23 Bucket List Winter Trips in the USA

Winter travel in the USA delivers experiences you won’t find in summer. You could be chasing snow-covered peaks, vibrant city celebrations, or just escaping somewhere warm. America has it all when the weather gets cold.

This guide covers 25 destinations worth visiting during winter. We include legendary ski resorts, charming towns, and tropical escapes. Each one is picked for its unique winter appeal and the memories you’ll actually make there.

1. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen combines world-class skiing with a town that feels like a luxury getaway. The slopes are steep and challenging, and people come here as much for the après-ski scene as the actual skiing.

Aspen Mountain skiing

The resort delivers terrain for every level, from groomed runs to challenging descents that demand respect. The mountain maintains excellent snow conditions and grooms trails daily. This is where serious skiers test themselves and casual skiers find confidence.

• Expert terrain on Highland Peak and Walsh’s gully
• Groomed intermediate runs with consistent conditions
• Beginner-friendly slopes near the base village
• Night skiing is available on select evenings

Restaurants and après-ski culture

Dining in Aspen rivals any mountain town in North America. After your day on the slopes, the town offers everything from casual to five-star dining.

“Aspen is where serious skiers meet serious dining and nightlife.” – Alpine travel guides

Ute City Tavern serves classic comfort food with style, while The Little Nell offers fine dining experiences that bookend your ski days with quality. These aren’t quick grab-and-go meals. They’re events. Reservations are essential during peak season.

New Year’s Eve celebrations

New Year’s Eve in Aspen transforms the town into a celebration zone. High-end parties and events run through the night, and the energy is unmatched.

Event Type	Vibe	Price Range
Gala dinners	Formal	$$$$
Club events	High-energy	$$$
House parties	Exclusive	$$$$
Bar crawls	Casual	$$

If you’re looking for a milestone winter moment, Aspen delivers it consistently. The town draws visitors from across the country specifically for this week.

2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is where you go when you want terrain that doesn’t hold back. The mountain respects expertise and demands it in equal measure. Beyond skiing, the landscape itself becomes the main attraction.

The Double Black Diamond runs are legendary for good reason. They’re steep, they’re unforgiving, and they require skill and experience. Advanced skiers travel specifically to test themselves on these slopes.

• Corbet’s Couloir: 50-degree descent that’s intimidating just looking at it
• Laurance’s Run: Steep couloir with no escape routes
• Headwall: Sustained pitch that tests technique constantly
• Cheyenne Bowl: Open skiing with serious pitch and exposure

Wildlife and the National Elk Refuge

Beyond the skiing, Jackson Hole offers wildlife viewing that’s genuinely special. The National Elk Refuge sits just outside town and hosts thousands of elk during winter. You can see bison roaming freely, and the views of the Tetons make even non-skiers want to visit.

Sleigh rides through the refuge offer up-close viewing. The experience of moving through snow with animals all around creates something memorable. Winter is when the elk congregate, making it the best season for viewing.

“Jackson Hole combines the challenge of skiing with the beauty of untracked wilderness.” – Mountain enthusiasts

Lodging options near Jackson Hole

Accommodation ranges from ultra-luxury to comfortable mountain stays. Amangani sits on a ridge with views that stretch for miles in every direction.

Property	Style	Best For
Amangani	Ultra-luxury	Romantic getaways
Snake River lodges	Authentic	Family trips
Base village hotels	Convenient	Ski-focused
Ranch stays	Rustic	Wildlife lovers

The town itself feels authentic. It’s not overdeveloped, just solid mountain living with genuine community character.

3. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

Lake Tahoe is massive, offering two major ski resorts plus scenery that’s hard to beat. Winter here means shorter days but incredible snow conditions throughout the season.

Heavenly offers varied terrain with views of the lake itself. Northstar caters to families and intermediate skiers with well-groomed runs and solid infrastructure. Both resorts have different personalities, so you can choose based on what you want from your ski experience.

• Heavenly: 97 trails, lake views, terrain for all levels
• Northstar: Excellent parks, family-friendly, tree skiing
• Both: Reliable snow, long season, modern lift systems

The lake itself is stunning even in winter. Mirror Lake reflects the surrounding peaks and creates photo opportunities that work even on cloudy days.

“The snow-covered peaks create a backdrop that doesn’t require editing.” – Winter photographers

If you’re bringing a camera, pack extra batteries. You’ll need them. Sunrise and sunset light transform the landscape into something dreamlike. The contrast between snow and deep blue water creates images that remind you why you travel.

