Winter brings two types of travelers: those who seek fresh powder and mountain views, and those who chase warm sunshine and ocean breezes.
The beauty of winter travel in America is having both options within reach. From ski slopes dusted with new snow to beaches where you can walk barefoot in December weather, the possibilities feel endless.
Planning your winter escape means deciding what kind of adventure fits your mood. Maybe you want cozy nights by the fire after a day on the slopes, or perhaps you prefer sunset beach walks in flip-flops while the rest of the country bundles up.
Either way, picking the right destination makes all the difference between a “just okay” trip and an unforgettable one.
Your Complete Winter Destination Guide
Ready to find your perfect winter destination? Check out these incredible spots for your ideal winter vacation this 2026. We’ve organized these destinations into 2 categories so you can pick if you want snow or snowbirding.
Jump to any section below to explore the places perfect for your travel style.
Best Winter Vacations With Snow
- Snowy Ski Destinations: Breckenridge, Vail, Park City, and Lake Tahoe
- Mountain & Cozy Escapes: Smoky Mountains, Poconos, and Berkshires
- Trending Snow Spots: Jackson Hole, Big Sky, and Campton
Best Vacation Destinations for Snowbirding
- Warm Beach Retreats: Key West, San Diego, and Fort Lauderdale
- Desert Hotspots: Palm Springs, Sedona, and Scottsdale
- Southern Cities: New Orleans, Savannah, and Charleston
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Snowy Ski Destinations
These mountain towns have the best skiing and winter sports across America. Whether you’re an expert skier or just learning, these spots offer something for everyone.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge sits high in the Rockies with five peaks and over 300 inches of snow each year. The historic Main Street features Victorian buildings filled with shops and restaurants, while after dark, torchlight parades light up the slopes. Beyond skiing, you can try dog sledding, snowshoeing, or soaking in natural hot springs after a long day on the mountain.
Vail, Colorado
Bringing world-class skiing across more than 5,300 acres of terrain. The European-style villages at the base of Vail provide great dining and shopping that rival any major ski destination. Additionally, the free shuttle system connects all areas, making it easy to explore without needing a car.
Park City, Utah
The largest ski resort in the United States, Park City, has over 7,300 acres of terrain. Historic Main Street runs through the old mining town, featuring galleries and restaurants in preserved 19th-century buildings. In January, the town also hosts the famous Sundance Film Festival, bringing Hollywood stars and film lovers together.
Lake Tahoe, California
Straddling two states, Lake Tahoe offers multiple world-class resorts around one stunning alpine lake. The region receives an impressive 400+ inches of snow, making it one of the snowiest places in America. After skiing, you can explore casinos on the Nevada side or enjoy quieter mountain towns on the California shore while watching the sunset over the crystal-blue water.
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Mountain & Cozy Escapes
These destinations offer beautiful winter scenery without requiring skiing skills. Perfect for families and anyone seeking mountain relaxation with cozy cabin vibes.
Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Smoky Mountains can become a winter wonderland when snow dusts the peaks. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge serve as gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike trails or drive scenic mountain roads. The towns also light up with millions of holiday lights from November through February.
Poconos, Pennsylvania
A classic East Coast winter fun is just two hours from New York City. Multiple ski resorts in the Poconos offer downhill runs, while vast forests provide trails for snowshoeing. The region is famous for romantic resorts and indoor water parks, making it great for both couples and families seeking a winter break.
Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires bring New England elegance to winter travel. Towns like Lenox and Stockbridge feature white church steeples, historic inns, and cultural attractions, including art museums. While Jiminy Peak offers downhill skiing, many visitors simply come to enjoy the peaceful winter atmosphere and farm-to-table restaurants.
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Trending Snow Spots
These up-and-coming spots are gaining attention for winter 2026. They offer fresh powder and fewer crowds than traditional resorts.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
North America’s most challenging terrain, Jackson, has 459 inches of snow annually. The town maintains its Western character with wooden boardwalks and authentic cowboy bars, while luxury slope-side properties offer ski-in/ski-out convenience. Nearby, you can visit the National Elk Refuge or take wildlife tours through Yellowstone’s winter landscape.
Big Sky, Montana
Offering vast terrain with minimal crowds, Big Sky spreads skiers across 5,850 acres. The resort receives 400+ inches of snow, while secluded mountain chalets provide privacy away from busy village centers. For added adventure, Yellowstone National Park sits just an hour away with incredible winter wildlife viewing.
Campton, New Hampshire
Emerging as a family-friendly New England destination, Campton is near Waterville Valley and Loon Mountain resorts. This small town offers affordable stays and authentic local restaurants without the commercialization of bigger resorts. The White Mountain National Forest surrounds Campton, providing endless trails for snowshoeing and winter hiking.
Warm Beach & Sun Retreats
These coastal spots offer sunshine and warm weather, perfect for escaping winter’s chill. Swim, surf, or simply relax on the beach while others shovel snow.
Key West, Florida
A tropical paradise and America’s southernmost point, Key West, comes with winter temperatures around 75°F. The laid-back island features colorful houses, roaming chickens, and stunning sunsets celebrated nightly at Mallory Square. Take boat tours for snorkeling, visit Hemingway’s house with its famous six-toed cats, or simply relax on palm-lined beaches.
