19 Amazing Places To Visit In January USA

1. Breckenridge, Colorado

On my journey to this historic mountain city in January it was peak ski season with deep powder masking the slopes (this month and February is when the common snowfall is at its highest).

I used to be in awe of how the city remodeled into an Instagram-worthy snowy paradise with festive winter vibes throughout city, magical snow-dusted surroundings, and comfortable après-ski spots lining Main Street, to me it was the proper snowy mountain escape within the coronary heart of the Rockies! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: The Breckenridge Welcome Centre, 203 S. Main Street Breckenridge, CO 80424, Phone: 877 864 0868
• Map Location
• Average temperature –  -2°C to -12°C

My favourite highlights…

• Staying on the Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge – I liked that it had 4 personal film theaters, wonderful Ski-In/Ski-Out location and the comfy stone hearth within the The Boot Saloon! 
• Stopping off for an oatmilk Gingerbread Latte and a Red Velvet cupcake on the cozy Clint’s Bakery & Coffee House. 

2. Palm Desert, California

I liked taking a taking a visit to this fashionable desert metropolis throughout this month as I obtained to expertise heat desert solar and many vitamin D when a lot of the Northern Hemisphere was hunkered down for winter. 

I discovered that the temperatures had been rather more snug for climbing the scenic desert trails, discovering all of the out of doors actions and teeing off on lush golf programs surrounded by mountain views with out the scorching summer season warmth or peak-season crowds.

I used to be pleasantly shocked by what number of occasions had been on within the space too. There was the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the colourful Taste of Jalisco Festival, the colourful Southwest Arts Festival, and the weekly Palm Springs VillageFest.

I drove two hours from Los Angeles and took a sunny for days break. I hiked the difficult Bump and Grind Trail, browsed luxurious boutiques and galleries alongside El Paseo, and went for a calming floating session on the Desert Serenity Float & Spa.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 73510 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 15°C to 22°C

My highlights…

• Staying on the cool and artistic Hotel Paseo – I liked the fashionable poolside cabana bar and staying of their superior 1950 Airstream Trailer Suite which got here with a blue striped awning and cute purple deckchairs!

3. Zion National Park, Utah

This beautiful nationwide park experiences gentle winters in comparison with different nationwide parks so I made a decision to take a winter journey right here! In January, I discovered Zion National Park the cooler temperatures make climbing the paths a lot snug than the summer season months.

I liked how the purple rock cliffs seemed particularly putting dusted with snow, and there have been far fewer crowds I skilled peaceable, crowd-free landscapes that permit me totally soak within the park’s awe-inspiring pure magnificence.

I discovered that there have been many strolling trails accessible within the winter months (there was simply no shuttle system in operation throughout January).

I drove 2.5 hours northeast from Las Vegas and explored for a beautiful 5 days. I hike the crowd-free trails of Angels Landing and Watchman Trail in cool, crisp air, took a journey alongside the scenic Zion Canyon Drive, and loved peaceable images spots at Court of the Patriarchs and the Emerald Pools all with simple parking!

• Visitors Center Address: 1 Zion Park Blvd, Zion National Park, UT 84767 Phone: (435) 772-3256
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 8°C to 13°C

My favourite highlights…

• Hiking to the Observation Point, I liked the unimaginable panoramic park views through the scenic East Mesa Trail.

4. Big Sky, Montana

January was an incredible month to go to this picturesque mountain city as a result of I noticed it had remodeled right into a snowy winter wonderland. I completely adored the deep powder and breathtaking views of the Madison Range, and the world-class snowboarding and snowboarding at Big Sky Resort, peaceable Nordic trails and having fewer crowds than different main ski locations. 

The winter evenings (which ranged from December to February) had been simply excellent for cozying up in log cabins by roaring fires or participating in some superior native occasions – there was the New Year’s Day Brunch at Montage Big Sky which was full of seasonal dishes and a Mimosa cart, and the enjoyable Winter Karaoke nights which passed off each Friday at Waypoint. 

I flew into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), drive one hour south and my winter keep lasted 5 days. That was sufficient to go snowboarding and discover the peaceable snowshoe and Nordic trails at Lone Mountain Ranch.

I additionally took a scenic winter wildlife tour into Yellowstone National Park, and tried out the comfy après-ski spots – Everett’s 8800 was my favourite!

• Visitors Center Address: 88 Ousel Falls Rd Unit A1, Big Sky, MT
• Map Location
• Average temperature –  -9°C to -3°C

My favourite highlights…

• Going snowshoeing the scenic Ousel Falls Trailhead and discovering an unimaginable frozen waterfall! 
• Exploring the distinctive boutiques within the city heart, I particularly liked the fashionable jewellery within the Rhinestone Cowgirl retailer. 

