Top 8 Winter Getaway Destinations You Can't Miss

As winter sets in, our thoughts drift to dream destinations. Sometimes it’s a cozy cabin with easy access to powdery slopes and vibrant après-ski activities, while other times it’s a sun-kissed beach bungalow where we can soak up the warmth.

The toughest part is choosing the perfect spot. Whether you crave a warm escape or a thrilling snowy adventure, here are eight winter vacation ideas for your next adventure.

1. Boston, Massachusetts

What to enjoy: a schedule filled with experiences that highlight the best of the winter season

Do you need to bundle up for a winter trip to Boston? Absolutely. But this city offers all the winter charm you could want.

Here, you can glide across Frog Pond in the Boston Common, indulge in afternoon tea at the Boston Public Library, crunch through the snowy paths of the Arnold Arboretum, catch a hockey match at TD Garden, or stroll the cobblestone streets with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

For performing arts enthusiasts, winter is prime time as the Boston Symphony Orchestra takes the stage. Plus, this season features Hamilton at the Boston Opera House from January 17 to March 12.

Where to stay: The Newbury Boston

Nestled across from the Public Garden and surrounded by picturesque, snow-dusted brownstones, this historic hotel is in a prime location. It reopened in 2021 after an extensive two-year renovation, refreshing all 286 guest rooms. (We recommend one of the 90 suites, many equipped with inviting wood-burning fireplaces and a comprehensive firewood menu.)

2. Jamaica

What to enjoy: reggae vibes, perfect temperatures, and Caribbean adventures

It’s no wonder that from mid-December to mid-April is peak season in Jamaica: the tropical climate remains comfortably in the 80s all season long.

Jamaica is a standout winter getaway, particularly known for its vibrant music festivals. This Caribbean gem boasts deep musical traditions, highlighted by events like Rebel Salute in January, celebrating reggae. February, deemed “Reggae Month” in honor of Bob Marley’s birthday on February 6, brings a wave of celebratory performances across the nation.

Moreover, winter is an excellent season for scuba diving among tropical fish, spotting crocodiles in the Black River Great Morass, discovering secluded beach hideaways, hiking to waterfalls, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife in Kingston.

Where to stay: Sandals Royal Plantation

This adults-only retreat offers a boutique experience compared to other properties in the 20-property chain, featuring just 74 rooms. It’s no surprise that guests consistently rate this location with top reviews. The resort is genuinely all-inclusive: activities like scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours, and golf are covered (the spa is the only exception). All dining options—serving everything from French to Thai cuisine—are à la carte, eliminating concerns over lackluster buffet options.

3. Fairbanks, Alaska

What to enjoy: a snug retreat with breathtaking night skies

Even with frigid temperatures (winter can plunge to -20 degrees Fahrenheit), the darkest months truly illuminate Fairbanks. Positioned directly beneath the auroral oval—a natural atmospheric band where auroral activity is most prominent—this city is a prime spot to witness nature’s spectacular display: the northern lights. According to Explore Fairbanks, the local tourism board, vibrant light displays grace the Alaskan skies about 240 nights each year.

While you can seek out the northern lights independently—just find a location with clear views and minimal light interference—companies like Salmon Berry Tours and Last Frontier Mushing Co-op can enhance your experience.

During the day, visitors can explore the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North, showcasing Indigenous art, a mummified bison from the Ice Age, and the iconic Into the Wild bus. If you prefer outdoor activities, Running Reindeer Ranch offers guided hikes through the boreal forest alongside their domesticated reindeer. A trip to Chena Hot Springs Resort is essential, especially for its 106-degree, spring-fed outdoor soaking pool. Don’t forget to visit the resort’s Aurora Ice Museum, where you can enjoy appletinis served in ice glasses. You can reach the resort by car or through a guided snowmachine tour (known as snowmobiling in the Lower 48) with Midnight Sun ATV.

Where to stay: Borealis Basecamp

Set on 100 acres of boreal forest just north of Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp offers a truly unique experience. Guests can choose between two types of accommodations: one of 20 private fiberglass igloos (similar to those used by polar research stations) with transparent ceilings, or one of five new cubes opening this winter, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. Either option is fantastic, allowing you to witness the northern lights from the comfort of your bed.

4. Santa Barbara, California

What to enjoy: a Mediterranean-inspired getaway in the USA

Santa Barbara, often referred to as the American Riviera, is an ideal destination for those dreaming of Europe while navigating U.S. PTO policies. Alongside its Mediterranean-style architecture, Santa Barbara boasts a thriving Urban Wine Trail with over two dozen wineries, most within walking distance, making exploration easy.

Winter also brings two significant migrations to Santa Barbara. From December to April, visitors can observe gray whales breaching and spouting as they travel to and from their breeding grounds in Mexico (for a closer view, a whale-watching tour is recommended). Additionally, from mid-November to mid-February, hundreds of thousands of monarch butterflies flock to the area, with The Goleta Butterfly Grove being a prime viewing spot.

Surfing is fantastic year-round in this part of Southern California, but winter swells typically bring larger and better waves. The colder weather (at least for locals) results in quieter beaches, giving you a good chance to catch some waves all to yourself.

Where to stay: Kimpton Canary Hotel, part of IHG Hotels

This boutique hotel, located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, recently completed renovations of its public areas in spring 2022, with room renovations expected to wrap up in early 2023. You can enjoy the updates at the refreshed Finch & Fork restaurant and the rooftop patio, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the ocean. Each of the 97 guest rooms features a canopied four-poster bed and bathrooms adorned with Spanish tiles, many equipped with separate soaking tubs.

