A large part of the festive season is about playing in snow, wrapping up with scarves and gloves, and drinking hot chocolate to keep yourself warm. With that being said, does every winter need to be cold?
The answer is no! It’s completely understandable that when the winter months arrive, many people make straight for a car or plane and travel over to somewhere else in the US that’s warmer.
Thankfully, there are all kinds of places across the United States that fit the bill, with loads of fantastic locations that both offer warmth in winter and are packed with plenty of fun things for you to see and do while you’re there (see also “20 Best Places to Visit In March Throughout The States“)!
In our handy guide below, we’ve got 26 great warm US vacations for you to beat the cold winter with. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find a destination that you just love!
26 Great Warm US Vacations To Beat The Winter Cold
1. Palm Springs, California
We’re starting our list off with the city of Palm Springs in California, a place that’s known for its dazzling sun, great weather, and beautiful surroundings.
In fact, Palm Springs is actually one of the five most consistently hot cities in the United States! As a result, it’s a perfect place for you to migrate to when the winter months get too cold.
There’s so much for you to see and do in Palm Springs! For one thing, it’s full of great places to relax, such as its many luxury spas, and there are also plenty of golf courses for you to relax at in the sun.
Then, of course, there’s the massive collection of shops, boutiques, and restaurants for you to spend time at!
On top of that, there’s also plenty of cultural things to see, such as the fascinating exhibits at the Palm Springs Art Museum or the exciting displays of the Palm Springs Air Museum.
2. O’ahu, Hawaii
Of course, great US vacation spots don’t have to just be connected to the mass of land that is North America – the various islands of Hawaii are terrific, warm spots to visit too!
One of the best islands is O’ahu, which offers more than 125 brilliant beaches, dazzling nightlife, and a range of fascinating sights to see.
The beaches are naturally a great way to enjoy the warm winter weather, and Waikiki is perhaps the most famous one. It’s a gentle beach with soft sand and bright blue water, perfect for playing around in.
As for things to do, you visit the gorgeous Iolani Palace (where Hawaii’s final monarchs lived), see the lush and green Kualoa Ranch (where they filmed the movie Jurassic Park!), or pay your respects at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
It may be known as the “city of sin”, but Las Vegas is a great US location to spend a warm winter. After all, it can get so hot during the summer months that the slightly cooler temperatures of winter are a blessing! Don’t worry, though, it’s still hot!
This is one of the most famous cities in the US, so you can expect that there’s an enormous amount of activities and opportunities to take part in when you’re vacationing there.
There are countless stores and restaurants for you to try, especially if you go to the special mall that is the Fremont Street Experience. This is a dazzling five blocks of attractions, and it’s covered in lights and colors.
You’ll also want to stop at the famous Bellagio Fountain, where astonishing =ly tall plumes of water shoot up into the air, all illuminated.
Meanwhile, also make sure to check out the beautiful Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, full of vibrant flowers that glow in the sunshine.
4. Honeymoon Island State Park, Florida
Found on Florida’s Honeymoon Island, this state park is a brilliant place for you to spend a warm vacation in winter, thanks to the wide variety of activities and beautiful sights on offer.
Naturally, the place has lots of restaurants for you to enjoy a meal at, as well as dreamy picnic areas for you to have a bite to eat outside.
This is an especially great destination to take your whole family too, particularly if you’ve got young kids, because they’ll love the outdoor activities.
You can enjoy relaxing on the beaches, before taking a dip in the beautiful blue water.
After that, you can take part in the nearby nature trail, which is almost 3 miles long and will walk you through plenty of beautiful landscapes, vegetation, and crisp air.
5. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Next up is this famous city in New Mexico, South America, which is found in the high desert. As a result, you can expect it to be plenty hot, even in the winter months!
Better still, this is New Mexico’s largest city, so you can be sure that it’s filled to bursting with all kinds of shops, activities, restaurants, bars, and so much more.
We’d recommend a trip to the Albuquerque Museum to start with, where you can learn loads about the city’s history, thanks to fascinating and educational exhibits.
A great trick to any vacation is to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the place you’re visiting, and this is a brilliant way to do it!
If you’ve got your family, then you’ll want to take them to the Children’s Museum at the Explora Science Center, where they’ll be in wonder at all the displays.
And afterwards? Treat them to water slides and rides at Cliff’s Amusement Park! It’ll be a great way to cool off in all that sun.
