Masterminding an escape plan from the bitter cold wintry doldrums to one of the best places to visit in the USA in January can be a bit of a double-edged proposition. The obvious choice is to hop on your favorite vacation planning site, delight your eyes in a cache of travel porn, and purchase the next available flight to a warm, sunny, and in all likelihood tropical destination.
You’ve been walled up in an office cubicle from nine to five for the past God knows how long, only to retreat to your home, traversing iced-encrusted roadways and snow-caked sidewalks. Weekend walks to your favorite neighborhood cafe or bistro are almost not even worth the effort given the bone-chilling winds that “greet” you upon opening your front door and “caress” your already-numb face as you trudge through whatever hellish precipitation happens to be on the day’s weather menu. Public spaces in your city or town are absolutely off-limits for anyone whose ancestry isn’t one hundred percent Nordic Viking. Let’s be honest, a tranquil afternoon stroll through the park loses a lot of its allure when it carries with it potential encounters with abominable snowmen, polar bears, and white walkers. Whether deliberately or unwittingly, you’ve been relegated, almost exclusively, to activities that demand your staying indoors. Winter has come and is putting a firm emphasis on the “chill” of Netflix and Chill. No wonder birds fly south for the winter.
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The not-so-obvious travel decision, however, would be to look into a similarly wintry destination as a potential getaway. I know what you’re thinking: “You just put everything wrong with winter and cold months on a neon billboard. Why on Earth would I go to another place that would be exactly the same?” The answer to that excellent question, concerned reader, is: because it would not be exactly the same. For all of its faults, winter certainly has a few desirable aspects sprinkled in as well, making it worth considering a destination with similarly cold, but significantly more charming features. Picture a quaint town nestled in a majestic snow-capped mountain range, replete with dozens of immaculate slopes, trails, and unexplored local treasures all at the tips of your fingers. Or how about a cozy forest cabin escape where every day is met with crisp, dewy air, enticing hikes, and cozy evenings in front of a fire with those you care for the most?
Ultimately, your winter destination is up to you–a product of your taste in surroundings, temperature, activities, and culture. As you slog your way through the malaise of end-of-year travel planning though–Thanksgiving at grandma’s, perhaps holidays at on of the Best Places to Visit in USA in December, or New Years at the in-laws, take some time out and consider treating yourself to luxuriant January getaway. Whether soaking up some color beneath the rays of radiant coastal sunshine, or exploring some other previously uncharted locale, bleak, overcast days at the beginning of the year offer the perfect excuse to pack your bags and spend a bit of time elsewhere.
Using data on frequently-visited US cities in the month of January, as well as suggestions coming from Huffington Post, Travel and Leisure, Budget Travel, to name a few, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to visit in the USA in January. Have a look, get inspired, and start prepping for the travel experience of a lifetime!
14. Key West, Florida
An island city that makes up the southernmost part of the Florida Keys and the continental United States, Key West is uniquely known for its Vegas strip-like city feel in a part of Florida where outdoor activities typically reign supreme. Located 150 miles south of Miami and 90 miles north of Havana, Cuba, the area is home to an eclectic population of natives, backpackers, hippies, gay couples, military personnel, and cruise ship tourists stopping by for a day or night on the town. Bike tours through Old Town, snorkeling, scuba diving, and nightlife are popular attractions to visitors seeking a warmer climate in winter months, with Key West boasting an average annual temperature of 79°F. With tons to do and see, it’s no wonder this south Floridian enclave has been a popular retreat for famous Americans, such as Ernest Hemmingway, Jimmy Buffet, and President Harry S. Truman. And now, let’s see the what else we have in our list of best places to visit in the USA in January.
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13. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Founded in 1521 by Spanish colonists, San Juan, the number 13 in our list of best places to visit in the USA in January is the capital and largest city of the Caribbean island territory of the United States, Puerto Rico. The island’s colonial history is reflected in the city’s architecture with former defensive forts such as Fort San Cristobal, Fort San Felipe del Morro, and La Fortaleza all located within the confines of the city, earning it the nickname “La Ciudad Amurallada” or, “The Walled City.” Benefiting from a tropical monsoon climate, San Juan enjoys average annual temperatures around 80°F, with the minimum temperature ever recorded a temperate 60°F. What’s more, January visitors enjoy a drier-than-normal stay, as the rain tends not to arrive until March and April. With attractions such as Condado, Old San Juan, Isla Verde and Ocean Park, San Juan is sure to offer something for anyone looking to venture down for a January getaway.
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12. Las Vegas, Nevada
You will not find a greater destination on the planet to indulge your inner-most hedonistic desires than the Vegas strip in Las Vegas, Nevada, that ranks 12th in our list of best places to visit in the USA in January. Mega resorts, chic pool clubs, glitzy casinos, and luxurious restaurants line the somewhat ironic crucifix-shaped street layout of sin city, affording adult travelers everything they could possibly want, along with a few things they probably don’t. With splashy nightlife hotspots overflowing with master mixologists and world-famous DJs, as well as world-class shows like Cirque du Soleil and entertainment from international performers, you’re assured an onslaught of activities that suit your tastes in this desert oasis.
