7 of the best places to go in the US this winter
In the doldrums of winter in the US, when you find yourself longing for spring’s arrival, why not treat yourself to a vacation instead? The change of scenery – whether to a warm, tropical locale or to a cozy, snowy wonderland – can go a long way toward brightening the dark, chilly season. As a bonus, winter can be one of the best times to travel in the United States, with more affordable lodging options, smaller crowds and mellower vibes overall.
Whether you dream of shredding some powder, lounging in the sun, marveling at wildlife or relaxing in a spa, these are our top picks for where to go in the US this winter.
1. Palm Beach County, Florida
Best for wildlife encounters and soaking up sunshine
Vibes: Trade your Christmas tree for palm trees on a trip to this sunny destination on South Florida’s Atlantic Coast. While other parts of the country are shivering, the communities within Palm Beach County stay nice and warm, with temperatures hovering in the 70s (ºF).
Do: Winter is one of the best times to see manatees, the iconic, gentle giants also known as “sea cows.” To catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in Palm Beach County, head to West Palm Beach’s Manatee Lagoon, where the sea cows congregate near the Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center. Winter is also polo season, and you can watch impressive human and horse athletes compete at the National Polo Center in Wellington from January through April.
Eat: Grab a spot on the colorful patio at Avocado Grill and savor refreshing dishes like ginger guacamole, ceviche of the day and tuna poke.
Stay: Don’t want to miss out on cold-weather traditions? Check into the Ben West Palm hotel, which this winter is unveiling a real, outdoor ice-skating rink. After gliding around on the ice, retreat to your sophisticated room overlooking the glamorous yachts of Palm Harbor Marina.
