Winter is a magical time of year in the United States, with snow-covered landscapes, festive atmosphere, and a wide range of exciting activities to enjoy. From skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and hot chocolate, there’s something for everyone to love about winter in the US. But with so many amazing destinations to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to go. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best places to visit in the United States during the winter months.
Get ultimate traveler plannerWinter Wonderland: The Best Ski Resorts in the US
The US is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, with a wide range of options to suit all skill levels and budgets. From the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevada, there are plenty of world-class ski resorts to choose from.
The Best Ski Resorts in the West
Colorado is home to some of the most iconic ski resorts in the US, including Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge. These resorts offer world-class skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, as well as a range of amenities and activities off the slopes.
- Vail: With over 5,200 acres of skiable terrain, Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the US. It’s also home to a range of luxury amenities, including upscale hotels and fine dining restaurants.
- Aspen: Aspen is a world-renowned ski resort that offers a range of skiing and snowboarding options for all skill levels. It’s also home to a range of cultural attractions, including the Aspen Music Festival.
- Breckenridge: Breckenridge is a popular ski resort that offers a range of skiing and snowboarding options, as well as a lively town with a range of shops, restaurants, and bars.
The Best Ski Resorts in the East
The East Coast is home to some of the most historic and iconic ski resorts in the US, including Stowe, Vermont, and Sunday River, Maine. These resorts offer a range of skiing and snowboarding options, as well as a range of amenities and activities off the slopes.
- Stowe: Stowe is a world-renowned ski resort that offers a range of skiing and snowboarding options for all skill levels. It’s also home to a range of luxury amenities, including upscale hotels and fine dining restaurants.
- Sunday River: Sunday River is a popular ski resort that offers a range of skiing and snowboarding options, as well as a lively town with a range of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Winter Festivals and Events
Winter is a great time to experience the festive atmosphere of the US, with a wide range of winter festivals and events to choose from. From the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the festive lights of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Winter Festivals in the West
The West Coast is home to some of the most iconic winter festivals in the US, including the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, and the Winterfest celebration in Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada. (See Also: Where to Visit in Orange County? Hidden Gems Await)
- Rose Parade: The Rose Parade is one of the most iconic winter festivals in the US, featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and a range of cultural performances.
- Winterfest: Winterfest is a festive celebration that takes place in Lake Tahoe, featuring a range of activities, including ice skating, snowshoeing, and hot chocolate tastings.
Winter Festivals in the East
The East Coast is home to some of the most historic and iconic winter festivals in the US, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Christmas in Washington celebration in Washington, D.C.
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the most iconic winter festivals in the US, featuring giant balloons, marching bands, and a range of cultural performances.
- Christmas in Washington: Christmas in Washington is a festive celebration that takes place in Washington, D.C., featuring a range of activities, including ice skating, holiday markets, and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Winter Road Trips
Winter is a great time to take a road trip through the US, with a wide range of scenic routes and winter wonderlands to explore. From the snow-covered mountains of the Rocky Mountains to the frozen lakes of the Midwest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Winter Road Trips in the West
The West Coast is home to some of the most scenic and iconic winter road trips in the US, including the Pacific Coast Highway and the Icefields Parkway in British Columbia, Canada.
| Route | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Coast Highway | 655 miles | Scenic ocean views, charming coastal towns, and iconic landmarks like Big Sur and Yosemite National Park. |
| Icefields Parkway | 144 miles | Scenic mountain vistas, glaciers, and wildlife viewing opportunities. |
Winter Road Trips in the East
The East Coast is home to some of the most historic and iconic winter road trips in the US, including the Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia.
| Route | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom Trail | 16 miles | Historic sites like the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, and the USS Constitution. |
| Blue Ridge Parkway | 469 miles | Scenic mountain vistas, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities. |
Winter Getaways
Winter is a great time to take a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life, with a wide range of cozy bed and breakfasts, luxury resorts, and budget-friendly hotels to choose from. From the snow-covered mountains of the Rocky Mountains to the frozen lakes of the Midwest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. (See Also: Where to Visit in Fuerteventura? Top Hidden Gems)
Winter Getaways in the West
The West Coast is home to some of the most iconic and luxurious winter getaways in the US, including the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay in California and the Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii.
- Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay: This luxurious resort offers world-class amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and golf course.
- Fairmont Orchid: This luxurious resort offers a range of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and golf course, as well as stunning ocean views and a private beach.
Winter Getaways in the East
The East Coast is home to some of the most historic and iconic winter getaways in the US, including the Omni Parker House in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Hotel del Coronado in Coronado, California.
- Omni Parker House: This historic hotel offers world-class amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and restaurant, as well as stunning views of the Boston Common.
- Hotel del Coronado: This iconic hotel offers a range of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and beach activities, as well as stunning ocean views and a private beach.
Recap
Winter is a magical time of year in the United States, with a wide range of exciting activities and destinations to choose from. From the best ski resorts in the US to winter festivals and events, winter road trips, and cozy getaways, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, the US has something for everyone this winter.
FAQs
What are the best ski resorts in the US?
The best ski resorts in the US include Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge in Colorado, as well as Stowe, Vermont, and Sunday River, Maine. These resorts offer world-class skiing and snowboarding options, as well as a range of amenities and activities off the slopes.
What are the best winter festivals and events in the US?
The best winter festivals and events in the US include the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, the Winterfest celebration in Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and the Christmas in Washington celebration in Washington, D.C. These events offer a range of activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, and hot chocolate tastings, as well as cultural performances and festive atmosphere. (See Also: Where to Visit in Puerto Rico? Hidden Gems Uncovered)
What are the best winter road trips in the US?
The best winter road trips in the US include the Pacific Coast Highway and the Icefields Parkway in British Columbia, Canada, the Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia. These routes offer scenic views, historic sites, and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as a range of cultural and recreational activities.
What are the best winter getaways in the US?
The best winter getaways in the US include the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay in California, the Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii, the Omni Parker House in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Hotel del Coronado in Coronado, California. These resorts offer world-class amenities, including spas, fitness centers, and golf courses, as well as stunning views and private beaches.
