Fun Places to Visit in January in the USA
Depending on your location, you may live in an area where you are exposed to a harsh winter. Sometimes you just need to escape the cold weather and spend your vacation somewhere warm. You can go to plenty of warm places in North America. Some of these places can even accommodate a limited budget.
For many places in the United States, January is one of the coldest months of the year. Since January is also Financial Wellness Month, travelers may take advantage of vacation values and flee the cold and often snowy weather by traveling abroad during January, according to USA Today. If traveling abroad is not feasible, consider cold and warm weather vacation destinations in the United States.
Table of Contents
Los Angeles and Catalina Island
Los Angeles is one of the premier destinations for entertainment. In Los Angeles, you can enjoy the warm weather while visiting theme parks like Universal Studios or shopping at high-end stores on Rodeo Drive. Best of all, Los Angeles has an average high temperature of 70 degrees or higher ten months out of the year. While in Los Angeles, you can also visit Catalina Island.
Catalina Island is an island off of the coast of California with good year-round weather. Even in colder months like November through January, Catalina maintains an average high temperature in the high to mid 60s. Catalina has ports from Californian cities such as Marina Del Ray, Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach. You can reach the island by taking a short boat trip, but if you are feeling more adventurous traveling by helicopter is an option.
San Diego
San Diego, nestled in Southern California, is renowned for its warm temperatures and beautiful beaches. With average highs in the mid-60s, January is an ideal time to visit. Balboa Park, with its botanical gardens and museums, provides a great outdoor experience. Moreover, the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter and the historic Old Town offer a perfect blend of modern and traditional attractions.
Palm Springs
Escape the winter chill with a trip to Palm Springs, where warm temperatures, hot springs, and outdoor adventures await. With average highs around 70, it’s an ideal time to explore Joshua Tree National Park, take a tram ride up the San Jacinto Mountains, and relax in the healing waters of the desert hot springs.
Key West
Key West beckons with its white-sand beaches, historic sites, and a lively atmosphere. With temperatures in the mid-70sF, February is an ideal time to soak up the sun and explore the charming streets of Old Town. Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.
St. Augustine
Step back in time in St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. With average highs in the mid-60sF, February provides mild temperatures for exploring the historic district, Castillo de San Marcos, and the picturesque River Street. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this charming coastal town.
Las Vegas
While Las Vegas is known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment, February offers a break from the scorching summer temperatures. With highs in the mid-60sF, explore the famous Las Vegas Strip, visit the nearby Red Rock Canyon, and enjoy the city’s world-class dining and entertainment options without the summer crowds.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii is frequently visited by tourists in the winter months interested in working on their tan. Located on the island of Oahu, Honolulu’s temperature stays in the 80s year-round. Honolulu is home to a lot of historical landmarks in the state. Pearl Harbor, a National Historical Landmark, was a U.S. naval base that was attacked during World War II.
Today, memorials and museums commemorate the area. The Iolani Palace is located in Downtown Honolulu. It was constructed by King David Kalkaua in 1882 and only housed Hawaiian royalty for 11 years. The palace was not available to the public until 1978. Now it is open to tours allowing tourists to gain a perspective into the private lives of the Hawaiian monarchs.
Big Sky, Montana
If you’re looking for a vacation destination in the United States that offers cold weather, snow, and skiing, consider Big Sky, Montana. Big Sky was named one of the “Best Places to Vacation” by CNN Money. This small community receives more than 400 inches of annual snowfall and offers skiers three mountains, 150 trails and 18 ski lifts. Because Big Sky receives only about 300,000 visitors annually, according to CNN Money, vacationers are likely to avoid large crowds. Besides skiing, Big Sky offers activities such as snowboarding, snowmobiling, dog sledding, or sleigh riding.
Puerto Rico
For those in search of a tropical paradise with white sandy beaches without leaving the US, Puerto Rico is the perfect choice. With its sunny weather and temperatures in the high 70s, Puerto Rico offers beautiful beaches, rich cultural experiences in Old San Juan, and outdoor activities like horseback riding. February is an excellent time to explore the island’s natural beauty and historic sites.
According to USA Today, Puerto Rico is one of the most affordable Caribbean islands because of hotel deals and airfare competition, and for U.S. citizens, it’s also one of the most convenient places to visit because Americans don’t need a passport when visiting. Water sports, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and golf are some of the activities visitors may enjoy. Visitors may also enjoy taking a tour around the island or visiting one of the many museums to learn about Puerto Rico’s history and culture.
New York
If you don’t mind average temperatures of 36 degrees, New York offers visitors many things to do in January. Visitors may visit Rockefeller Center to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree — which typically stays lit until the middle of January, or go skating at the Ice Skating Rink at Rockefeller Center.
The Ice Skating Rink also offers visitors the opportunity to take a private ice skating lesson or host a birthday party on the ice. During January, New York also hosts the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade, the New York National Boat Show, the Three Kings Day Parade, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, the Jewish Film Festival and the Winter Antiques Show.
January in the United States doesn’t have to be synonymous with cold weather and winter blues. From the sunny shores of San Diego to the festive streets of New Orleans and the tropical paradise of Key West, there are warm and inviting destinations waiting to be discovered.
