20 Amazing Places To Visit In February In The USA

Winter is definitely one in all my favourite occasions to journey – there’s fewer crowds, higher costs, and delightful seasonal surroundings. Whether you’re chasing snow or sunshine, listed below are some standout locations I’ve personally liked visiting for this time of yr…

1. Big Sky, Montana

This small mountain city fully wowed me once I visited throughout this month! January and February carry peak snowfall so there was deep powder snow and breathtaking snow-covered views of the Madison Range. 

The busiest season has additionally handed so it felt like I had the place nearly to myself, there have been shorter raise strains, and extra space to discover the pristine wilderness. I used to be additionally happy to seek out some reductions on lodging and actions too and nice occasions this month too together with the family-friendly Winterfest, the energetic Big Sky Best of the West Showdown, the inspiring Backcountry Film Festival and the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. 

I flew into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), drove an hour south and spent a dreamy 5 day trip right here. I hit the legendary slopes at Big Sky Resort, went snowshoeing and cross-country snowboarding in Gallatin Canyon, and loved après-ski within the energetic Big Sky Town Center.

• Visitors’ Center Address: 88 Ousel Falls Rd Unit A1, Big Sky, MT, Phone: 406-995-3000
• Map Location
• Average temperature – minus 10°C to 0°C

My highlights…

• Enjoy a comfy upscale eating expertise on the superbly embellished log-cabin fashion Horn and Cantle – the cedar plank mushrooms had been particularly divine! 
• Checking on the après ski scene right here, my favorites had been the energetic Scissorbills Saloon and the upscale Alpenglow bar on the stylish Summit Hotel.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

I took a visit to this vibrant Southern metropolis throughout February and located it had assist come alive with the electrical power of Mardi Gras season, the place I discovered energetic, colourful parades, costumed party-goers, dancing and reside jazz echoing by means of the French Quarter, and a festive ambiance not like anyplace else on the earth – all set towards a attractive backdrop of delicate winter climate and wealthy cultural heritage! 

I found it hosted an array of enjoyable occasions throughout this month, together with the kickoff of Mardi Gras season with the Krewe du Vieux and Krewe of Muses parades, the Vietnamese New Year celebration at Tet Fest, and even Super Bowl LIX on the Caesars Superdome.

I flew into New Orleans (MSY) and spent 4 days partying. I watched the parades, danced to reside jazz on Frenchmen Street, explored the festive French Quarter, and sampled king cake (I discovered a hidden shock of a tiny child figurine baked inside!) and basic Creole dishes at Commander’s Palace and Café du Monde.

• Visitors’ Center Address: 339 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 18°C to twenty°C

My private highlights…

• Staying on the romantic boutique Hotel Monteleone which was excellent for a weekend couple’s break! I used to be completely charmed by the distinctive rotating bar, the heated rooftop pool and the opulent decor! 

3. Mendocino, Northern California

This charming coastal village was a pleasure to cease at throughout this month! When right here I found that the climate was cool however not uncomfortably chilly, there have been far fewer crowds and far more of a neighborhood and intimate vibe this time of yr too, which I used to be actually taken with! 

I liked that it was additionally whale-watching season alongside the rugged Pacific shoreline, and I assumed the romantic foggy cliffs and comfortable inns made it excellent possibility for a Valentine’s getaway, and the city hosted the annual Mendocino County Wine & Beer Festival celebrating regional flavors too!

I ended right here on a 3 hour drive from San Francisco and in the course of the 4 days I spent right here I loved whale watching from Mendocino Headlands State Park. I additionally strolled by means of the romantic cliffside paths of the historic village, and took a misty redwood forest hike in close by Russian Gulch State Park and explored Main Street testing the a number of cute retailers and artwork galleries which had been accumulating artwork because the Sixties!

