Are you looking for the best places to visit in winter in USA? The United States offers many incredible destinations for winter vacations.
Whether you love hitting the ski slopes or just soaking up some sunshine, these best places to visit in winter in USA have something for everyone.
1. Relax on the Beaches of Miami, Florida
For winter sunshine, Miami is one of the best places to visit in winter in USA.
While other parts of the country are frozen over, Miami boasts warm temperatures in the 70s and 80s. You can relax on Miami’s iconic beaches without the summer crowds.
Popular South Beach remains lively with its colorful art deco buildings, sidewalk cafes, and luxury hotels.
Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne offer more relaxed, family-friendly beaches.
Take a cruise to view celebrities’ mansions on Star Island or check out the Miami Seaquarium.
Overall, Trendy Miami Beach, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and nightclubs, offers endless evening entertainment. With warm ocean breezes, swaying palm trees, and tropical cocktails, Miami is the perfect warm weather escape.
2. Experience Charming Cape May, New Jersey
For an idyllic coastal town getaway, visit Cape May, New Jersey in the winter. It is one of the wonderful come best places to visit in winter in USA.
This National Historic Landmark District charms visitors with its Victorian architecture, cute bed and breakfasts, and shopping boutiques.
“Cape May Point” State Park offers hiking and bird-watching opportunities, with sightings of red knots, ruddy ducks, and American oystercatchers.
Cape May’s restaurants serve up fresh seasonal cuisines, like pan-seared scallops, hearty chowders, and award-winning mac and cheese.
At the physiological station, trained volunteers offer interesting presentations and interactive exhibits.
Finish off the day relaxing at the historic Congress Hall hotel, once a summer retreat for presidents.
With fewer crowds in winter and holiday decorations adorning the streets, Cape May makes for a peaceful and unique winter retreat.
3. Embrace the Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offers fabulous southwestern charm.
This small city boasts over 285 art galleries, displaying Native American pottery, contemporary landscape paintings, sculpture, and more.
Visitors can browse galleries along Canyon Road and around the Plaza. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum highlights this iconic artist’s paintings of flowers, bones, and the New Mexico landscape.
The Museum of International Folk Art and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture also warrant a visit.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike around the Dale Ball Trail System and Madre Mountains. Santa Fe’s cuisine seamlessly blends Native American and Spanish flavors, with fragrant chilies, blue corn, and tamales.
With its rich arts scene, culture, and scenery, Santa Fe consistently delights winter travelers. So, it is considered as one of the best places to visit in winter in USA with families.
4. Take in Ocean Views on the Big Island of Hawaii
Are you ready to escape to the warmth of Hawaii this winter by visiting the Big Island?
Here you can bask on black sand beaches, explore rainforests and waterfalls, trek around volcanoes, and spot spinner dolphins or sea turtles.
Big Island’s Kona Coast mesmerizes with its cobalt blue ocean waters, while its Kohala Coast impresses with dramatic cliffs and rolling golf courses.
For an active adventure, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to witness lava flows and volcanic craters. Or take a helicopter tour for breathtaking aerial views of waterfalls and dramatic coastlines.
The island’s local food scene also entices, with fresh seafood, locally grown coffee, and macadamia nuts. With average winter temperatures around 80 degrees, the Big Island of Hawaii is a pure tropical paradise and is one of the best places to visit in winter in USA.
5. Enjoy Stunning Scenery in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is a top choice when searching for the best places to visit in winter in USA.
Blanketed in snow, the park transforms into a serene winter wonderland.
Visitors can take in the dramatic landscapes via snow coach tours and snowmobile adventures.
Iconic attractions like Old Faithful continue erupting on schedule, surrounded by snow-covered forests and frozen lakes.
With over 300 miles of snow-covered roads, Yellowstone offers endless opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The park’s abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, and bald eagles, can be spotted against the stunning white backdrop.
Yellowstone lodges remain open as well, allowing you to maximize your time in this magical winter escape.
6. Take a Winter River Cruise in New Orleans
New Orleans enchants visitors year-round with its lively music, fascinating history, and mouthwatering Cajun and Creole cuisine.
From late November to December, the city dazzles with holiday lights, Christmas markets at Jackson Square, Caroling in Jackson Brewery, and Reveillon holiday meals.
Embark on a relaxing river cruise along the Mississippi to see New Orleans’ landmarks illuminated at night.
Stroll through the historic French Quarter to hear live jazz music, browse art galleries, and indulge in beignets at Café Du Monde.
Visit the National WWII Museum to immerse yourself in history.
A day trip to one of Louisiana’s plantation homes, like Oak Alley Plantation or Laura Plantation, provides more insight into the region’s complex past.
New Orleans’ unique blend of European, African, and American cultures comes alive during the holiday season for an unforgettable winter visit. So, it is considered as one of the best places to visit in winter in USA.
7. Feel the Festive Ambiance in New York City, New York
During the holidays, New York City becomes even more magical, making it one of the best places to visit in winter in USA.
The iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center never fails to impress. Department store window displays on 5th Avenue dazzle with intricate holiday themes.
The RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR showcases a precision dance troupe and sophisticated musical numbers.
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden recreates landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge using natural materials.
Ice skating in Central Park or at one of the city’s outdoor rinks adds to the seasonal delight.
Treat yourself to afternoon tea at The Plaza Hotel or the Russian Tea Room.
With so many festive experiences across its bustling neighborhoods, New York City shines during the most wonderful time of the year.