year-round.
Washington, DC
If you’re after Christmas Lights, there are fewer places better than Washington DC to see them. The highlight of the season here is the National Christmas Tree and Enchant Christmas, a stunning light maze offering dining, ice-skating, and more. Outside the light displays, there are a lot of things to do in Washington, DC, including visits to the Smithsonian Museums, Monuments, and the National Archives Museum. While it gets cold and snowy in DC in winter, you can bundle up and sidle up to the bar in any of the high-end restaurants along the wharf.
Breckenridge, Colorado
When it comes to the best winter vacations with snow in the USA, it’s hard to argue that Breckenridge isn’t one of the best ones. The small city is a winter sports paradise with plenty of mountain ground to cover atop a ski or snowboard at various ski resorts. Alternatively, indulge in crepes and craft beers while enjoying snow-capped mountain views after a day of snowshoeing and ice-skating.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is one of the best places to visit in winter in the USA if you don’t want to stay cooped up indoors. This warm city gives visitors front-row seats to views of snow-capped red rocks with plenty of trails to hike through. While many visitors avoid Arizona from late spring to late fall because of the tremendous heat, the winter is a great time to avoid the heat, go on hikes, and even go winter camping. And ATV tour through the canyons is also a stunner.
Charleston, South Carolina
While colder than some of the other warm cities mentioned here, Charleston still offers palatable conditions during winter. In the off-season, you’ll find the city’s attractions open to visitors without the need to battle crowds. Hop on a carriage tour to explore Charleston’s historic district dotted with historic mansions, churches, and more. In February, you should go to the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, the world’s largest oyster festival.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is a skiing haven boasting four resorts, including Snowbird and Park City in 45 minutes, ready to host eager skiers, snowboarders, and winter sports enthusiasts. The snow is so good in Salt Lake City that they’ve taken to calling it the Greatest Snow on Earth. If you’re after a more leisurely experience, the city also has trails for snowshoeing, hikers, and bikes. Check out Woodward Park City for snow tubing and other fun snow activities.
Sonoma County, California
If you’re all about indulging in incredible cuisine and tasty reds, then you’ll feel at home in Sonoma County, no matter what season it is. While winter is the off-season in the vineyards, the area still has wine and decadent dishes galore, from the dozens of wineries to the Michelin-starred restaurants and all the tasty food-and-drink pairing options. The two historic downtowns of Sonoma and Healdsburg twinkle with lights and have a decidedly festive atmosphere for walking around. You can pop into wineries and do some shopping, as well.
Hawaii
Hawaii offers the best US winter vacations if you’re intent on replacing the seasonal blues with rays of sunshine and outdoor fun. The average daytime winter temperature is 78°. Trek through rainforests, sunbathe on golden-sand beaches and see humpback whales in Kauai. There’s the Electric Lights Parade and the Amy & Willie Holiday Show in December in Honolulu. If surfing is your thing, then hop to Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach to ride the waves and then enjoy delicious grub on the promenade. In Maui, the picturesque Road to Hana still awaits.
Key West, Florida
When you’ve had enough of all that snow, Key West, Florida, is the place to go. Temperatures usually vary between 64 and 80 degrees, with beaches and water sports topping the way to spend your winter getaway. While everyone else layers up, Key West turns up the heat with an electric nightlife and eateries offering mouth-watering foods you can enjoy between museums, theaters, sunset sailing and art gallery escapes.
Palm Springs, California
With pleasant weather during winter, Palm Springs is one of the best destinations in the USA if you don’t want to let go of summer. The city makes up for its lack of beaches with golfing, horseback riding, fishing, and hiking. The average high temperature in Palm Springs during the winter months is around the low to mid-70s, making it a desirable location for anyone escaping the cold at home.
San Diego, California
Add beaches to your California winter getaway by going to San Diego. The stunning coastline has several beaches perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just sunbathing — but beware the water is chilly. Entertainment beckons with a December Nights event in Balboa Park, electric nightlife at Gaslamp Quarter, along with museums, galleries, and theme parks scattered everywhere. For a more thorough breakdown, check out our guide on the best things to do in San Diego.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.