Winter is actually one of my favorite times to travel — I love those quiet shoulder-season months where the scenery feels cinematic and you actually get to feel the place rather than move through crowds. Here are the destinations I’ve personally visited (and absolutely loved!) this time of year…
1. Big Sky, Montana
This was Big Sky’s golden window — peak powder, postcard-pretty mountains, and the calm after the holiday storm. I cruised empty trails, skipped the queues, scored off-season luxury deals, and soaked up the buzz of the Best in the West Showdown. Total winter jackpot!
I flew into Bozeman Yellowstone International, drove an hour and spent five days at rustic-chic Lone Mountain Ranch. I split my time between skiing legendary slopes, snowshoeing Gallatin Canyon, and unwinding by crackling fires with smoked cedar-plank mushrooms and handcrafted cocktails at Horn & Cantle.
Location: Rocky Mountains, Northwest USA | Vibe: snowy, cozy mountain retreat | Avg temp: – 10°C to 0°C
My highlights…
- Checking out the après-ski scene — I indulged in an earthy Montana-made Roughstock straight rye whiskey by a roaring fire at the chic Summit Hotel!
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
As I expected, New Orleans was absolutely electric this month — Mardi Gras filled the city with a riot of color, music, and dancing revelers, and the mild winter weather made it easy to dive right into all the excitement.
I flew into New Orleans for a week, caught the Krewe du Vieux and Krewe of Muses parades, soaked up the jazz-filled French Quarter, and indulged in King Cake and sugar-dusted beignets at Café du Monde. Mardi Gras dates vary though – falling anytime between February 3–March 9!
Location: southeastern Louisiana, South USA | Vibe: lively, vibrant and fun | Avg temp: 10°C to 20°C
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the romantic 4-star Hotel Monteleone – I relaxed in the heated rooftop pool, then sipped a Vieux Carré at the iconic Carousel Bar & Lounge to live piano music!
3. Mendocino, Northern California
February was a dreamy time to visit Mendocino — cool, misty weather, empty streets, and a laid-back local vibe made this coastal village feel extra intimate. I discovered it was also peak whale-watching season, and the foggy cliffs and cozy inns made it perfect for a Valentine’s getaway too!
I drove 3 hours up from San Francisco and spent five tranquil days watching whales from Mendocino Headlands State Park, hiking through the misty redwoods at Russian Gulch State Park, and checking out Main Street’s quirky shops and 1960s-era art galleries — the Astoria Home Decor and Gift Shop was super-cute!
Location: Northern California, West USA | Vibe: Coastal and artsy | Avg temp: 13°C to 16°C
My highlights…
- Riding the historic Skunk Train from nearby Fort Bragg – I loved the redwood-scented air and rattling vintage cars, especially gliding through the damp, echoing darkness of Tunnel #2!
4. San Antonio, Texas
I was very happy I chose this month for my San Antonio trip — the weather was mild with six hours of sunshine a day, the humidity was low, and the city felt refreshingly uncrowded. I even found hotel deals and a fun lineup of events, including the quirky annual Cupid 5K Chase.
Touching down at San Antonio International Airport, I spent a lively short break exploring the Alamo and Spanish Missions, meandering along the glowing River Walk, and diving into sizzling Tex-Mex by the waterfront – the Avocado and Portabella fries at the trendy Iron Cactus totally stole the show for me!
Location: south-central Texas, South-Central USA | Vibe: historic city with cultural depth | Avg temp: 7°C to 18°C
My highlights…
- Staying at the river-side 4-star Mokara Hotel & Spa – I enjoyed the Texas Two-Step Massage in the spa (which used invigorating rosemary and eucalyptus oils), the rooftop swimming pool and hot tub!
5. Leavenworth, Washington
My Valentine winter escape to Leavenworth felt like a real-life snow globe — snow-dusted Bavarian buildings, alpine peaks, crackling fires, cozy bars, and a glow of over half a million lights made it irresistibly romantic.
I drove 2.5 hours from Seattle and stayed at the charming Enzian Inn for short winter break, sledding at Front Street Park, skiing and snowshoeing the Icicle River Trails, browsing twinkle-lit alpine shops, and ending with an earthy foraged mushroom risotto at Watershed Café.