• Visitors’ Center Address: Ford House Visitor Center & Museum 45035 Main Street, Mendocino, CA 95460
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 13°C to 16°C

My must-do highlights…

• Taking a experience on one of many nation’s greatest historic rail excursions, The Skunk Train (which begins in Mendocino) – I particularly liked going by means of the very lengthy Tunnel #2, which I came upon from the employees was hand-carved within the Nineties! 
• Exploring the attractive sandy Big River Beach and Van Damme State Beach and discovering attention-grabbing tide swimming pools and sea caves.

4. San Antonio, Texas

Texan summers are scorching with excessive humidity, so I made a decision to go to this vibrant historic metropolis throughout February as an alternative and located it was heat however with snug temperatures and there was quite a bit much less humidity.

To my delight, there have been fewer crowds, reductions on lodging and a calendar of superior occasions. My private favorites had been the energetic Bud Light Mardi Gras Festival & River Parade the place the River Walk had remodeled right into a floating pageant and the enjoyable annual Cupid 5K Chase.

I flew into San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and it made the excellent lengthy weekend. I explored the Alamo and the Spanish Missions with out the crowds, loved a peaceable stroll alongside the River Walk, sampled Tex-Mex on the Historic Market Square, and found the buzzy River Walk which was crammed with quirky cafes, glorious eating places, and attention-grabbing retailers.

• Visitors’ Center Address: 317 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas 78205
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 18°C to 21°C

My highlights…

• Staying on the lovely Mokara Hotel & Spa – I particularly liked the award-winning onsite spa, the heated rooftop swimming pool and sizzling tub and the attractive river views!
• Dining at stylish Mexican restaurant the Iron Cactus on the Riverwalk – the spicy Chile Con Queso was divine!

5. Death Valley, California

This month is a a lot safer and extra nice time to discover this huge desert panorama. On my go to throughout February I discovered that the temperatures had been pleasantly delicate, so it was the right time to discover and hike the surreal landscapes with out the extraordinary summer season warmth.

I assumed it was additionally nice that there have been a lot fewer crowds than the spring season, the mushy winter mild was supreme for images, I may see early wildflowers beginning to bloom and there was the superior Dark Sky Festival happening which featured stargazing, NASA-led science talks, and attention-grabbing astrophotography workshops. 

I drove 4 hours from Los Angeles and explored for a really distinctive three days. I hiked the golden canyons of Golden Canyon and Mosaic Canyon, walked throughout the surreal salt flats of Badwater Basin, took in panoramic views from the jaw-dropping Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View, and loved the Dark Sky Festival – all in comfortably cool February climate!

• Visitors’ Center Address: Airport Rd, Furnace Creek, CA 92328
• Map Location
• Average temperatures – 18°C to 24°C

My highlights…

• Taking benefit of the clear skies and lack of sunshine air pollution and going star gazing – it was an superior second to see the Milky Way. 

6. Palm Springs, California

To me, this funky desert metropolis was the right escape from the winter throughout February and I soaked up sufficient solar and Vitamin D to beat the winter blues! The climate was heat and sunny whereas a lot of the nation was nonetheless very chilly, and it was excellent for lounging by the pool, out of doors adventures and simply merely absorbing the retro-chic resort vibes!

I additionally found that there have been fewer crowds than the busier months of March and April and there superior occasions resembling Modernism Week which was very vibrant celebration of the favored structure fashion the town adores and farmer’s markets.

• Visitors’ Center Address:  2901 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 21°C to 24°C

My favourite highlights…

• Staying on the ARRIVE Hotel – I liked the boutique vibe, the funky decor, the cool hearth pits and the massive sizzling tub and enormous out of doors swimming pool.
• Taking a visit to the Coachella Valley Certified Farmers Markets  – the Branch and Vine olive oil firm and the Canyon Creek Mushrooms had been my favourite stalls!

7. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado

• Visitors’ Center Address: Vail Welcome Center 241 South Frontage Rd., Suite 8150 Vail, CO 81657
• Map Location
• Average temperature – minus 4°C to 2°C

My highlights…

• Checking out the après scene – it was nice to strive scrumptious craft cocktails at The Remedy Bar and watch reside music on the Shakedown Bar.
• Dining on the stylish Japanese restaurant Matsuhisa Vail – the Cucumber Sunomono was particularly divine!

