If you catch yourself Googling “warm places to escape winter,” you’re in the right place.
I’ve done it myself – escaping winter to places like Florida’s Gulf Coast, Arizona’s desert towns, Texas’s laid-back beaches, and California’s mild, coastal cities.
Each spot came with its own surprises. Florida was warm and easy-going but busier than I expected during peak season. Arizona’s dry desert air made hiking in winter feel amazing (though the temperature swings at night caught me off guard). Texas had some of the friendliest people and most affordable stays, while California is perfect for exploring the national parks.
So if you’re choosing your own warm-weather escape this year, the real trick isn’t just picking a sunny place — it’s choosing a destination that fits you.
Below, I’ll walk through how to pick the right winter escape, plus a few practical tips I’ve learned the hard way (like navigating transport, staying connected abroad, or knowing whether you need travel insurance).
This way, you can plan your winter getaway with fewer surprises and a lot more sunshine.
At A Glance
How To Choose The Best Winter Destination
Choosing the best winter destination really comes down to your comfort level, lifestyle, and the kind of winter you actually enjoy.
Do you want to escape the cold completely, or are you looking for a mild, sunny break that still feels cosy? Your winter travel budget also matters — some cities are famously pricey, while others are perfect if you’re trying to keep things affordable without sacrificing fun.
Think about what kind of scenery makes you happiest. Do you come alive on outdoor adventures, like hiking or golfing? Or are you someone who loves food culture, boutique shops, and exploring new neighbourhoods? I’ve learned that the “best” place isn’t always the most famous one — it’s the city that matches your pace, your interests, and how you want your winter to feel.
When narrowing down your options, also consider practical things like travel insurance for winter trips, easy access to medical care, walkability, and how busy the destination gets during peak holiday season.
If you’re still deciding where to go, here are a few of the best winter destinations in the United States — each with its own vibe, unique experiences, and plenty to fill your days.
1. Florida, USA
Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Florida is the classic winter escape for a reason. The moment you step out of the airport and feel that warm, humid air, you know you’ve made the right choice.
Here’s what makes it perfect:
- Miami for vibrant nightlife, Latin culture, Art Deco streets, and mornings that start with fresh pastelitos.
- Clearwater & St Pete Beach for calm Gulf waters, white sand, and long walks along the pier at sunset.
- The Florida Keys for snorkelling, kayaking, laid-back island vibes and sunny mornings that make you forget winter even exists.
2. Arizona, USA
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Arizona is one of my favourite places when I want sunshine without the sticky heat. Winter here feels crisp and dry — perfect for exploring the outdoors without melting.
What to expect:
- Scottsdale for world-class spas, desert-inspired wellness resorts, and some of the best hiking trails in the Southwest like Camelback Mountain.
- Sedona for its red-rock landscapes, energy vortexes (if you’re into that!), easy day hikes, and surreal sunrise viewpoints.
- Tucson for saguaro forests, Mexican-influenced food, and wide open spaces that make you want to slow down.
3. Texas, USA
Klyde warren, Dallas, Texas
If you’re travelling on a budget, Texas offers warm winters without the high coastal prices. The Gulf Coast is especially underrated for winter travel.
Top winter spots:
- Corpus Christi for chilled beachfront days, birdwatching around Padre Island, and long drives along the coast.
- Austin for music, food trucks, lake walks, and mild weather that makes exploring the city feel effortless.
- San Antonio if you want culture, great food, and evenings wandering the River Walk draped in lights.
4. California, USA
Palm Springs, California, USA
California never really gets “winter” — at least not in the coastal cities. It’s perfect for travellers who want variety: beaches, national parks, city life, and some of the best food in the country.
Where to go:
- San Diego for world-class beaches, surfing lessons, Balboa Park, and sunny winter days that feel like spring.
- Los Angeles for shopping, taco trucks, coastal hikes in Malibu, and warm, golden afternoons perfect for road-tripping.
- Santa Barbara for wine tasting, Mediterranean-style architecture, and relaxed coastal luxury.
Your winter destination should feel like a second home. Not only should it be warm and sunny, but it should also be full of things to do that will make this season a memorable one.
Tips For Winter Travel: Packing, Planning And Transportation
Now that you’ve chosen your vacation spot, it’s time to figure out how you’re going to get there. Your best bet is to plan early, pack smart and weigh your best choices for auto transport services.
Find your vacation home and book it as early as possible. You should also do the same thing for your auto transport service. The earlier you start planning your trip, the better, especially because demands for these services increase as winter nears. If you’re going to drive, plan your route in advance and schedule routine car maintenance well ahead of time.
If you’re flying, pack light and smart. Choose versatile clothing you can mix and match, and leave a bit of space in your luggage – you’ll almost always pick up a few things once you arrive. I also find it helpful to set up an eSIM for the USA before flying, so you can land with instant data for navigation, car-rental pickups, or checking into your accommodation without scrambling for airport Wi-Fi.
