Warm Winter Getaways in USA for a Weekend

Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Tori’s VA

As the cold weather sets in and we spend less time outside, you probably yearn for warm winter getaways in the USA more than ever. But the holidays take up so much of our vacation time, spending it with our extended families instead of jetting off to a tropical oasis. Instead, plan a long weekend to rest and enjoy some of the warmest destinations in the States. This way you can have your cake and eat it too.

Here’s a lineup of some of the best warm winter getaways in the USA for a weekend trip. They’re recommended by travel bloggers who know and adore these destinations. They are all perfect for just a short weekend or long weekend trip. You’ll come back to work the following week feeling rejuvenated.

And if you’d rather embrace the cold and spend a weekend in a winter wonderland, check out my list of cold winter weekend getaways instead! Maybe pick one of each for the ultimate winter travel plans.

_{This post may contain affiliate links for activities, destinations and products that I love, and think you will too!}

Warm Winter Getaways in the Southeast

Myrtle Beach, SC

If you’re looking for easy and inexpensive warm winter getaways in the USA, then head to Myrtle Beach, SC. It’s an easy drive for anyone in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia or the rest of South Carolina. Myrtle Beach has a small international airport that is continuously growing with direct flights from 50 destinations!

The weather here is very mild in the winter, with highs typically in the upper 50s. It’s not uncommon to wear shorts and flip flops in Myrtle Beach on Christmas day!

Once you’re here, you can certainly relax for the weekend, but with so much to do you won’t want to. There’s a lot of super touristy things that might try to pull you in. But I urge you to explore the local’s favorite unique things to do in Myrtle Beach.

Spend some time at Barefoot landing, at the less touristy shopping and dining area in town. Walk the boardwalk around the lake and look for alligators! Then, check out Duplin Winery tasting room that’s there, for a wine tasting made with local Carolina grown grapes.

Then, head south of town to Murrells Inlet to the MarshWalk. Get tickets for the Brew Boat, where you can pedal around the marsh drinking and listening to music. You can spot the goats and peacocks that live out on the islands in the middle of the marsh. Then watch the sunset over the water.

Hop off the boat and enjoy dinner at one of the amazing seafood restaurants along the MarshWalk. My favorite’s Dead Dog Saloon. Get a table out back, listen to the live music and be sure to order hush puppies. This area is great in the winter because it’s quieter and filled mostly with locals.

Finally, stop by Brookgreen Gardens on your way home for the best activity in town during the winter, the Nights of A Thousand Candles. The gardens are gorgeous during the day. But at night during December the whole places comes to life with thousands of candles and over a million lights. Wander the pathways admiring the lights, drinking hot cocoa and listening to Christmas music.

Stay the night at the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes for a secluded and luxurious option. Or a VRBO in Surfside for a cheaper and more local approach. If you pick Surfside, be sure to eat at Bubba’s Fish Shack for delicious fried seafood and drinks.

Recommended by Me!

Miami, FL

If you’re looking for the best warm winter getaways in the USA, then you have to add Miami to your bucket list. Miami is one of the most popular destinations in Florida, and it’s easy to see why.

Miami is very easy to get to, as it has its own international airport. You can fly into Miami from pretty much every major US and European airport.

Temperatures in winter never go below 62°F, with a maximum of around 75°F. Plus, the average number of rainfall days is only 4 per month, which makes it the perfect winter sun getaway!

There are lots of fun things to do during a weekend in Miami. Some of the most popular activities include seeing the street art at Wynwood, doing an Art Deco walking tour in South Beach, discovering Little Havana, exploring the art and science museums at Museum Park, and obviously, relaxing on the beach!

You could spend longer in Miami just relaxing on the beach. But a long weekend is enough to see all the main sights and get a feel for this cosmopolitan and exciting city.

One of the best places to stay in Miami is the Loews Miami, an iconic hotel located right on the beach. You can enjoy unparalleled sea views, huge pools, and impeccable service.

When it comes to food, there are lots of amazing restaurants, but one I can personally recommend is Estefan Kitchen. It’s the restaurant of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and it combines fine dining with traditional Cuban family recipes. It’s the perfect fusion restaurant for a meal with a twist.

Recommended by Greta of Greta’s Travels

Key West, FL

Easily one of the best warm winter getaways in the USA, Key West is an ideal vacation spot that sits all the way at the southern tip of the United States. 

