Here Are The 15 Absolute Best Places To Visit In January Across The United States
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Chris Muras
Author
After the excitement of the holidays, sometimes we need a chill-axing getaway to calm down and refresh for a whole new year. That’s why we love sharing with you some of our favorite winter travel destinations. This list of the best places to visit in the U.S. in January has everything from warm weather destinations on the beach to exciting winter adventures.
Best Places to Visit in The USA In January
When most people think about taking a January vacation, they think of hot tropical destinations. But there are some amazing places to visit right here in the US that we think you’ll love too. Let’s get started in planning your next fun January getaway.
St. Petersburg, FL, USA
- Location: St. Petersburg, FL
- Why Visit In January: Visiting St. Petersburg, Florida in January is the perfect time to plan your golf getaway. With temps in the upper 60s and lower 70s, it makes for a delightful round of golf.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Enjoy the ambiance of stunning golf course views when you stay at this lovely condo on the private Isla Del Sol Golf Course only minutes from Fort DeSoto North Beach.
St. Petersburg, Florida is a golf lover's paradise with six golf courses in town and another 42 courses within 20 miles! If you have been looking for a fun destination to plan your golf vacation with mild temps in January, St. Petersburg is a great spot. Especially if you are from the frigid up north where temps in the 70s sound pretty much like heaven in January. Even if you aren't in town to work on your golf game, a day trip to St. Pete Beach is nice in the winter when it isn't crowded with summer tourists.
San Diego, CA, USA
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Why Visit In January: Visiting San Diego, California in January is just in time to catch gray whales as they migrate from Alaska to Baja Mexico. Typically over 20,000 whales make the journey so you have a great chance of spotting some.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This lovely two-bedroom cottage near Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo is the perfect spot to crash during your SoCal getaway to San Diego.
San Diego, California is a beautiful city year-round. When you plan your trip in January, be sure to set aside some time for the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld of San Diego. If you enjoy stunning natural areas, La Jolla Cove, the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and Coronado Island will delight your love of natural wonders. Even though winter in San Diego is on the cooler side, it actually makes a nice walk on the beach more enjoyable with a cozy sweater and temps in the 60s.
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St Simons Island, GA 31522, USA
- Location: St. Simons Island, GA
- Why Visit In January: A fun thing to do when visiting St. Simons Island, Georgia in January is to go on a Tree Spirit hunt. There are more than 20 majestic oak trees all throughout St. Simmons that feature creative carvings.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Take that romantic getaway you've been looking forward to by staying at the St. Simons Island Honeymoon Beach Cottage near Pier Village with lighthouse views and oak trees covered in Spanish moss.
This charming beach town has a calm quiet welcoming vibe that is even more peaceful in January. It is an incredibly romantic destination with sandy beaches, an abundance of rejuvenating spas, and the most enchanting Spanish Oak trees wrapped in Spanish moss. Treat your Honey Buns to a round of golf at the Sea Palms Golf Club, climb to the top of the historic St. Simons Island Light, (A lighthouse originally built in 1810, destroyed in 1862, then rebuilt in 1872, and restored in 2010) then round out the evening with a sunset walk on the iconic Saint Simmons Island Pier.
Best Attractions To Visit In The USA In January To Avoid Crowds
A winter getaway is a pretty good time to avoid crowds in general, but these “hot spots” for a cool getaway are even more chill.
Fairbanks, AK, USA
- Location: Fairbanks, AK
- Why Visit In January: Visiting Fairbanks, Alaska in January is a great time to catch an amazing aurora borealis because it is toward the end of its "dark season." At other times of the year, the sky is too bright to see the northern lights clearly.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Walk to Creamer's Field to see the northern lights when you stay at this adorable log cabin that sleeps four. You can even warm up in the jacuzzi tub in the bathroom.
Sure you have to be a little adventurous to head to Fairbanks in January when the temps rarely go above freezing. But the beauty of an Alaskan winter is hard to beat. Between falling asleep to stunning northern lights, going on a dog sledding trip with Paws for Adventure, going ice fishing on Chena Lakes, seeing the fascinating ice museum at Chena Hot Springs Resort, or taking a reindeer for a walk at the Running Reindeer Ranch, there are numerous things to do in Fairbanks in January.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA
- Location: Crater Lake National Park, OR
- Why Visit In January: Visiting Crater Lake National Park in January is a special treat for snow sports lovers. With an average snowfall of 41 feet, you'll have plenty of fresh powder to enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. And the photos you take home will be breathtaking.
- Where To Stay Nearby: When you stay at The Lake House on beautiful Agency Lake you are in prime position for taking a day trip to Crater Lake while enjoying stunning views of the Klamath Basin.
Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in the US. But many people don't think of it as a winter destination. Once you get a look at how stunning Crater Lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, pine trees draped in powder, and an early morning sunlight setting the trees ablaze, we think you'll put this destination on your bucket list immediately. Winter is also the perfect time to enjoy some of the history and mysterious lore surrounding Crater Lake or maybe even spot a Sasquatch!