Location: Pacific Northwest, West USA | Vibe: Bavarian-inspired snowy village | Avg temp: -4°C to 5°C
My personal highlights…
- Trying a hearty cup of mulled wine with blood orange, and fragrant star anise at the Bavarian style cozy chalet Leavenworth Rhein Haus!
6. Death Valley, California
I found winter an ideal time to explore Death Valley — pleasantly mild temperatures, blissfully quiet trails, dramatic soft light, early wildflowers, and the bonus of the Dark Sky Festival with stargazing and NASA-led talks.
I drove four hours from Los Angeles and spent three unforgettable days basing myself at the family-friendly upscale Inn at Death Valley. I hiked Golden and Mosaic Canyons, crossed the otherworldly salt flats of Badwater Basin, and soaked in the stunning views from Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View.
Location: California-Nevada Border, West USA | Vibe: surreal and tranquil | Avg temp: 9°C to 24°C
My highlights…
- Stargazing near Zabriskie Point under an inky-black sky, I watched the Milky Way glow overhead and shooting stars streak past Orion’s Belt in an unearthly silence.
7. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs was the perfect antidote to winter blues — endless sunshine, balmy weather, retro-chic resort vibes and it was before the heavier March–April crowds arrived. I also had the bonus of Modernism Week celebrating the city’s mid-century design.
I drove 2 hours from Los Angeles and spent my week touring mid-century homes, riding the Aerial Tramway up to snow-dusted Mount San Jacinto, unwinding with a cucumber-melon body treatment at Spa La Quinta and browsing the eucalyptus honey and desert lavender-scented farmers’ market!
Location: Southern California Desert, West USA | Vibe: sunny, retro-chic oasis | Avg temp: 10°C to 24°C
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the boutique 4-star ARRIVE Hotel – I loved the velvety Bellino Fine Linens and ended each evening savoring a crisp herbal gin smash by the softly glowing fire pits.
8. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado 
Visiting Vail this month turned out to be a fantastic choice — peak snow conditions blanketed the legendary Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin, the air was crisp and clear, and the cozy fireside après-ski and alpine village vibe made it feel like the ultimate winter escape for me!
I drove just over two hours from Denver and based myself at the chic 4-star Tivoli Lodge. By this month, Vail was fully open — glades, groomers, and famous bowls — with a stable snowpack that felt softer and less icy under my skis, and I had the bonus of the nostalgic Vail Legacy Weekend too!
Location: Central Colorado, West USA | Vibe: luxurious alpine village | Avg temp: -4°C to 2°C
My favorite highlights…
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Dining at the chic Matsuhisa Vail — refreshing cucumber sunomono, a zesty Matsutini, and snowy mountain views outside!
9. The Keys, Florida
Escaping winter for the Florida Keys was the best move — golden sunshine, calm seas, tropical energy without the summer rush, great hotel deals, live music everywhere, and the bonus of the Key West Art & Craft Festival.
I drove four hours from Miami and spent a week snorkeling the coral reefs (with a wetsuit though!), kayaking Big Pine Key’s mangroves, catching Mallory Square’s sunset celebrations, and touring the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum — I even spotted the famous six-toed cats!
Location: South of the Florida mainland, Southeast USA | Vibe: laid-back island chain | Avg temp: 18°C to 24°C
My personal highlights…
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Staying at the chic 4-star Bungalows Key Largo — a coconut-scented bamboo massage and a deep soaking tub in my bungalow!
10. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Visiting Yellowstone this month felt like stepping into another world — snow turned the park into a dazzling winter wonderland, with geysers erupting through frosty air, quiet trails, and soft light that was just perfect for photography!
Flying into Jackson Hole Airport, I spent a week watching Old Faithful erupt against a snowy backdrop, skiing near Mammoth Hot Springs and spotting bison in Lamar Valley. I stayed at Old Faithful Snow Lodge (inside the park) letting me reach the heart of the winter landscape without long drives.
Location: Northwest Wyoming, Northwest USA| Vibe: snow-covered geothermal natural paradise | Avg temp: -15 to 0°C
My highlights…
- Gazing at Insta-worthy snowy scenery on a snow coach tour — I watched bison plow through the drifts, their breath rising in frosty clouds against the white landscape!
