Saint John Us Virgin Islands
- Average Temps.: 66°-79°F | 19°-26°C
- Nearest Airport: Cyril E. King Airport
- Perfect for: Beaches, tropical paradise, water activities
When looking to escape the winter blues, Saint John in the US Virgin Islands is a top choice for anyone who loves the beach and tropical getaways.
Whether youre visiting St. John with kids, a partner, or a girlfriend getaway, theres something for everyone. With 60% of the island designated as a National Park, the island retains a wild, undeveloped quality that is a welcome respite from other over-packaged holiday destinations.
Most beaches are on the North Shore, with must visit beaches being Maho Bay, Trunk Bay, and Honeymoon Beach. Popular activities include spotting sea turtles munching on seagrass, snorkeling in the crystal clear water, and stand-up paddleboarding in one of the many calm bays.
After playing or lazing at the beach, youll want to find time to hike the Reef Bay Trail, an adventurous trek that takes you through a grove of old-growth trees, a 40-foot waterfall, sugar plantation ruins, and petroglyphs.
For anyone who wants a full day of adventure, charter a private boat for the day and have them take you around the island to snorkel in hidden coves and neighboring uninhabited islands.
To get to St. John, youll need to take a flight to Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and then hop on to a quick 20-minute ferry over to St. John.
Accommodation: San Juan Hotel or Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel
The 9 Best Winter Vacations In The Us
11/12/2020 by Chloe
Winter is one of the best times to see different parts of the US at its brightest and most festive. In some places of the country, the coziness of the seasonal chill is quintessential to the winter experience. But in other places, winter is basically nonexistent, save for a few holiday decorations!
Here are 9 of the best vacations you can take this upcoming season:
North Carolina Mountain Retreat
North Carolinaâs western city of Asheville is one of the best places to have a picture-perfect wintertime getaway. Part of the cityâs charm is in its climateââthe regionâs mild winters combined with the Blue Ridge Mountains bring a sense of log-cabin coziness for visitors. Whether you want to find budget activities to do in the city or completely retreat into the wilderness, Asheville appeals to those wanting a scenic getaway.
December is a popular time for tourists to explore the area, as Christmas at the Biltmore attracts plenty of people yearly. During this time the Blue Ridge Parkway also usually receives its last bout of hikers before it starts closing for the colder months. Check out this map for real-time updates of road closures on the parkway.
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San Francisco Wintersincaliforniaperfect City Break
Activities: Warm temperatures, perfect for city exploration, wine tours, New Year and Christmas celebrations, film festivals. Join in a Christmas theme cable car ride.
The holiday season in San Francisco is one of the best times of the year. You can explore Christmas markets and lights at the City Hall, Union Square, Pier 39, or Ghirardelli Square. So you get the best sightseeing advantage.
Dont miss out on the NYE lights, if you are visiting on December 31st.
San Francisco is also home to film festivals, music concerts, and live theater. Other activities worth considering in winter in San Francisco include a whale watching tour and wine tasting at the Fishermans wharf. You can also head to the nearby Napa Valley or Sonoma County too for a wine experience.
Austin Texas Mild Weather Usa Winter Destination
Activities: City break, music, and culture lovers
Austin is another wonderful destination to plan your winter vacation. It has mild weather during the winters with little or no rainfall, great for outdoor activities like hiking or cycling around Lady Bird Lake.
For those who want to check out the Texas Hill Country, come here in winter because this place receives much less rain than other areas of the state.
Take a photo tour of the states most beautiful spots and you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some Texas wildlife.
Austin also has an incredible music scene that attracts visitors all year round thanks to its many live music venues that feature many local upcoming talents as well as international stars.
Many of the citys attractions like Sixth Street, Zilker Park, and Congress Avenue Bridge are open year-long as well. So you dont miss out on those either if your schedule does not allow for a trip during winter.
By Patti from Savy Globetrotterand Maritza from Travel Notes and Things
Activities: Christmas market, perfect for awinter city break here is a 2 day Chicago itinerary, culinary, landmarks
Chicago is a great place for a winter vacation in the US, especially for those that do not mind cold weather. The beginning of winter is a fun time to visit as Chicago is one of the best US cities for Christmas and holiday festivities, events, and shopping.
You cannot leave Chicago before checking out an amazing comedy show .
Enjoy the Windy City!
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Target Species: Peacock Bass
Looking to spice up your winter with something exotic? Turn up the heat in the Miami area with peacock bass. The vast network of interconnected canals, lakes, and ponds just west of the city are chock full of these South American natives, and if you live in the north and think smallmouth bass fight hard, wait until you tie into one of these bright-green beauties.
