January is usually thought of fairly a nothing month, however when you’re something like me, you’ll need to liven it up. You’ll be able to both embrace the chilly and benefit from winter snow sports activities or head to the states with nearly assured wonderful sunny climate. Listed here are my favourite spots to discover…
1. Breckenridge, Colorado
I’m an enormous fan of the mountain city of Breckenridge. It gives unbelievable ski runs deeply coated in excellent powder for a lot of the winter months, vibrant après choices, and a surprisingly vigorous nightlife within the city.
It’s stuffed fairly Victorian structure, an enthralling vibe and a gorgeous primary road. In addition to providing legendary snowboarding alternatives it’s crammed with unbiased cafes, glorious eating places, and retailers 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 wonderful winter wonderland.
- Customer’s Middle Deal with: The Breckenridge Welcome Centre, 203 S. Principal Road Breckenridge, CO 80424, Cellphone: 877 864 0868
- Common temperatures – minus 1 to minus 7 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Wandering down Principal Road, having fun with the magical vacation lights, and stopping off for a heat cup of scorching 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 experience on the best chairlift in North America, the views of the snowy winter landscapes under have been unbelievable!
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 crammed with pure scorching 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 widespread amongst celebrities searching for a blissful winter retreat.
It’s neither too scorching or too chilly this time of yr, so it’s excellent for all kinds of actions, from mountain climbing and biking to abandon treks and golf. I personally suggest simply lounging by a swimming pool earlier than stress-free at one of many many spas.
- Customer’s Middle Deal with: 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 crammed with beautiful surroundings made up of imposing purple and white Navajo sandstone cliffs, canyons, gorges, forests and hanging sandstone dunes.
The park experiences gentle 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 assume this month is a superb time to discover Zion with out the crowds you’ll discover right here within the peak season!
- Guests Middle Deal with: 1 Zion Park Blvd, Zion Nationwide Park, UT 84767
- Cellphone: (435) 772-3256
- Common temperature – 10 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Mountain climbing to the Statement Level for unbelievable 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 the park and supplied magnificent vistas at each flip.
4. Huge Sky, Montana
I personally assume this month is a superb month to go to Huge Sky due to its large 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 many who wish to get together!
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 attention-grabbing Historic Crail Ranch Museum.
I completely love how the winter evenings in Huge Sky, from December to February, are excellent for cozying up in log cabins by roaring fires.
- Guests Middle Deal with: 88 Ousel Falls Rd Unit A1, Huge 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 fashionable jewellery within the Rhinestone Cowgirl.
- Going for newbie snowboarding classes on the Huge Sky Resort.
5. Miami, Florida
Crammed with sun-kissed sandy seashores, buzzing seashore bars, and opulent At-Deco-style accommodations, 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 vigorous golf equipment and casinos – the choices are limitless!
- Guests Middle Deal with: 530 17th St, Miami Seashore, FL 33139
- Common temperature – 23 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring town’s points of interest on a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tour.
- Discovering the Night time Backyard, a spectacular botanical backyard which had gorgeous mild shows this time of yr.
- Enjoyable 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 crammed with pristine seashores, inexperienced forests, a hanging historic lighthouse, and an attention-grabbing nature heart.
I personally assume 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 delicate sandy seashores, the favored fishing pier and the haunting Boneyard Seashore which was crammed with the surreally lovely sight of tree skeletons.
- Customer’s Middle Deal with: 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 suggest profiting from!
The ski resort can also be house to an enormous vary winter actions. Right here you may select from snowboarding, ice skating, cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, snow tubing and my private favourite, the scenic gondola experience 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 recent layer of powder that continues to fall all through the month.
- Customer Middle Deal with: Discover Tahoe Customer Middle 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 Celebration, the place the environment was electrical, the DJs have been implausible, and the cocktails have been very good – all at an exhilarating 9,150 ft above sea stage!
- Having fun with the Insta-worthy views on the remark tower earlier than taking one of many epic runs again to the resort.
8. Brunswick and The Golden Isles, Georgia
The Golden Isles are house to the charming metropolis of Brunswick and the dreamy barrier islands of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island.
Positioned alongside Georgia’s Atlantic Coast, I like the surroundings right here which consists of beautiful marshlands, thick inexperienced forests and lengthy, large sandy seashores.
I personally assume 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 like the breathtaking views, the attention-grabbing historic landmarks and the lengthy, large golf programs. Throw in that very good southern hospitality, and personally I feel that is winter break perfection!
- Customer Middle Deal with: 2017 Lee St, Brunswick, GA 31520
- Common temperature – 18 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Catching a present on the historic Ritz Theatre within the Outdated City, I liked the retro decor!
- Exploring the artwork galleries and attention-grabbing museums, my favorites have 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 house to 2.3 million acres of peaceable pure magnificence and I personally assume it gives a implausible different to the bigger-name ski resorts like Aspen.