8. The Keys, Florida

I used to be seeking to escape the chilly winter climate final yr so I took a sunny winter trip on these 125-mile-long chain of tropical islands. It was an incredible selection as I acquired to expertise heat and sunny climate with little rainfall, so it was supreme for snorkeling, kayaking by means of mangroves, having fun with waterfront eating and sunsets, and absorbing the tropical vibes with out the summer season crowds!

It turned out to be a barely quieter month (the height months are December and January) with much less crowds and I used to be fortunate to analysis some superior off-peak offers on lodging and attend the Key West Art & Craft Festival and there have been additionally plenty of reside music occasions happening this month too.

I drove 4 hours from Miami and spent a paradise-like week-long trip there. I snorkeled the coral reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, kayaked by means of the mangroves of Big Pine Key, caught sundown celebrations at Mallory Square in Key West and visited the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum – I particularly liked seeing the lovable descendants of Hemingway’s unique six-toed cat wandering across the property!

• Visitors’ Center Address: 106240 Overseas Highway Key Largo, FL 33037
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 24°C to 27°C

My private highlights…

9. Leavenworth, Washington

I spent an extended winter weekend on this charming Bavarian-style village and it was a dream! I used to be handled to snow-covered Bavarian buildings and surrounding alpine surroundings which created a magical winter wonderland excellent for romantic getaways, snowy out of doors adventures, and cozying up by the fireplace after a day on the close by ski hill or a stroll by means of the quaint, festive village! It was an incredible selection for a singular Valentine’s Day getaway! 

Along with fewer crowds and some off-peak lodging offers, it additionally felt like there was all the time one thing enjoyable on. There was the magical Village of Lights: Christmastown, which illuminated the city with over half one million lights (from Thanksgiving by means of to this month), the enjoyable cross-country ski occasion Skirennen Nordic Race, reside music performances at venues and many romantic Valentine’s Day celebrations.

I drove 2.5-hours from Seattle and explored the quaint village crammed with lights alpine structure, upscale spas, connoisseur eating, and comfortable bars, went sledding at Front Street Park, snowshoed and skied the scenic Icicle River Trails, sipped on mulled wine at Rhein Haus, and soaked within the romantic, alpine ambiance!

• Visitors’ Center Address: 940 US Hwy 2 STE B, Leavenworth, WA 98826
• Map Location
• Average temperatures – 0°C to five°C

My private highlights…

• Dining on a tasty wild mushroom risotto on the upscale Watershed Café. 

10. Hot Springs, North Carolina

Visitors can benefit from the out of doors sizzling tubs year-round at this however I personally liked the magical expertise of soaking within the thermal springs in the course of the chilly winter air – it felt additional rejuvenating! It was additionally good uncover quiet trails alongside the Appalachian Mountains and scenic French Broad River for peaceable winter hikes and comfortable mountain allure with out the crowds! 

I searched round and stumbled throughout some nice lodging reductions and there have been plenty of ongoing Valentine’s and Winter Romance celebrations all through the month too. 

I flew into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) and drove and based mostly myself right here for a really stress-free three day break. I soaked within the steaming mineral tubs at Hot Springs Resort & Spa, explored the snowy Appalachian Trail previous Lover’s Leap, loved atmospheric riverside views alongside the French Broad River, and cozied up with reside music and luxury meals at Iron Horse Station.

• Visitors’ Center Address: 106 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC 28743
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 8°C to 12°C 

My highlights…

11. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Temperatures within the park in the course of the summer season months at this state park crammed with crimson Aztec sandstone formations can get extraordinarily sizzling (dangerously so!) so I select to discover throughout this month as an alternative. 

The cooler however nonetheless delicate temperatures made climbing by means of its fiery crimson rock landscapes far more snug and far safer, and the low winter solar forged dramatic shadows that highlighted the park’s beautiful desert surroundings with out the same old desert warmth or crowds.

