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 month was made for visiting this cozy mountain gem — peak snowfall turned the Madison Range into a snowy wonderland, and with the major holiday rush over, I enjoyed wide-open trails, short lift lines, and a peaceful, uncrowded vibe. I found off-season deals for Big Sky which made it feel like a luxury trip without the hefty price tag and the awesome Best in the West Showdown event also took place this month!
Flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN), I drove an hour south and spent five cozy days at rustic-chic Lone Mountain Ranch, relaxing by crackling fires under star-filled skies. I skied Big Sky’s legendary slopes, snowshoed through Gallatin Canyon, and warmed up with 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 lively après ski scene here – I happily indulged in the 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 (MSY) for a week and caught the offbeat Krewe du Vieux and glittering Krewe of Muses parades, wandered through the jazz-filled French Quarter, tucked into King Cake (yes, I found the baby!), tried Creole dishes at the elegant Commander’s Palace, and pillowy beignets at the charming Café du Monde. Although, I have to mention the date of Mardi Gras changes every year falling anywhere between February 3 and March 9!
Location: southeastern Louisiana, South USA | Vibe: lively, vibrant and fun | Avg temp: 18°C to 20°C
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the romantic 4-star Hotel Monteleone – I especially enjoyed the heated rooftop pool and sipping on a classic Vieux Carré its revolving Carousel Bar while the sound of live piano music filled the air!
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 three hours up from San Francisco and spent four peaceful days here. I watched whales from Mendocino Headlands State Park, hiked through the misty redwoods at Russian Gulch State Park, wandered the romantic cliffside paths, and browsed Main Street’s quirky shops and 1960s-era art galleries — my favorite was the Blue Whale printed blankets at the cute Astoria Home Decor and Gift Shop.
Location: Northern California, West USA | Vibe: Coastal and artsy | Avg temp: 13°C to 16°C
My highlights…
- Riding the historic Skunk Train from Mendocino, – I adored the scent of redwood in the crisp forest air as the vintage cars rattled along — my favorite moment was gliding through the damp, echoing darkness of the 1890s hand-carved 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 (SAT), I spent a lively long weekend exploring the Alamo and Spanish Missions, meandering the glowing River Walk, and wandering the graceful King William Historic District to tour the Edward Steves Homestead Museum, before 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: 13°C to 16°C
My highlights…
- Staying at the beautiful 4-star Mokara Hotel & Spa – I especially loved the Texas Two-Step Massage in the spa (which used invigorating rosemary and eucalyptus oils), the rooftop swimming pool, communal hot tub and the beautiful river views!
5. Death Valley, California
I found this was an ideal time to explore Death Valley — the temperatures were pleasantly mild, the trails blissfully quiet, and the soft winter light made the desert look extra dramatic! I even caught the first wildflowers blooming and timed my visit with the incredible Dark Sky Festival, complete with NASA-led talks, stargazing sessions, and astrophotography workshops.
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, peaceful isolation | Avg temp: 18°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.
6. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs was the dreamiest antidote to the winter blues — endless sunshine, balmy weather, and retro-chic resort vibes made it perfect for poolside lounging and outdoor exploring without the heavier March and April crowds. I also got to experience Modernism Week, a colorful celebration of the city’s mid-century design.
I drove 1 hour 40 minutes from Los Angeles and chilled for five days, touring iconic mid-century homes, riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to snow-dusted Mount San Jacinto, unwinding with a cucumber-melon body treatment at Spa La Quinta and browsing the buzzy farmers’ markets where stalls smelled of citrus, eucalyptus honey, and desert lavender!
Location: Southern California Desert, West USA | Vibe: sunny, retro-chic oasis | Avg temp: 21°C to 24°C
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the trendy 4-star ARRIVE Hotel – I loved the boutique vibe, the velvety Bellino Fine Linens, and savoring a crisp herbal gin smash around the fire pits which were alight every evening!
