Other than staying cozy and warm indoors, there’s nothing like enjoying the beautiful splendor of a winter wonderland outdoors. Why not make the frosty season one to remember by visiting some of the most stunning winters in the US? Whether an exciting mountain city or a serene and peaceful beach town, there’s room for everyone!
Snowy conditions and winter temperatures can vary dramatically from one region to the next. The Northeast is known for its blustery winds and icy winters, while the Southwest experiences fewer snowstorms but incredibly cold snaps. To help you decide where to spend your next winter vacation, here’s a list of 10 cities with splendid winters in the US!
Oh, and don’t forget your camera!
1. Jackson, Wyoming
Not only is Jackson, Wyoming truly amazing in the winter, but it’s also a top destination for its world-class snowboarding and skiing. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort owns a 4,139-foot vertical drop that’s the second largest in North America, so that’s definitely a good place to engage in winter activities.
The town itself is home to many top-notch shops, restaurants, and bars. The Grand Tetons mountain range is truly breathtaking, and it’s definitely even better in the winter. If you want to explore the town, you can either drive along the magnificent roads, try ice fishing on the Snake River, or go on a snowmobile tour through the unspoiled wilderness.
Get a marvelous view of the frozen landscape on a cross-country, Nordic ski trek, or snowshoe. There are many places to stay in Jackson Hole if you decide to choose this resort, and the prices range from pretty affordable to high-priced.
2. Miami, Florida
Most people wouldn’t choose Miami for their winter vacation, but if you want to see sunny days and clear skies during the colder months, then this city is exactly what you need. From exploring unique neighborhoods to enjoying delicious dining and amazing nightlife, Miami is a great destination for those willing to have a lot of fun.
Shopping on chic South Beach, strolling through the lively and colorful Wynwood Art District, or just relaxing on the beach are some of the many activities you can do in Miami. Visit one of the city’s world-class museums or go on a boat tour and see Miami from the water. In other words, you won’t have time to get bored here.
3. Park City, Utah
For those who love the beauty of the cold seasons and are willing to engage in some exciting activities, Park City is the ideal destination. Known for annually hosting the Sundance Film Festival, this destination serves as a winter wonderland of snowboarding, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
This city is home to one of the largest ski areas and even has the longest ski season in the country. There are many world-class resorts to choose from, but get ready to spend some money. Nevertheless, the hotels and staff provide impeccable services.
The downtown is filled with energy, with plenty of dining and shopping, not to mention some of the most delicious gourmet food in the country.
4. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is a breath of fresh air. One should visit it to experience its gastronomic delights, vibrant arts scene, and charming Old World atmosphere.
The city is home to a variety of art galleries, nightlife and dining options, and lovely boutique stores. During the winter season, it’s a perfect location to enjoy the snow-covered pine trees and take in the city’s shining lights. Once the cold season arrives, the city offers a lot of fun activities such as hiking, skiing, and outdoor snowshoeing.
But that’s not all. Santa Fe also holds several winter festivals and events, including the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market and the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta.
5. Aspen, Colorado
This list wouldn’t have been complete without mentioning the town of Aspen. And yes, this is a popular winter vacation spot, so get ready to be one of the thousands of tourists.
This town offers a variety of winter activities, from ice skating and snowmobiling to dog sledding and tubing. Many celebs hit the slopes here, so visitors can do the same! Aspen is also famous for its bustling downtown scene, which features amazing shopping and incredible restaurants.
You shouldn’t miss the numerous festivals and events held here, including the Aspen Music Festival and the famous Foos & Wine Classic. Tourists can also watch a live performance by the world’s best musicians and dancers.
6. Lake Tahoe, Nevada
A slightly less crowded winter destination, Lake Tahoe is a great place for winter activities, snow sports, and more. The glittering lake is over a mile high, and because of that old routing structure, a very deep lake was created in the basin.
This place is stunning both in the summer and winter, but it’s in the cold season when everything gets truly mesmerizing. Try your hand at snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, take a sleigh ride, or go ice skating for some fun. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, make sure you don’t miss the scenic view of the lake from a gondola.
Another must-do here is to visit the annual North Lake Tahoe Snowfest, which is one of the country’s winter festivals. There are many cabins that you can choose from, and some are located very close to ski resorts.
7. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a lovely, picturesque town nestled in the Green Mountains. Other than snowboarding, ice skating, skiing, and snowshoeing, travelers can enjoy going on nature walks, catching some live entertainment, and finishing the day with a hot jacuzzi session. No matter if you’re looking for exciting things to do or you just want to relax, Stowe is an incredible choice for your winter vacation.
The town is home to several winter festivals, including the Stowe Follies, the Vermont Brewers Festival, and the Winter Antiques Show. Take a day to visit the town of Waterbury, which holds the Vermont Winter Festival with activities like ice sculpting and snowman-building contests.
8. San Diego, California
Because of its mild climate, San Diego is a popular vacation destination all year. If you’re not into freezing temperatures and winter activities, then a trip here may be exactly what you need.
San Diego experiences mild winters, making it a popular destination in the cold season. During your time spent here, you can shop along the historic Gaslamp Quarter, see the whales, or walk on the beautiful beaches.
The Christmas Parade and the White Party are among the city’s most anticipated events. The Comic Con and the Coronado Island Film Festival are also major highlights of the winter, as are Restaurant Week and the San Diego Winter Brewfest.
9. Seattle, Washington
Are you a coffee lover? Seattle may be the perfect spot to visit in the winter. It’s home to many cafes and coffee houses, and it also has top attractions like the iconic Space Needle. Aside from these year-round activities, Seattle has many winter activities to offer, such as attending the Zoo Lights Festival, going on a wine tour, or visiting the Seattle Center.
There are also plenty of special events, such as the Winter Fest and the Seattle Beerfest. The cold season is the perfect time to visit the city since there are fewer tourists and the days are clearer — the perfect occasion to truly appreciate Seattle’s beautiful skyline.
10. Anchorage, Alaska
For those who are willing to spend a lot of time outdoors, a winter getaway to Anchorage is a great chance to get in some ice fishing, skiing, and other exciting activities. One of the major attractions is the Anchorage Northern lights Festival, which is held in mid-February.
This time of the year also means a chance to admire wildlife at its finest and see bears, moose, bald eagles, and other animals in their natural habitat. Anchorage also holds many winter festivals worth visiting, such as the Sno-Go Classic, Fur Rendezvous, Arctic Man Ski, and Arctic Winter Games.
You may also want to read: 8 Most Common Misconceptions About Major US Cities.
