January is commonly thought-about fairly a nothing month, however when you’re something like me, you’ll wish to liven it up. You may both embrace the chilly and benefit from winter snow sports activities or head to the states with nearly assured wonderful sunny climate. Listed below are my favourite spots to discover…
1. Breckenridge, Colorado
I’m an enormous fan of the mountain city of Breckenridge. It affords unimaginable ski runs deeply coated in excellent powder for a lot of the winter months, vibrant après choices, and a surprisingly energetic nightlife within the city.
It’s crammed fairly Victorian structure, an enthralling vibe and a gorgeous predominant avenue. In addition to providing legendary snowboarding alternatives it’s stuffed with unbiased cafes, glorious eating places, and outlets promoting hand crafted merchandise and distinctive souvenirs.
This month and February, is when the common snowfall is at its highest, and the city transforms into a ravishing winter wonderland.
- Customer’s Heart Handle: The Breckenridge Welcome Centre, 203 S. Most important Avenue Breckenridge, CO 80424, Cellphone: 877 864 0868
- Common temperatures – minus 1 to minus 7 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Wandering down Most important Avenue, having fun with the magical vacation lights, and stopping off for a heat cup of sizzling chocolate.
- Happening a enjoyable guided snowmobile tour (with Breckenridge Snowmobiling Excursions & Leases) and exploring the extremely scenic backcountry.
- Visiting the Worldwide Snow Sculpture Championships, the place I watched groups from all around the world hand-carve their artistic concepts!
- Taking a trip on the best chairlift in North America, the views of the snowy winter landscapes under had been unimaginable!
2. Palm Desert, California 
I’m an enormous fan of this quirky vacation spot which is positioned subsequent to Palm Springs within the sun-baked Coachella Valley in California.
It’s a zen-like spot stuffed with pure sizzling springs, luxurious lodge, nation golf equipment, connoisseur eating places, golf programs and spa resorts.
Providing heat desert solar when a lot of the Northern Hemisphere is hunkered down for winter, Palm Desert is common amongst celebrities searching for a blissful winter retreat.
It’s neither too sizzling or too chilly this time of yr, so it’s excellent for all kinds of actions, from climbing and biking to abandon treks and golf. I personally advocate simply lounging by a swimming pool earlier than stress-free at one of many many spas.
- Customer’s Heart Handle: 73510 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
- Common temperature – 22 levels
My highlights…
3. Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
This distinctive pure reserve is positioned in southwest Utah is stuffed with attractive surroundings made up of imposing crimson and white Navajo sandstone cliffs, canyons, gorges, forests and placing sandstone dunes.
The park experiences delicate winters in comparison with different nationwide parks within the nation, so many strolling trails are accessible even through the winter months (there’s simply no shuttle system in operation).
I like to recommend together with the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, the Decrease Emerald Pool Path, Kolob Canyons, the Riverside Stroll Path and the Weeping Rock Path in your itinerary as these are all accessible this time of yr.
I personally suppose this month is a superb time to discover Zion with out the crowds you’ll discover right here within the peak season!
- Guests Heart Handle: 1 Zion Park Blvd, Zion Nationwide Park, UT 84767
- Cellphone: (435) 772-3256
- Common temperature – 10 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Mountain climbing to the Remark Level for unimaginable panoramic park views by way of the scenic East Mesa Path.
- Driving the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. It was a winding two-lane highway which took us by way of the park and supplied magnificent vistas at each flip.
4. Large Sky, Montana
I personally suppose this month is a superb month to go to Large Sky due to its big vary of family-friendly occasions and winter actions in addition to the magical snowy surroundings.
These actions embrace sledging, snowmobiling, snow-go bike rides, ice trekking, cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, and the enjoyable après ski scene for individuals who prefer to social gathering!
Yellowstone Nationwide Park is close by and for the much less adventurous superior indoor actions embrace escape rooms, spa remedies, artwork galleries, native cooking courses and the fascinating Historic Crail Ranch Museum.
I completely love how the winter evenings in Large Sky, from December to February, are excellent for cozying up in log cabins by roaring fires.
- Guests Heart Handle: 88 Ousel Falls Rd Unit A1, Large Sky, MT
- Common temperatures – 0 to -13 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the scenic Ousel Falls Trailhead and the discovering the frozen waterfall.
- Exploring the distinctive boutiques within the city heart, I liked the stylish jewellery within the Rhinestone Cowgirl.
- Going for newbie snowboarding classes on the Large Sky Resort.
5. Miami, Florida
Stuffed with sun-kissed sandy seashores, buzzing seashore bars, and opulent At-Deco-style resorts, I can by no means get sufficient of this enjoyable metropolis!
