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When the temperature drops and winter rolls around, thoughts turn to color-changing landscapes, fireplaces, and hot chocolate. Hitting the slopes or hiking through snowy woods is always a thrill, but what are some other options for the best US winter trips to take this year? I have some ideas!
When it comes to winter bucket list trips, you have a lot to choose from. There are many winter outdoor activities you can try in cooler temperatures, so here’s a list of 21 places you should experience this season.
Best US Winter Trips for the Holidays
Places to go in the US with holiday-themed events
1. New Hope, Pennsylvania
New Hope is one of those towns that looks like it was plucked straight out of a storybook. The town’s Christmas market has been running since the 1970s, and it’s easy to see why it’s been such a success.
The town is known for its quaint shops, B&Bs, restaurants, and art galleries that are all decked out in holiday decorations and ready for visitors.
In addition to its regular attractions, New Hope also hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout December, including Strollin’ Sundays (when shops stay open late), Santa Sundays (when kids can sit on Santa’s lap), and New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Delaware River with music performed by local bands at Washington Crossing State Park.
New Hope is definitely a place you want to stay for a night or two. Here are quaint places to stay near Peddler’s Village:
2. Leavenworth, Washington
This tiny town is tucked away in the mountains between Seattle and Spokane. Leavenworth is a popular and unique holiday spot that is known for its Bavarian influence and charm and is listed in my guide of charming mountain towns to visit in the US.
Here you can find several Christmas market events throughout December each year. Each market features unique handmade gifts from local artisans and delicious food options like mulled wine or schnitzel sandwiches.
3. Helen, Georgia
Helen is a small mountain town in northwest Georgia that’s known for its German food, drinks, and celebrations. The town has more than 50 shops and several restaurants and bars where you can enjoy dinner or drinks before heading back out to explore the quaintly lit Christmas village.
This little town is so picturesque that it was chosen as a filming location for several Christmas movies. Get a sneak peek of your destination before your trip by watching Christmas Love Letter or A Taste of Christmas!
4. San Francisco
San Francisco has a long tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year. It holds the biggest and oldest celebration in the United States.
In the city, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual parade down Grant Avenue (a popular street in Chinatown). The Chinatown Fair takes over the whole neighborhood for an entire weekend with food vendors and performances by local artists.
Winter Cabin Getaways
Places to go in the US with cabins in the mountains
5. Lake Tahoe
Looking for a beautiful mountain town to escape to for your US winter trips? Lake Tahoe is an obvious choice. The area is known for its beautiful snow-capped peaks, endless hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.
Accommodation options in Lake Tahoe range from cute cottages by the water, to rooms in major hotel and casino chains, to townhouses with stunning views of the area. There’s something for everyone!
6. Vail, Colorado
Similar to the luxurious mountain town of Aspen, Vail is something of a winter mecca, and it’s easy to see why. The resort town is surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks and has plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Vail has one of the most popular ski resorts in North America, with over 150 lifts and slopes available. If you hit the slopes often, you might be interested in an Epic Pass to save money on fees.
If skiing isn’t your thing, you can check out some of the town’s other activities, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. From the ski resorts to the shopping and nightlife, this town is buzzing with activities to keep you busy.
7. Pocono Mountains, PA
The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are a winter wonderland, with over 3,000 acres of skiing and snowboarding options sprawling through rolling hills. These mountains are located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, near Scranton and Allentown, and a great weekend trip from Philadelphia.
Stay in a lakeside resort surrounded by hiking trails and skiing opportunities or escape to your own private chalet surrounded by the beauty of the Pocono Mountains.
8. Adirondack Mountains, NY
The Adirondack Mountains are located in northern New York State, just south of Montreal. They rise up to 6,000 feet above sea level and are home to hundreds of lakes and ponds, including Lake Placid and Lake George. The region is also known for its hiking trails, lodges, and resorts.
There are even lakes that offer excellent ice-fishing opportunities if you’re looking for a unique adventure during your winter cabin getaway.
Sunny Escapes for US Winter Trips
Places to go in the US with warmer weather during winter months
9. Southern California
Southern California offers many things to do during the winter months. The beaches are close by, and there are many other attractions like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Universal Studios Hollywood that make this an excellent winter vacation destination.
If you have time, take a trip to Joshua Tree– located just 2 hours away from Los Angeles. If you go in early to mid-December or January, you have a good chance of missing the holiday crowds.
10. Puerto Rico
Escape from the cold weather and enjoy some sun in Puerto Rico—one of the best US winter trips you can take for a beach getaway (no passport required!)
The island has a tropical climate year-round, so you can enjoy all types of outdoor activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and horseback riding without having to worry about extreme temperatures or humidity levels.
This tropical paradise will be in full bloom from January through March, with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to the low 80s. You’ll find plenty of sunshine, beautiful beaches, and a slower pace of life than other parts of the USA.
11. South Florida
South Florida offers a similar experience to Hawaii at a fraction of the cost. The region has gorgeous beaches and a laid-back lifestyle that make it an ideal place for relaxation.
Florida is one of the most popular US winter trips because of its warm climate and sunny days. Miami Beach is known for its luxurious hotels, nightlife, and shopping options, Orlando offers fun attractions such as amusement parks and water parks, and Sarasota/Tampa is artsy and relaxing.