I used to be additionally pleasantly stunned by the occasions happening this month, which included the Valley of Fire Regional Photography Event and the February Hike of the Month, that includes new moon guided hikes alongside the Seven Wonders Loop on some Wednesdays.

I drove an hour northeast of Las Vegas and spent two days exploring. I found the colourful sandstone of Rainbow Vista, wandered by means of Pink Canyon and the White Domes slot canyons, admired the long-lasting Fire Wave, photographed Elephant Rock within the mushy winter mild, and explored hanging formations just like the Seven Sisters, Fire Cave, and the Beehives.

• Visitors’ Center Address: Valley of Fire Visitor Center, Overton, NV 89040
• Map Location
• Average temperatures – 15°C to 21°C

My favourite highlights…

• Trying to identify wildlife which was extra lively within the cooler temperatures – I managed to see desert bighorn sheep and desert spiny lizards scurrying across the desert ground!

12. Alta, Utah

I all the time take a go to to this historic mountain city throughout this month because the snowboarding situations are excellent – I found constant contemporary powder, a deep snowpack and I discovered that there was a lot much less ice on the slopes too. All this was surrounded by dramatic alpine surroundings and a peaceable, no-frills mountain city ambiance so there actually wasn’t a lot to not love!

As properly as the intense blue skies contrasting with the sensible white snow making the whole lot extremely scenic, I discovered that there’s fewer crowds than the height months of December and January and extra affordable costs too. I pleasantly stunned to seek out some superior occasions to get entangled with too, resembling the lovable Valentine’s heART Market, Snowshoe with a Naturalist which supplied guided winter hikes, the academic Trees and Skis tour and the weekly Ski with a Ranger program.

I flew into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), drove 40 minutes after which based mostly myself right here for an lively 4 days. I braved snowboarding on Alta’s legendary High Rustler, and took in snowy views from Albion Basin and checked out the energetic Après-Ski scene! 

• Visitors’ Center Address: 10351 UT-210, Alta, UT 84092
• Map Location
• Average temperature – minus 3°C to 2°C 

My highlights…

• Warming up with a gingerbread sizzling chocolate and Salted Caramel Pretzel Sticks at Hatch Family Chocolates. 

13. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 

Summer is the preferred time to go to this iconic nationwide park, so I took a visit throughout this month and it was such a splendidly distinctive journey! The snow-covered landscapes had created a surprising winter wonderland the place I witnessed steaming geysers dramatically erupt by means of the frosty air. 

I additionally noticed bison and wolves roaming by means of the Lamar Valley who had emerged from their winter hiding spots to forage for meals, and loved peaceable, crowd-free experiences resembling guided snowshoe hikes, cross-country snowboarding, and snow coach excursions by means of the park’s distant, frozen magnificence – it was a magical time with unimaginable mild for images.

Although the roads and climbing trails had been snow-covered and inaccessible for normal use, I discovered many trails remained open for snowshoeing and cross-country snowboarding and I managed to discover the park’s beautiful winter landscapes through guided snowmobile excursions and snow coaches as an alternative. 

I flew into Jackson Hole Airport traveled to the park by snow coach and spent a rare 4 days within the park. I noticed Old Faithful erupt towards a snowy backdrop, went cross-country snowboarding close to Mammoth Hot Springs, and noticed wildlife in a frozen Lamar Valley.

• Visitors’ Center Address: Grand Loop Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 0 to -15 levels

My highlights…

• Photographing the picturesque surroundings on a snow coach tour – I liked watching the bison transfer by means of the snow and breathe puffs of frosty steam!  

14. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

The summer season warmth at this hanging desert panorama can attain dangerously excessive ranges, so I explored throughout this month as an alternative. I additionally encountered fewer crowds, and in contrast to many different nationwide parks, all of the roads and trails remained open. The cooler temperatures made it excellent for lengthy hikes and I found is surreal magnificence with out the extraordinary desert warmth or crowds.

