Best Winter Vacation Spots in the United States
There are two types of people: those who absolutely dislike the cold weather, and those who joyfully embrace it. When looking for somewhere to visit during the cold winter months, you're either looking for somewhere warm and toasty to escape the harsh winter weather in your hometown or a location that offers the best selection of winter-related activities. Luckily, the team down at BMW of Silver Spring has compiled this list of vacation destinations that can offer something for everyone!
Warm-Weather Locations
Key West, Florida
Why visit? Visit Key West in the winter for milder weather, beautiful scenery, and an array of fun things to do!
Recommended things to do: According to Trip Advisor, some of the most popular things to do include visiting Key West's beautiful beaches, visiting Mallory Square which is known for its sunset views, and checking out a Dolphin Watch. Key West's tourism website claims, "in the winter months, when the water is rougher and not as clear, the pods move to within a few hundred yards of the island, making year-round dolphin watching possible."
Laguna Beach, California
Why visit? Visit Laguna Beach in the winter because of its mild year-round climate and notable art scene!
Recommended things to do: According to Trip Advisor, Heisler Park is one of the most popular attractions, offering amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. Also, visit Cyrstal Cove State Park, one of the most popular beach destinations. It is also recommended to take a Laguna Beach Trolley ride around the city to take in the local sights.
Maui, Hawaii
Why visit? Maui was ranked #1 according to U.S. News Travel for places to visit.
Recommended things to do: According to Maui's tourism website, visiting one of the numerous beaches is a definite must! Maui also offers hiking trails for those looking for something exercise-related to do. It is also recommended to visit the sacred Iao Valley and check out the migrating humpback whales, which you can only see during the winter.
Cold-Weather Locations
Popular Ski Resorts
Glacier National Park, Montana
Recommended things to do: On the "Plan Your Visit" page of the park's main website, visitors often come to Glacier National Parks to enjoy some hiking, and the park offers 700 miles of trails. Of course, if you're planning to visit during winter, then you should also plan to enjoy some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Along the way, enjoy some of the most coveted sights, such as the Ginnel Glacier or the Virginia Falls.
For more information, click here!
Park City, Utah
Recommended things to do: Similar to Glacier National Park, this recommended destination offers skiing adventures and snowboarding. They even offer lessons for those who might be new to the experience. Park City resort also cites its alpine coaster as a fun attraction for all ages. Finally, make sure to schedule a mountain tour in order to take in the beautiful, winter scenery.
For more information, click here!
Snowshoe Mountain, West Virginia
Recommended things to do: According to Snowshoe Mountain's visitor information, the resort offers many fun attractions such as night skiing, adventure dining, and an escape room. Additionally, the resort encourages visitors to enjoy Coca-Cola Tube Park, which is an 8 lane tubing hill where visitors can glide down the side of a mountain in true X-game style.
For more information, click here!
Best Winter Destinations
Anchorage, Alaska
Why visit? Visit Anchorage in the winter because of its cheaper hotel rates, opportunity to see the northern lights, and to enjoy its unique winter festivals.
Recommended things to do: Enjoy everything from hiking and ice climbing to glacier and wildlife cruises. Anchorage's tourism website also recommends trying a railroad tour or visiting the Anchorage Museum, which gives a detailed history of the historic location.
Asheville, North Carolina
Why visit? Visit Asheville in the winter because it is the best time to enjoy its most popular activities.
Recommended things to do: As a notable arts town, visitors should definitely take advantage of the local festivals, galleries, and public exhibitions throughout the year. For example, the Arts District offers a variety of museums, theatres, and cinemas. Asheville is known for its breathtaking beauty, and many of the scenes you see in the Hunger Games were filmed there. Of course, during the winter, you can also enjoy skiing, hiking, and the snow-tipped Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as the legendary Biltmore Estate. Lastly, book a mountain cabin for an overnight stay and a true mountain hideaway experience.
New York City, New York
Why visit? New York City is one of the most well-known cities in the world and offers plenty to do for everyone all year round.
Recommended things to do: New York is an extremely popular tourist destination, and during the winter, you can take advantage of the colder weather. Try visiting Central Park with a blanket of fresh snow or ice-skating at the iconic Rockefeller Center. If you're looking for something to do indoors, visit one of the city's numerous museums, schedule a tour of NBC Studios where they film The Tonight Show or check out a Broadway production.
Whether you're choosing to escape the cold weather or take advantage of it, be sure to keep these vacation destinations in mind. If you are planning to travel, and you could use a new ride for the trip, then check out our latest inventory of road-trip-friendly models. Visit the BMW of Silver Spring showroom at 3211 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904 or contact us online today!