As a result, daily highs tend to stay at a comfortable 77 F. While daily lows get down to around  65 F during the winter. Days are also quite sunny since Key West typically doesn’t experience more than four days of rain per month. And it’s home to some beautiful beaches with clear water.

So, if you’d like to spend the weekend in Key West, head to Key West International Airport and grab a shuttle bus into town. 

Do try and have your visit coincide with the holiday season. You can watch sailboats outfitted with festive Christmas lights cruise through the water during the lighted boat parade.  

Also be sure to check out the Historic Inns Holiday Tour and admire the festive decor that local bed and breakfasts use throughout the season. 

Then, grab some delicious New American cuisine at The Flaming Buoy Filet Co. which specializes in amazing steak and seafood dishes like their signature lobster mac and cheese. 

Afterward, grab a drink and party it up on Duval Street, where you’ll find Sloppy Joe’s. It’s a fantastic local bar that has been in business since 1937 and that was a favorite hangout of Ernest Hemingway.

You can also learn more about this immortal writer at the Ernest Hemingway House. It’s a Spanish Colonial-style mansion that features a wealth of artifacts from the author’s life. 

Continue to Mallory Square for sunset and watch the amazing street performers take over the area. Then spend the night at the 4-star Ocean Key Resort & Spa. Rooms here overlook Sunset Pier at Duval Street and come with both private balconies and whirlpool tubs.

Recommended by Victoria of Florida Trippers

St Pete & Clearwater, FL

If you’re looking for a sunny winter weekend getaway, then you have to add St Pete & Clearwater to your bucket list. Located in Tampa Bay, Florida, it’s blessed with year round sunshine and warm weather. It’s a perfect warm winter getaway, or great day trip from Tampa if you are visiting the city.

St Pete & Clearwater is a fun destination, with some beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, interesting museums and magical sunsets. There’s plenty to do on a long weekend trip, but not so much so as to feel overwhelmed or as if you need more time.

Besides fun beach activities, if you’re visiting St Pete & Clearwater in winter you can also expect to find festive attractions. Some of these include ice skating, pop-up holiday markets, Santa sightings and much more! The combination of festive decorations on the beach is something pretty unique!

St Pete & Clearwater is very easy to reach, as it has its own international airport, with regular flights to most big cities in the US and Europe.

With temperatures ranging from 53°F to 70°F, and 5 rainfall days in the coldest winter months, St Pete & Clearwater is the perfect destination if you want to escape the winter cold. 

One of the best places to stay in St Pete & Clearwater is The Don CeSar Hotel. Founded in the 1920s, this iconic hotel is located right on the beach. Over the years the Pink Palace has hosted many famous guests, amongst which Al Capone and F Scott Fitzgerald. Staying here is basically a local attraction! 

There are lots of amazing restaurants of all types of cuisines, but Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is without a doubt a Clearwater Beach staple. The grouper sandwich is their traditional dish, and a must-try on a St Pete & Clearwater weekend trip!

Recommended by Greta of Love the Surf Life

New Orleans, LA

Plan a jam-packed 3 days in New Orleans itinerary and you’ll quickly see why New Orleans is one of the best warm winter getaways in the USA. 

The weather warm at this time of year, with highs around 66 F and lows around 44 F. And there is a ton to see and do, like the art installations and light show at LUNA Fête. 

Just be sure to pack a rain coat since it can be quite rainy at this time of year. Therefore, most months you can expect anywhere between six and seven days per month.  

After that, enjoy fun holiday inspired activities like The Waldorf Wonderland at the Roosevelt Hotel. It’s a magical holiday display that includes fifty Christmas trees. There’s upwards of 60,000 lights that are truly amazing to see. 

You can even head to the Sazerac Bar afterward for a holiday-inspired drink before heading indoors to enjoy the NOLA ChristmasFest. Highlights include an ice rink, an ice slide, and a carousel that all add to the ambiance of this exciting place. 

Then, sample the best beignets in the city at Cafe Du Monde before enjoying some savory Haitian cuisine at St. Roch Market.  

However, to get to New Orleans you’ll first need to fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Once there, you can use the official Airport Shuttle New Orleans to get into the city for just $24.00 one way.

And while New Orleans has a wealth of amazing hotels for you to stay at, Hotel Monteleone along Royal Street is one of the best. After all, it’s home to the famous Carousel Bar which actually spins around like a real carousel.  The rooms and service here are also exceptional and come with everything you need for a luxurious stay.