7. 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 flew into Denver and drove just over 2 hours west on I-70 through snowy mountain passes basing myself at the chic 4-star Tivoli Lodge for an outdoor-focused four days. By this month the whole mountain was fully open — glades, groomers, and famous bowls — with a stable snowpack that felt softer and less icy under my skis. I also caught the nostalgic Vail Legacy Weekend and found out that a thrilling Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Race also took place this month.
Location: Central Colorado, West USA | Vibe: luxurious alpine village | Avg temp: -4°C to 2°C
My favorite highlights…
- Dining in the chic Matsuhisa Vail — I was won over by the refreshing cucumber sunomono, the heady Matsutini, a silky mix of vodka, shochu, passionfruit, and the tart yuzu that felt as bright and zesty as the snowy mountain views outside!
8. The Keys, Florida
Escaping winter for the Florida Keys was the best move I could’ve made — this month delivered golden sunshine, calm seas, and tropical energy without the summer rush. I found great hotel deals, live music on every corner, and fun events like the Key West Art & Craft Festival. The water was a bit cool for swimming, but that was my only complaint!
I drove four hours from Miami and spent a sun-drenched week snorkeling the coral reefs (with a wetsuit!) at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, kayaking Big Pine Key’s mangroves, catching Mallory Square’s sunset celebrations, and touring the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum — my favorite part was spotting the adorable six-toed cats roaming around the property!
Location: off the southern coast of Florida, Southeast USA | Vibe: laid-back island chain | Avg temp: 18°C to 24°C
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the chic 4-star Bungalows Key Largo – I loved the warming bamboo stick massage in their holistic wellness spa (where the scent of coconut and frangipani filled the air!) and the large soaking tub, and unique outdoor garden shower in my bungalow!
9. Leavenworth, Washington
My winter escape to Leavenworth felt like stepping into a real-life snow globe — snow-dusted Bavarian buildings, alpine peaks, and crackling fires made it the perfect setting for Valentine’s getaways and winter fun. Even in the quieter season, the town glowed with over half a million lights and a wonderfully romantic atmosphere.
I drove 2.5 hours from Seattle and stayed at the charming Enzian Inn for short winter break spending my days sledding at Front Street Park, skiing and snowshoeing the Icicle River Trails, browsing twinkle-lit alpine shops strung with warm white lights and cedar-scented wreaths, and ending with a foraged mushroom risotto at Watershed Café before unwinding in a cozy bar.
Location: Pacific Northwest, West USA | Vibe: Bavarian-inspired snowy village | Avg temp: 0°C to 5°C
My personal highlights…
- Trying a hearty cup of mulled wine mixed with blood orange, and fragrant star anis at the Bavarian style cozy chalet Leavenworth Rhein Haus, the creamy, garlic mashed potatoes were also heavenly!
10. Hot Springs, North Carolina
Soaking in the thermal springs this month was pure magic when I visited two years ago — the chilly mountain air made the steaming mineral tubs feel extra rejuvenating, and the quiet Appalachian trails and French Broad River paths were perfect for winter hikes. I loved the cozy, uncrowded mountain-town vibe, the great off-season hotel deals, and the charming Valentine’s and Winter Romance celebrations.
I flew into Asheville Regional (AVL) and spent three relaxing days at the quirky-chic Laughing Heart Lodge, soaking in the warm mineral tubs at Hot Springs Resort & Spa, hiking the snowy Appalachian Trail past Lover’s Leap, enjoying riverside walks along the French Broad, and ending my 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…
- Soaking in the sulfur-scented “Signature Mineral Bath” (at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa) which came with a private cabana-style deck – I liked how I could adjust the flow myself using a charming old-fashioned brass spigot!
11. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
This month was made for exploring here — mild days, golden winter light, and quiet trails made the red sandstone formations glow even brighter. I timed my trip to join the magical new moon guided hike on the Seven Wonders Loop, part of the park’s February Hike of the Month series.