5. Miami, Florida

Miami is a well-liked year-round vacation spot, however I personally liked taking a winter trip right here in January.  I actually like that the climate was heat and sunny climate and excellent for stress-free on the seaside and eating al fresco nevertheless it was all with out the extraordinary summer season warmth or hurricane season worries! 

I additionally loved that there was no summer season vacationers and spring-breakers this time of 12 months and that I additionally discovered beautiful lodge stays however at extra budget-friendly costs. It didn’t imply it was a boring time of 12 months although, I discovered that nice occasions had been on, these included the vigorous South Beach Jazz Festival, the long-lasting Art Deco Weekend celebrating Miami’s architectural heritage, the satirical King Mango Strut Parade in Coconut Grove, and the dazzling Luminosa lantern show at Jungle Island!

I flew into Fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) and spent per week lengthy trip there! I made the a lot of the heat sub-tropical local weather and 7 of hours of sunshine every day and relaxed on sun-soaked South Beach. I additionally explored the pastel-colored Art Deco Historic District, the colourful neighborhoods of Little Havana and Wynwood Walls, and loved open-air eating alongside Ocean Drive!

• Visitors Center Address: 530 seventeenth St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
• Map Location
• Average temperature -18°C to 24°C

My favourite highlights…

• Staying on the funky Pelican Hotel – I stayed within the very cool Executive Zebra which was adorned with retro-chic zebra prints and quirky unique artwork!

6. Hunting Island, South Carolina

I took a brief break right here throughout the winter and I skilled peaceable seashores, gentle winter temperatures, and quiet forested trails so it was a beautiful serene escape, with migratory birds and dolphin recognizing and atmospheric coastal views.

I additionally liked that the lodging costs had been cheaper and there have been no summer season crowds so it felt like I nearly had the island to myself! Going this out of season actually was an incredible alternative! There was additionally the superior occasions which included the spirited Pelican Plunge at Hunting Island State Park on New Year’s Day, the festive Oyster Boogie 5K by means of historic downtown Beaufort, and the Tides to Table Restaurant Week which showcased Lowcountry delicacies throughout the Beaufort space.

I flew into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), then drove 1.5 hours northeast and stayed for a peaceable lengthy weekend. I walked the quiet, driftwood-strewn seaside, climbed the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse and noticed lovely ocean views, and noticed wildlife alongside the Marsh Boardwalk Trail. 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 713 Craven St, Beaufort, SC 29902
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 7°C to 16°C

My favourite highlights…

• Exploring the distinctive surroundings on the Lighthouse Trail after which climbing the 167 spiral steps to the highest of the Hunting Island Lighthouse. I liked the picturesque view overlooking the coast and close by islands.

7. Heavenly Mountain Resort, California

I came upon that this premier ski vacation spot was an superior place to go to throughout this month – there was deep powder snow, sunny bluebird days, and unimaginable lake views, a vigorous après-ski scenes and entry to each excellent out of doors journey and vibrant nightlife on the California-Nevada border.

The snowboarding circumstances had been good because it was post-Christmas holidays and the slopes had loads of time to develop a thick base of snow, which obtained recurrently topped with contemporary layers because the month went on! I additionally obtained to hitch within the unimaginable Heavenly Holidays New Year’s Celebration which had spectacular fireworks and reside music.

I flew into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), then drove an hour and stayed for a dreamy week. I went snowboarding whereas gazing at beautiful views of Lake Tahoe on the Ridge and Skyline Trail, rode the Heavenly Gondola to the scenic remark deck, went tubing and loved snow play at Adventure Peak, and unwound with reside music, drinks, and eating at Heavenly Village.

• Visitor Center Address: Explore Tahoe Visitor Center 4114 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe
• Map Location
• Average temperature –  -6°C to 4°C 

My private highlights…

• Partying with the locals on the Unbuckle Après Ski Party, the place the ambiance was electrical, the DJs had been unbelievable, and the Slope Slider cocktails had been excellent – all at an exhilarating 9,150 ft above sea degree!
• Enjoying the Instagram-worthy views on the remark tower! 

8. Brunswick and The Golden Isles, Georgia

I used to be utterly captivated by the beautiful The Golden Isles! It’s house to the charming metropolis of Brunswick and the dreamy barrier islands of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island.

