20 Amazing Places To Visit In February In The USA

Winter is actually one of my favorite times to travel – there’s fewer crowds, better prices, and beautiful seasonal scenery. Whether you’re chasing snow or sunshine, here are some standout destinations I’ve personally loved visiting this time of year…

1. Big Sky, Montana

This small mountain town completely wowed me when I visited! January and February bring peak snowfall, so there was deep powder and absolutely breathtaking snow-covered views of the Madison Range.

The busiest season had already passed, so it felt like I had the place almost to myself – there were shorter lift lines, wide-open trails, and more space to explore the pristine wilderness.

I was also pleasantly surprised to find discounts on accommodations and activities, plus some great events this month like the family-friendly Winterfest, the lively Big Sky Best of the West Showdown, the inspiring Backcountry Film Festival, and the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.

I flew into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), drove an hour south and spent a dreamy five day vacation here. I hit the legendary slopes at Big Sky Resort, went snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in Gallatin Canyon, and enjoyed fine dining at the Horn and Cantle (the cedar plank mushrooms were divine)! 

• Visitors’ Center Address: 88 Ousel Falls Rd Unit A1, Big Sky, MT, Phone: 406-995-3000
• Map Location
• Location: Rocky Mountains, Northwest USA
• Vibe: Snowy, cozy mountain retreat
• Average temperature – minus 10°C to 0°C

My highlights…

• Checking at the après ski scene here – I loved sipping on Montana-made RoughStock Straight Rye Whiskey by roaring fire at the chic Summit Hotel!

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

I took a trip to this vibrant Southern city in February and found it was alive with the incredible electric energy of Mardi Gras season – there were lively, colorful parades, costumed party-goers dancing in the streets, the sounds of live jazz in the French Quarter, and a festive atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world, all set against a backdrop of mild winter weather!

• Visitors’ Center Address: 339 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Map Location
• Location: Deep South, Gulf Coast, South USA
• Vibe: Lively, vibrant and fun
• Average temperature – 18°C to 20°C

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the romantic 4-star boutique Hotel Monteleone which was perfect for a weekend couple’s break! I was totally charmed by the unique rotating bar, the heated rooftop pool and the opulent decor! 

3. Mendocino, Northern California

This charming coastal village was such a joy to visit during this month! The weather was cool but comfortably so, and I loved how the usual crowds had long gone, giving the whole place a more local, intimate feel that made it even more special.

I loved that it was also whale-watching season along the rugged Pacific coastline, and I thought the romantic foggy cliffs and cozy inns made it perfect option for a Valentine’s getaway!

I stopped here on a three hour drive from San Francisco and during the four days I spent here I adored whale-watching from Mendocino Headlands State Park.

I also strolled through the romantic cliffside paths of the historic village, and took a misty redwood forest hike in nearby Russian Gulch State Park and explored Main Street checking out the several cute shops and art galleries which had been collecting art since the 1960s!

• Visitors’ Center Address: Ford House Visitor Center & Museum 45035 Main Street, Mendocino, CA 95460
• Map Location
• Location: Pacific Coast, Northern California, West USA
• Vibe: Coastal and artsy with a laid-back bohemian vibe
• Average temperature – 13°C to 16°C

My highlights…

• Taking a ride on one of the country’s best historic rail tours, The Skunk Train (which started in Mendocino) – my favorite part was the very long Tunnel #2, which I found out from the staff was hand-carved during the 1890s! 

4. San Antonio, Texas

Texan summers can be scorching and humid, so I chose to visit this fun historic city in February instead – and I was glad I did! The weather was warm but comfortably mild, with lower than average humidity, so I found it the perfect time to explore.

I loved that there were fewer crowds, discounts on accommodation and a calendar of awesome events. My personal favorites were the lively Bud Light Mardi Gras Festival & River Parade where I watched the River Walk transform into a floating festival and the fun annual Cupid 5K Chase.

I flew into San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and it made the perfect long weekend. I explored the Alamo and the Spanish Missions without the crowds, enjoyed a peaceful walk along the River Walk, sampled Tex-Mex at the Historic Market Square, and discovered the buzzy River Walk which was filled with quirky cafes, excellent restaurants, and interesting shops.

• Visitors’ Center Address: 317 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas 78205
• Map Location
• Location: South-Central USA
• Vibe: Warm, historic city with cultural depth
• Average temperature – 18°C to 21°C

My highlights…

• Staying at the beautiful 4-star Mokara Hotel & Spa – I especially loved the Texas Two-Step Massage in the spa, the trendy rooftop swimming pool and hot tub and the gorgeous river views!
• Dining at trendy Mexican restaurant the Iron Cactus on the Riverwalk – the Avocado and Portabella Fries were lush!

5. Death Valley, California

This month was a much safer and more pleasant time to explore this vast desert landscape! On my visit during February I discovered that the temperatures were just pleasantly mild, so it was the perfect time to explore and hike the surreal landscapes without the intense summer heat.