Recommended by Victoria of Southern Trippers

Orlando, FL

Orlando, Florida makes the perfect warm winter getaways in the USA thanks to the perfect weather, fewer people, and plenty of flights to get in and out of the city.

The weather in winter in Orlando features low humidity and beautiful cool sunny days. If you’ve heard the phrase, “Sunny and 75”, that sums up Orlando winter weather. While it can get into the 40s occasionally, most days have highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. Orlando gets less rain in the winter as well, typically only getting rain from cold fronts coming through.

Other than holidays, you’ll find less people in the theme parks and around Orlando thanks to school being in session. Plus, thanks to Orlando International Airport and Sanford International Airport, you’ll have plenty of options to fly in on Friday and fly home on Sunday.

If you come to visit Orlando, most people stay out near the attractions or on theme park property. Disney’s Grand Floridian goes all out with Christmas decorations. And, the Gaylord Palms has lots of special winter events and decorations as well.

When you venture out to eat though, head over to Winter Park and the Glass Knife for some of the best desserts in Orlando. They also serve food, but make sure to save room for desserts.

You’ll find plenty of things to do at Christmas in Orlando as well as throughout the winter. The theme parks are always a popular choice, and winter is the best time to visit as the lines are typically shorter. Each park has Christmas decor and Christmas events if you are visiting Orlando in December as well.

Winter Park, where the Glass Knife is, is also great for Christmas or for winter. Park Avenue is beautiful and there are several museums to visit nearby if you enjoy art. At Christmas, they have a Christmas parade that was once featured in a Budweiser commercial and several other community events.

If you enjoy the outdoors, don’t miss one of the nearby springs with the closest one being Wekiwa Springs State Park. The temperature in the springs is 72F all year long, and winter is a great time to visit because it doesn’t feel as cold. If you want to stay out of the water, you can also go hiking or rent a canoe or kayak.

Add Orlando to your warm winter getaways bucket list, and you won’t be disappointed.

Recommended by Christine of Live Love Run Travel

Everglades City, FL

Everglades City, Florida is tucked away in the swamps of south Florida, right on the coast. It’s just a short drive from Miami or Fort Myers, which would be the easiest places to fly into to visit for warm winter getaways.

Once you fly in, you’ll have to rent a car because you’ll need one to get around the area. Everglades City is a tiny little town with just a few hotels and restaurants. The Ivey House Bed and Breakfast is a good choice, though it’s more hotel than bed and breakfast. The Havana Cafe is great for breakfast and lunch.

This is the perfect winter weekend getaway for outdoor lovers thanks to the perfect weather, usually sunny and in the high 70s or low 80s, and the lack of mosquitos compared to the summer. While you’re here, be sure to look for alligators in Big Cypress (the Oasis Visitor Center is great for this). Then join a Ten Thousand Island boat tour, and hike the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk. Some other great hikes near Everglades City are the Fakahatchee Hilton, a swamp shack with a gator-filled pond out back. Or, the Marsh Trail which is particularly great for bird watching.  

Recommended by Megan of Red Around the World

Warm Winter Getaways in the Southwest

Austin, TX

The city of Austin, Texas may not be a snowy wonderland in the winter, but it’s warm temperatures and epic list of things to do year-round make it one of the best warm winter getaways in the United States. With temperatures hovering around the low 60s in winter, outdoor activities prevail in this city appealing to nature and music lovers.

Because it is easily accessible from the Austin airport, you’ll be heading for BBQ at Stubbs Bar-B-Q in no time. That will leave plenty of time for cupcakes from Cake Crumbs Bakery & Café afterwards. The Picnic Food Truck Park is also a great spot for trying a variety of dishes. The gyros are highly recommended! Booking lodging downtown is also a bonus. The Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown is sure to catch your eye with its heated rooftop pool and bar.

Tours of the Capitol Building are also enjoyable especially if the holiday season is in full effect with the beautiful Christmas tree on the front lawn. Zilker Park’s Trail of Lights and Mozart’s Coffee Roasters light show are also must-do activities when in Austin in early winter.

Live music is a must when visiting Austin! January hosts Free Week in the Red River Cultural District, where concerts are – you guessed it – free! SXSW also takes place in late winter and features film screenings and a variety of musical talent.

