Top 10 Destinations for a Winter Vacation in America
Winter holidays are a unique opportunity for us to recharge our batteries and enjoy the beauties we’re surrounded with. The perfect holiday is different for everyone. For some of you, it’s finding the perfect ski slope while for others it’s escaping the cold and enjoying the sun.
Luckily, America has something for everyone and you’ll find a place perfect for you if you continue reading.
Here’s our list of the top 10 destinations for a winter vacation in America.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Listed as one of the 5 best ski destinations in the USA in 2018/19, according to the U.S. News, Jackson Hole is perfect for true winter sports lovers. Here, you can enjoy one of the main skiing areas: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee Resort, and Snow King Resort. You can find a suitable ski experience for every member of the family: from kids beginners’ slopes to professional skiers’ slopes.
In case you want to try out outdoor activities other than skiing, the valley offers winter activities such as:
- ice skating
- snowshoeing
- climbing
- dogsledding
In addition to all this, you can enjoy visiting museums, art galleries, and theatres or treat yourself with a spa and wellness day.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Let’s start by saying that the Grand Canyon is a geological miracle that everyone should pay a visit at least once. You’ll be mesmerized by its size and the power of nature it stands for. The Grand Canyon National Park is not a top destination just because of the Grand Canyon. Thanks to many winter activities it offers, as well as rich logging options, it’s simply the perfect place to spend your winter in.
The unique mule ride experience is something you have to experience. Traveling along the rim of the canyon, you’ll be able to see it from different angles, and learn about its formation, history, and ecology.
In addition, you could visit the Yavapai Museum of Geology, take a train tour, a hiking tour or enjoy a warm beverage in one of the restaurants and cafes along the rim.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Situated in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, this park is a treat for all your senses. To start with, it’s the home of some of the most beautiful lakes in the world such as the Hidden Lake, Sherburne Lake or Lake McDonald. You can visit them as part of a hiking tour or go on to explore them on your own private journey.
This destination has so much more to offer, enabling you to explore the wildlife, learn about nature and enjoy your time outside. You can opt for some of the following activities:
- hiking tours
- fishing
- camping
- boat tours
- educational ranger-led programs
- photography
The glacier-carved peaks and the beautiful valley will steal your heart for sure.
Maui, Hawaii
Who said winter has to be about snow and skiing? If you’re looking for a way to escape the cold temperatures and enjoy some sun and warmth, the island of Maui is the place to go. The 30 miles of beautiful sandy beaches are just a part of Maui’s fantastic touristic offer. You can enjoy surfing, snorkeling and windsurfing activities or simply sunbathe in a secluded area by the sea.
On top of this, you definitely need to go horseback riding and hiking to experience the beauty of the island. And while you’re at it, you may even learn how to hula!
New Orleans, Louisiana
Home of jazz music, the city of New Orleans is all about pleasure and relaxation. From the buzzing nightlife and top-notch music scene, you’ll be able to dance and have fun during your entire stay. You’ll be able to enjoy the numerous bars, pubs, and clubs and find just the spot for yourself.
Care for some delicious traditional New Orleans dishes? The local restaurants offer the ultimate traditional experience with dishes such as jambalaya, beignets, gumbo, and oysters.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Also known as the “America’s Caribbean Paradise”, the US Virgin Islands are the ultimate destination for escaping the cold weather. The peak of the touristic season is from December to March, thanks to the steady weather and the 80 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures. You can choose to visit one of the three main islands: Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, each offering something unique.
Treat yourself and your family with:
- scuba diving
- snorkeling
- swimming
- renting a boat
- hiking
- visiting historical sites
There’s nothing like spending quality time outdoors, surrounded by sandy beaches and beautiful nature.
Miami Beach, Florida
Miami beach is a world-known top-class touristic destination and there are so many reasons for you to visit it. The beach is wide and spacious, with white sand and crystal clear water.
You can head to South Beach and stroll down Ocean Drive or the Art Deco Historic District to enjoy the architecture as well as the vibrant nightlife. You’ll find shopping to be one of the popular activities on Miami beach thanks to shopping promenades rich with all types of boutiques and shops.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The world’s first national park, Yellowstone, spreads mostly across Wyoming but across Montana and Idaho too. The alpine rivers, breathtaking canons and world-famous geysers such as the Old Faithful are the reason this national park is a wilderness recreation area paradise.
Lake Tahoe, California
Nordic skiing, hiking, ice skating, fishing, camping…you name it! Lake Tahoe has everything you need for an unforgettable winter vacation. Choose from one of the numerous ski resorts and enjoy different slopes and fantastic views of the lake. You can also go backpacking and hiking on trails suitable for your level of experience.
The museums, beaches, parks and art galleries are just going to make the whole thing even better.
New York City
The Big Apple is a must-see, no matter what time of the year it is. If you choose to visit in during winter, you’ll be mesmerized by what the city has to offer. Make sure to visit Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty as well as Times Square.
Enjoy watching a show on Broadway or treat yourself with a delicious meal from world-famous cuisines. Explore, wander the streets, talk to the people and you’ll fall in love with NYC.
Final Thoughts
Are you packing your bags? Because we sure are! A winter holiday in America is only about making the right choice and finding just the right destination for you. Reading through our list, we hope you managed to find just what you needed and we’ve helped you decide where to head to. Enjoy your winter holiday and make the best out of your time.
Author Bio
Kristin Savage nourishes, sparks and empowers using the magic of a word. She is practicing regularly while reviewing new translation services at Pick Writers and constantly contributing to other educational platforms. Along with pursuing her degree in Creative Writing, Kristin was gaining experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in marketing strategy for publishers and authors. You can find her on Facebook.