Miami is a well-liked year-round vacation spot, however this month is a superb time to go to. Not solely will you miss the busy crowds of households and spring-breakers however you will discover funky lodge stays at extra budget-friendly costs.
The balmy sub-tropical local weather additionally implies that you’ll be handled to heat climate and loads of sunshine. I like to recommend strolling down the well-known Ocean Drive, visiting museums such because the Vizcaya Museum and Perez Artwork Museum, and discovering the energetic golf equipment and casinos – the choices are limitless!
- Guests Heart Handle: 530 17th St, Miami Seashore, FL 33139
- Common temperature – 23 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring town’s sights on a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tour.
- Discovering the Evening Backyard, a spectacular botanical backyard which had gorgeous mild shows this time of yr.
- Stress-free on Miami Seashore and photographing the super-cute Artwork Deco-style lifeguard towers!
6. Searching Island, South Carolina
Searching Island is a 5,000-acre semi-tropical barrier island positioned 15 miles east of Beaufort, South Carolina. It’s stuffed with pristine seashores, inexperienced forests, a placing historic lighthouse, and an fascinating nature heart.
I personally suppose it’s nice to go to through the off-peak months as you keep away from the summer time crowds and it appears like you’ve the island to your self!
I liked the scenic saltwater lagoon, the tender sandy seashores, the favored fishing pier and the haunting Boneyard Seashore which was stuffed with the surreally lovely sight of tree skeletons.
- Customer’s Heart Handle: 713 Craven St, Beaufort, SC 29902
- Common temperature – 13 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the distinctive surroundings on the Lighthouse Path after which climbing the 167 spiral steps to the highest of the Searching Island Lighthouse and having fun with the picturesque view overlooking the coast and close by islands.
- Taking a night stroll alongside the Searching Island campground and admiring the clear starry skies.
7. Heavenly Mountain Resort, California
The dreamily named Heavenly Mountain Resort is positioned on the southern shores of Lake Tahoe. It’s a very magical spot within the winter with powdery slopes, snowboarding galore, scenic snow-capped mountains and enjoyable après-ski scene, which I extremely advocate taking advantage of!
The ski resort can also be residence to an enormous vary winter actions. Right here you possibly can select from snowboarding, ice skating, cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, snow tubing and my private favourite, the scenic gondola trip which had lovely panoramic views.
This is a perfect time to ski, because it’s post-Christmas holidays and the slopes have had loads of time to develop a thick base of snow, topped with a contemporary layer of powder that continues to fall all through the month.
- Customer Heart Handle: Discover Tahoe Customer Heart 4114 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe
- Common temperature – 8 to -2 levels
My private highlights…
- Partying with the locals on the Unbuckle Après Ski Social gathering, the place the ambiance was electrical, the DJs had been implausible, and the cocktails had been excellent – all at an exhilarating 9,150 ft above sea stage!
- Having fun with the Insta-worthy views on the statement tower earlier than taking one of many epic runs again to the resort.
8. Brunswick and The Golden Isles, Georgia
The Golden Isles are residence to the charming metropolis of Brunswick and the dreamy barrier islands of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island.
Situated alongside Georgia’s Atlantic Coast, I really like the surroundings right here which consists of attractive marshlands, thick inexperienced forests and lengthy, huge sandy seashores.
I personally suppose the off-peak season is a wonderful time to go to, as you’ll keep away from the summer time crowds and get nice offers on lodging (which vary from cosy inns to luxurious resorts).
I really like the breathtaking views, the fascinating historic landmarks and the lengthy, huge golf programs. Throw in that excellent southern hospitality, and personally I believe that is winter break perfection!
- Customer Heart Handle: 2017 Lee St, Brunswick, GA 31520
- Common temperature – 18 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Catching a present on the historic Ritz Theatre within the Previous City, I liked the retro decor!
- Exploring the artwork galleries and fascinating museums, my favorites had been the Glynn Visible Arts and the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum.
- Spending an evening tenting at Jekyll Island Campground, I liked gazing on the unpolluted starry skies right here!
9. Payette Nationwide Forest, Idaho
Primarily based in central-western Idaho, the Payette Nationwide Forest is residence to 2.3 million acres of peaceable pure magnificence and I personally suppose it affords a implausible various to the bigger-name ski resorts like Aspen.
It’s blessed with 300 inches of snow yearly and affords an enormous vary of enjoyable winter actions. Outside actions embrace snowmobiling, snowboarding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country snowboarding, backcountry snowboarding, fats biking and even winter tenting!