Located alongside Georgia’s Atlantic Coast, I adored the surroundings right here which consisted of beautiful marshlands, thick inexperienced forests and lengthy, extensive sandy seashores. 

I believed the off-peak season was a wonderful time to go to, as I prevented the summer season crowds and located some superior reductions on lodging (which ranged from cozy inns to luxurious resorts). 

I used to be truly loopy concerning the breathtaking views, the attention-grabbing historic landmarks, the lengthy, extensive golf programs and the excellent southern hospitality! 

• Visitor Center Address: 2017 Lee St, Brunswick, GA 31520
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 7°C to 16°C 

My favourite highlights…

• Catching a present on the historic Ritz Theatre within the Old Town, I liked the retro decor!
• Exploring the artwork galleries and attention-grabbing museums, my favorites had been the Glynn Visual Arts and the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum.
• Spending an evening tenting at Jekyll Island Campground – it was superior to gaze on the unpolluted starry skies at night time!

9. Payette National Forest, Idaho

Based in central-western Idaho, the Payette National Forest is house to 2.3 million acres of peaceable pure magnificence and I personally thought it made a unbelievable various to the bigger-name ski resorts like Aspen.

It’s blessed with 300 inches of snow yearly and I discovered it provided an enormous vary of enjoyable winter actions reminiscent of snowmobiling, snowboarding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country snowboarding, backcountry snowboarding, fats biking and even winter tenting!

I used to be additionally an enormous fan of the indoor actions and I discovered they included spa resorts, artwork galleries, museums, procuring, craft breweries and enjoyable indoor ice skating.

• Visitors Center Address: 500 N Mission St, McCall 83638
• Map Location
• Average temperature –  -6°C to 1°C

My highlights…

• Taking newbie snowboarding classes which was a whole lot of enjoyable regardless of having many falls!
• Going on a enjoyable snowmobile tour with Brundage Snowmobile Adventures – the snowy surroundings was magical!
• Learning concerning the county’s attention-grabbing historical past and native tribes at Payette County Museum – I liked seeing the classic clothes, old fashioned memorabilia, and instruments utilized by early settlers.

10. Kailua Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

This paradise-like coastal city is situated on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. I believed it was a significantly dreamy spot full of blue skies and a tropical local weather.

During the summer season months (June to October) it could get extraordinarily scorching, so the extra nice temperatures this month supplied the proper alternative to get pleasure from its smooth, white, powdery seashores. It’s additionally truly one of many warmest locations within the nation throughout this time of 12 months and I like coming right here for some winter solar and to get some a lot wanted Vitamin D!

I liked simply sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming, procuring, stress-free on the spa resorts, climbing the scenic trails, exploring the farmer’s markets, absorbing the laid-back vibes and visiting the well-known Akaka Falls, which stands at 442 ft excessive.

• Visitors Center Address: Big Island Guide 73-4318 Keokeo St, Kailua Kona, HI 96740
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 18°C to 27°C

My favourite highlights…

• Staying on the boutique PACIFIC 19 Kona – I liked the distinctive styling and the little particulars just like the award-winning baristas and my in-Room Macrobar the place I might purchase every part from drinks to sunblock! 
• Going on the unimaginable Kīlauea Experience with Native Hawaiian Tour – it was wonderful to see the rainforests, volcanic steam vents, large cliff overlooks, and lava tubes on a pleasant guided tour! 
• Discovering the uniquely lovely Punaluu Black Sand Beach after shopping for meals for a picnic from the lovable little Punalu’u Bake Shop.

11. Alta and Snowbird, Utah

Located in Wasatch Mountains of Utah, I believed these two magical resorts had been a skiers paradise! Offering a number of the greatest alternatives for winter actions in the entire nation, Alta averages 550 inches of snow yearly, so the season could be very lengthy and various.

Snowbird is situated a mile from Alta and is legendary for having a all-year-round ski season – it lasts over 200 days! I liked its big range of slopes and that each one ranges of snowboarding talents had been welcome right here.

This month sees heavy snowfall in each resorts which I noticed coated the highest of an already thick masking. I additionally liked the intense, clear days which enabled me to see beautiful panoramic views in all their glory as I headed up and down the ski elevate!

• Visitors Center Address: 9260 E Lodge Dr, Snowbird, UT 84092 Phone: (801) 933-2222
• Map Location
• Average temperature –  -9°C to -1°C

My private highlights…

• Indulging in Great Salt Lake Body Polish on the upscale Cliff Spa – I liked that it used minerals from the Great Salt Lake. 
• Going on a guided ski tour with Snowcat snowboarding . It was superior to find the tranquil backcountry trails within the strong, all-terrain automobile which navigated the deep snow actually simply!

12. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

This surreally lovely spot all the time wows me and I like exploring right here within the winter. Located in southern New Mexico, this protected space is house to 1 world’s largest gypsum dunefield! 

I discovered seemingly limitless stretches of brilliant white sand, distinctive species of fauna and flora that extremely survive in these inhospitable circumstances and energetic dunes which transfer at a fee of as much as 30 ft per 12 months.

I discovered it was too scorching to go to right here in summer season and far most popular to go to this distinctive gem throughout the winter when the temperatures had been rather more snug and I discovered far fewer crowds.

• Visitor Center Address: 19955 US-70 W, Alamogordo, NM 88310 Phone: (575) 479-6124
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 4°C to 13°C 

My favourite highlights…

• Sledging down the sand dunes which was a enjoyable expertise – I simply had to ensure I coated my face as sand obtained in every single place!
• Spending two nights tenting beneath the unbelievably clear starry skies at Campsite #1 (there are ten campsites in complete to select from).

13. Death Valley, California

Death Valley is a desert valley in Eastern California that borders the Great Basin Desert and is likely one of the hottest and driest locations on the planet. Temperatures are extraordinarily scorching and will be harmful in the summertime, so I visited throughout this month as a substitute.

On my go to, I liked seeing the unimaginable salt flat Badwater Basin, Dante’s View (which had beautiful views), the extraordinary Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, the attention-grabbing historic mansion Scotty’s Castle, climbing the over Golden Canyon and seeing unimaginable views and recognizing desert bighorn sheep, lizards, and the tiny pupfish which I noticed residing within the swimming pools that had been saltier than seawater!

• Visitor Center Address: 328 Greenland Blvd, Death Valley, CA 92328 Phone: (760) 786-3200
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 7°C to 19°C

My favourite highlights…

• Taking a drive alongside Artists Drive and discovering the gorgeous colourful rock formations in Artists Palette.
• Stargazing in a sky free from mild air pollution! 
• Catching a dawn at Zabriskie Point, one of the vital iconic locations within the valley. The distinctive panoramic views had been actually lovely!

14. San Diego, California

I like San Diego within the off-peak season as a result of it’s house to a year-round Mediterranean-like local weather with loads of sunshine! 

Yes after all I did discover the temperatures had been rather a lot cooler in contrast with different months, however they had been nonetheless nice and for me it was an incredible escape from chilly, dreary climate.

When right here, I made the a lot of the lovely seashores (it was heat sufficient to lounge on them even this time of 12 months!), the award-winning eating places, stylish bars, and glorious creative and cultural sights, which had been rather more pleasing to discover with out the summer season crowds!

I additionally managed to squeeze within the beautiful Balboa Park, the vigorous Gaslamp Quarter, the gorgeous Japanese Botanical Gardens, and the historic Old Town.

• Visitor Center Address: 996 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 10°C to 19°C

My highlights…

• Staying on the Pearl Hotel – I liked the fashionable, distinctive design, the oyster-shaped saltwater pool, the poolside weekly “Dive-In” film nights and the art work impressed by Japanese feminine pearl divers!  
• Exploring the 4-mile-long trails within the lovely Botanic Gardens which took me previous a towering bamboo forest! 
• Visiting the Old Town and eating on do-it-yourself polbano pepper corn dough quesadillas on the conventional however quirky El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria. 

15. South Padre Island and Port Isabel, Texas

Located off the coast of Texas, South Padre Island is a resort city on a barrier island and I used to be an enormous fan of its smooth sandy seashores, calm waters and dolphin-watching boat excursions. A brief journey away is Port Isabel, which is separated from the shores of South Padre Island by the two.6-mile-long Queen Isabella Causeway.

Summers get very popular, and spring attracts massive crowds, so I took a winter journey right here as a substitute and located the temperatures had been pleasantly heat and there have been additionally off-peak costs too.

I explored the scenic Laguna Madre Nature Trail which has a protracted boardwalk the place I noticed birds after which I went for a romantic picnic within the fairly Isla Blanca Park! 

• Visitor Center Address: 600 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 11°C to twenty°C

My favourite highlights…

• Visiting one of the vital Instagrammable spots, Holiday Sandcastle Village, and gazing on the unimaginable life-size sand sculptures! 
• Taking a visit to the leisure district and attempting out the ferris wheel, mini-golf programs and enjoyable go-karts.
• Discovering the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Centre which had an incredible boardwalk path.