I also really liked that there were far fewer crowds compared to spring, the soft winter light was perfect for photography, and I even spotted some early wildflowers starting to bloom. Although my favorite part, was that the incredible Dark Sky Festival was taking place, with stargazing sessions, interesting NASA-led science talks, and inspiring astrophotography workshops! 

I drove four hours from Los Angeles and explored for a very unique three days. I hiked the golden canyons of Golden Canyon and Mosaic Canyon, walked across the surreal salt flats of Badwater Basin, and took in panoramic views from the jaw-dropping Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View.

• Visitors’ Center Address: Airport Rd, Furnace Creek, CA 92328
• Map Location
• Location: Southwest Desert, California-Nevada Border, West USA
• Vibe: Surreal, peaceful isolation
• Average temperatures – 18°C to 24°C

My highlights…

• Going star gazing near Zabriskie Point – it was an awesome moment to see the Milky Way and I even saw shooting stars streaking past Orion’s Belt!

6. Palm Springs, California

To me, this funky desert city was the perfect escape from the winter during February and I soaked up enough sun and Vitamin D to beat the winter blues! The weather was warm and sunny (while much of the country was still very cold1), and it was just right for lounging by the pool, outdoor adventures and just simply soaking up the retro-chic resort vibes!

I also discovered that there were fewer crowds compared to the busier months of March and April, and some great events happening too – like Modernism Week, a vibrant celebration of the city’s iconic architectural style, and lively local farmers’ markets.

• Visitors’ Center Address:  2901 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262
• Map Location
• Location: Southern California Desert, West USA
• Vibe: Sunny, retro-chic oasis
• Average temperature – 21°C to 24°C

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the trendy 4-star ARRIVE Hotel – I loved the boutique vibe, the Bellino Fine Linens, the cool fire pits which were alight every evening!
• Taking a trip to the Coachella Valley Certified Farmers Markets – the family-run Branch and Vine olive oil company and the sustainably grown Canyon Creek Mushrooms were my highlights!

7. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado

• Visitors’ Center Address: Vail Welcome Center 241 South Frontage Rd., Suite 8150 Vail, CO 81657
• Map Location
• Location: Rocky Mountains, Central Colorado, West USA
• Vibe: Luxurious alpine village
• Average temperature – minus 4°C to 2°C

My favorite highlights…

• Dining at the chic Japanese restaurant Matsuhisa Vail – the Cucumber Sunomono and the Matsutini which combined vodka, Japanese shochu, passionfruit, and yuzu were my highlights!

8. The Keys, Florida

I was looking to escape the cold winter weather last year so I took a sunny winter vacation on these 125-mile-long chain of tropical islands.

It was a great choice, as I got to experience warm and sunny weather with little rainfall, so it was ideal for snorkeling, kayaking through mangroves, enjoying waterfront dining and sunsets, and soaking up the tropical vibes without the summer crowds!

It also turned out to be a slightly quieter time to visit – since the peak months are December and January – with fewer crowds, some great off-peak accommodation deals (that I was lucky to find!), fun events such as the Key West Art & Craft Festival, and also plenty of live music happening throughout the month.

I drove four hours from Miami and spent a paradise-like week-long vacation there. I snorkeled the coral reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, kayaked through the mangroves of Big Pine Key, caught sunset celebrations at Mallory Square in Key West and visited the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum – I especially loved seeing the cute descendants of Hemingway’s original six-toed cat wandering around the property!

• Visitors’ Center Address: 106240 Overseas Highway Key Largo, FL 33037
• Map Location
• Location: Southeast USA, Tropical Islands off South Florida
• Vibe: Laid-back island chain
• Average temperature – 24°C to 27°C

My personal highlights…

9. Leavenworth, Washington

I spent a long winter weekend in this charming Bavarian-style village and it was just dreamy! I was treated to snow-covered Bavarian-style buildings and stunning alpine scenery that turned the whole place into a magical winter wonderland – perfect for romantic Valentine getaways, snowy adventures, and cozy evenings by the fire after skiing or strolling through the festive village.

Along with fewer crowds and a few off-peak accommodation deals, it also felt like there was always something fun on. There was the magical Village of Lights: Christmastown, which illuminated the town with over half a million lights (from Thanksgiving through to this month), the fun cross-country ski event Skirennen Nordic Race, live music performances at venues and lots of romantic Valentine’s Day celebrations.

I drove 2.5-hours from Seattle and explored the quaint village filled with lights alpine architecture, upscale spas, gourmet dining, and cozy bars, went sledding at Front Street Park, snowshoed and skied the scenic Icicle River Trails, dined on a foraged mushroom risotto at the upscale Watershed Café, and soaked in the romantic, alpine atmosphere!

• Visitors’ Center Address: 940 US Hwy 2 STE B, Leavenworth, WA 98826
• Map Location
• Location: Cascade Mountains, Pacific Northwest, West USA
• Vibe: Bavarian-inspired snowy village
• Average temperatures – 0°C to 5°C

My personal highlights…

• Trying a hearty cup of mulled wine came with blood orange, and fragrant star anis at the Bavarian style cozy chalet Rhein Haus restaurant. The garlic mashed potatoes were also delicious!

