8 Vacation Places to Visit This Winter to Embrace the Chill

Everyone’s idea of a great winter vacation looks different. Avid skiers can head to family-friendly Vail or underrated Sun Valley, while beach lovers may want to hit up Long Island.

For a trip that blends adventure with tranquility, Kauai, Hawaii, offers a lush escape. Or, explore America's oldest city in St. Augustine, Florida, where the historic Castillo de San Marcos is a must.

1. Kauai

Hawaii is known for its stunning verdant scenery and laid-back persona, but it’s also home to some of the best beaches in the world. While summer is a popular time to visit, Kauai nicknamed “the Garden Isle” is equally beautiful in winter.

The quieter season makes it easier to find hotels and vacation rentals, while fewer crowds mean you’ll have more room to roam when exploring Kauai. Plus, winter is when humpback whales make their annual migration to the island.

To experience the best of Kauai in the winter, stay on the south side of the island near Kapaa or Lihue. Both have easy access to popular restaurants and attractions, including the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach, Timbers Kauai at Hokuala, and Lydgate Park. You’ll be within walking distance of great food like Beach House and Merriman’s, and close to other favorites such as Waikomo Shave Ice. It’s also a short drive to the north shore for epic hikes, including the Na Pali Coast, where you’ll find dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches.

2. San Diego

San Diego’s enviable weather year-round makes it an ideal winter vacation spot. The sunshine, azure blue skies, and mild temperatures offer an array of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to experience special holiday events, get up close to whales on a tour, or try your hand at an aerobatic flying experience, the region has something for everyone.

Foodies will delight in the year-round Latin Food Fest, Liberty Public Market, and craft breweries, while those with an interest in science can explore the Museum of Us or reach for the stars at the Fleet Science Center. Culture buffs can explore the exquisite art pieces at the San Diego Museum of Art, including an exact copy of the University of Salamanca facade.

The beaches are still a draw, but the crowds thin out in the wintertime. Enjoy a beach day at La Jolla Shores or the iconic Coronado Beach. Or take a guided hike in Torrey Pines State Reserve to admire impressive ocean views and pristine, quiet beaches. If you prefer to shop, Fashion Valley Mall and Westfield UTC have an amazing variety of stores.

3. Death Valley National Park

The name is a bit morbid, but Death Valley National Park is full of life. Its arid climate can be harsh but is made bearable in the fall and spring by moderate temperatures and low precipitation levels.

Visitors can see desert bighorn sheep and coyotes, as well as roadrunners and golden eagles. Ibex Dunes are the most photogenic dunes in the park, and they're located on the southern edge of the park off of a rough, high-clearance road.

Badwater Basin is another popular attraction in Death Valley. It is the lowest point in North America and features surreal salt polygons that look like endless ripples. Visitors can also visit the Father Crowley Overlook at Rainbow Canyon to watch military jets train in their advanced maneuvers.

Zabriskie Point is famous for its sunset and sunrise views and is one of the most visited locations in the entire park. You can take epic photos from here, but remember to respect the area and stay off of private property. This is also the best spot to watch the Manly Beacon at sunrise, so be sure to arrive early.

4. St. Augustine

Florida’s Historic Coast is a year-round destination, but it’s a little easier to explore during winter. You’ll find fewer crowds and less heat while still enjoying the same attractions that make this a popular spot all year long. It’s also a great time to experience the famous Nights of Lights, which showcase millions of lights throughout the city’s historic district from Thanksgiving weekend through January.

Stroll the historic district’s cobblestone streets and centuries-old Spanish colonial architecture. Learn about blacksmithing and watch a musket demo at the Colonial Quarter, or tour the ancient jail with a guide for a spooky ghost story. Explore the actual site of America’s first settlement at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and sample water from Ponce de Leon’s legendary spring.

For dining, check out the waterfront restaurants at Matanzas Bay including Columbia Restaurant, which offers regionally inspired Southern cuisine; the New Orleans-inspired Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille; and the beer-centric A1A Ale Works. For outdoor adventures, explore the tranquil beaches, tidal marshes, and maritime hammocks of Anastasia State Park, which is located just minutes from downtown.