The cooler temperatures (compared to a Texas summer!) make winter prime hiking time. Check out Mount Bonnell for beautiful sunset views of the lake or the Barton Greenbelt for waterfalls and nature trails. McKinney Falls State Park is particularly beautiful after a rainstorm with its limestone backdrop and roaring falls. If you’d rather be on the water, rent a kayak and float past the Austin skyline on Lady Bird Lake.

Recommended by Sierra of Very Truly Texas

Big Bend National Park, TX

Big Bend National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in the winter for warm winter getaways. This park is fantastic to see in the winter because the temps are perfect for hiking. There’s usually sunny skies with cool temperatures, a perfect warm winter getaway.

In the summer, it is scorching to be outside, so it is best to visit this park around December, January, or February. The closest big city airport is Midland, Texas, and it is around 200 miles away. You only need a weekend to hike most of the popular trails. 

One of the best things to do in the winter in Big Bend is to check out the unique hot springs! The hot springs are right next to the Rio Grande, and it is perfect for soaking in the early morning in the winter. The trail to get to the hot springs is only 1.2 miles round trip, and it is pretty flat and easy.

Another popular thing to do is to hike the Lost Mine Trail. This hike is located in the Chisos Mountains area, so you get the best views of some of the best mountains in Texas. The Santa Elena Trail is probably the most recognized area of Big Bend National Park. It is a stunning canyon with the flowing Rio Grande, and you can spot people canoeing all year long. It is a short and easy hike and is one of the best trails in the park. 

The best place to stay and eat in the park is Chisos Mountain Lodge. It is the only hotel and restaurant in the park.

Recommended by Michelle of The Wandering Queen

Warm Winter Getaways in the West

San Diego, CA

Ready to get away from the cold weather? San Diego is the place to be for a weekend or long weekend as a warm winter getaway. The city is easy to get to since you can fly directly to the San Diego International Airport. And once you’re there, you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s perfect sunny weather. That’s right, even in the middle of winter, you can expect 60-65 degree temperatures.

In addition, there are plenty of things to do to keep you entertained. For example, the city is known for its amazing surf opportunities across its abundance of beaches. Even visitors completely new to the world of surfing can enjoy the famous waves of San Diego. Alternatively, if you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, Balboa Park hosts an event called December Nights. This is an event where the whole park is lit up with festive lights.

And of course, no weekend getaway would be complete without good food. In downtown San Diego, you’ll find a wide assortment of food places to choose from. One place worth visiting is GARAGE Kitchen + bar. They serve delicious American food that does not disappoint.

And if you’re looking for a place to stay, consider the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. It’s located right on the harbor, so you’ll be able to enjoy waterfront views from the comfort of your room.

Recommended by Kristin of Global Travel Escapades

Catalina Island, CA

In winter, Catalina Island offers mild subtropical weather with an average temperature of 63 Fahrenheit. It is warm all year long, so you can enjoy water activities in winter, which makes it perfect warm winter getaways.

Since it is an island, you only get there by air or sea. You can book a ticket at Long beach mainland port for a passenger ferry or a helicopter ride. It takes about an hour by passenger ferry and 15 minutes by helicopter. Both can be fun experiences. It is up to you to decide.

There are plenty of things to do in Santa Catalina, such as zip lining, snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing. You can try zip lining to enjoy a beautiful view of the island. You will zigzag down at 35 mph and see the island from a different perspective that will take your breath away.

My favorite activity of them all is parasailing where you are being pushed by a motorboat above the water. Do not be afraid to dip your feet into the water. The feeling of the warm water running by your feet is probably the best feeling. The second-best feeling is the view of Santa Catalina island from above.

Since you’ll be here for a weekend enjoying a warm winter getaway, you’ll need to book a room for a few nights. Stay at the Edgewater for beautiful ocean views, clean rooms and adorable, eclectic decor.

Recommended by Ossama of Awesome Traveler

Warm Winter Getaways Elsewhere

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

There’s no better place for warm winter getaways than in the Caribbean! St Thomas is located in the US Virgin Islands. You can find direct flights to the Cyril E. King Airport in St Thomas from major cities like Atlanta, Miami, New York City, and Charlotte.

USVI is a US territory, which means no passports and easy travel in and out. There’s also an airport under three miles from the main town of Charlotte Amalie where you’ll find more than enough to do to fill a weekend! 

