As the winter months approach, we’re already starting to day dream of warm, sandy beaches. It has us asking for ideas of where to travel for Christmas. These warm winter vacation ideas are located in or near the USA. They will help you find your next tropical paradise to escape the cold.
We’ve broken down our winter vacation suggestions into the following categories:
East Coast Warm Winter Vacation Ideas (USA)
The USA east coast has great options for warm winter vacation ideas. Consider these destinations for your next winter getaway.
1. Puerto Rico
World class beaches and food are only a short flight away in Puerto Rico. Visit historic forts, walk Old San Juan, or tour Casa Bacardi to learn more about Puerto Rico’s rich history. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a day trip to the El Yunque National Forest. It’s the only rainforest managed by the US National Forest Service.
Although Puerto Rico is not a US state, it is a US territory and US citizens do not need a passport to travel there. For that reason, it’s a really easy travel destination and should not be overlooked.
Bonus: The US dollar is the official currency of Puerto Rico, so you won’t have to exchange money beforehand.
2. Key West, Florida
If you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere for your next winter vacation, you’ll find it in Key West, Florida. This tropical island city has something for everyone.
Spend your days under the sun’s warmth at the beach. Afterwards, grab a cold drink at a local bar or restaurant and enjoy the sounds of a local band. End the day admiring the sunset.
Don’t miss out on the ocean activities while you’re there. Go kayaking, snorkeling, or fishing.
3. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is the perfect winter getaway if you want things to do for the whole family. This vacation hotspot is full of resorts and theme parks to keep parents and kids entertained.
Disney World is great for all ages. It’s huge and consists of 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, hotel resorts, golf courses, and more! My favorite theme park is a toss up between Epcot and the Animal Kingdom.
If you’ve already been to Disney and you’re looking to branch out you could try Universal Studios or Legoland. I highly recommend visiting the Hogsmeade attraction at Universal, if you’re a fan of Harry Potter.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
If you’re asking yourself where to travel for Christmas, head to the bayou to experience the magic of NOLA. Eat, shop, and stay right in the French Quarter if you like to be right in the action.
Odds are you’ll visit during a festival because they have over 130 festivals every year. See a complete list of festivals on their city tourism site here. If you’re visiting for Christmas vacation don’t miss the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee festival.
New Orleans also makes a great holiday vacation because of their holiday concerts, great holiday shopping, and holiday home tours. That’s right, you can finally see inside the historic, private homes in New Orleans during a home tour.
5. Miami, Florida
Miami is a great destination for a romantic and luxurious couples vacation. Known for high end shopping, restaurants, and clubs, Miami is not a cheap destination.
That doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable fun, but the focus is more on style and glamour. Spend the day walking the beach and then freshen up, put on your best dancing shoes, and head to the club.
If you are looking to get out of the city, consider heading to the nearby Everglades National Park. Watch out for alligators and manatees.
West Coast Warm Winter Vacation Ideas (USA)
The west coast has a bunch of great options for winter getaways as well. Below I’ve narrowed down a list of top warm winter vacation ideas for the west coast USA.
1. Hawaii
The Hawaiian islands are on nearly everyone’s bucket list and for good reason. It’s the perfect destination for solo adventures, a couple’s retreat, or a family vacation. The hardest part of this vacation will be when you have to leave.
There are so many great things to do in Hawaii including snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, hiking, golf, and so much more. This unique paradise has the most active volcanoes in the world and amazing whale watching.
In between the adventures and activities, take the time to learn more about Hawaiian culture. Visitors can learn about the art of hula, traditional music, the Hawaiian language, and attend a delicious luau.
2. San Diego, California
San Diego boasts great weather all year round. Plus, it’s an easy destination to reach and a good road trip destination if you’re touring the California coast.
Take advantage of the large, sandy beaches to swim, kayak, surf, and boat. Also, don’t miss out on the chance to spot a blue whale on one of the whale watching tours. If you prefer land activities they offer biking, hiking, golfing, and even have great bird watching.
Check out the Sand Diego Zoo if you’re an animal lover or just looking for a great activity for the kids. It is one of the largest, most highly rated zoos in the USA and a leading expert in wildlife conservation.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
Whether you’ve been to this desert oasis before, or you’re returning to retry your luck, Las Vegas is a worthy experience. This gambler’s paradise has so much more to offer than casino after casino along the famous strip.
