Top Winter Destinations in the USA

If you’re planning a wintertime getaway, you have come to the right place! From beach destinations to national parks, the United States abounds in fantastic winter vacations. Read on to discover the top winter destinations in the USA.

Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado is a premier skiing destination with about 5,000 acres of skiing areas and 350,000 acres of stunning forests. The town of Vail is picture-perfect, boasting heated cobblestone streets, perfect for strolling or photography. In addition to incredible skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating opportunities, the Vail area has many shopping, dining, and lodging options. If you want to experience more of an urban environment, Denver is just a day-trip away.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is an ideal destination for lovers of adventure and scenery. Although this park is beautiful year-round, it is particularly stunning in the winter. As you enjoy hiking, kayaking, ice skating, and skiing, views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range abound. In February, check out Horsetail Falls at sunset. During this time of year, the setting sun lights this frozen waterfall ablaze with bright hues of red and orange. While you’re here, must-see sights include El Capitan, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls.

Whether you want to stay in a luxury resort or go camping, Yosemite has accommodations for every kind of traveler. If you decide to camp in Yosemite, make sure to bring one of our Radiate portable campfires, perfect for warming up on cold winter evenings.

Key West, Florida

Escape the winter weather and head to Key West, Florida for sun, sand, and swimming. Because average temperatures range between 64 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, this area is a lovely destination for snowbirds. Even though this is a small island, Key West can be reached by car via the Overseas Highway.

Must-see areas include Higgs Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor Park for snorkeling, swimming, sailing, and scuba-diving. Besides water activities, Key Wests boasts several art galleries, theaters, museums, and local boutiques. Stop into one of the local restaurants to enjoy some fresh seafood before you leave!

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Snowcapped mountains, tons of entertainment, and affordable prices make Gatlinburg an excellent winter destination for families. Your family can stay in one of the many mountainview hotels, lodges, or cabins, and campgrounds are available in the nearby Great Smoky Mountain National Park. In the park, you’ll find hiking areas, scenic vistas, and waterfalls.

In the town of Gatlinburg, Ober Gatlinburg hosts plenty of family-friendly activities, such as tubing, ice skating, and an alpine slide. Go out for breakfast to one of the area's many pancake houses, and don’t forget to stop at The Old Mill Restaurant for authentic, family-style, southern comfort food.

If you decide to camp in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you will find several campgrounds, including Abrams Creek Campground, Big Creek Campground, and Smokemont Campground. Don’t forget to bring a radiate campfire mini, ideal for creating a bit of heat whenever you need it. Our mini-campfires are easily movable and reusable; a must-have for any camping trip!

Big Bend National Park, Texas

For a warmer destination with ample hiking opportunities, head to Big Bend National Park, located adjacent to the Rio Grande River in Texas. Because average temperatures in the summer reach well over 100 degrees, this park is ideal for a winter vacation, when temperatures are milder. Notable hiking areas include the Grapevine Trail, Window View Trail, and the Lost Mine Trail. One of the best trails is the Santa Elena Trail, which provides gorgeous scenery due to the Rio Grande River and Santa Elena Canyon. When you are ready for a break, check out the hot springs, situated on a half-mile trail near the Rio Grande.

There are only four campgrounds in Big Bend National Park: Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village, Cottonwood Campground, and Rio Grande Village RV Park. While you’re camping in Big Bend, try out our Eucalyptus-scented portable campfire. Infused with eucalyptus oil, lemon essential oil, and soybean oil, to naturally keep the bugs away at night while you sit fireside.  

Cibola National Forest, New Mexico

The Cibola National Forest, located less than 12 miles from Albuquerque, provides jaw-dropping wintertime scenery. The Sandia Mountain has a stunning pink color, accentuated by the lighting at sunset. This mountain is also home to the Sandia Peak Tramway, the second-longest tramway in the world. Running about 2.7 miles, you will be rewarded with panoramic views at the end.

The Cibola National Forest also provides an abundance of winter sports, hiking, and scenic drives. There are plenty of campgrounds in this forest, including the Bosque Campground, the Black Kettle Campground, and the Red Canyon Campground.

San Diego, California

With 100 miles of coastline, sunny weather, and plenty of free activities, San Diego, California is a fantastic destination for families looking to escape the winter blues. Although you can find plenty of lovely beaches in Southern California, some of the best shores include La Jolla Beach, Pacific Beach, and Coronado Beach. While the water can be slightly chilly, it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the abundance of surfing, swimming, and snorkeling in this area’s blue waves.

Boat rides, sailing adventures, museums, art galleries, and theme parks are just a few of San Diego’s family-friendly activities. However, you won’t want to miss a visit to the San Diego Zoo, perfect for kids of all ages.

Agua Caliente County Park is an excellent desert oasis for camping in San Diego, and hosts two naturally-fed pools filled with mineral water. As you are roasting smores with your family by the campfire, use radiate stainless roasting sticks, a necessity for any camping trip.

Chittenden, Vermont

Chittenden, Vermont is the best spot for a quiet and low-key winter wonderland getaway. The small but charming town is located in the mountains, at an elevation of 1,400 feet. Mountain resorts offer cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. The nearby Green Mountain National Forest provides hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic cliffs.

Whether you want snorkeling or skiing, sun or snow, and adventure or relaxation, the U.S. has a winter destination for everyone. Let’s go!