Indoor actions embrace spa resorts, artwork galleries, museums, purchasing, craft breweries and indoor ice skating.
- Guests Heart Handle: 500 N Mission St, McCall 83638
- Common temperature – minus 1 to minus 16 levels
My highlights…
- Taking newbie snowboarding classes which was lots of enjoyable regardless of the numerous falls!
- Happening a snowmobile excursions throughout the magical landscapes.
- Studying concerning the county’s historical past and native tribes at Payette County Museum.
10. Kailua Kona, Hawaii Large Island
Kailua-Kona is a seaside city on the west coast of Hawaii Island, the place the western slopes of the Hualālai volcano meet the ocean. This attractive island boasts blue skies and sunny, dry climate all yr spherical.
Whereas summers can get extraordinarily sizzling, this month’s heat temperatures (round 80F) current the right alternative to get pleasure from its sugary, tender seashores.
The island has attractive sandy seashores, so I extremely advocate sunbathing, snorkeling, and swimming to benefit from these. Laid-back vibes, all-inclusive resorts, five-star spas, and world-class golf programs await.
South Kona is stuffed with lush forests and famend for its Kona espresso, so I counsel strolling by way of a few of its unspoiled inexperienced areas and visiting its expansive espresso farms. I might additionally advocate visiting the historic Hawaiian landmarks, native farmers’ markets, boutiques, eating places, and bars.
This is among the warmest locations in The States this month, so it’s a superb alternative for winter solar!
- Guests Heart Handle: Large Island Information 73-4318 Keokeo St, Kailua Kona, HI 96740
- Common temperature – 27 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a tour to see two of the world’s most lively volcanoes on the Nationwide Park.
- Discovering the distinctive and exquisite Punaluu Black Sand Seashore after grabbing some picnic meals on the Punalu’u Bake Store.
- Visiting the well-known Akaka Falls, which stands at 442 ft excessive, and I discovered it by following a simple and really scenic climbing path.
11. Alta & Snowbird, Utah
A picturesque ski space in Salt Lake County, Alta is a part of the imposing Wasatch Mountains of Utah. It’s stuffed with a big selection of slopes, making it ultimate for each stage of skier. Alta averages 550 inches of snow yearly, so the season is lengthy and diverse.
Snowbird is world-famous, and I imagine it’s a type of ‘must-ski’ locations, and handily, it’s positioned only one mile from Alta. It has an all-year-round ski season, which lasts over 200 days.
This month, heavy snowfall covers the highest of an already thick protecting in Alta and Snowbird. It additionally has its justifiable share of bluebird days, and I at all times recognize the clear, gorgeous views as I head up and down the ski raise!
- Guests Heart Handle: 9260 E Lodge Dr, Snowbird, UT 84092
- Cellphone: (801) 933-2222
- Common temperature – 3 levels
My private highlights…
- Indulging in a luxurious therapeutic massage on the The Cliff Spa.
- Experiencing thrilling helicopter snowboarding on a contemporary powder day, which was really a once-in-a-lifetime expertise!
- Happening a guided ski tour and discovering the tranquil backcountry trails.
12. White Sands Nationwide Monument, New Mexico
As its identify would possibly counsel, this place is stuffed with gorgeous, seemingly limitless stretches of vivid white sand – white sufficient to rival even the freshest snowfall! The area’s dune area may be very dynamic, with essentially the most lively dunes transferring at a charge of as much as 30 ft per yr.
I might extremely advocate seeing the most important gypsum dune area, the tall, glistening vary of white dunes in Tularosa Basin. This space is residence to over 800 distinctive species of fauna and flora that extremely survive in these inhospitable situations.
I personally suppose the area’s pure geology and the unimaginable animals make this vacation spot uniquely intriguing. Summers are too sizzling, so winter is the very best time to go to White Sands Nationwide Monument.
- Customer Heart Handle: 19955 US-70 W, Alamogordo, NM 88310
- Cellphone: (575) 479-6124
- Common temperature – 14 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Photographing the white gypsum dunes, which cowl 275 sq. miles of land and are the most important on this planet.
- Sledging down the dunes was enjoyable (keep in mind to cowl your face when you strive it too)!
- Spending two nights tenting below the unbelievably clear starry skies at an on-site campsite (there are ten in complete).
13. Dying Valley, California
Dying Valley is a desert valley in Japanese California that borders the Nice Basin Desert and is among the hottest locations on Earth.
One of many hottest, driest, and lowest nationwide parks and locations on this planet, Dying Valley has unbearably blistering summer time temperatures. So I like to recommend visiting within the wintertime as a substitute!