It’s blessed with 300 inches of snow yearly and gives an enormous vary of enjoyable winter actions. Out of doors 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 Middle Deal with: 500 N Mission St, McCall 83638
- Common temperature – minus 1 to minus 16 levels
My highlights…
- Taking newbie snowboarding classes which was a number of enjoyable regardless of the various falls!
- Happening a snowmobile excursions throughout the magical landscapes.
- Studying in regards to the county’s historical past and native tribes at Payette County Museum.
10. Kailua Kona, Huge Island, Hawaii
This paradise-like coastal city is positioned on the west coast of Hawaii’s Huge Island. It’s a critically dreamy spot crammed with blue skies and a tropical local weather all yr spherical.
In the course of the summer time months (June to October) is can get extraordinarily scorching, so the temperatures this month (round 27 levels) present the proper alternative to get pleasure from its delicate, white, powdery seashores.
I liked simply sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming, purchasing, stress-free on the spa resorts, exploring the farmer’s markets and absorbing the laid-back vibes.
This space is likely one of the warmest locations within the nation throughout this month, making it a superb selection for having fun with some winter solar!
- Guests Middle Deal with: Huge Island Information 73-4318 Keokeo St, Kailua Kona, HI 96740
- Common temperature – 27 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a tour to see the Kīlauea Volcano and an attention-grabbing espresso farm (there are various positioned right here)!
- Discovering the distinctive and delightful 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. I discovered it by following the scenic Akaka Falls Loop Path.
11. Alta and Snowbird, Utah
Positioned in Wasatch Mountains of Utah, these two magical resorts are a skiers paradise! Providing a few of the finest alternatives for winter actions in the entire nation, Alta averages 550 inches of snow yearly, so the season could be very lengthy and diverse.
Snowbird is positioned a mile from Alta and is known for having a all-year-round ski season – it lasts over 200 days! It additionally gives a big selection of slopes, so all ranges of snowboarding skills are welcome right here.
This month sees heavy snowfall in each resorts which covers the highest of an already thick protecting. I additionally love the brilliant, clear days right here the place I can see the gorgeous panoramic views as I head up and down the ski carry!
- Guests Middle Deal with: 9260 E Lodge Dr, Snowbird, UT 84092
- Cellphone: (801) 933-2222
- Common temperature – 3 levels
My private highlights…
- Indulging in a luxurious aromatherapy therapeutic massage on the upscale Cliff Spa.
- Experiencing thrilling helicopter snowboarding on a recent 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 Park, New Mexico
This can be a very surreally lovely spot and one which makes a implausible vacation spot to discover within the winter. Positioned in southern New Mexico, this protected space is house to at least one world’s largest gypsum dunefield!
It’s crammed with seemingly limitless stretches of vivid white sand, distinctive species of fauna and flora that extremely survive in these inhospitable situations and lively dunes which transfer at a price of as much as 30 ft per yr.
It’s too scorching to go to right here in summer time, so winter is unquestionably one of the best time to find this uncommon gem.
- Customer Middle Deal with: 19955 US-70 W, Alamogordo, NM 88310
- Cellphone: (575) 479-6124
- Common temperature – 14 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Sledging down the sand dunes which was a enjoyable expertise (simply bear in mind to cowl your face when you attempt it too)!
- Spending two nights tenting below the unbelievably clear starry skies at Campsite #1 (there are ten campsites in whole to select from).
13. Loss of life Valley, California
Loss of life Valley is a desert valley in Japanese California that borders the Nice Basin Desert and is likely one of the hottest and driest locations on the planet.
Temperatures are extraordinarily scorching and might be harmful in the summertime, so this month is a significantly better time to find its surreal wonders.
I like to recommend attempting to incorporate a go to to the unbelievable salt flat Badwater Basin, Dante’s View (which provide gorgeous views), Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, the historic mansion Scotty’s Fortress and recognizing wildlife like desert bighorn sheep, lizards, and the tiny pupfish residing within the swimming pools that are saltier than seawater!
- Customer Middle Deal with: 328 Greenland Blvd, Loss of life Valley, CA 92328
- Cellphone: (760) 786-3200
- Common temperature – 19 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a drive alongside Artists Drive and discovering the attractive colourful rock formations in Artists Palette.
- Stargazing in a sky free from mild air pollution.
- Mountain climbing over Golden Canyon, the place I noticed some critically Insta-worthy views.
- Catching a dawn at Zabriskie Level, some of the iconic locations within the valley. The panoramic views have been gorgeous!
14. San Diego, California
San Diego is a glorious metropolis to go to within the off-peak season as a result of it’s house to a year-round Mediterranean-like local weather with loads of sunshine. Sure the temperatures are cooler in contrast with different months nevertheless it nonetheless gives a terrific escape from chilly, dreary climate.
I like to recommend profiting from the attractive seashores (it’s heat sufficient!), award-winning eating places, stylish bars, and glorious creative and cultural points of interest, all of that are particularly pleasant with the smaller crowds.
Additionally don’t miss the gorgeous Balboa Park, the vigorous Gaslamp Quarter, the Japanese Botanical Gardens, and the historic Outdated City.