6. San Diego, California
The city of San Diego in California is another fantastic destination for a winter vacation that’s still warm, because this notoriously warm place keeps its high temperatures even through the Christmas period.
Better yet, fewer tourists come here in the winter, so you’ll be able to enjoy the place in much more peace than usual.
On top of all this, it’s a dense city packed with fun things to see and do! For example, you can check out the large naval boats in the harbor. You can even go into one, the USS MIdway, because it’s been turned into a museum!
After that, you can take a trip to the beachside Belmont Park, an amusement park with plenty of rides to thrill you. Or perhaps you want to catch a sports game or a concert?
The large Petco Park stadium regularly has such events on, so be sure to stop by and enjoy whatever show is on offer.
7. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a port city in South Carolina, famous for its waterfront entertainment and a great place to pick for a warm winter vacation in the United States.
On the topic of waterfront entertainment, there’s The Battery. This is both a promenade and a famous defensive seawall, and it’s even got a historic cannon you can see!
Besides that, there’s plenty of gorgeous architecture to look at with the many homes that line it, and it’s a top spot for a breezy walk by the sea.
For a similarly peaceful time, why not check out the Joe Riley Waterfront Park as well? This has lush trees, calm paths, and serene water fountains softly splashing away.
And, after that, you can go for a bit of shopping at the Charleston City Market, where you’ll be able to get all kinds of local goods and mementos of your time here.
8. Key West, Florida
Next on our list is the island city of Key West, part of the Florida Keys archipelago of islands and a fantastic place to enjoy a winter break that’s still warm.
Even better, there’s loads of fun and fascinating things for you to see and do here – it’s practically an island paradise!
For one, you can visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, where you’ll be able to walk around a lush habitat full of birds and butterflies.
Meanwhile, you can also head to one of Key West’s great beaches, such as Smathers Beach or the state park beach of Fort Zachary Taylor.
You can enjoy a gentle dip in the waters (make sure there’s a lifeguard supervising!), or enjoy outdoor games. You can even rent beach huts!
One of the very best sightseeing spots on Key West, however, is The Hemingway Home and Museum.
This site is where the famous author Ernest Hemingway used to live, and you can now see where he wrote some of the most famous books ever.
9. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles…we don’t need to tell you how famous this particular city is!
One of the most notable cities in the United States, and probably the whole world, Los Angeles is a sprawling land full of activities, events, entertainment, and beautiful sights.
On top of that, it offers a warm vacation even during the winter months, with typical temperatures of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
There’s so much to do in Los Angeles that it’s hard to know where to begin.
For a start, you can visit its many beaches, where you’ll be able to take lazy walks, bask in the sunshine, sit in the soft sand, and even take a splash in the water.
In addition to that, there are so many must see landmarks to check out!
For example, you’ve got the stunning hill-top Griffith Observatory overlooking the city, the Hollywood Bowl outdoor stadium for live music and performances, and The Getty with all of its astonishing art exhibits.
And for film lovers, Los Angeles is a dream! There’s the famous Hollywood sign, with plenty of hiking trails around it, and even movie studio tours to enjoy.
Additionally, there’s also movie-themed amusement parks like Universal Studios Hollywood!
10. Atlanta, Georgia
Up next on our list is the capital city of Georgia, Atlanta. This is a place rich with history, with important parts played in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, and it’s a fantastic place to visit during the winter.
Why? Well, it’s got perfectly warm, mild weather during this time, and there should be fewer tourists around too.
Better yet, there’s lots to do here! You can take a stroll through the beautiful Atlanta Botanical Garden, where you can marvel at 30 acres of dazzling plants, gentle fountains, and amazing statues.
On the other hand, you can visit the Georgia Aquarium and study over 120,000 different marine animals.
Meanwhile, you can witness history at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park (where King was born), or look at the great art offered inside the High Museum of Art.
11. South Padre Island, Texas
This resort town is found on South Padre Island, and it’s just off the south coast of Texas. As you can imagine, this means that it’s pretty hot all the time, even during the winter period!
You’ll be spoiled for choice here, with lots of fun things to try.
You can walk the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, or do some peaceful bird watching at the Birding And Nature Center.
Meanwhile, there’s great beaches to relax at, and we’d recommend the Beach Park at Isla Blanca – it has fun slides, pools, and rides!
12. Miami, Florida
Another one of those massively famous US cities, Miami is one that everybody will have heard of.