Driving just an hour northeast of Las Vegas, I spent five days at the nearby North Shore Inn at Lake Mead in Overton, exploring Rainbow Vista’s colorful sandstone, squeezing through Pink Canyon and the White Domes slot canyons, photographing the Fire Wave and Elephant Rock in the soft winter light, and wandering among the surreal formations of the Seven Sisters, Fire Cave, and the Beehives.
Location: Southeast Nevada, Southwest USA| Vibe: Fiery red rock surreal wonderland | Avg temp: 15°C to 21°C
My favorite highlights…
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Spotting desert bighorn sheep with hooves clattering on the rocks and the occasional lizard darting across the warm sandstone in the quiet desert air!
12. Alta, Utah
Alta this month left me in awe — deep snowpack, fresh powder, and brilliant blue skies against dazzling white slopes made every run feel picture-perfect. The alpine scenery was stunning, the laid-back, no-frills vibe refreshing, and having avoided President’s Day weekend I enjoyed slightly lighter crowds compared to the months of December and January.
There were plenty of fun events too, from the Valentine’s heART Market and Snowshoe with a Naturalist hikes to the weekly Ski with a Ranger program. I flew into Salt Lake City International (SLC), drove just over 40 minutes, and spent four active days at the chic 4-star Snowpine Lodge — tackling Alta’s legendary High Rustler, soaking up views from Albion Basin, and ending each day indulging in the lively après-ski scene.
Location: Northern Utah, Western USA| Vibe: no-frills alpine feel | Avg temp: – 3 to 2°C
My highlights…
- Warming up with a steaming, cinnamon-kissed gingerbread hot chocolate accompanied with buttery salted caramel pretzel sticks at Hatch Family Chocolates.
13. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Visiting Yellowstone during month (two years back) really felt like stepping into another world — snow transformed the park into a dazzling winter wonderland, and watching geysers erupt through frosty air was an extraordinary experience. The quiet, crowd-free atmosphere and soft winter light made it ideal for photography.
Flying into Jackson Hole Airport, I stayed at the unique Yellowstone Park Hotel in West Yellowstone and spent my seven days watching Old Faithful erupt against a snowy backdrop, skiing near Mammoth Hot Springs, spotting bison and wolves in Lamar Valley, joining guided snowshoe tours, and exploring the park’s remote interior by snowcoach.
Location: Northwest Wyoming, Northwest USA| Vibe: snow-covered geothermal natural paradise | Avg temp: -15 to 0°C
My highlights…
- Gazing at seriously 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!
14. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
I found that February was an awesome time to visit Petrified Forest — the cooler weather made long hikes comfortable, the trails were blissfully quiet, and unlike many parks, everything stayed open (although the facilities closed around 5 pm). It felt like I had the surreal pastel badlands streaked with soft lavender, rose, and clay-orange bands and ancient petrified logs almost to myself!
I drove two hours from Flagstaff and based myself at the quirky 4-star Brad’s Desert Inn for a long weekend. I hiked the Blue Mesa Trail through pastel-striped badlands, wandered the glittering Crystal Forest, saw centuries-old petroglyphs at Puerco Pueblo, and joined a fascinating ranger-led backcountry tour of the colorful Painted Desert.
Location: Northeastern Arizona, Southwest USA | Vibe: Surreal and quiet desert solitude | Avg temp: 9°C to 12°C
My favorite highlights…
- Seeing a reconstructed skeleton of a phytosaur at the fascinating Rainbow Forest Museum,— a crocodile-like reptile that once roamed this very region — and loved imagining it lurking in ancient swamps millions of years ago!
15. Kirkwood, California
Kirkwood totally won me over — the deep powder, rugged bowls, and challenging terrain made for epic skiing and snowboarding, yet the resort still felt laid-back and blissfully uncrowded. I also loved that it’s one of California’s more affordable ski spots, and I happened to visit during the exciting IFSA 2* Collegiate Qualifier.
I flew into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, drove 1 hour 45 minutes southwest, and spent a short-winter break at the cozy 4-star Kirkwood Mountain Resort. I skied, gazed in awe at 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 whooping and cheering!