The 2 unique resorts right here supply distinct experiences, both stress-free or adventurous. Each have swimming swimming pools and arranged excursions.
I counsel recognizing its distinctive wildlife, comparable to desert bighorn sheep, lizards, and tiny pupfish residing in swimming pools saltier than seawater. I additionally extremely advocate stargazing free from mild air pollution on this mesmerizing panorama at night time! It’s a severely distinctive journey expertise!
- Customer Heart Handle: 328 Greenland Blvd, Dying Valley, CA 92328
- Cellphone: (760) 786-3200
- Common temperature – 19 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a journey alongside Artists Drive and discovering the Artists Palette while admiring the pink granite and sumptuous rock formations.
- Having fun with a hike by way of the Golden Canyon, which supplied some severely Insta-worthy views.
- Catching a dawn at Zabriskie Level, some of the iconic locations in Dying Valley. The panoramic views had been gorgeous!
14. San Diego, California
I actually suppose San Diego is a wonderful vacation spot to go to this month as a result of, whereas it’s cooler in contrast with different months, it nonetheless affords an awesome escape from chilly, dreary climate. It boasts an nearly picture-perfect, year-round Mediterranean-like local weather with sunshine and tender ocean winds.
I like to recommend exploring its lovely seashores, family-friendly parks, world-class eating places, fashionable bars, and glorious creative and cultural choices, that are particularly satisfying with thinned-out crowds through the winter.
I’d additionally advocate selecting from numerous actions comparable to sunbathing, browsing, kayaking, and bodyboarding; they’re all nice enjoyable and can immerse you within the Californian life-style!
Different sights I’d counsel visiting embrace the Immense Balboa Park, the energetic Gaslamp Quarter, the Japanese Botanical Gardens, Previous City San Diego, artwork galleries, museums, and gardens.
- Customer Heart Handle: 996 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- Common temperature – 19 levels
My highlights…
- Taking a stroll round San Diego Botanic Backyard on the 4-mile-long trails, which took me previous a surprising array of natural world.
- Visiting the Previous City and sampling the tasty tacos on the Mexican eating places.
- Exploring on the hop-on-hop-off bus to discover all town’s predominant sights.
15. Mt Baker, Washington
Mt. Baker Ski Space is an epic ski resort in Washington with unbeatable snow ranges of as much as 17 meters per season, excessive inbounds terrain, and vastly accessible backcountry. I personally suppose the contemporary powder snow in excessive volumes makes Mt. Baker a superb attraction for skiers and snowboarders.
Since Mt Baker just isn’t as effectively referred to as a few of its comparable ski resorts, it’s usually much less crowded, making it ultimate for anybody searching for discreet ski time away from the frenzy.
Together with its groomed ski trails, I extremely advocate collaborating within the enjoyable winter sports activities right here, like snowmobiling, snow hikes, sledging, and exploring the spellbinding old-growth forest!
- Customer Heart Handle: 7509 Mount Baker Hwy, Maple Falls, WA 98266
- Common temperature – minus 9 to minus 14 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the unimaginable space by snowshoeing.
- Attempting the tasty microbrews at North Fork Beer Shrine.
16. South Padre Island & Port Isabel, Texas
South Padre Island is a resort city on a barrier island stuffed with tender seashores and calm waters, positioned off the coast of Texas. Whereas summers can get too sizzling, and spring attracts giant crowds, I personally suppose winter, with nice temperatures between 55°F – 75°F, is the very best time to go to South Padre Island.
I’d extremely advocate visiting the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Centre, a five-story watchtower with marvelous views of migrating birds.
A brief journey away is Port Isabel, which is separated from the shores of South Padre Island by the two.6-mile-long Queen Isabella Causeway. I counsel a magical dolphin recognizing cruise, strolling alongside Laguna Madre Nature Path, or a picnic in Isla Blanca Park.
With its nice subtropical local weather and wealthy tradition and historical past, I actually suppose it’s no shock that South Padre Island is a favourite winter vacation spot for a lot of – it’s a dreamy gem!
- Customer Heart Handle: 600 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
- Common temperature – 21 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Visiting some of the Instagrammable spots, Vacation Sandcastle Village, and seeing unimaginable life-size sculptures.
- Taking a visit to the leisure district and making an attempt out the Ferris wheel, mini-golf and go-karts.
- Having fun with a relaxed stroll alongside the seashore while listening to the serene sounds of the ocean.
17. Moosehead Lake, Maine
This deep, cold-water lake within the Longfellow Mountains is the most important mountain lake within the jap United States.