Even if you don’t gamble the city is packed with entertainment for solos, couples, and groups of friends. You can see a different concert or show every night. Or relax at a world class spa before a night of fine dining and drinking. Come prepared with a little extra spending money if you want to splurge in the high end shops.
For Las Vegas travel deals visit the city tourism site here.
4. Los Angeles, California
Discover the city that is responsible for developing so much of our entertainment and culture. Los Angeles is the perfect mash up of history and being a leader in establishing the latest trends.
Visit historic neighborhoods, museums, and the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to pay respects to some of the greatest entertainment legends. Also, make sure you tour the world famous studios.
Don’t forget to make time for some great outdoor activities as well. Los Angeles has many great hiking trails, and some of the most well known beaches in the world including Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach.
5. Phoenix, Arizona
With several cheap airlines providing direct flights to Phoenix, it is the perfect cheap winter vacation. The hot, unbearable temperatures of summer are replaced with perfectly mild temperatures in the winter.
The area is home to a number of excellent golf courses for all different skill levels. Other activities include the Desert Botanical Gardens, camping, hot air balloon rides, museums, and some wonderful hiking trails. If nothing else, hanging out at the pool will be a good alternative to the cold temperatures back home.
International Winter Vacation Ideas (near USA)
If you’re looking to travel abroad for your warm winter vacation, but don’t want a long flight, these destinations are near the USA.
Find cheap flights with Skyscanner here.
1. Mexico
Mexico is a great travel destination whether you’re coming from the east coast or west coast in the USA. East coast visitors might opt for Cancun, and west coast visitors should go to Cabo, if they want shorter flights. That said, most flights to the major destinations in Mexico aren’t that long.
Another perk to Mexico is that many parts of the trip are considerably cheaper due to the lower cost of living. Keep in mind, it’s not hard to run up the bill at the resorts that cater to tourists. You can travel here on a tight budget or luxuriously depending on you travel preferences.
Mexico has many great things to do including world class beaches, delicious food, traditional music, and tours of historic temples.
2. Belize
Belize is quickly becoming a winter vacation hotspot due to it’s warm weather, tasty food, and fun things to do. It offers a variety of natural attractions like the beautiful waterfalls and extensive barrier reef.
It’s a great location for snorkeling or scuba diving of all skill levels. Also, it has a large variety of marine life living on the reef.
If you prefer land activities, there are also ancient Mayan temples hidden amongst the forests, surrounded by countless species of birds and wildlife.
3. Costa Rica
More and more US expats are retiring to Costa Rica every year. The low cost of living combined with the white sand beaches make it a tropical paradise. Visitors are treated to hiking, beaches, whale watching, and other great activities.
Costa Rica is home to 29 national parks, 71 wildlife refuges, and 8 biological reserves. Funds made from tourism to these sites helps to support sustainability efforts throughout the country.
Costa Rica is the perfect fusion of nature, relaxation, and adventure.
4. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is located on the east side of Hispaniola, an island shared with Haiti. It is one of the most diverse islands in the Caribbean with forests, desert, and mountains.
Santo Domingo is full of 16th century Spanish colonial architecture that transports you back in time as you walk the cobblestone streets.
As is the case with all of the other locations in this list, you’ll find world class beaches and water sports are at your fingertips on this tropical island. Stay at one of the all inclusive resorts for an effortless warm winter vacation only a few hours from the USA by flight.
5. The Bahamas
You can’t go wrong with a classic winter vacation to the Bahamas. Located just off the southeast coast of Florida, this paradise is a short flight away. Due to the high traffic of this winter vacation spot, it’s incredibly easy to book and coordinate a trip.
Visitors should note that this is a less budget friendly location, but if your main concern is finding relaxation, rest assured you will find it here. All inclusive resorts are scattered across the islands giving you lots of choices. The classic tropical things to do in the Caribbean like snorkeling, boating, and fishing are abundantly available here.
Plus, your nights can involve high end casinos, restaurants, and bars.
Conclusion
Whatever you decide we hope you’re able to escape the cold winter air in exchange for warm winter vacation destinations in or near the USA. For a more detailed look at Mexico and Puerto Rico, please see our review in the link below.