Winter Travel: Best Us Destinations In January

January is a great month to travel to the United States, with fewer crowds and lower prices. If you're looking to escape the winter chill, head to the beaches of Florida, including Clearwater Beach, or the tropical paradise of Oahu, Hawaii. For a unique winter experience, visit the northern ski slopes, such as Breckenridge, Colorado, or Beaver Creek, Colorado. If you're looking for a city break, New York City, New Orleans, and Chicago are fantastic options, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices. For something more off-the-beaten-path, check out Brunswick, Georgia, or Fairbanks, Alaska, for a chance to see the Northern Lights. With so many incredible destinations to choose from, the United States has something for everyone in January.

Breckenridge, Colorado: A charming mountain town with incredible ski runs, a fun après ski scene, and awesome nightlife

If you're looking for a winter wonderland to visit in January, Breckenridge, Colorado, is a charming mountain town with incredible ski runs, a fun après-ski scene, and awesome nightlife. With an average temperature of -2°C to -12°C, Breckenridge offers the perfect conditions for a range of winter activities.

The town boasts four huge peaks, five terrain parks, three half-pipes, and two high-speed six-passenger SuperChairs, providing something for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The highest chairlift in North America can also be found here, offering breathtaking views of the snowy landscapes below. In addition to the legendary skiing, Breckenridge also has a historic mining town with endless shopping, dining, and nightlife options. The town has the charm of an authentic Victorian village, with Victorian architecture, a magical main street, cosy independent cafes, excellent restaurants, and unique shops selling handcrafted goods and gifts.

For a truly magical experience, visit Breckenridge in January or February when the average snowfall is at its highest, and the town transforms into a snowy paradise. You can wander down Main Street, admire the holiday lights, and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a cupcake at Clint's Bakery & Coffee House. Explore the scenic backcountry on a guided snowmobile tour, or watch teams from around the world hand-carve creative sculptures at the International Snow Sculpture Championships.

With its incredible ski runs, charming mountain town atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife, Breckenridge is the perfect destination for a winter getaway in January.

Zion National Park, Utah: A unique natural reserve with mild winters, filled with gorgeous scenery and walking trails

If you're looking for a unique natural reserve with mild winters, gorgeous scenery, and walking trails, look no further than Zion National Park in Utah. Located in the southwestern part of the state, Zion is known for its stunning red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs, canyons, gorges, forests, and sandstone dunes.

What sets Zion apart from other national parks is its relatively mild winters, making it an ideal destination even during the colder months. The park offers a variety of walking trails that remain accessible throughout winter, providing visitors with a crowd-free opportunity to explore its beauty.

One of the highlights of Zion National Park is the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, a winding two-lane road that takes you through magnificent vistas at every turn. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Observation Point trail offers incredible panoramic views of the park via the scenic East Mesa Trail.

The Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Kolob Canyons, the Riverside Walk Trail, and the Weeping Rock Trail are also must-dos when visiting Zion. These trails showcase the diverse and breathtaking landscapes that make Zion a favourite among nature enthusiasts.

With average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 13°C in January, Zion National Park provides a comfortable climate for exploring its natural wonders. However, it is still important to come prepared with appropriate footwear and clothing, especially if you plan to embark on any of the more challenging hikes.

In addition to its natural beauty, Zion National Park also offers a visitor's centre, providing information and resources for those exploring the park. The address is 1 Zion Park Blvd, and the phone number is (435) 772-3256.

So, if you're looking for a unique natural reserve with mild winters, gorgeous scenery, and walking trails, Zion National Park in Utah is the perfect destination for your January travels. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the unforgettable views!

Palm Desert, California: A zen-like spot with natural hot springs, luxury hotels, golf courses and upscale spa resorts

If you're looking for a quirky destination with a zen-like feel, Palm Desert in California is the place to go. Nestled in the sun-baked Coachella Valley, this celebrity-approved winter retreat boasts natural hot springs, luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, country clubs, golf courses, and upscale spa resorts.

With temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C in January, it's the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and desert treks. Lounge by the pool or indulge in relaxing treatments at the many spas located in the area.

For stunning views, hire a bike and explore the unique desert scenery. Take a trip on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and capture breathtaking shots of Chino Canyon. Celebrity spotting is also a fun activity during the glamorous Palm Springs International Film Festival, which runs in January.

