17 Best US Travel Destinations in January
Craving a winter getaway but can’t decide where to go? This list of 18 top January destinations will make you rethink hibernation and inspire you to pack your bags.
Grab your calendar and start planning – these locales are about to become your new favorite winter escapes!
View this post on Instagram
1. Death Valley National Park, CA
January’s the coolest time to visit Death Valley – literally. The lower temperatures (averaging 60-70°F) make this the perfect time to explore the park’s otherworldly landscapes.
Wander through the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at sunrise for that golden glow. Then, check out the rainbow rocks at Artist’s Palette. For the best views, trek up to Zabriskie Point.
Insider Tip: Ditch the shuttles and drive your own vehicle. You’ll have the freedom to chase the perfect shot and stop wherever catches your eye.
Where to Stay: The Inn at Death Valley, is a historic AAA four-diamond resort with spring-fed pools and lush date palm gardens in the heart of the desert.
2. Palm Springs, CA
January serves up perfect desert weather with daytime highs in the 70s and crystal-clear skies. This retro-cool oasis comes alive with events like the International Film Festival and Modernism Week.
Spend your days exploring mid-century modern architecture, soaking in natural mineral springs, or taking the aerial tramway up to San Jacinto Peak.
Insider Tip: Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for stunning views of the Coachella Valley.
Where to Stay: The Saguaro Palm Springs dazzles with its rainbow-hued exterior and lively pool scene.
View this post on Instagram
3. New Orleans, LA
January reveals NOLA’s sophisticated side with smaller crowds and comfortable temperatures in the 60s. The month kicks off with festive Twelfth Night celebrations marking the start of Carnival season.
Explore the French Quarter’s historic architecture without summer’s humidity, catch live jazz at Preservation Hall, or join a local food tour to sample gumbo and beignets.
Where to Stay: The Troubadour Hotel, located 10 minutes from the French Quarter, features a trendy rooftop lounge perfect for sipping hurricanes while watching the sunset.
4. Zion National Park, UT
January transforms Zion’s red rock formations with occasional dustings of snow, creating magical photo opportunities without summer’s crowds. With only 2% of annual visitors arriving this month, you’ll have popular trails like Angels Landing nearly to yourself!
The cooler temperatures make hiking more pleasant. You might spot mule deer, bighorn sheep, or even a mountain lion if you’re lucky. Don’t forget to pack microspikes for your boots – some trails can get icy.
Where to Stay: Zion National Park Lodge nestle you right in the heart of the park, offering front-row seats to snow-dusted canyon views.
View this post on Instagram
5. San Diego, CA
January brings mild temperatures and smaller crowds to this sunny SoCal gem. Spot migrating whales from coastal trails or catch waves at Pacific Beach without battling crowds.
Balboa Park’s museums are all yours to explore in peace. Fancy al fresco dining? The weather’s just right for that too. Plus, hotel prices take a nice dip this month.
Insider Tip: Take the ferry to Coronado Island for spectacular city skyline views and nearly empty beaches.
Where to Stay: The Pacific Terrace Hotel offers beachfront rooms with private balconies, perfect for whale-watching while sipping your morning coffee.
6. Big Sky, MT
January delivers prime powder conditions across Big Sky’s 5,850 skiable acres. With 400 inches of annual snowfall and notably shorter lift lines than other major resorts, you’ll find plenty of fresh tracks.
Beyond skiing, try dog sledding, snowshoeing through the Enchanted Forest, or soaking in natural hot springs.
Want to mix it up? Book a headlamp night skiing session. You’ll glide down moonlit slopes, surrounded by twinkling stars.
Where to Stay: The Shoshone Condos offer ski-in/ski-out access and cozy fireplaces for the ultimate mountain retreat.
View this post on Instagram
7. Phoenix, AZ
January presents Phoenix at its finest with sunny skies and perfect hiking temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Lace up your hiking boots and conquer Piestewa Peak – the views are killer and you won’t melt on the trail.
Craving more desert magic? Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert before hitting the Desert Botanical Garden to see winter blooms in full force.
Insider Tip: Visit Sedona as a day trip this month when the red rocks aren’t obscured by summer heat waves.
Where to Stay: The JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort offers a luxurious desert retreat with multiple pools and easy access to hiking trails.
8. South Padre Island, TX
January brings mild temperatures and peaceful vibes to this barrier island paradise. Take advantage of the quieter beaches for shell collecting and long walks along the shoreline.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love the winter bird migration, when countless species flock to the Central Flyway. Don’t miss the Holiday Sand Castle Village, where master sculptors create festive displays from sand.