Heavenly Mountain Resort - Stagecoach Lodge (Winter Only), 375 Quaking Aspen Ln, Stateline, NV 89449, USA
- Location: Stateline, NV
- Why Visit In January: While visiting the Heavenly Mountain Resort in January be sure you take the 2.4-mile Heavenly Gondola. It is a 20-minute ride high above the mountains that is simply magical after fresh snow. At the top, you'll find zippiness, ropes courses, and tube rides.
- Where To Stay Nearby: For the ultimate Tahoe getaway, this six-bedroom chalet is absolutely beautiful - and the views are pretty okay too.
Heavenly Mountain Resort is a winter-only resort on South Lake Tahoe smack dab between Nevada and California. As the region's largest ski area, you will be treated to an elevation of 10,067 feet, 97 ski trails, and the longest vertical drop. With runs ranging from beginner to advanced there is fun for the whole family no matter what skill level you are at. Even if you aren't so sure about staying upright on two feet and slim little sticks, you can always hit the tubing runs at the top of Heavenly's gondola ride.
Best Places To Visit In The US In January For Outdoor Adventure
It takes a certain kind of crazy to brave the winter elements, but since you are on the cool kids list we think you’ll love these January outdoor getaways. These next couple of destinations are some of the best places to travel in January in the USA for outdoor adventures.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83001, USA
- Location: Jackson Hole, WY
- Why Visit In January: Visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming in January is particularly enjoyable when you go dogsledding to a hot spring! The Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours lets you drive a dogsled team 10 miles to a cozy hot spring where you can warm up those chilly toes.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This gorgeous four-bedroom mountain home at the base of the Teton Range is only a minute's walk to the Jackson Hole Mountain resort.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is one of the best-known ski areas in Wyoming. So, of course, if you are a winter sports fan, it is already on your radar. But there is so much more to Jackson Hole than powder snow and epic ski runs. Go ice skating under the New Year's holiday lights in Teton Village. Go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Elk Refuge to see the herds of elk. Explore historic barns like the iconic Moulton Barns or the Chambers Barn in Mormon Row. Or, go on a brewery tour to some of the best breweries in Jackson.
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Boulder, CO, USA
- Location: Boulder, CO
- Why Visit In January: Everyone knows visiting Boulder, Colorado in January will be an adventurous time on the ski slopes, but there is more than meets the eye to this lovely city. From craft beer tours to stargazing at the Fiske, polar plunges to epic film festivals, or fat tire biking on the Flatirons - you will not run out of things to do in Boulder.
- Where To Stay Nearby: For a unique experience in Central Boulder stay at this charming Victorian home with modern upgrades less than a block from mountain trails.
Boulder, Colorado is another amazing mountain town that is a huge hit in winter. In early January the charming town is still lit with holiday lights and the festive atmosphere of New Year's celebrations. If you are looking for one of the best cities to visit in January in the USA for winter sports, an active downtown, and plenty of fun things to do - Boulder is going to be right up your alley. Be sure to eat at The Sink at least once – The Sink is one of the most famous restaurants in Boulder, often populated with a celebrity or two.
Best Places To Visit In January For Events
The front end of January is a festive time after the December holidays and New Year’s celebrations. But for these next couple of destinations, there is so much more to celebrate even deeper into the month than just a one-day celebration.
Memphis, TN, USA
- Location: Memphis, TN
- Why Visit In January: Visiting Memphis, Tennessee in January is just in time to curl your lip and swing your hips as it's the annual celebration of Elvis' birthday.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The Harbor Town Haven on Mud Island is one of the most popular rentals in Memphis, TN only minutes from downtown Memphis.
One of the best January vacations in the US for music history lovers is Memphis, Tennessee. Especially if you are an Elvis fan. January 8 is Elvis' birthday so each year there is a big four-day celebration around that time filled with music, stories about the King, movies, dancing, and plenty of rock and roll. Memphis comes alive with music anyway, but if you have a hankering for peanut butter and banana sandwiches head to the Graceland Mansion for an epic celebration.
Lake Chelan, Washington, USA
- Location: Lake Chelan, WA
- Why Visit In January: Visiting Lake Chelan, Washington in January allows you to take part in Winterfest - a nine-day celebration in Washington's winter wonderland.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you want to splurge on a multi-family getaway on Lake Chelan this beautiful five-bedroom home is a slice of luxury heaven.
If you are looking for one of the best places to go in January in the USA for a winter celebration, Lake Chelan is the place to go. With two epic fireworks displays, a beautiful ice bar, lots of live music, ice sculptures, the Winterfest Wine Walk, and more winter entertainment than you can fit on the head of a pin (well obviously), Lake Chelan is a pretty festive town in January. Don't miss the gigantic bonfire in Dan Morse Park fueled by a huge pile of former Christmas trees.
Best Hidden Gems to Visit in the US in January
We’ve shared plenty of our favorite well-known destinations, but there is so much to explore in the US that you may not be as familiar with these hidden gems. After looking through the next several getaway locations, they will definitely be on your radar.