Palm Desert is known for its wellness offerings, with several spa resorts taking advantage of the natural hot springs in the area. The Spring Resort & Spa is a highly-rated wellness retreat, offering a quiet and reflective atmosphere. The Good House is a seven-room boutique hotel that provides a tranquil and intimate experience with gorgeous views of the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Mountains.

For a luxurious stay, Two Bunch Palms is a modern wellness retreat nestled within a lush and intimate oasis. Immerse yourself in the therapeutic and mood-enhancing mineral waters of their 600-year-old natural spring. Their rooms offer unique experiences, ranging from luxurious touches to digital detoxes.

With its zen-like atmosphere, natural hot springs, and array of luxury amenities, Palm Desert, California, is a perfect spot for a relaxing and indulgent getaway in January.

Miami, Florida: A year-round destination with a warm, subtropical climate, buzzing beach bars, and Art Deco-style hotels

Miami, Florida, is a popular year-round destination known for its warm, subtropical climate, buzzing beach bars, and Art Deco-style hotels and lifeguard towers. With temperatures reaching 24°C in January, it's a great time to visit if you want to avoid the summer vacationers and spring breakers.

Miami offers something for everyone, from its famous beaches with technicolour chairs, umbrellas, and lifeguard stands, to its vibrant food scene, featuring an array of Cuban, Mediterranean, and farm-to-table restaurants. For coffee lovers, Panther Coffee is a must-visit, serving coffee that you'll never want to give up.

Beyond the beach, Miami is home to several unique neighbourhoods, such as Wynwood, with its cool street art, boutiques, and eateries, and South Beach, known for its glamorous Art Deco architecture. For those interested in culture, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a highlight, as is the Perez Art Museum.

For accommodation, Miami offers a range of options, from the luxurious Fontainebleau Miami Beach, with its four buildings and full-service spa, to the Eden Roc Resort Miami Beach, with its oceanfront location and captivating poolside scene. The Loews Miami Beach Hotel in South Beach is another excellent choice, featuring a full-service spa, three restaurants, and easy access to Lummus Park and the Miami Beach Golf Club.

With its warm climate, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions, Miami is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the winter chill and experience the magic of this neon-lit city.

Fairbanks, Alaska: A great place to catch the Northern Lights, with plenty of snowy activities and magical winter scenery

Fairbanks, Alaska: A Great Place to Catch the Northern Lights

Fairbanks, Alaska is a great place to visit in January. Located directly underneath the Auroral Oval, the most active light region, it offers fantastic opportunities to view the Northern Lights. With an average temperature range of -23°C to -16°C, it is the perfect winter wonderland for those seeking snowy activities and magical winter scenery.

Snowy Activities

Fairbanks has plenty of activities to offer during the winter season. Here are some suggestions:

• Dog Sledding: You can go dog sledding with various companies, including Rod's Alaskan Guide Service, which offers a unique experience with dogs that have run the Iditarod.
• Snowmobiling: Explore the vast wilderness of Alaska on a snowmobile tour. Rod's Alaskan Guide Service also provides this experience.
• Ice Fishing: Try your hand at ice fishing, a unique Alaskan sport. Rod's Alaskan Guide Service combines this with Northern Lights viewing for a truly memorable experience.
• Cross-Country Skiing: For those who enjoy cross-country skiing, there are trails like the White Mountains Ski Loop, which offers beautiful views of the Alaska Range and Denali.
• Winter Sightseeing Tours: Take a tour to soak in the serene, snow-covered landscapes and capture stunning photographs.

Magical Winter Scenery

Fairbanks transforms into a winter wonderland in January, with snow-covered landscapes, festive lights, and people bundled up in colourful scarves and mittens. Here are some places to enjoy the winter scenery:

• Chena River State Recreation Area: Enjoy the beauty of nature at this recreation area, which offers various winter activities like skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing.
• Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center: Learn about the local culture and history at this centre, which also provides information on winter activities and how to dress for the cold weather.
• University of Alaska Fairbanks: Explore the university campus and admire the festive decorations adorning the buildings and lamp posts.
• Birch Hill Recreation Area: This area is popular for cross-country skiing and running, offering well-groomed trails for both classical and skate skiing.
• Ice Art: From February to March, witness the impressive World Ice Art Championships and the International Ice Art Classic, where artists from around the world create stunning sculptures from ice.

Frequently asked questions