- Customer Middle Deal with: 996 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- Common temperature – 19 levels
My highlights…
- Exploring the 4-mile-long trails within the lovely Botanic Gardens which me previous a towering bamboo forest.
- Visiting the Outdated City and eating on do-it-yourself polbano pepper corn dough quesadillas at El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria.
- Exploring all the principle points of interest on the enjoyable hop-on-hop-off trolley tour.
15. Mt Baker, Washington
Mt. Baker Ski Space is an superior ski and snowboarding resort in Washington with snow ranges reaching as much as 17 meters per season and nice alternatives for backcountry snowboarding.
It’s not as nicely referred to as different ski resorts within the nation, so it’s typically much less crowded making it a extra relaxed and low-key selection.
Together with its groomed ski trails, I additionally suggest getting concerned within the different enjoyable winter actions equivalent to snowmobiling, tubing, cross-country snowboarding, sledging, and exploring the spellbinding old-growth forest on snowshoeing tour.
- Customer Middle Deal with: 7509 Mount Baker Hwy, Maple Falls, WA 98266
- Common temperature – minus 9 to minus 14 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Making an attempt the domestically brewed craft beers on the North Fork Beer Shrine.
- Making an attempt out snow tubing which was a number of enjoyable!
16. South Padre Island and Port Isabel, Texas
Positioned off the coast of Texas, South Padre Island is a resort city on a barrier island which is house to delicate sandy seashores, calm waters and dolphin watching boat excursions.
Summers can get highly regarded, and spring attracts giant crowds, so I personally assume winter, when temperatures are nonetheless very nice at 21 levels, is one of the best time to go to.
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 like to recommend exploring the Laguna Madre Nature Path after which going for a romantic picnic in Isla Blanca Park.
- Customer Middle Deal with: 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 gazing on the unbelievable life-size sculptures!
- Taking a visit to the leisure district and attempting out the Ferris wheel, mini-golf programs and enjoyable go-karts.
- Discovering the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Centre which had a tremendous boardwalk path.
17. Moosehead Lake, Maine
This deep, cold-water lake within the Longfellow Mountains is the biggest mountain lake within the jap United States and in winter, the close by Squaw Mountain can also be open to snowboarders and skiers.
The winter lake surroundings is magical this time of yr and to benefit from the picturesque surroundings, I like to recommend renting a country log cabin and cozying up by a log fireplace, it is a implausible possibility for a romantic winter break.
There’s loads to do right here together with cross-country snowboarding, snowmobiling, and mountain climbing snowshoe trails by day. When evening falls, attempt stargazing and attempting to identify the Northern Lights!
- Customer Middle Deal with: 480 Moosehead Lake Rd, Greenville, ME 04441
- Common temperatures – minus 6 to minus 18 levels
My highlights…
- Beginning the day by consuming hearty breakfast cooked on a campfire across the lake, prepared for a full day of snowy actions.
- Taking a snowmobile experience alongside the scenic Moosehead Path.
18. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, Florida
Positioned within the Gulf of Mexico, west of Key West, Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is made up of seven small islands and guarded coral reefs.
That is the place to go for winter solar and because the identify suggests, it has a dry winter season which spans from November to March. That is when there’s little or no rainfall and it’s not as scorching and humid because the summer time months.
I’d suggest snorkeling, sunbathing on the beautiful seashores, having fun with water sports activities like kayaking and boating and attempting to identify the gorgeous uncommon birds such because the Brown Noddy and Brown Pelicans.
My private favourite islands have been Loggerhead Key, which had a scenic lighthouse and sea turtles, and Backyard Key, which was house to beautiful seashores and the historic Nineteenth-century Fort Jefferson.
- Customer Middle Deal with: Florida Keys, FL 33040
- Cellphone: (305) 294-7009
- Common temperatures – 24 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Experiencing a few of 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 gives a few of 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.
Aside from its wealthy meals scene, Tucson gives spectacular pure magnificence and is surrounded by nationwide parks and pine forests, equivalent to Saguaro Nationwide Park and Mount Lemmon, a colossal cave, open-air museums and gardens, and an iconic outdated city. I’d extremely suggest exploring all of them!
Summer time will get highly regarded, so I extremely suggest visiting through the winter months as an alternative.
- Customer Middle Deal with: Southern Tucson Customer Middle, 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 Area Museum, the world’s largest aerospace museum which was house to over 300 plane.
- Enjoying a spherical of golf within the Tuscan sunshine.
20. Fairbanks, Alaska
Certainly one of 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 as a result of very chilly climate. Because it’s formally low season, January gives significantly better flights, accommodations, and tour offers.
I feel it’s a magical place with serene mountains, pristine rivers, and lakes teeming with wildlife, so be sure you spot wildlife right here!
Expertise sunrises and sunsets that final a very long time (sometimes 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 mountain climbing, and visiting the close by Chena scorching springs!
- Customer Middle Deal with: 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 unbelievable sculptures on the Ice Museum.
- Enjoyable on the lovely Chena Scorching Springs Resort, which is run off geothermal vitality.