I drove two hours from Flagstaff and I hiked the Blue Mesa Trail by means of rainbow-hued badlands, noticed historic petroglyphs at Puerco Pueblo, and loved peaceable walks amongst glistening petrified logs in Crystal Forest and joined within the attention-grabbing ranger-led backcountry adventures and found the the extraordinary Painted Desert (an enormous space of colourful badlands).

• Visitors’ Center Address: 1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 10°C to 16°C

My favourite highlights…

• Checking out Rainbow Forest Museum on the customer heart the place I noticed fossils from the Late Triassic interval! 
• Driving on the well-known Historic Route 66 which travels by means of the park!

15. Kirkwood, California

This scenic mountain city fully gained me over on my February brief break! This month was when this high-elevation resort acquired a few of its deepest powder, so I found it was excellent for snowboarding and snowboarding throughout its famously difficult terrain and scenic bowls, however nonetheless had a laid-back, and uncrowded vibe. 

I discovered Kirkwood to be a extra inexpensive ski resort typically (in comparison with different extra well-known resorts within the state) and through this month there have been additionally some thrilling competitions together with the IFSA 2* Qualifier (Collegiate) and the IFSA Junior 3* competitors.

I flew into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, drive an 1 hour 45 minutes southwest and spent an exciting three days right here. I skied at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, watched the specialists deal with the harder The Wall and The Cirque terrains, and revel in peaceable snowshoeing by means of the scenic Kirkwood Meadow after which checked out the energetic Après-Ski scene – The Cornice Grille and the comfortable The Wall Bar had been my favorites!

• Visitors’ Center Address: 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive Kirkwood, CA 95646
• Map Location
• Average temperature – minus 4°C to 4°C

My private highlights…

• Watching the snowboarders do unimaginable tips on the quarter pipe – I watched a tremendous number of flips, spins, and grabs! 

16. San Diego, California

I can’t get sufficient of this sunny huge metropolis situated within the south of California (close to the Mexican border)! I’m all the time charmed by its Mexican and Hispanic influences, the attractive seashores and its laid again vibe. 

It has year-round sunshine and a gentle local weather, so once I wish to escape from chilly, gloomy climate and get a dose of a lot vitamin D, I head right here! I discovered it to be a lot quieter and possess a way more native vibe and with superior reductions on lodging too.

While it wasn’t fairly heat sufficient to swim within the ocean comfortably this time of yr, I simply relaxed on its sandy seashores, explored the inexperienced and really household (and dog-friendly!) parks, went purchasing in its eclectic neighborhoods and found lots of the cool eating places and bars.

I additionally squeezed in a go to the charming Gaslamp Quarter, the energetic Old Town, the serene Japanese Friendship Garden, and the numerous artwork galleries, museums, and delightful gardens dotted all through the town.

• Visitors’ Center Address: 996 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 10°C to 18°C

My highlights…

• Experiencing a wide ranging sundown boat tour with Sail San Diego.
• Relaxing with a zen-like Korean Massage on the Aqua Day Spa.
• Hiking alongside the paths at Torrey Pines State Park, I liked the unimaginable panoramic views!

17. Magic Mountain Ski Resort, Vermont

Here I found a relaxed, intimate ski expertise! Located in picturesque Londonderry, Vermont, I came upon this snowy spot was excellent for households and it had a basic, laid-back method to snowboarding.

Nestled on Glebe Mountain, I liked its steep, slender trails, glade snowboarding, inexpensive costs and unimaginable 1,500-foot vertical drop which additionally made it an incredible possibility for superior skiers. 

• Visitors’ Center Address: 495 Magic Mountain Access Londonderry, VT 05148
• Map Location
• Average temperature – minus 6°C to minus 1°C

My highlights…

• Experiencing the Cozy Après-Ski scene – I liked the superior reside music on the Black Line Tavern and the upscale eating on the Red Slate Restaurant and Bar.
• Trying Uphill Skiing (Skins) for the primary time which began by attaching skins to the underside of your skis, which prevented backsliding! 