5. Colorado

Colorado’s mountain towns beckon skiers and hikers year-round but offer a more tranquil experience during the winter months. With snow-capped mountains and ice sculpting festivals, families can enjoy the outdoors without crowds. Plus, many Colorado destinations celebrate the season with festive lights and events.

Start the trip in Denver for a blend of urban and natural vibes, where you can take in the city’s landmarks and explore the state’s diverse terrain. The Mile High City also offers an array of culinary, cultural, and sports activities to satisfy the whole family.

From here, you can head west to Estes Park, a winter paradise that serves as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. This awe-inspiring national park is best explored on snowshoes, and hiking trails like Dream Lake become even more impressive under the winter’s snow.

You can also enjoy Colorado’s 30+ natural hot springs, which are ideal for soaking the chill off after a day on the slopes. For example, Strawberry Park in Steamboat Springs offers clothing optional fun and Sunwater Spa in Colorado Springs features multiple naturally heated soaking tubs.

6. New York City

With a globally-recognizable skyline and a bustling population of 8.4 million people, New York City has something for everyone. Explore iconic attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, catch a Broadway show or take in some amazing views from high-rises. From the renowned restaurants of Greenwich Village to shopping in SoHo and a night out at one of the many clubs in the West Village, this metropolis is bursting with life.

There are plenty of ways to stay warm in NYC, including visiting world-class museums along Museum Mile, ice skating at Rockefeller Center and walking through charming winter markets like the holiday market at Bryant Park. For a more restful escape, indulge in a day at AIRE Ancient Baths where you can relax from bath to bath at different temperatures, and get pampered with a soothing massage or a Himalayan salt scrub.

There's no wrong time to visit New York City, but spring and fall are the ideal times to experience mild weather and fewer crowds at major attractions. If you want to save money on admission, consider purchasing a New York Pass before you arrive to see more for less.

7. Lake Placid

If you’re looking for a winter getaway that’s both snowy adventure and lodge-style luxury, look no further than Lake Placid, two-time host to the Winter Olympic Games. Spend your days embracing the chill by skiing at Whiteface Mountain or skating across Mirror Lake, and your nights indulging in local spas and restaurants.

When the snow flies, the town’s main drag, Main Street, is a winter wonderland, replete with ice skating and twinkling lights. Shop for candles, syrups, Adirondack souvenirs and locally made bed and bath products at the eclectic collection of local boutiques. And, don’t miss a stop at Big Slide Brewery for a brewery tour with a view of the Olympic Ski Jumps and 10 ice-cold craft brews to help battle the freezing temperatures.

Discover the town’s Olympic heritage at the Olympic Museum, which pays tribute to Lake Placid’s two Olympic Games with photographs, videos and memorabilia. Or, test your own speed by skiing on the same slopes as the Olympic athletes did in 1932 and 1980. At Olympic venues like Mt Van Hoevenberg, you can reach exhilarating speeds on bobsled tracks and explore 50km of cross-country trails for skiers who want to keep things slow.

8. Iceland

A trip to Iceland is always a memorable experience, but it’s even more magical in winter. The icy landscape transforms into a dreamlike wonderland, where gushing waterfalls become ice fangs hanging off cliffs and everything sparkles with a luminosity that makes it look like a Hallmark Christmas movie.

During the winter, you can enjoy many of the same attractions that draw travelers to Iceland year-round, but with far fewer people. Akureyri, Iceland’s “second city,” is a popular winter base, where you can visit Godafoss "the waterfall of the gods" which features a unique horseshoe-shaped cascade and can sometimes freeze over in the depths of winter. You can also stroll through the city’s downtown streets, visit Hallgrimskirkja Church the tallest structure in Iceland and see real lava flow at the Lava Show.

Iceland is also home to the famed Blue Lagoon, which is a must-visit. If you book a premium ticket and come later in the day, you’ll have more of a chance to have the lagoon all to yourself. Other highlights include exploring a glacier by snowmobile or hiking across an ice cave and going dog sledding through pristine snowscapes.

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