I extremely advocate cozying up in a country cabin by a serene frozen lake surrounded by picturesque surroundings. It’s pure cosy bliss, particularly when you’re on a romantic break.
The journey actions on supply right here embrace winter hikes, snowmobiling, and snowshoe trails by day, campfires, and stargazing into the clear northern skies by night time.
And when you’re nonetheless after extra, you would possibly even see the elusive Northern Lights in your journey. I didn’t see them on my journey, but it surely’s attainable!
On this month, the close by Squaw Mountain can also be open to snowboarders and skiers as effectively.
- Customer Heart Handle: 480 Moosehead Lake Rd, Greenville, ME 04441
- Common temperatures – minus 6 to minus 18 levels
My highlights…
- Beginning the day with a hearty breakfast across the lake, prepared for a full day of snowy actions.
- Taking a snowmobile trip alongside the Moosehead Path, which supplied an expansive and scenic vary of 160 miles.
- Going cross-country snowboarding across the lake and experiencing the gorgeous surroundings.
18. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, Florida
Located within the Gulf of Mexico, west of Key West, Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park includes of seven islands with protected coral reefs. Right here, you possibly can escape the chilly winters and relish the nice and cozy Floridian sunshine all yr spherical.
Because the identify suggests, the Dry Tortugas have a dry winter season (November-March) with little or no rainfall, which isn’t as sizzling and humid as its summer time months.
I personally suppose January is a superb time to go to as a result of the nice and cozy temperatures permit for snorkeling, sunbathing on the seashores, and having fun with different water sports activities like kayaking and boating with out being too sizzling and humid.
Additionally, with fewer guests, you’ve a a lot better probability of recognizing uncommon birds that decision this space residence, together with the Brown Noddy, Sooty Tern, Brown Pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, and Black-bellied Plovers.
My private favourite islands are the Loggerhead Key, which has an iconic lighthouse and sea turtles, and Backyard Key, which has attractive seashores and the historic Nineteenth-century Fort Jefferson.
- Customer Heart Handle: Florida Keys, FL 33040
- Cellphone: (305) 294-7009
- Common temperatures – 24 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the historic Fort Jefferson which supplied gorgeous views overlooking the crystal-clear waters and surrounding islands.
- Experiencing among the finest snorkeling in Florida on the Moat Wall and South Coaling Dock Ruins.
- Taking a stroll across the lush Bush Key.
19. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson has been dubbed the ‘Metropolis of Gastronomy’ by UNESCO, and rightly so!
This superb metropolis affords among the most outstanding eating places, cafes, bars, and breweries within the Southwest – and so unsurprisingly, Tucson’s downtown is a thriving hub of exercise and enjoyable.
Other than its wealthy meals scene, Tucson affords spectacular pure magnificence and is surrounded by nationwide parks and pine forests, comparable to Saguaro Nationwide Park and Mount Lemmon, a colossal cave, open-air museums and gardens, and an iconic outdated city. I might extremely advocate exploring all of them!
Summer season will get highly regarded, so I extremely advocate visiting through the winter months as a substitute.
- Customer Heart Handle: Southern Tucson Customer Heart, 115 N. Church Ave. Tucson, AZ 85701
- Common temperatures – 19 levels
My private highlights…
- Taking an underground tour at Kartchner Caverns State Park and discovering the mesmerizing cave formations.
- Visiting Pima Air and House Museum, the world’s largest aerospace museum which was residence to over 300 plane.
- Taking part in a spherical of golf within the Tuscan sunshine.
20. Fairbanks, Alaska
One among Alaska’s largest cities, Fairbanks, is located at a latitude that makes it excellent for witnessing the famed Aurora Borealis.
Your probabilities of seeing the Northern lights are greater this month, however the crowds are fewer because of the very chilly climate. Because it’s formally low season, January affords a lot better flights, resorts, and tour offers.
I believe it’s a magical place with serene mountains, pristine rivers, and lakes teeming with wildlife, so be sure to spot wildlife right here!
Expertise sunrises and sunsets that final a very long time (usually two hours), and that is when the sky’s made up of a kaleidoscope of sensible oranges and blues.
There’s additionally an array of winter actions on supply, and I counsel sledging, snowmobiling, snow climbing, and visiting the close by Chena sizzling springs!
- Customer Heart Handle: 101 Dunkel St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
- Common temperatures – minus 8 to minus 26 levels
My highlights…
- Experiencing the sky coming alive on a Northern Lights tour and watching the lights shimmering above me – an expertise I’ll always remember!
- Discovering the artistic and unimaginable sculptures on the Ice Museum.
- Stress-free on the lovely Chena Scorching Springs Resort, which is run off geothermal vitality.