18. Providence Canyon State Park, Georgia

I personally assume this beautiful vacation spot doesn’t obtain sufficient consideration! Located in southwest Georgia, it’s generally known as the state’s Little Grand Canyon.

I found this gem was crammed with distinctive protected pure surroundings spanning simply over 1,000 acres, and I like its extraordinary geological formations, colourful ravines and colourful canyons (there are 16 in complete)! 

I took a visit right here throughout this month and the climate extra snug in comparison with the summer season months (when temperatures can soar to 35°C). The cooler situations made climbing the paths far more nice, and with fewer crowds, there was additionally higher alternatives for images too.

When right here, I explored Canyon Loop Trail which had the most effective viewpoints within the park and the Backcountry Trail which took me deep into the rugged terrain.

• Visitors’ Center Address: 8930 Canyon Rd. Lumpkin GA 31815
• Map Location
• Average temperature -13°C to 16°C

My private highlights…

• Staying over on the very rustic primitive backcountry campsite situated alongside the Providence Canyon backcountry path. The proprietor’s had been tremendous pleasant!
• Seeing the outdated deserted automobile wrecks left from the earlier landowners in Nineteen Fifties which I assumed made nice quirky options!

19. St Augustine, Florida

I feel it is a advantageous and chic gem! The easy-on-the-eye historic metropolis was based in Florida’s northeastern coast in 1565 and is crammed with Spanish heritage, historic landmarks, attractive seashores and a romantic, laid-back vibe.

I discovered the climate to be delicate and really nice this time of yr, with 8 hours of sunshine per day and far much less humidity than the summer season months. It’s additionally low season which implies I discovered higher charges on lodging and much fewer crowds and vacationers to deal with too – bonus!

Although the ocean wasn’t fairly heat sufficient to swim comfortably, I relaxed on the seaside and attended the occasions together with the energetic Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series, the enjoyable and family-friendly Old City Pirate Fest and the elegant St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival.

On my journey, I additionally explored the spectacular Spanish masonry fort, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the attention-grabbing St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, the charming San Sebastian Winery and the distinctive and spooky ghost tour!

• Visitors’ Center Address: 10 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 18°C to 21°C

My must-do highlights…

• Taking a wander down St George Street which was crammed with a group of artwork galleries, unbiased retailers, and advantageous eating places.
• Learning in regards to the historical past at Oldest House Museum and discovering what life was like in St Augustine years in the past.
• Drinking the water from Ponce de Leon’s Spring of Eternal Hope at The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park! 

20. Table Rock State Park, South Carolina

I select this place once I wish to discover a quieter, lesser-known nationwide park! Located within the Blue Ridge Mountains, in northwestern South Carolina I used to be enchanted by the beautiful pure surroundings, glorious climbing trails, enormous granite cliffs, two picturesque lakes, waterfalls and its enormous mountain (which is the tallest within the state)! 

The temperatures and humidity may be very excessive in the summertime however I discovered this month was a good time to go to, particularly once I plan to go on longer hikes. There had been fewer crowds, fewer mosquitoes (and ticks!) and I actually loved how the entire park had a comfy vibe in the course of the winter months.

On my current journey, I stayed in historic log cabins constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, full with roaring fires. I found scenic drives and explored miles of picturesque climbing trails – my favorites had been the scenic Table Rock Trail and the tranquil Pinnacle Mountain Trail.

• Visitors’ Center Address: 158 E. Ellison Lane Pickens, SC 29671
• Map Location
• Average temperatures – 10°C to 16°C

My private highlights…

• Hiking the Pinnacle Mountain Trail which took me by means of lush forests, throughout scenic stream crossings, and previous beautiful viewpoints, finally resulting in the summit of Pinnacle Mountain.
• Experiencing a romantic Valentine’s break in a comfy log cabin – it was wonderful to be surrounded by the serene and pristine fantastic thing about the park when waking up every morning!

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