Insider Tip: Book a sunset cruise. The golden hour light is pure magic, and you might spot playful dolphins frolicking in the waves.
Where to Stay: The Margaritaville Beach Resort offers tropical vibes with heated pools and beachfront access.
View this post on Instagram
9. Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
January transforms Lake Tahoe into a winter sports paradise with world-class skiing and stunning alpine views. The freshwater lake straddling California and Nevada borders provides a dramatic backdrop for winter adventures.
Not into skiing? No worries! Lace up your boots for cross-country trails or snowshoeing adventures.
Insider Tip: Book a snowmobile tour for unforgettable views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains.
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe offers ski-in/ski-out access and a luxurious mountain retreat atmosphere with stunning lake views.
10. Santa Barbara, CA
January in Santa Barbara brings mild temperatures and fewer crowds to this coastal gem. Catch epic surf breaks, explore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, or take a self-guided courthouse tour.
The month kicks off with various wellness activities and outdoor excursions. Don’t miss performances at the Granada Theatre or Lobero Theatre.
Insider Tip: Book a wine tour through Santa Barbara Wine Country for a relaxing winter escape.
Where to Stay: El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, offers stunning Riviera views and luxurious New Year’s Day brunches.
View this post on Instagram
11. Fort Lauderdale, FL
Escape the winter chill and bask in Florida’s balmy January weather. Fort Lauderdale greets you with mid-70s°F temperatures, perfect for soaking up the sun on pristine beaches.
Stroll along Las Olas Boulevard, popping into chic boutiques and art galleries. Take a water taxi through the city’s intricate canal system, marveling at luxury yachts and waterfront mansions.
Don’t miss the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale for a dose of culture on cooler days.
Where to Stay: The W Fort Lauderdale offers beachfront luxury with a trendy vibe and ocean views.
12. Hunting Island State Park, SC
This exotic barrier island becomes a peaceful winter retreat in January. The park’s dense maritime forest creates a Jurassic Park-like atmosphere with its palmetto trees and diverse wildlife.
The park’s crown jewel? South Carolina’s only publicly accessible lighthouse. Climb 167 steps for spectacular coastal views.
You can even ride horses on the beach – a special treat only allowed from December to February with a permit.
Where to Stay: The Beaufort Inn offers historic Southern charm just a short drive from the park.
View this post on Instagram
13. The Everglades, FL
The Everglades beckon with mild temperatures and low humidity. It’s prime time to spot gators sunning themselves and rare birds taking flight.
Grab your binoculars and hop on an airboat for a thrilling ride through the sawgrass marshes. Join a ranger-led program to learn about the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Where to Stay: Everglades City Motel puts you right in the heart of the action, just minutes from park activities.
14. Saguaro National Park, AZ
January’s cooler temperatures make this the perfect time to explore the park’s iconic giant cacti without risking heat exhaustion.
The winter months offer ideal conditions for hiking and photographing the ancient saguaros, some of which live up to 250 years!
The park is split into two districts. The Tucson Mountain District (West) and Rincon Mountain District (East) both offer unique experiences. Don’t miss the visitor centers to learn about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
Where to Stay: JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa offers luxe rooms with desert views near the park.
View this post on Instagram
15. St. John, USVI
January brings perfect weather to this Caribbean paradise, with water temperatures around 79 degrees. Being 65% National Park ensures preserved natural beauty and uncrowded beaches.
Insider Tip: Book your rental car well in advance as availability can be limited during peak season.
Where to Stay: Estate Fortsberg offers breathtaking views over Coral Bay and Hurricane Hole, ideal for group or family trips.
16. Crater Lake National Park, OR
Winter transforms Crater Lake into a snowy playground. While some roads may be closed, the park offers unique winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
The Rim Drive provides spectacular views of America’s deepest lake surrounded by snow-dusted peaks. Join a ranger-led snowshoe walk to get the inside scoop on the park’s winter ecology.
Where to Stay: Crater Lake Lodge offers rooms with unbeatable lake views in a historic setting.
View this post on Instagram
17. Palm Desert, CA
January’s perfect desert weather creates ideal conditions for outdoor activities. You’ll find balmy days perfect for teeing off at championship golf courses or hiking scenic trails.
El Paseo, the desert’s answer to Rodeo Drive, tempts shoppers with upscale boutiques. The nearby Living Desert Zoo and Gardens showcases desert wildlife and botanical gardens.
Insider Tip: Visit the Living Desert at dusk for WildLights, when millions of twinkling lights transform the botanical gardens.
Where to Stay: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa offers luxury amenities and stunning mountain views.