16. Moosehead Lake, Maine

I believed this made a novel, under-the-radar winter vacation spot! This deep, cold-water lake within the Longfellow Mountains is the biggest mountain lake within the japanese United States and in winter, the close by Squaw Mountain can also be open to snowboarders and skiers.

I believed the winter lake surroundings was actually magical this time of 12 months and to take advantage of the picturesque surroundings, I rented a country log cabin and cozied up by a log fireplace – it was a really romantic expertise and excellent for {couples}!

I spent my days cross-country snowboarding, snowmobiling, and climbing the snowshoe trails and when night time fell we stargazed and tried to identify the Northern Lights!

• Visitor Center Address: 480 Moosehead Lake Rd, Greenville, ME 04441
• Map Location
• Average temperature –  -7°C to -2°C

My highlights…

• Starting the day by consuming hearty veggie breakfast cooked on a campfire across the lake, which set us up for a full day of snowy actions! 
• Taking an superior snowmobile journey alongside the scenic Moosehead Trail and seeing foraging moose and deer alongside the way in which!

17. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

I discover this place to be so dreamy and distinctive! Located within the Gulf of Mexico, west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park it’s made up of seven small islands and guarded coral reefs. 

I head right here after I want some winter solar and because the identify suggests, it has a dry winter season which spans from November to March. This is when there may be little or no rainfall and it’s not as scorching and humid because the summer season months.

When right here, I get pleasure from snorkeling, sunbathing on the beautiful seashores, the water sports activities like kayaking and boating and attempting to identify the beautiful uncommon birds, I noticed the brown noddy and brown pelicans! 

My private favourite islands had been Loggerhead Key, which had a scenic lighthouse and super-cute sea turtles, and Garden Key, which was house to beautiful seashores and the historic Nineteenth-century Fort Jefferson.

• Visitor Center Address: Florida Keys, FL 33040 Phone: (305) 294-7009
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 18°C to 24°C

My favourite highlights…

• Snorkeling on the well-known Moat Wall and South Coaling Dock Ruins the place I noticed parrotfish, angelfish, and barracudas circle the previous historic fortification and docks.
• Taking a stroll across the lush Bush Key which had lengthy sandy seashores – I liked the driftwood and seeing pelicans and herons.

18. Tucson, Arizona

I’m an enormous fan of this vibrant metropolis situated within the Sonoran Desert. During the summer season months the temperatures will be very popular, so I go to throughout the winter months as a substitute.

It’s been dubbed the ‘City of Gastronomy’ by UNESCO, and after I’m right here I all the time pattern the tasty delicacies which has been impressed by an enormous vary of influences from Spanish and Native American to Mexican. I’m additionally all the time charmed by the spectacular pure magnificence which is made up of a surprising surrounding mountain vary, nationwide parks and pine forests.

Om my journey, I visited the scenic Saguaro National Park, the majestic Mount Lemmon, the extraordinary Colossal Cave Mountain Park, the gorgeous open-air museums and gardens, and the attention-grabbing previous city which was full of putting Spanish Colonial and Mexican buildings.

• Visitor Center Address: Southern Tucson Visitor Center, 115 N. Church Ave. Tucson, AZ 85701
• Map Location
• Average temperature – 7°C to 18°C 

My private highlights…

19. Fairbanks, Alaska

This place all the time wows me within the winter! One of Alaska’s largest cities, it’s an superior place for watching the unimaginable Northern Lights as its situated instantly beneath probably the most energetic mild area referred to as the Auroral Oval! 

I timed my go to for this month because the chilly climate saved the vacationers crowds away and since it was formally low season I used to be capable of finding nice offers on flights, resorts, and excursions.

I discovered the snowy surroundings to be very photogenic and I used to be fascinated by how the sunrises and sunsets final round one to 1 and a half hours this time of 12 months, reworking the sky right into a kaleidoscope of oranges, pinks and blues.

I all the time get pleasure from sledging, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and taking a warming dip within the close by Chena Hot Springs (which was my very favourite factor to do)! 

• Visitor Center Address: 101 Dunkel St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
• Map Location
• Average temperature –  -23°C to -16°C

My highlights…

• I liked discovering the inventive sculptures on the fantastic Fairbanks Ice Museum – it was additionally nice to see the reside demonstrations, the place I watched sculptors rework blocks of ice! 
• Relaxing on the lovely Chena Hot Springs Resort, which is run off geothermal vitality – it was superior to soak within the pure swimming pools which had a gradual 106°F (41°C) temperature.

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