16. San Diego, California
San Diego was exactly the winter escape I needed — mild, sunny weather made it perfect for beach walks, outdoor adventures, and soaking up Vitamin D while most of the country was still gray and cold. I relished the quieter local vibe, awesome hotel deals, and the lively February events which included the cultural San Diego Museum Month, the colorful Chinese New Year Fair, and the electric 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 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.
17. Magic Mountain Ski Resort, Vermont
Magic Mountain was such a hidden gem this month — fresh powder, uncrowded slopes, and a throwback, no-frills ski vibe made it a total gem. The mountain looked stunning under its new snow, and I loved the warm, laid-back local scene (the mid-season lodging deals didn’t hurt either!).
I flew into Albany International Airport (ALB), drove 1.5 hours to Londonderry, and spent four picturesque days at the cozy Upper Pass Lodge. I skied Vermont’s legendary natural snow, watched pros carve through Twilight Zone and Goniff Glade, and joined the lively après-ski scene at the Black Line Tavern.
Location: Southern Vermont, Northeast USA | Vibe: old-school mountain ski spot | Avg temp: -6°C to -1°C
My highlights…
- Trying uphill skiing (skins) for the first time, sticking the skins on my skis to stop backsliding — it was surprisingly fun and also very addictive!
18. Providence Canyon State Park, Georgia
I thought “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon” was such an underrated gem, and February was a great time to explore — the cooler weather made hiking safe and pleasant, and the leafless trees revealed dramatic views of the pink, orange, and red gullies glowing in the soft winter light. With no crowds around, it also felt wonderfully peaceful and ideal for photography.
I drove just under 3 hours from Atlanta and based myself for a nature-filled long weekend at the nearby rustic-chic Charming Country Home. I hiked the colorful Canyon Loop Trail, soaked in the surreal scenery, and joined the fascinating Astronomy Night stargazing event hosted by the Coca-Cola Space Science Center.
Location: Southwest Georgia, Southeast USA | Vibe: underrated natural gem | Avg temp: 13°C to 16°C
My personal highlights…
- Spotting the old 1950s car wrecks in the park with their mossy hoods, shattered windshields, and faded paint — my favorite was a rusty powder blue pickup that made the perfect quirky photo spot!
19. St Augustine, Florida
I discovered this was a wonderful time to visit St. Augustine — mild, sunny weather (around eight hours of sunshine a day) and low humidity made exploring a breeze, and the off-season brought great hotel deals and fewer crowds. While the ocean wasn’t quite warm enough for swimming, I filled my days with the toe-tapping Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series and the elegant St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival instead.
Flying into Jacksonville International (JAX), I drove 50 minutes south and spent seven very charming days at the romantic 4-star Casa Monica Resort & Spa — exploring Castillo de San Marcos and the Colonial Quarter, strolling the cobblestone streets of Old Town, and browsing quirky shops on St. George Street (one even sold hand-poured alligator-shaped soaps!).
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!
20. Table Rock State Park, South Carolina
This quieter national park was a perfect late winter escape — the fresh, cool weather made hiking the trails comfortable, the crowds and mosquitoes were long gone, and the whole place had a peaceful, cozy winter vibe. I especially loved how the leafless trees opened up sweeping views of the Blue Ridge foothills, which made it an amazing time for capturing shots for my Instagram gallery.
I flew into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), drove 45 minutes, and spent four nature-filled days in a cozy historic log cabin. I hiked the Table Rock and Pinnacle Mountain Trails, soaked up the panoramic mountain views, and joined the park’s “Music on the Mountain” bluegrass jam inside the beautiful CCC-built Lodge.
Location: Northwestern South Carolina, Southeast USA | Vibe: quiet mountain park | Avg temp: 10°C to 16°C
My personal highlights…
- Spending a dreamy Valentine’s getaway in a cozy log cabin, waking to mist rising off Pinnacle Lake, the fresh scent of pine, and the rhythmic tap of woodpeckers each morning!
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.