When the weather outside is frightful, you don’t have to stay by the fire (no matter how delightful!). Take a trip to someplace warm! Here, we discuss some of our favorite warm places to visit in the winter.
Greater Zion
Greater Zion is a wonderful year-round destination. During the winter months, the area is quieter and the weather remains warm (especially compared to the rest of the state).
One of the main attractions in Greater Zion is the majestic Zion National Park. Zion National Park is open throughout the year. During the winter months, you can expect to stay fairly warm in the park during the day, with temperatures hovering around 50 to 60 degrees. The nights are cooler and temperatures may even drop below freezing.
If you prefer to enjoy the park without crowds then winter is a great time to visit! During the winter months it is entirely possible to only encounter a handful of people on the trails, in the stunning canyons, and throughout the majestic landscapes. While solitude can be peaceful, we recommend exploring the park with a friend.
There are countless other parks worth checking out during the winter months. Some of the most popular ones include Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs, Sand Hollow, and Quail Creek.
If you love to stay active in the winter then St. George is a great place to visit. The mild winter temperatures mean that you can continue to hike, bike, climb, and play outdoors.
Start planning your great winter getaway to Greater Zion today. Request your free print and downloadable Greater Zion Official Visitors Guide.
Greater Zion Golf
Where can you experience more than 300 days of sunshine and 14 golf courses within a 20-mile radius?
Greater Zion!
While many of the golf courses are shutting down for the winter, the golf courses in Greater Zion are open throughout the year. The scenic courses are nestled in the area’s red rock cliffs, sandstone buttes, and lava rock landscapes. Every Greater Zion golf course is unique and presents its own challenges.
If you want to play where the professionals play, check out the Black Desert Resort in Ivins. This luxury golf resort hosted a PGA Tour stop in October 2024 and will host an LPGA tournament in 2025. The course features lava rock along the sprawling fairways and magnificent views of the area’s red canyons and mountain ranges.
Is the idea of choosing from 14 fabulous courses a bit overwhelming (in the best way possible)? Then we recommend checking out the Greater Zion golf concierge services. The services offer one-on-one assistance to help plan a memorable golfing experience. The services work with the golf courses and lodging properties to package tee times for groups both large and small.
Start planning your golf getaway to Greater Zion today! Request your free print and downloadable Greater Zion Golf Guide today!
Olympic Peninsula
Winter can be a great time to visit the Olympic Peninsula. The diverse landscape means that temperatures will vary depending on where you visit. The mountain peaks are often snow-capped while the rainforest and beach are warmer and wetter.
The magic of the winter months isn’t reserved for storybook mountain towns. It can also be experienced in the Hoh Rainforest. During the winter months, the moss and lichen on the trees are thick and vibrant, creating a magical Fern Gully. The temperate rainforest is also one of the wettest destinations with an average of 140 inches of rain per year. This moisture contributes to the magic of the forest, with dripping tree canopies and misty mornings.
While wildlife tends to be less active during winter months, there is still the possibility of encountering critters during winter rainforest walks, especially since the trails are less crowded and less noisy. You may also be able to spot salmon spawning.
Winter can also be a great time to head to the Pacific Coast. The Pacific Coast comes alive during the winter months with crashing storms. Unlike the snow storms further inland, storms along the beach generate impressive swells.
Beach weather during the winter months tends to be milder and snow-free. On calm winter days, the sandy beaches are great places to go for a walk, especially during low tide.
Now is a great time to start planning your winter vacation to the Olympic Peninsula! Request your free print and downloadable Olympic Peninsula Travel Planner today!
Alexandria & Pineville, Louisiana
If you are looking for a warm winter destination, Alexandria and Pineville in Louisiana are great options. Winter in Alexandria and Pineville can best be described as cool but never cold.
Alexandria and Pineville are also great destinations to experience the warmth and magic of the winter holiday season. Winter festivities kick off in the area at Alex WinterFête, a free, family-friendly festival in Alexandria.
The festival begins with a traditional tree lighting followed by Santa’s arrival at Santa’s Village. During the three day long festival, visitors are invited to glide across the outdoor ice skating rink, enjoy the spectacular fireworks over the Red River, and applaud live entertainment including fire breathers, stilt walkers, and musicians. Families with little ones are encouraged to explore Jolly Junction, a children’s area filled with activities.
The festival is best known for its delicious food and drink offerings. Whether you want sweet or savory, you are sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.
There is plenty more to see and do when you visit Alexandria and Pineville during the winter months. Warm your belly with flavorful treats at local cafes and restaurants. Many offer holiday-themed treats including gingerbread lattes and pecan pie. The winter months are also a great time to enjoy local and regional art exhibits and vendors. We recommend saving some time for the Alexandria Museum of Art.
If you prefer to spend your time outside, December is a great time to explore Kisatchie National Forest. Louisiana’s only national forest is the ideal spot for bird watching, hiking, and quiet reflection.
Start planning your vacation to Alexandria & Pineville today! Request your free print and downloadable Alexandria & Pineville Visitors Guide.
Cottonwood, Arizona
Cottonwood, Arizona has a lot of heart! It is located in the heart of Arizona and in the heart of wine country. You will love visiting Cottonwood during the winter months. Cottonwood’s central location is what makes it a great winter destination. It is situated below the cool temperatures of Arizona’s high country and above the heat of the desert. While December is the area’s coolest month of the year, its winter months are still quite mild.
The charming town of Cottonwood is bustling during the holiday season. It boasts more than 60 boutiques and shops, offering plenty of shopping opportunities to find the perfect gift.
If you’re a wine lover, then Cottonwood is the destination for you! The Verde Valley Wine Trail is a top destination for wine enthusiasts. The area is rich in beauty, history, and flavorful grapes. There are 10 wineries along the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Each offers a unique and flavorful tasting experience.
Now is the perfect time to plan your winter getaway to Cottonwood. Request your free print and downloadable Cottonwood Visitors Guide today!
Stay Warm This Winter!
Stay warm this winter! Winter is a great time to discover warm and inviting destinations across the U.S. Start planning a magical winter getaway by requesting your free print and downloadable travel guides today!