11. Hot Springs, North Carolina
This month was made for hot-spring hopping — cold air, cloud-soft steam rising from mineral pools, empty Appalachian trails, off-season bargains, and the bonus of the Valentine’s and Winter Romance celebrations.
I flew into Asheville Regional (AVL) and spent three relaxing days based at quirky-chic Laughing Heart Lodge, soaking in the warm mineral tubs at Hot Springs Resort & Spa, hiking snowy stretches of the Appalachian Trail, and ending evenings with live folk music and penne with blackened tofu at the Iron Horse Station.
Location: Western North Carolina, Southeast USA | Vibe: Tranquil, rustic mountain escape | Avg temp: 8°C to 12°C
My highlights…
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Soaking in a sulfur-scented Signature Mineral Bath — a private cabana deck, old-fashioned brass spigot, and total relaxation!
12. St Augustine, Florida
I found this a wonderful time to visit St. Augustine — mild, sunny weather, low humidity, off-season hotel deals, and fewer crowds, as well as the bonus of the Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series and the St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival.
Flying into Jacksonville International (JAX), I drove an hour south and spent a week at the romantic Casa Monica Resort & Spa, exploring Castillo de San Marcos, the quirky shops on St. George Street (the alligator soaps were awesome!), and the cobblestone streets of Old Town.
Location: Northeast Florida, Southeast USA| Vibe: upscale charming colonial town | Avg temp: 18°C to 21°C
My highlights…
- Visiting the rustic-chic San Sebastian Winery – I sipped on rich, velvety Reserve Petite Sirah which had dark berry notes and a spicy finish in the cozy, barrel-scented tasting room!
13. Kirkwood, California
Kirkwood totally won me over — deep powder, rugged bowls, and challenging terrain made for epic skiing, yet it still felt laid-back and blissfully uncrowded, with the added bonus of being one of California’s more affordable ski resorts and hosting the IFSA 2* Collegiate Qualifier.
I flew into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, drove 1.45 hour southwest, and spent a short-winter break at the cozy 4-star Kirkwood Mountain Resort. I skied, watched the pros take on The Wall and The Cirque, snowshoed through Kirkwood Meadow, and wrapped up my days with a Hot Toddy at the mountain-chic Wall Bar.
Location: Northern California, West USA | Vibe: high-altitude ski hideaway | Avg temp: -4°C to 4°C
My personal highlights…
- Watching the snowboarders pull off insane tricks as they launched into the air – I was treated to gravity-defying flips, smooth grabs, and dizzying spins that had the whole crowd cheering!
14. San Diego, California
Sun, sea air, and serious winter relief — San Diego ticked every box, with beach walks, mild outdoor weather, a quieter local vibe, great hotel deals, and February highlights including San Diego Museum Month and Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter.
I drove two hours down the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles and spent five gorgeous days at the chic Tower 23 Hotel — basking on the sands of La Jolla and Coronado, admiring early cherry blossoms at the Japanese Friendship Garden, and even spotting gray whales in their peak migration season!
Location: Southern California Coast, Southwest USA | Vibe: sun-soaked funky coastal city | Avg temp: 10°C to 18°C
My highlights…
- Indulging in a blissful acupressure massage with warm, gold-infused oil, followed by a serene, skin-reviving Gold Extract Body Wrap at the zen-like, Korean-style Aqua Day Spa.
Author’s Travel Note:
I’ve spent 12+ years traveling across the US in every season, staying in the most interesting hotels I can find and seeking out the kinds of soulful, memorable experiences that don’t always show up in guidebooks. All of the places and stays mentioned here were personally visited and self-funded, so everything shared comes from my direct, very own first-hand experience!
Yellowstone is AMAZING in the winter. We used to live there and I loved when it cleared out of tourists (mostly) , was quieted with a blanket of snowfall and the animals were everywhere. We had many XC ski trips dodging bison herds. Highly recommend!
Thanks for sharing the list of the best places to visit in the USA in February. Great post. My favorite place is St Augustine, Florida, it is an amazing destination all year round.