December is the beginning of tourist season in St Thomas. This means great weather, warm water, and plenty of excursion options throughout the island. Hurricane season officially ends on November 30 and temperatures vary from 75-85 degrees. 

One of the best things to do in St Thomas for your weekend getaway is head to Coki Beach. The waters are clear and the coral reefs offshore bring in colorful fish and calm waters perfect for snorkeling, watersports, and SCUBA diving. This popular beach also attracts plenty of visitors making for a lively beach town on the island. There are restaurants and bars nearby for you to make a whole day of Coki Beach. Try Catch of the Day for waterfront views and some fresh seafood with a Caribbean vibe. 

Even if you’re only in St Thomas for a weekend, you have to hop on the 45-minute ferry ride to St John. It’s hard to compare St Thomas and St John because they both offer such different environments. St John is known as a romantic, nature lover’s paradise. The beaches are pristine and the Virgin Islands National Park is the perfect place to spend a day. Go hiking and explore off-the-beaten-path beaches in the warm winter weather. 

Secret Harbour Beach Resort is not only a great place to stay in St Thomas, but also another great place to adventure and relax. Secret Harbour Beach Resort has an on-site pool and beach access. Guests can rent kayaks, snorkel gear, and windsurf right outside their hotel rooms.

Recommended by Rachel of Caribbean Uncovered

The Big Island, HI

The Big Island of Hawaii is one of the best warm winter getaways. It’ especially perfect for those who live on the western coast of the United States, come winter. It boasts two international airports, in Hilo and Kona, with more than a dozen cities with direct flights to the island from major cities along the west coast. Plus, out of all of the Hawaiian islands, the Big Island provides the warmest and driest weather in the winter. You’ll see daily high temperatures in the low 80s.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, the Big Island is one of the best places in the world to swim with manta rays. To see these gentle giants, book a tour for manta ray snorkeling in Kona. You’ll be taken out in a catamaran at night and led out to floating lights shining down into the ocean. The floating light attracts plankton, which, in turn, attracts the plankton-loving manta rays. They will swoop and glide just inches below your face as they feast.

It wouldn’t be a visit to the Big Island without stopping at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to some of the most active volcanoes on the planet. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch Kilaeau erupt. Even if there isn’t active lava flow, there’s still plenty of cool things to explore. Like the 600-foot long Thurston Lava Tube or along the Kilauea Iki trail, which takes you down into a crater from a 1959 eruption.  If you’re staying in Kona, consider fueling up before your trek to the national park at Kaya’s Organic Cafe, for some local grown coffee and treats, like haupia pie, and plenty of laid back vibes.

For a weekend getaway, Kona is the best springboard for your adventures around the island. Indulge at one of the glitzy resorts here, like the Hilton Waikoloa Village, where you can get taken to your room on a boat!

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

BONUS: Bimini, Bahamas

Bimini Bahamas is perfect for warm winter getaways from the East Coast.  Maybe not in the USA, Bimini is located just 50 miles from Florida, it is a short trip that will leave you feeling like you are a world away from the US. 

There are several airlines that offer flights such as JetBlue and United Airlines. Flights from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini are just 37 minutes long, and from Miami is about an hour. There are also multiple ferry companies that make several trips a day from Bimini to Florida. The ferry ride is just under 2 hours.

The winter weather in Bimini is around 80 degrees in the winter, and the water stays warm and comfortable. Bimini is known for its excellent fishing, and there is no shortage of companies to take you out on the beautiful water to fish, snorkel, or scuba dive.  

In the winter, Hammerhead Sharks migrate through Bimini, giving you a unique opportunity to view these incredible animals up close. You can also spend the weekend hanging out on the powdery white sand and crystal clear water of the many beaches on Bimini.

Hilton at Resorts World Bimini is a great property to stay at on North Bimini that includes a beach club. There’s pools, beach access, and amenities like loungers and hammocks, bars, and restaurants. If you are looking for more local cuisine, head to the straw market near Radio Beach, and grab some Bahamian food from the local vendors. 

Recommended by Chantelle of Flannels or Flip Flops

No matter where you live in the U.S., there’s bound to be a few spots on the list that would make a perfect warm winter getaway for this winter season. Run from the cold for a few days and explore some place new. The U.S. is full of beautiful gems you may not have even known existed!