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11. Aspen, Colorado
One of the world’s best-known resorts, Aspen, tanks 11th in our list of best places to visit in the USA in January. It has become synonymous with glitz, glamor, and great skiing. With an average January temperature and snowfall of 22°F and 27 inches, respectively, you certainly shouldn’t expect to “escape” the weather you may have been previously subjected to in your own town. What the city lacks in warm weather, however, it more than makes up for in attractions. From the $72 million dollar Aspen art museum to a collection of world-class restaurants, trendy hotels, and cultural offerings like the Wheeler Opera House, Aspen offers a pleasant, upscale change of pace from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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10. Orlando, Florida
Without a doubt best known for its glut of amusement parks and child-centered attractions, Orlando offers an excellent getaway opportunity for travelers looking to bring their family along for the adventure. Like this is not enough to earn a place among the best places to visit in the USA in January, Orlando offers more attractions. What often gets overlooked, are the other rarely-acknowledged hidden gems that the city has to offer. Outdoor activities such as the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and indoor attractions like the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art offer a bit of everything to tourists looking to satisfy a large crowd.
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9. San Diego, California
Even in the coldest months, the temperature in San Diego that ranks 9th in our list of best places to visit in the USA in January doesn’t drop below 70°F, making it an ideal destination for those interested in outdoor activities. An enviable collection of hiking trails, beaches, and golf courses offer a bit of everything for travelers looking to get a bit closer to mother nature. For those that aren’t as outdoor-inclined, San Diego still boasts plenty of other offerings ranging from eateries offering a wide range of ethnic fare, to shopping in some of California’s most upscale malls. What’s more, the city’s Legoland amusement park offers fun for the entire family for those traveling with loved ones.
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8. Charleston, South Carolina
Everything moves a bit slower in low country, and with scenery that looks as though it were plucked directly out of a movie set in the 19th century, Charleston, that ranks 8th in our list of best places to visit in the USA in January is no exception. Horse-drawn carriages fill streets lined by magnolia gardens and mansions that date back centuries. It’s prominent role in the American civil war and recent resurgence make Charleston a truly fascinating juxtaposition of old and new. With finger-licking food offerings from local restaurants and walking tours chock-full of interesting historical information, Charleston serves as an excellent winter travel option for those looking to take a step back in time when visiting a new destination in January.
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7. Honolulu, Hawaii
If you find that you like the idea of a tropical getaway, but still want to latch onto the modern comforts of big city life, Honolulu might just be the place for you. As Hawaii’s only major metropolis, Honolulu offers visitors a number of unique experiences ranging from scores of dry goods merchants in Chinatown and boundless hiking trails in Diamond Head, to Downtown Honolulu and the resort-laden Waikiki district of the island. From shopping and nightlife to delicious dining options and five star hotels, Honolulu represents a getaway option that’s equal parts exotic and luxurious.
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6. Austin, Texas
One of the fastest-growing cities in all of the United States, Austin has quickly become Texas’ version of Silicon Valley. Travelers making the pilgrimage to this burgeoning southern metropolis can expect a vibrant cultural scene, replete with excellent live music, bountiful barbecue, tantalizing taco trucks, and ample outdoor activities ranging from hiking and kayaking to leisurely strolls through green spaces and dips in public swimming holes.
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5. Miami, Florida
Art and culture collide with nightlife and fitness in this highly frequented urban beach destination. Trendier areas such as the artsy Wynwood district afford tourists a glimpse at a resurgent neighborhood through the lens of street art and fashion. Dining options cover cuisine from seemingly every corner of the globe, and parties carry on until 5am or later, thanks to 24-hour liquor licenses. For those looking for a slightly more relaxed getaway, Miami’s beaches have been ranked among the best in the world, and offer travelers the opportunity to lay back, relax, and soak up some sun in what is without question one of the nation’s self-image Meccas. What do you say, does it rightfully deserves the fifth place on this list of best places to visit in the USA in January?
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4. New York, New York
A veritable concrete jungle that also happens to be the world’s capital for fashion, entertainment, food, and just about any other category that might attract travelers in droves. Towering landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building intermingle with the bright lights of Times Square and glitz of Broadway to provide tourists a considerable bite out of the big apple. Less-frantic attractions, such as Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), and the city’s innumerable ethnic borough offer enticing elements to travelers of all stripes.
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3. Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is another one of the best wintry destinations worth checking out even in January. The main draw, without question, is the lake–a pure, deep, majestic blue body of water encased by snow-capped mountains on all sides. Beyond that, the area offers excellent skiing, miles of trails, world-class dining with an excellent view, and–thanks to its proximity to Nevada–ample gambling for those who have the itch.
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2. New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy, as it’s fondly known by locals and travelers alike, is a melting pot of vibrant cultures that seems to ooze indulgence at every turn. Sumptuous cajun delicacies such as gumbo, jambalaya, and sugar-dusted beignets will have you cleaning your plate and begging for more, while local jazz musicians make it tough to resist breaking out into dance in the middle of the street. The city’s French Quarter offers architecture unlike anything you are likely to see anywhere else in the country, and round-the-clock happy hours ensure that the party never stops in NOLA.
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1. Kauai, Hawaii
Without question the most laid-back destination on the list, this Hawaiian island offers more than 50 miles of beaches for travelers to choose from. The awe-inspiring cliffs that shoulder the Napali Coast provide beach-goers a stunning view, while Hanapepe, Hanalei, and Koloa provide a nice cultural contrast to the carefree calm of the coast. With scenic drives and ample outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking, the tranquil island of Kauai truly embodies the spirit of the best places to visit in the USA in January.
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