Best Dining venues in the Lake Tahoe area

Dining around Tahoe’s edge is solid and scenic.

Restaurant	Cuisine	Setting
Edgewood Tahoe	Upscale	Lake views
Gar Woods	Wood-fired	Casual
Fire + Ice	Modern	Contemporary
Sunnyside Lodge	Classic	Historic

All options benefit from water views. Winter meals become events when you’re watching snow fall on mountains across the lake.

4. Telluride, Colorado

Telluride sits in a box canyon with slopes that drop straight into town. The terrain is steep, scenic, and offers a mix of adventure and laid-back mountain town energy.

The resort itself feels less commercialized than many Colorado options. You ski in, you ski out, and the vibe stays grounded. The mountain has personality that bigger resorts lack.

• Steep terrain from the summit
• Reasonable crowds compared to mega-resorts
• Ski-in, ski-out town living
• Authentic mountain community

Ouray Hot Springs recovery

After a day on the mountain, the Ouray Hot Springs Pool offers genuine relief. The water is hot, the setting is scenic, and soaking under the stars with snow around you becomes many visitors’ trip highlight.

Soaking outside in freezing air while warm water surrounds you creates a contrast that feels therapeutic. It’s worth the short drive from Telluride. The experience combines comfort with natural beauty in a way that resorts can’t replicate.

“Hot springs under stars in winter is the ultimate après-ski experience.” – Winter travelers

Telluride’s après-ski scene centers on local spots rather than chains. The town is walkable, and you can ski in and out without dealing with resort shuttles.

Wine bars	Vinoteca	Intimate
Breweries	Telluride Brewing	Casual
Restaurants	Local spots	Authentic
Galleries	Artist studios	Creative

The authenticity feels genuine. You’re supporting local businesses, not corporate chains.

5. Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge works for all skill levels. The runs are well-maintained, and the town on Main Street actually feels lively without being overcrowded.

The resort maintains a good balance between challenging terrain and accessible runs. Park features are constantly updated for riders and skiers who like features.

• Terrain parks with progressive difficulty
• Bowls for advanced skiers
• Groomed runs for intermediate skiers
• Learning areas for beginners

The Breckenridge Ice Festival

The Breckenridge Ice Festival draws ice climbers and spectators from across the region. Watching people climb frozen waterfalls is surreal and impressive. This year it will take place Jan 28, 2026 – Feb 03, 2026.

“Watching climbers scale frozen waterfalls is to witness humans pushing impossible boundaries.” – Winter sports photographers

The festival brings energy to town and creates a reason to plan your trip for early December specifically. Events include competitions and demonstrations that educate while entertaining.

Main Street offers solid restaurants, galleries, and shops. The street itself is charming and worth exploring on non-ski days. Dining ranges from casual to upscale, and most places handle the après-ski rush without losing quality.

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

Skip the beach for a season and head to New Orleans. Winter here means Mardi Gras parades, jazz clubs packed with talent, and food that makes you rethink everything about cuisine.

Mardi Gras parades draw massive crowds, but the experience is genuine. The energy is infectious, and you’re seeing traditions that span generations. Each parade has distinct character and history.

• Krewe of Rex: Traditional, historic, ceremonial
• Krewe of Muses: Modern, irreverent, entertaining
• Various smaller krewes: Neighborhood traditions, local flavor

Live jazz at Preservation Hall represents the real thing. The venue is historic, the musicians are serious, and the experience feels authentic.

Frenchmen Street hosts multiple jazz clubs within walking distance. You can hop between venues and experience different styles in a single night. The quality of musicianship is exceptional.

Creole food culture in New Orleans

Creole cooking at Commander’s Palace sets the standard for what New Orleans food should be.

Gumbo	Multiple venues	Comfort in a bowl
Crawfish	Local joints	Fresh, seasonal
Beignets	Café du Monde	Sugary tradition
Oysters	The Oyster Bar	Gulf fresh

The recipes go back generations, and the kitchen executes them with precision. Reservations are essential, and the meal itself takes hours. The crowds are real during Mardi Gras, but the energy is unmatched.

7. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston in winter is underrated. The weather is mild, not hot like summer, and the crowds thin out. Battery Park at sunset is worth the trip alone.