The nice thing about peacock bass fishing in this area is that there are several professional outfitters that can get you to prime water via boat if you want to spend the money on their services. Conversely, there is no shortage of public access via parks and trail networks that make DIY foot mission both do-able and productive. Peacock bass are highly aggressive and brutal brawlers, so make sure you bring a reel with a quality drag. Any peacock bass lure youd use for largemouths and smallmouthsspinnerbait, finesse bait, popper, or jerkbaitwill work, just make sure you have a few in bright orange.
Planning A Winter Vacation 2022
The first step to planning winter vacations in 2022-2023 is deciding where to go! Our list of the Best US Winter Destinations below will help you find the perfect place for your winter trip.
That said, choosing where to go for winter getaways 2022-2023 is just the first step in trip planning. You also need to determine how to get there, where to stay and what to pack. We cover these details at the end of the article.
As you begin to make your travel plans to the top winter vacation spots in the US, staying organized is key! We recommend using a travel planner like our to stay on top of all the details.
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Scottsdale And Phoenix Arizona
Average high temperature in the winter: About 70 degrees
Number of days of rain per month in winter: Less than 5
Scottsdale and Phoenix have both been long been known as a primo spots for warm winter vacations in the USA for good reason, the weather is gorgeous and the resorts are ample.
I cant get enough of the saguaro cacti and the rocky desert landscape. There are so many great hiking trails to enjoy, like those found in the South Mountain Park and Preserve.
If you would rather channel your inner cowboy and make your way through the desert the way the vaqueros did, head to Mac Donalds Ranch and take the kids on a trail ride.
Little train enhusiasts will want to spend time at McCormick Stillman Railroad Park and most of the citys popular courses offer classes and programs for all ages, including Kierland Golf Club, McCormick Ranch Golf Club, and The Phoencian Golf Club.
Here are our favorite things to do in Scottsdale with kids and the best things to do in Phoenix with kids.
Where to Stay: There are so many amazing options for family resorts in Phoenix and Scottsdale, and many have their own waterparks!
At Pointe Hilton Tapitio Cliffs Resort families love the spacious two-room suites and The Falls Water Village which features a 40-foot waterfall, a 138-foot enclosed slide, and expansive pools.
Wrapping Up On The Best Winter Vacations In The Us
These were the best places to visit in the winter for a magical and memorable vacation.
While some of these winter vacations in the US are perfect for chilly weather lovers, others are ideal for people who urge for warmer dayslike us!
We hope you enjoyed the read and got some lovely ideas for a winter break in America.
But, before leaving this article, please tell us in the comments, do you prefer a snowy winter vacation or a winter getaway to sunny beaches? Drop your answer below! Wed love to hear from you!
Diana
Friday 25th of November 2022
Great article! I really like this blog. Many thanks to the authorBy the way, I recently found an interesting article about different winter and Christmas nails: https://www.beyindi.com/blog/christmas-nails-in-november-2022.html
Jeremy
Wednesday 8th of December 2021
In #20 – Page Arizona – you mention theres more to Antelope Canyon. You say there are other slot canyons just a beautiful with less people? Do you know what they are?
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Best Warm Winter Vacations In The Usa
As fun as snowy weather can be, sometimes a winter vacation in New England just wont cut it. You need warm weather, sunny skies, and maybe even a beach where you can truly relax.
Luckily, you dont have to fly to the Caribbean to do that. There are plenty of warm winter vacations in the USA that will fit the bill.
Warm winter vacations in the USA can be just as enjoyable and sometimes more so than tropical getaways. The trick is knowing where to find them.
In this article, 17 travel bloggers chime in on the best destinations for sunny winter holidays in America. From Floridas Gulf Coast to the Hawaiian Islands, these balmy destinations are all sure to keep you entertained and toasty throughout your stay. And as a bonus, you can leave your passport at home!
Ski In The Finger Lakes New York
The Finger Lakes region in central New York offers one of the best winter vacations as you hit the slopes carved out by glaciers that make for a 9,000-square-mile area of outdoor ski adventure. Five ski mountains on the edge of the Finger Lakes region each have something unique to offer.
The largest ski resort in Central New York is the family-focused Greek Peak Mountain Resort. The resort operates 56 trails with terrain parks on-site. The resort also has a Nordic Center, offering groomed cross-country trails and snowshoeing trails and a 41,000-square-foot indoor water park.
Another favorite, Song Mountain is one of the easiest ski areas to access in the Finger Lakes because it is located in the village of Tully, just off I-81, with 24 trails. Bristol Mountain is ideal for novice skiers, with most of the 34 trails marked for skill level.
Expert skiers in the Finger Lakes head to Labrador Mountain, with some of its more than 20 trails catering specifically to advanced skiers.
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Phoenix Arizona Largest Lantern Festival In Winter Usa
Activities: Lantern festival, mild winters, city & culture
Phoenix is perfect for winter getaways, even more so if you are looking for a place to relax on the beach or go skiing. Some of the best Phoenix attractions include Desert Botanical Garden, Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park, and Art Museum.