Bretton Woods, 99 Ski Area Rd, Bretton Woods, NH 03575, USA
- Location: Bretton Woods, NH
- Why Visit In January: When visiting Bretton Woods Mountain Resort in January make sure you ride the Skyway gondola because it is the only eight-passenger gondola in New Hampshire. The view is incredible after a fresh layer of snow.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Treat your family and friends to a ski getaway in Bretton Woods by staying at this beautiful five-bedroom home with stunning views of Mt. Washington.
Sure Vail and Lake Tahoe get a lot of attention as ski getaways, but this little gem in New Hampshire is not so little. As New Hampshire's biggest ski area, Bretton Woods has 63 runs over 464 acres on the stunning White Mountains. With almost half of its trails marked as black diamonds, there are plenty of challenging runs to enjoy. It is still a great beginner mountain if you are still a bit wobbly on your skis with about a quarter of the runs being marked as beginner trails. Take a break from skiing and check out the canopy tours through the trees. If you are wondering where to visit in January in the USA for a ski vacation, Bretton Woods will treat you right.
Pine Island, FL 34607, USA
- Location: Pine Island, FL
- Why Visit In January: Visiting Pine Island, FL in January is like a tropical vacation compared to Orlando where temps are cool in the 50s - in contrast, Pine Island in January is a balmy mid-70s.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This wonderful three-bedroom home on a golf course with a screened-in swimming pool is the perfect crash pad for your Pine Island vacation. Even better is the incredibly affordable price.
The Southwest coast of Florida has hundreds of tiny islands – Pine Island is the largest. That being said, it is still a fairly small island at only around four square miles. It is like stepping back in time to a quiet laid-back community with a lush natural landscape with a unique blend of pine trees and palm trees. As an island you'd expect the fishing to be pretty fantastic - and you'd be right. If you head to the Matlacha Pass Bridge, you'll be in one of the best spots on the island. You can expect to catch cobra, trout, and snapper. Matlacha is also a wonderful artsy area with lots of shops to take home a souvenir. You can also spend some time spotting dolphins playing in the ocean.
Taos, NM 87571, USA
- Location: Taos, NM
- Why Visit In January: Some would say New Mexico is the hot air balloon capital of the world so visiting Taos, New Mexico in January is a surprisingly good time to soar above the clouds (and the Taos Gorge) in a hot air balloon.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This lovely Taos home with serene mountain views adds to the magic of your Taos getaway.
There is plenty of time to slip in one more ski vacation in January. And Taos, New Mexico is a pretty "cool" place to do so. Then again, Taos is full of history and mystery, so you can take a break from the ski slopes and go on a haunted tour of some of Taos' most ghostly locations. Of course, there probably aren't that many ghosts at the Black Rock Hot Springs so a hike to the springs followed by a dip in the naturally warm pools would be a delightfully relaxing thing to do on your Taos vacation.
Lander, WY 82520, USA
- Location: Lander, WY
- Why Visit In January: If you are visiting Lander, Wyoming in January you might be able to catch the Pedigree Stage Stop Sled race as it passes through town at the end of the month. This epic dog sled race starts in Jackson, Wyoming, and ends in Teton County, WY.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Your adventurous getaway to Lander will be perfect when you book this modern two-bedroom home in the heart of the city near Lander City Park.
Lander, Wyoming is a mecca of climbing opportunities especially in Sinks Canyon State Park, Wild Iris, and the Wind River Range, a section of the Rocky Mountains with peaks over 13,000 feet. It may surprise you that Lander is frequently listed as one of the most outdoorsy towns in America – all you have to do is show up in a pair of hiking boots and we'll point you in the right direction for outdoor adventures. From biking to hiking, climbing to fishing, if you like enjoying the outdoors Lander is the place to be – even when winter weather keeps the creme puffs indoors.
Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, USA
- Location: Apostle Island, WI
- Why Visit In January: Visiting Apostle Island, Wisconsin in January is a unique time when the sea caves take on a magical appearance covered in icicles.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This beautiful Madeline Island cottage is right on Lake Superior and offers you amazing views of Chebomnicon Bay.
The Apostle Islands in Wisconsin are incredibly beautiful in the summertime when kayaking is a popular activity. In the winter, however, the landscape changes into an otherworldly dimension of ice. These icy caves are a unique adventure you won't find any other place. The ice caves can only be accessed after several weeks of below-freezing temperatures because you need to walk across Lake Superior to get to them. Thus, January is a good time to visit. Aside from checking out the ice caves you will enjoy winter hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing.
Did you discover a few destinations that you may not have considered before? If there are more of your favorite winter getaways not mentioned, please share them with a comment so we can add them to our list of the best places to visit in the U.S. in January.
But you know what the most important thing to do right now is, don’t you? Book that January vacation! Or, you could always check out our list of the best places to visit in December in the US for a holiday vacation to some of our favorite festive finds.
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