Battery Park and harbor views

The harbor views are stunning, and the pace of the walk matches the pace of the city itself. The experience becomes meditative and restorative. Sunsets here illuminate the water in shades of orange and gold.

The historic district is compact and walkable. Cobblestone streets lead to hidden courtyards and gardens.

“Charleston’s architecture tells stories of Colonial America through every brick and shutter.” – Historic preservation experts

Many homes date back centuries, and the architecture tells stories. Walking here feels like stepping into a different era. The preservation quality is exceptional.

Where to taste oysters in Charleston

The Ordinary serves oysters and seafood in an industrial-casual setting. Leon’s Oyster Shop leans more casual and serves fried chicken alongside oysters. Both restaurants capture Charleston’s food culture without pretension. Book hotels early. This place fills up, and for good reason.

The Ordinary	Industrial-casual	Oyster bar
Leon’s Oyster Shop	Casual	Fried chicken + oysters
Bowens Island	Historic	Steamed oysters
Husk	Modern Southern	Local ingredients

8. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet and gets cold in winter, but the red rock landscape and desert light make it worth the cold.

The high desert has a clarity that changes how light looks. Sunsets here are genuinely stunning, and the shadows create depth that photographs can’t fully capture. The light quality is unique to this region.

• Desert light golden at sunrise
• Shadows create dramatic depth
• Colors shift throughout the day
• Storm light can be extraordinary

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum honors the artist and her connection to New Mexico.

Her paintings capture the landscape in ways that make you see it differently. Canyon Road hosts 20+ galleries within walking distance. The art community is vibrant and genuine.

Red chile is everywhere in Santa Fe, and the local food culture reflects this. Restaurants serve it fresh and authentic, not watered down for tourists. The flavors are distinct, and once you experience Santa Fe’s red chile, you’ll crave it for months.

9. Moab, Utah

Moab is for outdoor people who like variety. Winter temperatures are mild, the red rock trails are stunning, and the adventure lodges cater to active travelers.

Arches National Park sits minutes from town and offers trails for all abilities. The rock formations are so distinctive that they’re used as backdrops in films. Hiking feels like exploring another planet.

• Delicate Arch: The iconic Utah arch
• Devil’s Garden: Multiple trail options, 7.2 miles total
• Park Avenue: Stunning canyon walk
• Landscape Arch: Largest arch in the park

The Slickrock Mountain Bike Trail is easier in winter than in summer because the rock stays cooler.

The trail is challenging but rewarding, and the views while riding are spectacular. You don’t need to be an expert to tackle it, but you do need to be reasonably fit. The terrain is unlike anything in other regions.

10. Big Sur, California

Big Sur in winter is dramatic. The coastal viewpoints from Highway 1 are on another level. Highway 1 winds through cliffs and canyons that make you hold your breath.

Pfeiffer Beach has purple sand created by manganese garnet deposits. Storm watching adds another layer of experience. The waves crash against the cliffs, and the wind carries the ocean’s energy across the beach.

Big Sur Hiking Trails

The hiking trails like Ewoldsen deliver solitude and scenery simultaneously. Both trails offer different perspectives of the coastline.

McWay Falls gives you the iconic cove view. Ewoldsen Trail climbs into redwood forest before revealing coastal vistas. The combination of redwood and ocean creates a unique ecosystem.

McWay Falls	1 mile	Easy
Ewoldsen	4.7 miles	Moderate
Pfeiffer Beach	Variable	Easy
Cone Peak	8+ miles	Strenuous

Bring layers. It’s coastal California, so prepare for wind and fog. Snow can close trails, so check conditions. The park is worth a visit regardless of which trails are open.

11. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona’s red rocks glow in winter light. The weather is perfect for hiking: cool but not cold. Every direction offers different rock formations and hiking opportunities.

Cathedral Rock offers moderate trails with payoff views. Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone bridge in Arizona, and the hike to it is manageable for most fitness levels.

• Cathedral Rock: Scramble to rocks, moderate challenge
• Devil’s Bridge: 3-mile roundtrip, gentle grade
• Bell Rock: 5-mile trails with multiple options
• Courthouse Butte: Scenic loop with views

The spas cater to people who want both outdoor adventure and serious relaxation. The combination of hiking and spa time is becoming Sedona’s calling card. The facilities integrate wellness into the resort experience.

12. Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is golf, spas, and resort living. Winter is peak season here. The weather is ideal, and the courses are immaculate.

TPC Scottsdale hosts PGA events and maintains championship-level conditions year-round. If golf is your game, this is where you want to be.

• Stadium Course: Tournament-quality design
• Champions Course: Dramatic elevation changes
• Grayhawk: Two 18-hole courses
• Desert Mountain: 6 different courses

Old Town Scottsdale has galleries and restaurants that make for solid evenings. The Western Heritage District offers history lessons about Arizona’s past. Book accommodations months ahead. Everyone wants Scottsdale in January.

13. Miami and South Beach, Florida

Miami in winter is warm without being oppressively hot. You get beach weather, Art Deco architecture that’s genuinely interesting, and nightlife that doesn’t let up.

Beach swimming and paddleboarding are comfortable in winter, and the water temperature stays in the 70s. The ocean conditions are generally calm, making water sports accessible to all levels.

The Art Deco Historic District is a short walk from South Beach. The architecture dates from the 1920s and 1930s, and the buildings are well-preserved.

Walking tours explain the history and point out details you’d miss alone. The style is distinctive and worth appreciating. Each building has a unique character.

The scene is energetic and never stops. Nightclubs like LIV host DJs and events that draw people from across the country. Pack sunscreen and comfortable shoes for walking.

14. Key West, Florida

Key West is tropical escape territory. You can snorkel, take glass-bottom boat tours to the reef, and day trip to Fort Jefferson National Monument.

The reefs support colorful fish and coral that remain visible in the winter water clarity. The marine life viewing is exceptional.

• Glass-bottom boats: Non-swimmers experience reefs
• Snorkeling tours: Hands-on reef exploration
• Diving: Deeper reef access
• Shallow reefs: Accessible from shore

Fort Jefferson National Monument

Fort Jefferson sits 70 miles offshore and operates as a national monument. Day trips depart from Key West and include ferry transportation and time to explore the fort and surrounding water.

The history spans from the Civil War era to the present day. The snorkeling around the fort is excellent. The isolation adds to the experience.

Bar scene in Key West

Sloppy Joe’s is a historic bar that’s been operating since 1933. The Hemingway connection adds literary appeal. It’s warm but not swampy.

Sloppy Joe’s	Historic	Hemingway fans
Duval Street	Social	Bar hopping
Beach bars	Casual	Sunset drinks
Dive bars	Local	Authentic vibes

15. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s squares and Spanish moss feel peaceful in winter. The weather is mild, not hot like summer, and the crowds thin out. Battery Park at sunset is worth the trip alone.

Forsyth Park offers wide-open spaces and iconic fountains. Bonaventure Cemetery has historic tombs and moss-covered oaks that create an otherworldly atmosphere.

• Forsyth Park: Central gathering place
• Bonaventure Cemetery: Atmospheric and peaceful
• Historic squares: Each with distinct character
• Spanish moss: Creates unique aesthetic

The historic district maintains holiday decorations through January. The squares look like scenes from period films. Walking the district on quiet days feels like time travel.

The architecture spans centuries, and each square has a distinct character. The preservation efforts are evident everywhere.

River Street runs along the Savannah River and hosts restaurants, galleries, and shops. The pace is slower here, which is exactly the point.

16. Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is dramatic in any season, but winter adds frozen mist and unique boat tours. The power of the falls becomes apparent up close.

The Maid of the Mist operates year-round with protection from the cold. The boat gets you close enough to feel the power of the falls. Winter versions of this experience are different but equally memorable.

The observation towers give a perspective on the falls’ scale. Different towers offer different views and angles.

Climbing multiple towers throughout your visit shows you variations that ground-level views can’t capture. The frozen mist in winter creates ice formations on the rocks.

17. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston’s winter is real, but the city handles it well. Holiday markets run through the season, and the museums are world-class and less crowded in winter.

Holiday markets run through the season. Faneuil Hall hosts vendors and shoppers in a historic setting. The market experience feels authentic rather than commercialized.

Beacon Hill looks like a Christmas card with all the snow. Back Bay brownstones line gas-lit streets. This is an authentic Northeast winter. Bring real cold-weather gear.

18. New York City, New York

New York City in winter is a cliché for a reason. Rockefeller Center’s ice skating rink works in winter. The setting is iconic, the skating is fun, and the energy around the rink is genuine.