As far as things to do in Phoenix go, you can head to the Heard Museum, a major center for Native American art and history. The museum is open year-round and has many guided tours of the campus that you can sign up for at their visitor center or website.
Phoenix Zoo is another top attraction here. This zoo features more than 300 animal species from around the world all in natural settings suitable for these animals.
As far as festivities go, you will love their lantern festival that happens from November to New Year! It is the largest light and lantern festival in North America and it brightens the Downtown Phoenix skies in the winters! .
By Michelle from The Wandering Queen
Activities: Snow covered national park, off-season travel, hiking, snowshoeing
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the five national parks located in Utah. It has become popular due to social media, and for good reason. The orange-brown spires protruding out of the ground make for beautiful photos.
The park is also relatively small compared to other national parks. Visiting this park on the weekend is an easy-going time.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Florida
Even Florida cools down a bit during the winter months, including the Gulf of Mexico. As the gulf cools, hundreds of manatees head to Kings Bay, around 80 miles from Tampa, Florida. In this area, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is a great destination for animal lovers. This is the only refuge of its kind in the US dedicated to protecting the fascinating manatees.
It isnât always easy to spot these gentle giants in the river, but a visit between November and April almost guarantees sightings. One of the best spots to relax and watch the lovable herbivorous marine mammals is the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk. Alternatively, options are available for diving and swimming with the manatees.
The area has other interesting locations to visit, including what could be the oldest prehistoric human settlement in the US. Nature lovers and birders can explore the tidal creeks and marshes in the area.
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Washington Dc In The Winter Best Places To Visit In Winter In Usa
Activities: Snow and metro city vacation, Christmas markets and light events, culture and museum, the capital city of USA. Take a road trip East Coast trip planner
The capital city of the United States should not be missed in winter. Washington is all lit up for the holiday season. There are tons of free activities to choose from in Washington.
Definitely dont miss the Christmas tree and the lights at the Capitol. The free movie screening is scheduled at the Library of Congress.
If you like to skate, head to the rink at the Washington Harbour, Georgetown. .
The city also has a ton of Christmas lights events like the ZooLights at the national zoo, Georgetown Glow, the Union Station Lights, or winter decorations at the City Centre.
There are Holiday Markets and Christmas bazaars are set up in the month of December. The holiday boat parade of lights is another stunning lights event, and also free.
Once you have explored all the winter and Christmas activities in town, dont forget to visit a museum or two, to acquaint yourself with Washington history. Or take a city tour of Washington.
Ready For A Warm Winter Escape
The next time youre ready for a wintertime break from the cold, dreary north, consider one of these sunny winter getaways in America. From warm beaches to desert oases, there are plenty of places to find relief from the winter weather up north. And, who knows, you might just discover a new favorite destination in the process.
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Stowe Vermont Winter Best Winter Vacations In The Us
Activities: Snow getaway, winter sports, resort stay-cation, hiking, cross country skiing, sleigh rides, romantic getaway, ice skating rinks
If you are looking for epic snow-covered mountain views and outdoor winter activities like skiing, snowboarding dog sledding, then head to Stowe in Vermont.
Stowe is a picturesque town all year round, but winters here are special. Stowe Mountain Resort welcomes visitors during winters for ice skating, snowboarding, skiing and pretty much enjoying all the lights and glitter of the holiday season.
In Stowe, you can also check out Vermonts highest peak, Mount Mansfield. Wiessner Woods in Stowe is perfect for short winter hikes. Trails are properly marked and have varying sections, so you can pick your trail duration and difficulty level.
Another attraction is called the Smugglers North Park, which was originally used as a smuggling route to Canada. Now a state park where you can bike, hike, or picnic. During winters, the day area access is closed.
And the state park is only open for recreational winter activities like hiking and cross country skiing.
Moss Glen Falls is another spot where you can enjoy a winter hike. But be careful, as hiking is quite challenging on snowy days ,
Not a skier, well, opt for a great stay-cation at Stowe Mountain Lodge or at Edson Hill Country Hill, relax by a fireplace, book a spa day, and just get rejuvenated. Or Enjoy sleigh rides in style in Stowe Vermont.
Wondrous Winter Vacations In The Usa
Warm beaches, snowy mountains, bustling cities, quaint small towns: one of the best things about planning winter vacations in the USA is that we simply have so many to choose from!
With just about every climate, topography, and activity imaginable available somewhere in the USA in winter, narrowing down where to go can be quite the challenge!
Whether youre looking for a festive getaway in December, a post-holiday-season pick-me-up trip in January, or a please-let-this-cold-weather-end-soon escape in February, we have some winter vacation ideas here for you.
With the help of a couple of dozen other travel bloggers who all chimed in with their favorite trips, weve curated a collection of diverse and exciting travel destinations in the United States that are perfect for winter.
Here are the best winter vacations in the USA!
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