It’s also known as “The Magic City”, and you can certainly see why in the winter, when it retains a warm temperature and you can enjoy the place’s wide range of stores, restaurants, activities, and so on.
One of the best spots to do some shopping and eating is Bayside Marketplace, a massive center full of different stores and restaurants. Spend time buying everything you could think of, then relax with a wide range of cuisine!
On the other hand, if you’ve got your family with you then you’ll want to go to the Miami Children’s Museum, which is full of interesting displays for the young ones.
Speaking of which, another great activity for the family would be a trip to Zoo Miami, which has more than 2,000 animals.
Finally, you’ve got to check out Miami’s famous Art Deco district! Full of stunning and colorful buildings all styled in Art Deco, it’ll make your vacation especially memorable.
13. San Antonio, Texas
Texas is renowned for being hot, so it’s understandable that one of its major cities, San Antonio, would still be plenty warm during the winter!
Even better, you’ll be able to enjoy all the festive changes that will have gone on in the city, with plenty of lights, decorations, and events all tailored to Christmas.
There are lots of fun things here that will make your vacation even more worthwhile. For example, you can visit The Alamo, which used to be a famous fort but is now a museum modeled around the history of Texas!
For something more relaxing, though, you’ll want to visit the San Antonio River Walk, a breezy and calm area next to the river, filled with hotels, stores, and places to eat and drink.
14. Kauai, Hawaii
We talked earlier about how great the various islands of Hawaii are when it comes to a warm winter vacation, and the island of Kauai is no exception!
You’ll be able to take part in all its sights, stores, activities, and so much more, all while enjoying pleasant temperatures.
There are loads of parks and beaches to enjoy, which showcase some of the most stunning natural views of the whole island. For example, the Kokee State park is a tropical paradise with tall mountains, lush trees, and fun trails.
For something a bit more down to earth (we mean it literally!), then the Polihale State Park will be a great destination.
This is a beach with white sand, beautiful blue sea, and stunning cliffs towering over it. Even better, the beach is isolated, so it should be pretty quiet and peaceful!
15. Sedona, Arizona
Our next pick for a winter vacation in the United States that’s still warm is Sedona, a desert town in Arizona.
As you’ll probably know, Arizona is famous for its intense heat during the summer, and so its weather is still quite warm during the winter. What do you expect from a desert!
Thankfully, there’s lots for you to enjoy while vacationing here, such as the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park.
This is a fantastic spiritual park found at the base of a mountain, and it’s a great place to seek quiet and unwind.
On the other hand, you may want to get some shopping done, in which case there are few better places in Sedona than the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
This spot is full of artisanal shops for you to browse, filled with local gifts and products that will allow you to immerse yourself more in Sedona’s culture.
16. San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico, as well as its largest city, so you can expect that a vacation here is going to be spoiled for choice with activities!
On top of that, it’s a great US destination that still offers warm weather during winter.
For a start, you’ll want to visit Old San Juan, which is a historic district and the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico.
It’s got several astonishing old buildings, as well as amazing city walls and castles. But it isn’t all old! You’ll also be able to enjoy fun cocktail bars and sip a drink in the sun.
Meanwhile, we’d also recommend a trip to the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, which is a fabulous museum full of Puerto Rican art that will help to illuminate how you perceive their culture.
Finally, a trip to La Placita de Santurce will round off the night, because it’s got great restaurants and lively nightlife to take part in.
17. Santa Monica, California
The coastal city of Santa Monica is a perfect US destination for vacation, and it’ll bless you with a warm holiday during the winter months.
Even better, you won’t find it difficult to seek out things to do.
For example, you can enjoy a calm, sunny walk through Palisades Park and its beautiful trees, then go over to the Santa Monica State Beach to enjoy a 3.5 mile stretch of soft sand, great waves, and happy crowds.
If you’ve got the family with you, then a trip to Tongva Park is a good idea too, which is a great play area for kids.
Meanwhile, the Santa Monica Pier is a must, because it’s full of tasty restaurants, fun rides to go on, and notable landmarks.
18. Big Island, Hawaii
Big Island is the name for the largest, main island of the Hawaiian archipelago, and like all the other islands, you can expect that it’s a terrific location for a warm winter vacation.
Being the key island (and the one that’s also just known as “Hawaii”!), it’s full of brilliant things for tourists to enjoy.
A lot of these are to do with the extraordinary natural beauty of Hawaii, with all its lush vegetation, amazing water, and tall peaks.