Yes, it’s crowded, but the experience is real. The backdrop of tall buildings adds to the atmosphere. The rink becomes a destination unto itself.

• Skating in view of skyscrapers
• Holiday decorations everywhere
• Tree lighting ceremony in December
• Photo opportunities constant

Broadway theaters offer world-class performances. Times Square in winter is chaotic but alive. The energy is undeniable.

You can catch shows, walk the streets, and feel the city’s pulse all in one day. The variety of entertainment is exceptional.

Best holiday displays in NYC

Fifth Avenue holiday window displays are created by major retailers and updated throughout the season. Budget for Broadway tickets and plan meals in advance. The city moves fast.

Fifth Avenue	Major retailers	Artistic displays
SoHo	Boutiques	Avant-garde
Times Square	Digital	Contemporary
Main streets	Independent	Unique

19. Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. in winter is crisp and clear. The National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse draws crowds but for good reason. The lighting ceremony happens in early December.

The monument lit at night during winter is particularly striking because it stands against clear, cold nights. The Lincoln Memorial looks different at night.

The museums are free and phenomenal. The Air and Space Museum showcases aircraft and spacecraft that represent human achievement.

Natural History Museum covers everything from dinosaurs to gems. Both museums require multiple visits to see everything. The collections are world-class.

20. Park City, Utah

Park City hosted the 2002 Olympics, and the venues are still operational. You can see bobsled and ski jumping facilities. The heritage of the Olympics remains visible throughout the town.

Watching these sports in person is impressive. The facilities are maintained professionally. The bobsled track is still used for competitions.

• Bobsled track: Still operational
• Ski jumping hill: Spectacular views
• Olympic museum: Historical context
• Training facilities: Open to visitors

Sundance Film Festival

The Sundance Film Festival in 2026 takes place from January 22 to February 01. It brings cinema and culture. Independent films premiere, and the energy around the festival is genuine. Book lodging early if Sundance timing works for you.

21. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is classic Northeast ski country. Mount Mansfield has terrain for all levels. The skiing is solid, and the infrastructure is excellent.

The community feels invested in skiing rather than exploiting it as a business. The mountain has character and personality.

• Mansfield Peak: 4,393 feet elevation
• Terrain for all levels: Gentle to extreme
• Tree skiing: Abundant in boundaries
• Summit views: Worth the hike up

December holiday stag and doe events are community gatherings. These gatherings blend holiday celebration with mountain town tradition.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill makes cider and sells apple products. The mill itself is a destination. Local orchards surrounding Stowe produce the apples used. The foliage season is fall, but winter is quieter and arguably more atmospheric.

22. Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley is an old-school ski destination with serious credentials. Bald Mountain has expert terrain and challenging runs. The mountain doesn’t soften terrain for inexperienced skiers, so come ready to work.

The snow quality is legendary. The mountain has a history and a reputation.

• Expert descents: Steep and unforgiving
• Tree skiing: Excellent powder days
• Bowl skiing: Open and dramatic
• Backcountry: With guides available

Winter sports clinics teach everything, including skiing and snowshoeing. Mountain dining at mid-mountain restaurants breaks up ski days. The instruction quality is high. The town is smaller than other destinations but world-class in execution.

23. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion in winter is quieter than summer, and the Narrows canyon hike is doable though cold. The canyon narrows to walls on both sides, and the hike follows the water.

Winter water is cold, so prepare accordingly. The experience is unique and worth the preparation. The geology is spectacular.

• Narrows canyon walls: 1,000 feet tall
• Virgin River: Runs through canyon
• Water crossings: Frequent and cold
• Isolation: Extraordinary in winter

The snow on Angels Landing creates stunning photography.

Court of the Patriarchs becomes more dramatic with snow accents. The contrast between red rock and white snow is striking. The formations are otherworldly.

Lodging at Zion National Park

Springdale sits outside Zion National Park and has lodging and dining options. Snow can close trails, so check conditions. The park is worth the visit regardless.

Springdale	Adjacent	Base camp
Park interior	Variable	Day trips
Cliffrose Lodge	Springdale	Comfortable
Hotels	Varied	Budget to luxury

Winter travel across the USA gives you options for whatever kind of trip you want to take. You might be drawn to mountains and skiing, warm beaches, cultural cities, or quiet natural spaces. These 25 destinations deliver. Pick one, book your trip, and start planning. Winter is when the best memories actually happen.