US Winter Trips with Northern lights, ice caves, igloos
Best US winter trips with icey artic activities
12. Alaska
You can’t dream up snowy US winter trips without thinking of the largest state!
Alaska is probably the best place in the country to see the northern lights because of how long it stays dark during winter there (around 18 hours per day). That means you can see them for longer periods and from more places than anywhere else on Earth.
The Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful phenomena on Earth, but they’re also notoriously hard to see. You have to get away from cities and light pollution, travel to a cold place where snow and clouds aren’t an issue, and hope that there aren’t any active solar storms interfering with the show. Plus, you need good weather.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, you might consider staying in an igloo hotel such as Borealis Basecamp. The hotel is located in Fairbanks, Alaska, and has been built inside an old ice mining station. It’s built on stilts, with walls made of ice and snow. The rooms have heated floors but no roofs or windows — it’s just you and the night sky above. You can also go glamping in an igloo at Borealis Basecamp with beds, tables, and chairs inside.
13. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park has many different types of caves, including ice caves, which you can find near Taylor Glacier in Moraine Park. The park offers ranger-led tours of the area during the winter months, as well as guided hikes led by volunteers from local mountaineering clubs during the summer months.
As I mention in the safety modules of my Get Outdoors 101 course, you’ll want to consult directly with a ranger and all signage to remain safe.
14. Breckenridge, Colorado
Obsessed with the idea of ice artistry during the winter, consider ice festivals in the US! Breckenridge has an ice sculpture championship during winter that is so much fun.
The Breckenridge Ice Festival is one of the best US winter trips in a mountain town thanks to its live music, beer tasting, food vendors, and of course…ice sculptures. There will be more than 50 professional sculptors from around the world creating intricate pieces of art from ice blocks throughout the town and you can see it coming to life firsthand.
15. New Hampshire
Ice caves sound interesting but want to remain on the East Coast? White Mountains National Forest offers several options for viewing ice caves in its territory.
These US winter trips include Willey Brook Falls in Crawford Notch State Park and Cathedral Ledge at Franconia Notch State Park. Still, perhaps the most spectacular is Flume Gorge in Crawford Notch State Park itself.
Dog Sledding destinations
Places to go in the US to try dog sledding
16. Minnesota
Today, dog sledding is a recreational activity enjoyed by many people in various parts of the world. It’s a competitive sport that’s growing in popularity among athletes who test their skills in various races throughout the year. But it is also a traditional activity used for thousands of years by indigenous people for transport, freight, and recreation.
If you are looking to do this activity on any of your US winter trips, you should check out Wintergreen Dogsled Lounge in Ely, Minnesota. Here you can book dogsled day trips, camping trips, and more.
17. Juneau, Alaska
I went on a dog sledding excursion during my Alaskan cruise this summer and highly recommend it if you are interested in cruise excursions. We took a helicopter over the fjords to the dog sledding camp, sledded briefly, and learned about the dogs’ history, coat makeup, and more. It was such a unique experience.
US Winter Trips with Fun Ice Skating
Places to go in the US with cute ice skating rinks
18. NYC
New York City is home to some of the world’s most famous skating rinks, including Rockefeller Center, Central Park Winter Wonderland, Bryant Park Winter Village, and Wollman Rink. While these famous ice skating activities may cost a pretty penny with timed sessions, they are definitely bucket list worthy.
19. Philadelphia
Ice skate right under the lights of city hall and beyond! Philadelphia surprisingly goes all out with their winter village activities, from Christmas villages and ice skating rinks. There are a number of Philadelphia ice skating options alongside their holiday markets and throughout the city.
Epic snowmobile and snowshoe destinations
Best US winter trips to try snowshoeing and snowmobiling
20. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is a place of breathtaking vistas and frightening wildlife. It’s a popular summer destination for park lovers and tourists alike.
In wintertime, it’s even more wonderful. The park is closed to vehicles from November through May, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore on snowshoes or cross-country skis. You can even take a snowmobile tour on Yellowstone’s backcountry roads!
Each year from mid-November through mid-April, about 20 miles of road are opened for snowmobile use around Yellowstone National Park. The famous route starts at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel near Old Faithful Geyser (mile marker 1) and heads north along the Madison River through the Canyon area before ending at Dunraven Pass (mile marker 11).
You’ll pass lakes, rivers, forests, and meadows along this route, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
21. Yosemite
Snowshoe among ancient redwoods in California! A winter visit to one of California’s national parks can be a wonderful experience.
You can snowshoe through the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park, snowshoe the many scenic trails of Yosemite National Park, or tour the Sierra Nevada on skis or snowshoes.
The Yosemite Valley floor is closed to cars from December through March, so it’s the perfect place for a winter hike or snowshoeing adventure. The landscape is covered in a blanket of white, and the views are spectacular.
NOTE: the best way to enjoy safe and memorable snowshoeing in unique places is to contact a ranger or the park’s mountaineering guides for up-to-date advice on snowshoe conditions and wildlife best practices.
Which Best US winter trips would you take first?
The beauty of a bucket list is being able to make it your own. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, but having some inspiration can work wonders when looking for motivation to get out there and live life a little more actively. I hope some of these US winter trips served as the perfect inspiration you’ve been needing this winter season.
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wonderful places thank you olivia for sharing