For example, the Akaka Falls State Park will show you some of the tropical treats, with a calming walk that paths scenic waterfalls.
Meanwhile, the Waipi’o Valley is full of hiking trails with more scenic views, especially of the gaping, bright blue ocean.
19. Jackson, Mississippi
The capital city of Mississippi, Jackson is a great US destination if you’re looking for a winter vacation that isn’t cold.
One of its key attractions is the Mississippi Freedom Trail, a trail that runs through the whole city and highlights plenty of historic sites and landmarks related to the Civil Rights Movement.
Speaking of, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is a must visit destination, with interactive galleries educating visitors on the important movement.
On the other hand, you’ll also want to enjoy some shopping time with the wide range of stores across Jackson, as well as indulge in the local cuisine at its many restaurants.
And you want to see some great artwork? A trip to the Mississippi Museum of Art is strongly recommended. Be sure to check out its gorgeous, large garden!
20. Orlando, Florida
You’ll have heard of Orlando a lot, probably because it’s the home of Walt Disney World, which is full of fantastic parks and water parks.
Besides the obvious draw of Disney, there’s loads of other fun things to do too! A trip to Universal Orlando Resort is another great pick.
It’s a large theme park packed with rides based on all of your favorite movies, which will make the vacation especially memorable.
21. Joshua Tree National Park, California
This location in California is truly beautiful, full of stunning scenery and natural beauty that make any vacation here truly unmissable.
It gets its name from the special trees that are found all over it, which have a unique twisted appearance and are covered in bristles.
As you can guess, it’s got brilliant hiking trails and vantage points for you to truly enjoy the desert landscape and its rugged rock formations.
For example, the Hidden Valley Nature Trail will take you on a picturesque hike – and you even have to climb a few rocks during it!
22. Maui, Hawaii
Another brilliant island in the Hawaiian archipelago, Maui has 30 miles of gorgeous beaches. To us, that alone sounds like a great reason to visit!
One of these beaches is Makena Beach, which has dazzling golden sand and beautiful water for swimming and snorkeling.
On the other hand, the Waianapanapa State Park has amazing black lava sand. If you’ve never seen black sand, it’s a sight to behold!
23. Phoenix, Arizona
If you want a winter vacation that’s warm, then you can’t go wrong with the city of Phoenix in Arizona. Known for having sun and warm temperatures all year round, this sprawling place is full of things to do in the heat.
For one, you can go to Papago Park and hike plenty of trails, each with stunning views of the natural landscape.
On the other hand, we’d definitely recommend the Desert Botanical Garden, which is a living museum absolutely packed with unique, wild desert plants. They have 50,000 of them!
24. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is another great pick if you’re looking for warmth this winter, and this US city is packed with tourist attractions to take up.
For example, you can visit the City Market, an open-air marketplace that dates back to the 18th century. History is rich in Savannah, just take a look at the old buildings and structures of the Historic District.
Meanwhile, Forsyth Park will offer you a perfect place to relax, with its lush trees and peaceful water fountains.
25. Mobile, Alabama
A lesser-known choice, the port city of Mobile in Alabama is an underappreciated city with lots to offer – including a warm wintertime!
Being a port, you can see lots of fantastic boats, including the USS Alabama and USS Drum. These are in a Memorial Park, and you’ll be able to learn all about these naval ships in the museum.
On the other hand, a less-expected museum in Mobile would be their Carnival Museum. This informs visitors about the fascinating history of Mardi Gras!
26. New Orleans, Louisiana
Finally, we couldn’t forget New Orleans! Louisiana is famously one of the warmest regions in the US, so you’ll get a toasty winter with a vacation to New Orleans.
The French Quarter is the area that you simply must visit, being the city’s famous hub of nightlife and color. It’s full of jazz clubs, music, eateries, bars, and crowds! If you want a vibrant, wild vacation, this is the spot.
Final Thoughts
If you want a winter that’s warm, there’s loads of fantastic locations across the United States. Use our list!
Hi, my name is Alex Kallen and I love to travel. Ever since I could afford the ticket, I hopped on a plane and never looked back. I’ve made a living writing travel guides and blogging my experience all over the world.
I want to encourage and inspire others to travel around the US like I am. There’s no need to go on vacation overseas when there is an amazing land of opportunity right on your doorstep. Enjoy my website, I hope to see you out here one day.
