Last-Minute Warm-Weather Getaways
After the joy of the holidays, winter can quickly begin to feel like it’s outstaying its welcome, blanketing your days in gloomy conditions and bringing temperatures that make you shiver. But in some parts of the country, cold weather is just a theory. Rather than bundling up indoors to wait out the season, book an impulsive getaway to one of these six jovial destinations, where you can flee its chilling effects and celebrate some offseason sunny vibes.
Las Vegas
Known as the neon city, this town of endless merrymaking is practically built for tourism. Besides its glittering casinos, Las Vegas boasts multiple family-friendly activities. Sightsee along the famous Strip to catch glimpses of landmarks like the replica Eiffel Tower, the Fountains of Bellagio, and the Sphere, an innovative new entertainment venue. Or stop by one-of-a-kind institutions such as the Neon Museum, featuring a boneyard of vintage signs, and Omega Mart, an odd grocery store with a host of alien-like art forms.
And did you know that Las Vegas’s spectacle of lights makes it the brightest place on Earth from outer space? Though you can’t witness this effect for yourself, you can get some air at any of the observation decks in the STRAT’s tower—the tallest view tower in the United States.
Depending on what you’re used to, winter may seem relatively mild here, dropping only into the high thirties at night with occasional rain. But even so, Las Vegas is a city best enjoyed indoors to the soundtrack of thrown dice, shaken ice, and carefree laughter.
Miami
It’s no surprise that one of America’s southernmost locales has slotted an appearance on this list. This iconic retreat is beloved for its flamboyant beaches, Art Deco architecture, skyline of grand waterfront condos, and vibrant Cuban-inspired cuisine.
Though the sand and surf will have a noticeable chill—with typical winter lows dipping to a reasonable 63 degrees—beach walks this time of year are still sure to be peaceful and refreshing. You can listen to the wind rustling the palm trees and the waves crashing on the shore without the usual hustle and bustle of hot-season tourists. And there’s plenty of indoor fun to indulge in as well, including at attractions like the renowned Bass Museum of Art and the Frost Museum of Science’s aquarium and planetarium. Delight in these institutions all day, then return to the beach for unforgettable orange sunsets, piña colada in hand.
New Orleans
This city whirs with life year-round, even outside the seasonal swarm that is Mardi Gras. Bourbon Street’s boisterous nightclubs and bars are certainly a popular draw, but there’s much more that makes the Big Easy special. Stroll down the streets of the French Quarter, the city’s oldest neighborhood, to appreciate French architecture, including the famous St. Louis Cathedral; enjoy shopping and museums within footsteps of Spanish Plaza; and catch live music in venues that line the maze-like Creole corridors of the Marigny district. And, of course, you can’t miss the experience of watching steamboats mosey down the Mississippi River, preferably with a warm, sugary beignet in hand.
If all this sightseeing on foot quickens you to question the weather, don’t fret: New Orleans enjoys winter days as warm as about 64 degrees. Not that the city lacks its chills—you may find yourself with goosebumps if you bravely venture into any of its many haunted attractions, including St. Roch’s cemeteries.
Puerto Rico
A lively tropical island, Puerto Rico is one of America’s sunniest getaways and also among the most exotic. But don’t let its compact size fool you; it conceals fantastic charms unlike anything else on the mainland. Here you’ll find crystalline Caribbean beaches, vibrant customary dishes that feature tropical produce like plantains and yuca, and a unique blend of historic architecture ranging from imposing fortresses to multicolored corridors.
Best of all, temperatures only descend into the seventies at the lowest—no wonder many locals boast that “there is no winter” in Puerto Rico. In fact, this may be the best season to visit some of the island’s most iconic coastal sites, such as the capital city of San Juan and the beaches of Playa Aviones. And make sure to venture inland as well for must-sees including El Yunque rainforest, where tropical conditions reign all year.
San Diego
While the sunny state of California is practically synonymous with surfboards and beach balls, San Diego’s southern position makes it a particularly optimal retreat from any signs of winter. Wander by day under stellar palm trees at Balboa Park, a collection of museums and manicured gardens featuring gorgeous Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Then after sundown, head to the historic Gaslamp Quarter to explore its vibrant galleries, restaurants, and nightlife under the glow of antique streetlamps. Just save time in your trip itinerary for idling by the shore. Though the waters may be especially chilly this season, there’s nothing like lounging on the sands or cycling next to ocean views—and sunsets on San Diego’s striking beaches certainly aren’t to be missed.
This town’s greatest attraction, though, may just be its wildlife. The famous San Diego Zoo houses over 12,000 animals, and every winter, over 20,000 gray whales migrate near the coast to raise new calves. Catch a whale-watching tour departing from this city, and you can get up close with some of the world’s largest animals cruising through the sparkling Pacific ocean.
South Padre Island
With its comfortable temperatures settling around the sixties, this island escape off the tip of Texas invites you to hang up your hat in view of the Gulf of Mexico’s gentle, sunny waters. If you decide to pack up your saddle for South Padre Island this winter, don’t forget your binoculars: over three hundred species of birds pass through here, concentrating in the bird-watcher’s paradise that is Laguna Madre Nature Trail. For even more encounters with adorable animals, you can also book a dolphin-watch boat tour, view endangered species at Sea Turtle, Inc.’s conservation center, or be a cowboy for a day with a horseback ride along the shore.
The nightlife at South Padre Island never hibernates, so save some energy for a romp at its beachfront bars. Be sure to indulge your appetite at local restaurants as well: this food-lover’s haven features freshly caught seafood with a tasty Tex-Mex twist. There’s perhaps no better way to savor the season than a trip to this island—or make your chilly relatives back home feel jealous.