San Diego, California
Enjoy near-perfect weather year-round in San Diego, with winters averaging 65°F and abundant sunshine. Miles of Pacific coastline offer surfing and beach volleyball, while the city features world-class attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. Different beach communities provide varied vibes from upscale La Jolla to lively Pacific Beach.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale features 23 miles of beaches and hundreds of miles of inland waterways, earning its nickname “Venice of America.” Winter temperatures in the mid-70s create ideal conditions for water activities. Take water taxi tours through canal systems, viewing mega-yachts, or explore nearby Everglades National Park on airboat tours.
Miami, Florida
Pulsing the tropical energy and Art Deco architecture of Miami, the winter temps here are around 75°F. South Beach offers sunbathing and people-watching while neighborhoods like Little Havana showcase Cuban culture. The city transforms during Art Basel in December, attracting art collectors and enthusiasts from around the world.
💡 Check out more of the list at the best vacation spots to beat the winter blues!
Desert & Cultural Hotspots
Sunny desert locations provide warm weather with outdoor adventures and relaxation. These spots offer alternatives to beach vacations while keeping you comfortable all winter.
Palm Springs, California
If you want a mid-century modern style and desert beauty with winter temperatures of mid-70s, Palm Springs is another best place to go. The San Jacinto Mountains provide dramatic backdrops while downtown features boutique shops and restaurants. The nearby Palm Springs Aerial Tramway carries visitors from the desert floor to snowy alpine peaks in just minutes.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona showcases stunning red rock formations enhanced by clear blue winter skies. Temperatures reach comfortable 50s and 60s, perfect for hiking among iconic rock spires. The popular trails include Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge, with some winter days bringing light snow to the red rocks for spectacular photos.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Desert beauty, luxury resorts, and championship golf courses are what you can expect at Scottsdale. Winter temperatures here average 70°F, making outdoor activities comfortable when most of the country freezes. Old Town features Western-themed shops and galleries, while the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails.
Asheville, North Carolina
Bringing mountain culture to the Blue Ridge, to thriving arts scene, and amazing food. Asheville has winter temperatures that stay mild in the 40s and 50s, making downtown walks pleasant. Visit the Biltmore Estate to tour America’s largest private home decorated for the holidays or explore the city’s 100+ breweries, earning it the title “Beer City USA.”
Southern Cultural Places
Southern cities offer mild winter weather, rich history, and unique culture. These destinations can have the best outdoor activities with cultural exploration.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a coastal beauty with historic preservation and incredible food. Winter temperatures stay mild in the 60s, ideal for strolling through the historic district past colorful houses and hidden gardens. Visit plantations outside the city, take harbor boat tours past Fort Sumter, or explore the City Market for local crafts and sweetgrass baskets.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Thrive in winter, as temperatures hover around 65°F in New Orleans. It is a perfect place for exploring without summer’s heat. The city gears up for Mardi Gras season, starting in January with parades and celebrations leading to Fat Tuesday. Beyond the festivities, experience world-class jazz music, Creole cuisine, and French Quarter architecture.
Savannah, Georgia
Southern hospitality with cobblestone streets and Spanish moss-draped oaks. This is the vibe at Savannah. With winter temperatures reaching comfortable 60s, walking tours are pleasant while avoiding summer humidity. The historic district also features 22 manicured squares surrounded by antebellum homes.
Other Best Places to See Snow in the US
Beyond major ski resorts, many destinations offer beautiful snowy landscapes for those who enjoy winter scenery. Here are other best places to see snow in the US.
- Yellowstone National Park: A winter wonderland where snow-covered geothermal features and wildlife like bison stand out against white backgrounds.
- Vermont and New Hampshire: Classic New England winter scenes with snow-covered villages and historic inns with crackling fireplaces.
- The Upper Peninsula of Michigan: This place receives heavy lake-effect snow, creating winter playgrounds for snowmobiling and ice fishing.
- Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State: Some of America’s heaviest snowfall happens here, with accumulations measuring hundreds of inches, creating a spectacular alpine winter scenery.
Where Does It Not Snow in the US?
Several regions across America never or rarely see snowfall, making them reliable winter escapes.
Hawaii tops this list with tropical temperatures year-round, while the entire state of Florida averages zero measurable snowfall, with cities like Key West, Miami, and Tampa remaining snow-free.
Southern California coastal areas, including San Diego and Los Angeles, virtually never experience snow. Additionally, southern Texas cities like Corpus Christi and South Padre Island remain snow-free.
While Southern Arizona, including Phoenix, rarely sees frozen precipitation. The Gulf Coast from Texas through Louisiana and Mississippi also receives minimal to no snow in most years, making it perfect for reliable warm destinations.
Wherever Winter Takes You, Make It A Trip To Remember
The destinations you choose shape your entire winter experience. If you’re looking for snowy mountain adventures or warm beach relaxation, picking the best places makes all the difference.
Now is the perfect time to start planning before prime dates fill up and prices increase for the busy season. Find your winter home away from home. Whether you want slope-side access for ski days or beachfront views for morning coffee, the right rental makes your trip truly special.
Your winter vacation deserves a place that feels like home while providing the features you need. Explore AvantStay’s winter homes across top winter destinations with amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, and gourmet kitchens perfect for your seasonal escape. Check us out today!