5. Scottsdale, Arizona

What to enjoy: a pleasant season for art, design, and sports

Arizona is buzzing with excitement as it gears up to host the 2023 Super Bowl in February. However, a quick 40-minute drive from the host city of Glendale will lead you to the charming offerings of neighboring Scottsdale.

Winter, with daytime temperatures averaging a cool 72 degrees Fahrenheit, is arguably the most enjoyable time to visit. This is particularly true in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a desert landscape featuring 225 miles of multi-use trails lined with majestic saguaro cacti and delicate mesquite trees. For those seeking a panoramic view of the sprawling valleys and red rock formations, various hot air ballooning companies, like Hot Air Expeditions, offer scenic morning and afternoon flights, complete with a celebratory glass of champagne afterward.

Scottsdale also boasts a vibrant art scene. The Arts District is home to hundreds of specialty shops, galleries, and museums, many showcasing the works of Indigenous artists. Design enthusiasts will appreciate Taliesin West, created by Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentices in the 1930s (and expanded until his passing in 1959). This iconic structure, once Wright’s winter residence and studio, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is open for public tours.

The city has earned a reputation as a culinary hotspot. For dinner, consider Citizen Public House, an upscale American restaurant nominated for a James Beard Award (the coffee-rubbed boneless short ribs are a must-try), or the Americano, an Italian-inspired steakhouse that opened in 2020 and boasts an impressive cocktail menu.

Where to stay: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia

Offering stunning views of Camelback Mountain (just a five-minute drive from its hiking trail), this luxurious 293-room resort emphasizes relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy one of the three pools, sip an Aperol spritz from your private balcony, or indulge at the expansive 31,000-square-foot Joya Spa before dining at Prado, the on-site restaurant featuring Spanish-inspired cuisine.

6. Belize

What to enjoy: an easy international getaway filled with cultural celebrations

Belize offers countless reasons to fall in love: it is home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef (featuring the Great Blue Hole, a UNESCO World Heritage site), provides a perfect blend of jungle adventures and beach getaways, and has numerous resorts designed for relaxation.

Even better, this Central American gem has direct flights from various U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and Miami, making it a relatively quick escape. (It’s just a five-hour nonstop flight from New York City to Belize City.) Additionally, it’s the only country in Central America or the Caribbean that recognizes English as its official language, making communication easy.

Winter marks the dry season in Belize, with daily temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s. Take advantage of the pleasant weather to enjoy a variety of exciting festivals and events this season, including the End of the World Marathon, La Ruta Maya Canoe River Race, San Pedro Carnival, and more.

Where to stay: The Placencia, a Muy’Ono Resort

Nestled on a private beach, this resort serves as a convenient base for water activities such as sailing and snorkeling. Each of the 88 rooms features a furnished patio and air conditioning. Additional benefits include a complimentary airport shuttle and free bike rentals.

7. Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California

What to enjoy: a ski or après-ski adventure

Tahoe is the heart of the nation's largest collection of ski resorts, making it an ideal escape for skiers and snowboarders. Spend your day tackling the renowned slopes at Mt. Rose Ski Resort (offering over 50 trails, backcountry access, multiple terrain parks, and the highest elevation in Tahoe), Palisades Tahoe (which has such diverse terrain that it hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics), or Heavenly Ski Resort (the largest in the region). Afterward, head over to Reno to discover the public art sculptures from Burning Man scattered throughout downtown before dinner.

A winter visit to Tahoe is rewarding even if skiing or snowboarding isn't on your agenda—it's hard to resist a location filled with breathtaking scenery, excellent shopping, luxurious spas, and a renowned après-ski scene. Consider enjoying an afternoon in the hot spring-fed tubs at David Walley’s Resort, exploring the South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail, taking a scenic drive around the lake, signing up for a snowshoe or cross-country skiing lesson, or simply soaking in the mountain views from a gondola ride.

Where to stay: Desolation Hotel

Perfectly located between the beach and the gondola at Heavenly, this South Lake Tahoe resort exudes hygge charm. Each of its 21 rooms features a kitchenette, a fireplace, and a soaking tub on a private balcony. The hotel also offers a saltwater pool and Jacuzzi, a sauna with a cold plunge shower, a fitness studio, and a dog-friendly policy.

8. Charleston, South Carolina

Go for: a journey through history and Lowcountry cuisine

It’s hard to pinpoint what gives Charleston its perpetual summer vibe—be it the beach access, vibrant festivals, or the brightly colored homes. However, during the quieter winter months, you'll find fewer tourists and, thankfully, lower prices.

One compelling reason to visit Charleston this winter is the highly anticipated opening of the International African American Museum on January 21, 2023. Situated at Gadsden’s Wharf, a historic slave-trading port where nearly half of the Africans brought to the U.S. first arrived, the museum will offer insights into a wide array of African American experiences, covering topics from slavery and African cultural influences in the U.S. to contemporary social justice movements.

Winter in Charleston also marks the arrival of oyster season. If enjoying these bivalves at local restaurants isn't enough, don't miss the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, the largest oyster festival in the world, happening on January 29.

Where to stay: The Pinch Hotel

This boutique hotel, which opened in April 2022, encompasses three buildings, including two beautifully restored Victorian homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places, alongside a new structure. With only 25 rooms, each exuding a midcentury aesthetic through custom art and furnishings in earthy tones and natural materials, The Pinch is ideally located in the vibrant Ansonborough neighborhood, close to the shops, wine bars, and restaurants that define Charleston's charm.