Everyone has a different idea of the perfect winter getaway. Some love to hunker down and watch Netflix by the fire, while others feel invigorated after a day of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. If you are looking for an escape from the cold and cozy confines of your home, check out these nine fantastic winter weekend getaways. Whether it is an active adventure, a relaxing spa retreat, or something in between that tickles your fancy, there’s something for everyone this winter.
1. Denver, Colorado
Denver is a vibrant, artsy city ideal for a winter getaway. The city’s LoDo district is home to various restaurants and bars, including several microbreweries and distilleries. The 16th Street Mall is lined with various shops to explore, and you can take a break from the cold with a trip to the Denver Art Museum or the Denver Botanic Gardens.
The city is also home to various outdoor activities, including ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink; you could also visit the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Remember that winter snowfall in Denver is as early as October and could even be as late as May. That will give you more time and opportunity to enjoy winter.
For extensive ice-skating activities, you can also check out Skyline Park, where outdoor ice skating is free. As for the Denver zoo, during winter, it is not as crowded, and you can experience great Christmas lights here in December. You could also check out Ruby Hill Park, which is usually covered in artificial snow. Another unique destination to explore is the Ken Caryl Sledding Hill for exciting sledding activities.
2. Bend, Oregon
Bend is a lively city in the state’s central portion, making it a fantastic winter getaway. The city is known for its abundance of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Being just a few hours from Portland, this city offers plenty of outdoor winter sports.
You could snowboard, ski at Mount Bachelor, or experience snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Tumalo Falls. Snow campers will also have ideal spots for camping, including Paulina Creek. Experience ice skating at Seventh Mountain Rink or the Dutchman Flat Sno-Park.
The city’s landscape of dense forests and rolling mountains makes for an Instagram-worthy picture, and a drive along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a rewarding experience. There are also a variety of arts and cultural events to see during winter.
You could also hire tour companies’ services for alluring beer tours or moonlight snowshoe tours. If you would rather hike, try out the Oregon Desert Trail. Explore the High Desert Museum, where you can learn a thing or two about Bend. You could also check out Sisters, which is near Bend. Here you will discover various galleries, boutiques, and quaint stores.
Other museums you can check out in Bend include TAW Gallery, High Desert Museum, Lubbesmeyer Art Studio & Gallery, and the Des Chutes Historical Museum.
3. Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is a quaint Colorado town located just a couple hours south of Denver and offers among the best weekend getaways in the winter. The Rocky Mountains rise in the distance, and picturesque Aspen trees surround the town giving it a breathtaking vibe and feel.
The Breckenridge Ski Resort is open for exciting skiing activities, and the Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame is a fun place to learn more about snow sports.
Enjoy lazy walks on the snowy sidewalks as you enjoy the quaint hometown grocery stores. You can check out Breck, an outstanding mountain where you can ski during winter. The best part about this mountain is that it accommodates everyone, whether you are an expert or a novice.
Breck is your ideal destination for travelers who love ski-in and ski-out resorts and hotels. It is where you will experience lavish, luxury, and budget-friendly hotels and resorts. Dog sledding is also quite popular in Breckenridge. Bond with the friendly and loving dogs as you sled.
A trip to Colorado National Monument, where you can walk along the Rio Grande River, is a scenic excursion worth the drive. There are also plenty of quaint restaurants and shops to explore in town.
4. Salt Lake City, Utah
Utah’s capital is a vibrant city that’s an excellent place to escape the winter chill. Temple Square, the home of the LDS Church, is an interesting place to visit, and the city’s downtown district is full of arts and culture. The Great Salt Lake is nearby, and there are many outdoor activities. Here you can kayak, fish and even swim on the lake.
You can also explore the Great Salt Lake State Park, where you can see a wide variety of stunning wildlife, including thousands of birds, at the Great Salt Lake Wetlands State Park. Around Salt Lake City, you will come across numerous world-class ski resorts. The desert climate and steep canyons in Salt Lake mean the snow storms dump dry powdery snow up the canyons, which is a great site to behold.
Non-skiers also have lots of activities to enjoy during winter in this charming city. Numerous hiking trails in Millcreek and City Creek canyons remain open during winter. Another thing that makes Salt Lake City among the best weekend getaways in the winter is the robust breweries and beer scene.
If you love history, check out the Natural History Museum of Utah or the Church History Museum.
5. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is one of California’s most famous attractions, and it’s the perfect place to visit during winter. The best part is that this park is always open regardless of the season or time of the year. The park is home to various activities, including hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and kayaking.
Snowfall at Yosemite makes all the difference in the park. This fluffy white stuff makes the park more magical. You can also take a guided tour to see some of the park’s many waterfalls or take in the beautiful views from one of the many lookouts.
The snow covering trees and vegetation give the park some stunning beauty and solitude. If you wish to stay around and enjoy the park’s magnificence for a few more days, check in at the Rush Creek Lodge. Here you will find top-notch services and amenities to keep you warm and cozy during winter.
