Hate the Cold? Here Are 7 Places to Visit This Winter

Is there anything worse between choosing to stay cooped up inside or venturing out in the cold when what you truly want to do is lounge on a sunny beach?

Let’s face it, you might live in a cold climate but you loathe wearing three layers of clothes and walking down the street with your ears, nose, and cheeks frozen (almost) solid. If you’d do anything to escape and relax somewhere warm then you’ve come to the right place!

Today we’re going to talk about 7 affordable US destinations for people who hate the cold. No, you don’t have to book a flight to the Bahamas to enjoy the warmth while your home town and city is being taken over by snow!

Pack lightly and say goodbye to scarves, gloves, and winter boots, it’s time to unwind in a place that’s warm and welcoming all year round!

Key West, FL

Looking for a Caribbean vibe without even leaving U.S. soil? Key West in Florida has always been considered a key destination point by those who don’t want to shell out on international travel for a sunny vacation.

Don’t worry about missing out on events during the winter months. Here’ temperatures remain in the 70s while your home town will be covered by several inches of snow, so there’s no need to postpone community activities and wait for summer to roll by.

The Key West Food and Wine Festival is a great excuse to try out delicious foods and sophisticated wines with friends or family.

Meanwhile, the Old Island Days Art Festival is perfect for folks who would like to get in touch with their artistic side. There’s also the Key West Half Marathon which brings people in from various surrounding areas.

The Smathers and Fort Zachary Taylor are favorites among locals and tourists alike, where you can take long walks and bask in the sun all day long in between surfing. Once the evening rolls around make sure to visit Mallory Square or Duval Street, known for fun musicians and fantastic bars.

Scottsdale, AZ

Are you looking for a place with warm temperatures and a to-die-for party scene? Then Scottsdale, Arizona is perfect for you. Even during the winter months temperatures here sit at around 70F, meaning you can count on taking part in many activities without bundling up before you leave your hotel or Airbnb.

We highly recommend you start off with hiking the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to experience a stunning desert vista without melting under the heat. Remember, Scottsdale also has many parks if you’re into more leisurely activities such as slow walks and picnics.

If you’re visiting in January, make sure you don’t miss the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event. In February there’s the Arabian Horse Show to look forward to and in March there are plenty of Spring Training baseball games going on.

And if this New York Times quote won’t convince you, we don’t know what will “a desert version of Miami’s South Beach.”

Hawaii

We couldn’t possibly leave Hawaii out of this list, could we? Sure, a bit of an obvious choice for a lot of Americans but we love the Aloha State so much we thought it we should point out some of the highlights!

On average, the temperature here doesn’t go below 80F so you could easily work on a tan without feeling the chill.

We highly recommend visiting the Big Island to witness active volcanoes and to explore countless beautiful waterfalls, hit Maui for the best beaches, and visit Kauai for numerous gardens and great trails for hiking or leisurely walks. Ohau is best for more active people who want to try their hand at surfing or, alternatively, those who want to experience a bit of history during their travels.

With so many choices, how could you resist?

San Antonio, TX

If temperatures in the 60s are still a little chilly for you, we recommend booking your vacation in February or March as opposed to January. These two months are also ripe with events of all sorts so your trip will be fully booked if you plan things out right.

For example, there’s the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo which takes place every February- you simply can’t visit this city and miss out on all the fun! In March you’ll have the chance to experience the Contemporary Art Month to gaze upon 400 exhibitions.

One of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day festivals also takes place in San Antonio. Who knows, maybe this year you’ll manage to find a pot full of gold!

Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge has consistently made it to the top of fun and affordable travel destination lists. It’s no wonder we also decided to showcase this city.

The temperature here will drift between 60F and 70F during winter, so it’s not exactly the warmest city you could visit, but it sure beats constant snow and icy cold winds. Plus, you’ll definitely warm up once you sit down and try out creole and cajun foods known as the hottest eats of the Mississippi.

George’s, Mason’s Grill, and the Little Village have long been known as the best places to dine in the U.S. In addition to walking down historical streets filled with colorful characters, you can pick one of the countless bars and restaurants for a more-than-pleasant breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Of course, we have to also mention the Mardi Gras celebrations which take place at the end of January through the first week of February.

This will be your chance to celebrate with the community while escaping your daily routine in the cold back home.

Naples, FL

Unsurprisingly, Florida has made this particular list twice. This time, let’s talk about Naples, a known hotspot for vacationers that would do anything to escape the cold winter months.

The thing is that this particular city isn’t at the top of everyone’s list especially as it’s seen as a mecca for fashionistas- if this isn’t really your scene we understand why you’d want to avoid it. However, remember that Naples also has 90 golf courses to choose from and while you may not be into high-end shopping you should still give it a try as there are many, many pleasant things hiding under the surface.

Evening on Fifth, which takes place every second Thursday of every month is a must-see, an event that features gallery open houses, live music and so much more. Just make sure you book your vacation just right to explore 5th Avenue South in the downtown area in all its glory.

Temperatures here range between 70F and 80F, meaning you can pack light and still look fabulous without several layers of clothes on!

San Diego, CA

Here’s a city with the most consistent temperatures all year round. No matter when you plan on visiting it, you’ll always find pleasant temperatures. In the winter months highs can reach an average of 60F with lows around 50F. Sure, a little bit more chilly than everything else on the list, but we think you should still give San Diego a chance!

If you’re particularly brave you can still jump in the water even when it’s not blisteringly hot outside! If not, a walk down the beach is just as relaxing!

The San Diego Zoo is a must-see for families and singles alike, especially if you’re an animal lover. Alternatively, you and your loved ones can take horseback riding lessons at the Sweetwater Farms.

Just make sure to book your vacation just right, you won’t want to miss out Ray at Night which takes place every second Saturday of the month. Those with artistic inclinations will fall in love with his art walk experience for sure!

In February get ready for great performances, food, and more during the Chinese New Year Food and Culture Fair. No matter when you decide to visit, though, remember that there’s always the American Comedy Company that you can’t miss out on for a great laugh!

So, where are you planning on traveling this winter?