Many winter travellers choose to ship their car and fly to their destination. If this is something you plan on doing, be sure to book your service at least a few weeks early. Verify the shipping company’s credentials through the Better Business Bureau and check their customer reviews. Look at several options to compare quotes and avoid lowball offers, since they could indicate hidden fees. While an open carrier is most cost-effective, an enclosed carrier provides maximum protection for your car on its journey.
Essential Travel Insurance Considerations For Winter Vacations
Before you swap cold mornings for warmer skies, it’s worth taking a careful look at your travel insurance so you don’t miss any important details. Your main home and the place you’ll be staying for the winter come with very different insurance needs — and both should be protected, especially if one will be left unoccupied for a while.
If you’re travelling to an area that’s prone to storms or heavy rain, remember that standard home insurance often doesn’t cover flood damage, so it’s better to double-check before you leave.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your valuables are properly covered. If you’re bringing any high-value items, list them with your insurer and confirm you’re protected for theft or loss. Liability cover can be a bit pricier, but an umbrella policy can give you that extra peace of mind, particularly if you’ll be renting a property or having friends and family visit.
For anyone taking a longer trip, especially older travellers — travel medical insurance is essential.
Make sure your policy includes prescriptions, doctor visits and hospital stays, and confirm whether it covers any pre-existing conditions. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be relieved to have it if anything unexpected happens while you’re away.
Top Outdoor And Cultural Activities For Winter
Escaping winter isn’t just about swapping snow for sunshine — the best part of a warm-weather trip is finally getting outside and doing things again.
Every region has its own personality, but the one constant is this: winter suddenly becomes the season where you’re active, curious and outdoors more than ever.
What To Do In Florida, USA
If you’re spending winter here, there are many things to do in Florida. You can expect slow mornings on nature trails, birdwatching along boardwalks, and spotting manatees in warmer river inlets.
Cities like Naples are famous for their pristine, world-class golf courses where locals and seasonal residents tee off before the midday heat. And if you love easy outdoor days, Florida beaches in winter are unbeatable — warm water, gentle breezes and fewer crowds than summer.
What To Do In Arizona, USA
Winter in Scottsdale or Phoenix is all about embracing the desert at its best. Mornings start with golden sunrises over Camelback Mountain, followed by peaceful walks through saguaro-filled trails where the air feels cool, crisp and unbelievably still. By midday, you’re sitting outside for brunch in 22°C sunshine, wondering why you ever put up with icy winters back home.
Arizona is also a dream if you love being active. Golfers come for the immaculate desert-style courses, while spa lovers escape to the state’s famous wellness resorts for mineral pools, hot stone massages and that dry desert air that just feels good on your skin.
And if you’ve never tried stargazing in the desert, Arizona is the place to do it. The skies outside Phoenix—especially around Sedona and Fountain Hills—are incredibly clear in winter. Think open horizons, zero humidity and thousands of stars that feel close enough to touch.
What To Do In Texas, USA
On the Texas Gulf Coast, winter feels slow-paced and coastal. Corpus Christi and Galveston are great for fishing charters, birdwatching and long beach walks without the summer crowds.
Inland cities like San Antonio have a surprisingly rich cultural scene — you can wander the UNESCO-listed Missions, join a guided River Walk history tour, or catch live Tejano music on weekend nights.
What To Do In California, USA
RV (Recreational Vehicle) life with my friend, Jeff
California’s coastline stays mild year-round, making winter perfect for outdoor exploring.
In San Diego, you can spend the morning kayaking around La Jolla’s cliffs and the afternoon at a local art museum or outdoor theatre in Balboa Park. Up the coast, towns like Santa Barbara offer wine tasting, cycling paths and farmer’s markets that run even in the middle of winter.
Further up the coast, places like Santa Barbara feel made for slow, sunny winter days. You can hop between wineries, cycle along the waterfront, browse weekly farmer’s markets or wander around the Spanish-style downtown without the usual tourist rush.
One of my favourite memories in California was trying out RV life with my friend Jeff. We parked along the Pacific Coast Highway, waking up to ocean views and brewing coffee with the windows wide open. Winter made it even better — cooler nights, quiet campgrounds and long stretches of empty coastline where we could pull over, take photos and just enjoy the drive.
No matter what your budget looks like or the kind of landscape you feel most at home in, there’s a winter escape in the U.S. that fits perfectly.
From coastal towns with slow, sunny mornings to desert cities made for hiking and spa days, each place offers its own way to break up the colder months. The key is simply giving yourself enough time to plan — flights, accommodation and even popular activities can fill up quickly in winter.
Once you sort out the basics, the rest falls into place, and you can focus on enjoying a season that feels lighter, warmer and a lot more memorable.