Check out Yosemite Valley Chapel, Sentinel Bridge, Valley View, and Tunnel View for ideal photo spots. Make your way to Bridal Veil Falls for an adventure like no other in the park.
6. Midway, Utah
If you love the Swiss Alps vibe and ranges but need more money to get there, Midway, Utah, is the ideal destination during winter. It offers among the best weekend getaways in the winter. Midway is a small town just a few hours south of Salt Lake City. The town is home to the largest outdoor desert dune in the world, and it’s worth a trip as you take in the stunning views.
This small town gives the vibe of a tiny mountain village in Swiss. Midway could boast its relevance and fame from the winter ice castle attraction. These ice castles appear like something out of a fairytale. Experience the towers of cascading ice that illuminate at night and resemble frozen waterfalls.
These ice castles are quite attractive and will offer some of the best spots for photos in Midway. These castles will also have tunnels, caves, and fountains where visitors can enjoy great moments with family.
The Great Basin National Park is nearby, and you can explore the park’s stunning limestone forests and ancient bristlecone pines. The Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum is a fun place to learn more about the park and the surrounding area.
7. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington, is a Bavarian-inspired town in the Pacific Northwest that offers one of the best weekend getaways in the winter. The city is home to various German-themed events and festivals throughout the year, and the smaller crowds that winter brings make it an even more enjoyable experience.
You can take a trip to Icicle Creek, where you can see impressive waterfalls and walk along the Icicle River, or explore Lake Wenatchee State Park, where you can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Leavenworth is two hours away from Seattle, meaning you can also visit here and shop.
You could book your stay at one of the gorgeous resorts on the slopes, where you may need a snowmobile to get there. You could also stay at the resorts in town and enjoy exemplary services, snacks, and great beer from this side of the country. You could also check out the numerous lakes around and try outdoor activities. Ensure you confirm the weather conditions, as the lake may be covered entirely with snow.
8. Austin, Texas
Austin is a vibrant Texan city for an unforgettable winter getaway. When visiting during the cooler months, bundle up, as the city’s average temperature during December is just 48 degrees Fahrenheit. The city’s famous music scene, known as the Live Music Capital of the World, is an ideal way to spend a day.
You can easily explore the city’s many attractions on foot, including the Austin Nature and Science Center, the Austin History Center, and the Texas Capitol. There are plenty of other interesting museums, like the Bullock Texas State History Museum, to explore. You can also check out other museums in Austin, including the Contemporary Austin – Jones Center, Blanton Museum of Art, LBJ Presidential Library, and Elisabet Ney Museum.
You could also explore Wonderspaces which is an immersive and interactive art show. It has 14 different installations that vary greatly and present exemplary art shows. Visitors can also tour the Ice Cream Museum and uncover the inner child in them. They can also take many photos and make memories with family and friends.
Make sure you dine at a heated patio like the Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill. You could also try Hotel Vegas and enjoy the spacious patio with DJs and live music.
9. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona, is a city in the southern part of the state and is regarded as the most beautiful destination for a weekend in the country. Experience the stunning red rock formations surrounding the city, and enjoy the numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
You can also visit the Red Rock State Park, where you can take in stunning views and see a wide variety of wildlife. You can also explore the Fantasy Canyon, where you can walk along a creek in a beautiful desert landscape. For spiritual centering and cultural exploration, check out Sedona’s energy vortexes, ancient indigenous ruins, and artistic heritage.
Marvel at the architectural treasures, including the Douglas Mansion and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Stop by the Honanki and Palatki cliffs and the Montezuma Castle. Wine lovers will enjoy Sedona more, thanks to the numerous local vintners. Take advantage of the presence of Oak Creek Brewery and enjoy local beer.
There are many comfortable inns and resorts where you can also check in for a cozy and luxurious night. The top resorts you can check include the Hilton Sedona Resort and the Enchantment Resort.
Bottom Line
Winter can be a great time to travel, especially for those who don’t like crowds or the summer heat. Stay hydrated, warm, and healthy during your trip, and you will enjoy yourself just as much as you would any other season. These nine fantastic winter weekend getaways are just a taste of all winter offers. Pick one, or try them all, and enjoy a winter escape from the cold. And remember, while the winter may be cold, these destinations are warm and inviting.
FAQs
Where is the best place to vacation in the winter?
There is nothing as refreshing as a winter vacation. There are numerous places to explore during the winter season. Some of the best places include Galapagos Island, Honolulu, Oahu, St. Lucia, Austin, Sedona, Yosemite National Park, and Midway.
Where is the cheapest place to spend the winter?
There are numerous places you can explore in winter while on a budget. They may include Quebec City, Merida, Gatlinburg, Cozumel, Banff, Lake Tahoe, Santa Fe, and San Miguel de Allende.
Where should I travel this winter in the USA?
Top places to tour in winter in the USA include New York, Lake Tahoe, Leavenworth, Boulder, Savannah, GA, Key West, and Joshua Tree.
Where do most snowbirds go in winter?
Considering housing costs, Texas is more budget-friendly, and most budget snowbirds flock here. But the most frequently visited state by snowbirds is Florida. It is a popular destination during winter.
