Best Winter Vacations in usa
#1
Why go:
This Mexican paradise has enviable room rates considering it's the
area's peak season. Save even further by booking a room in the El
Centro neighborhood or the Zona Romantica. You'll be rewarded with
proximity to PV's famous Malecón boardwalk and its distinctive statues
and sand sculptures.
#2
Why go:
The beach atmosphere is laid-back, the mixed drinks are strong, and
the golf courses are many. Just make sure the price is right before
you book-- the idyllic Yucatán temperatures beckon to lots of
snowbirds, and the hotel rates can fluctuate dramatically this time of
year.
#3
Why go:
The beaches here are crowded in winter and room rates are at their
highest, but once you catch a glimpse of Kauai's shoreline, you'll
realize it's oh so worth it. Try some water sports on the golden sands
of Po'ipu Beach, or pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery along the frothy shores of Lumahai. This Hawaiian island is also a great spot to work up a sweat -- hiking along the northwest Na Pali Coast is strenuous, but the landscape is glorious.
#4
Why go:
Puerto Rico's warm weather and beautiful scenery make it hard to stay
indoors. Attractions range from the adventurous (like spelunking
through the underground caves of Rio Camuy Cave Park) to the historic (like exploring the 500-year-old walls of El Morro)
to the luxurious (like relaxing on a Vieques beach). Book now to enjoy
all the perks of the Caribbean without ever leaving the country.
#5
Why go:
You'll get two cultures for the expense of one island vacation. Visit
French St. Martin for some duty-free shopping and outstanding dining,
then hop over to Dutch St. Maarten for the lively clubs and casinos.
Need more convincing? The entire island is covered with white sand
beaches
#6
Why go:
Key West is an ideal winter getaway for those looking to strike a
balance between warm weather and frozen daiquiris, mellow afternoons
and rowdy evenings. It has a reputation for being extremely laid-back
(well, at least during the daytime), but if you ever find yourself
getting antsy, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are big here, and you can always hit one of
the bike trails to shake off the cobwebs from your winter hibernation
#7
Why go:
Miami Beach is a fun destination any time of the year but winter is
perhaps the most ideal time to visit. The temperatures are warm, the
nightlife absurd and the funky boutique hotels are, well, funky. Do
some shopping at Lincoln Road Mall, check out the Bass Museum of Art and waste away the rest of the day people-watching on South Beach. Some fun events happen here in the winter as well, with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's multi-day annual Winter Party and the Food Network's South Beach Wine & Food Festival , which is held every February.
#8
Why go:
If you decide to embrace winter's chilly winds and sugary snowfalls,
there's no better place to do so than Banff. Nestled at the foothills
of the Canadian Rockies, this tiny town really knows how to enjoy the
colder months. With three resorts to choose from -- Banff Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and the Lake Louise Ski Resort
-- skiing is the main attraction here, while the surrounding Banff
National Park offers plenty of winter hiking and cross-country skiing
opportunities. The town also hosts several wintertime festivals,
including the WinterStart Festival at the end of November and the Ice Magic Festival in January.
#9
Why go: For such a small pocket of the Yucatán, Tulum packs in quite a lot of things to do. You can visit the Mayan Ruins, of course, but you should also snorkel through the area cenotes
or schedule a yoga class and spa appointment at one of the many
beachside spas. However, be prepared for high price tags: as the cold
winter weather drags on, you won't be the only one escaping to Mexico.
#10
Why go:
Disney World does a lot of business during the winter and it is easy
to see why. Cheap flights seem to always be available and the weather
is some of the best in the country during the season (the average high
temperature in January is 36 degrees in NYC,
72 degrees in Disney World). Add in the fact that Disney World is one
of the premiere family vacation spots on the planet, and you have
plenty of reasons to make the trip to see the Mouse. Runners should
take note that the Walt Disney World Marathon is held every January -- just make sure to register early, as it fills up fast.
#11
Why go:
Cheaper flights and skiing are the main draws of visiting Geneva in
the winter, with a number of excellent ski resorts nearby (Chamonix in
France is only an hour away). December sees a host of popular events in
Geneva, including the International Christmas Tree & Lights
Festival, the International Christmas Market and the Escalade Festival,
which commemorates the Swiss victory over the Duke of Savoy. For those
looking to test their physical limits, there's the Christmas Cup where
swimmers race for 125 meters in the frigid waters of Lac Léman.
#12
Why go:
Winter is the most popular time to visit Phoenix, and there's no
question as to why. With consistently sunny skies and high temperatures
hovering between the high 60s and mid-70s, this desert metropolis
offers a little taste of summer. While the rest of the country is
donning thermal underwear, you can be teeing off at one of the Valley
of the Sun's many golf courses, stretching your legs on Camelback Mountain or getting pampered at one of the dozens of top-notch spas
found throughout the city. However, because Phoenix has become a
coveted snowbird destination, be prepared for high prices and low
availability.
#13
DENVER
Why go:
The Mile-High City's role as "The Gateway to the Rockies" makes it a
great home base for all you powder hounds. Just make sure to give
Denver the time it deserves. Spend a day learning about Mile-High
history at Larimer Square, perusing the seven stories of masterpieces found at the Denver Art Museum
or sampling one of Denver's home-brewed beers. Winter in this city
also brims with celebration:If you're visiting over the holidays, don't
miss the famous Parade of Lights, while January ushers in the annual
National Western Stock Show.
#14
New York City
Why go: We know the idea of trying to hail a cab in freezing temperatures isn't very appealing, but a trip to the big city in the winter has a number of advantages. Cheap flights (and even cheaper bus fare from some east coast destinations like Boston and DC) and discounted hotel rooms are easier to find, and shoppers will come across some great bargains. Winter is also the time when most of New York's marquee events happen: the New York City Marathon, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the New Year's Eve Celebration in Times Square.
Why go: We know the idea of trying to hail a cab in freezing temperatures isn't very appealing, but a trip to the big city in the winter has a number of advantages. Cheap flights (and even cheaper bus fare from some east coast destinations like Boston and DC) and discounted hotel rooms are easier to find, and shoppers will come across some great bargains. Winter is also the time when most of New York's marquee events happen: the New York City Marathon, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the New Year's Eve Celebration in Times Square.
#15
Why go:
While L.A. may not immediately come to mind as a winter getaway spot,
the City of Angel's dry desert climate means bright sunny days and
average highs in the low 70s. While it may be too chilly to dive into
the Pacific, the weather is perfect for strolling through some of Los
Angeles' more popular neighborhoods -- like Hollywood and Venice Beach -- or trying out some popular hiking trails like those in Griffith Park.
Plus, visiting during the winter means you can avoid the throngs of
sun-seekers that clog the city and its hotels, although you may want to
book in advance just for good measure.