10. Hot Springs, North Carolina

Visitors can enjoy outdoor hot tubs year-round at this tranquil mountain town but I personally loved the magical experience of soaking in the thermal springs during the chilly winter air – it felt extra rejuvenating and special!

It was also nice discover quiet trails along the Appalachian Mountains and scenic French Broad River for peaceful winter hikes and cozy mountain charm all without the crowds! 

I searched around and stumbled across some great accommodation discounts and I saw that there were lots of ongoing Valentine’s and Winter Romance celebrations throughout the month too. 

I flew into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) and drove and based myself here for a very relaxing three day break. I soaked in the steaming mineral tubs at the relaxing Hot Springs Resort & Spa, explored the snowy Appalachian Trail past Lover’s Leap, enjoyed atmospheric riverside views along the French Broad River, and cozied up with live music and comfort food at Iron Horse Station.

• Visitors’ Center Address: 106 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC 28743
• Map Location
• Location: Appalachian Mountains, Western North Carolina, Southeast USA
• Vibe: Tranquil, rustic mountain escape
• Average temperature – 8°C to 12°C 

My highlights…

• Soaking in a “Signature Mineral Bath” at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa which came with a private cabana-style deck – I loved being able to adjust the flow myself using a charming old-fashioned brass spigot! 

11. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Summer temperatures at this state park – which is famous for its striking red Aztec sandstone formations – can get dangerously hot, so I chose to explore during this month instead, when the weather was much more manageable and enjoyable.

The cooler, yet still mild, temperatures made hiking through the fiery red rock landscapes far more comfortable and safer, while the low winter sun cast dramatic shadows that beautifully highlighted the park’s stunning desert scenery – without the intense heat or usual crowds.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the events taking place this month, which included the Valley of Fire Regional Photography Event and the February Hike of the Month, which featured new moon guided hikes along the Seven Wonders Loop on some Wednesdays.

I drove an hour northeast of Las Vegas and spent a unique three days exploring. I discovered the Insta-worthy colorful sandstone of Rainbow Vista, wandered through the incredible Pink Canyon and the White Domes slot canyons, admired the iconic Fire Wave, photographed Elephant Rock in the soft winter light, and explored the striking formations, the Seven Sisters, Fire Cave, and the Beehives.

• Visitors’ Center Address: Valley of Fire Visitor Center, Overton, NV 89040
• Map Location
• Location: Mojave Desert, Southeast Nevada, Southwest USA
• Vibe: Fiery red rock surreal wonderland
• Average temperatures – 15°C to 21°C

My favorite highlights…

• Trying to spot wildlife which was more active in the cooler temperatures – I managed to see desert bighorn sheep and desert spiny lizards scurrying around the desert floor!

12. Alta, Utah

I always make a point to visit this historic mountain town during this month because the skiing conditions are just right – I found consistent fresh powder, a deep snowpack, and far less ice on the slopes. All of it was set against dramatic alpine scenery and wrapped in a peaceful, no-frills mountain town vibe, so honestly, there wasn’t much not to love!

As well as the bright blue skies contrasting with the brilliant white snow making everything incredibly scenic, I found that there’s fewer crowds than the peak months of December and January and more reasonable prices too.

I pleasantly surprised to find some awesome events to get involved with too, such as the cute Valentine’s heART Market, Snowshoe with a Naturalist which offered guided winter hikes, the educational Trees and Skis tour and the weekly Ski with a Ranger program.

I flew into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), drove 40 minutes and then based myself here for an active four days. I braved skiing on Alta’s legendary High Rustler, and took in snowy views from Albion Basin and checked out the lively Après-Ski scene! 

• Visitors’ Center Address: 10351 UT-210, Alta, UT 84092
• Map Location
• Location: Wasatch Mountains, Northern Utah, Western USA
• Vibe: No-frills alpine feel
• Average temperature – minus 3°C to 2°C 

My highlights…

• Warming up with a gingerbread hot chocolate and heavenly salted caramel pretzel sticks at Hatch Family Chocolates. 

13. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 

Summer is the most popular time to visit this iconic national park, so I took a trip during this month instead and it turned out to be such a wonderfully unique trip! The snow-covered landscapes had created a stunning winter wonderland and I loved watching the steaming geysers dramatically erupt through the frosty air! 

I also spotted bison and wolves roaming through the Lamar Valley, having emerged from their winter hiding spots to forage for food, and enjoyed peaceful, crowd-free experiences like guided snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing, and snow coach tours through the park’s remote, frozen landscapes. It was a magical time to visit, with incredible light that made it perfect for photography.

Although the roads and hiking trails were snow-covered and inaccessible for regular travel, I found that many remained open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing – and I was able to explore the park’s stunning winter landscapes through guided snowmobile tours and scenic snow coach rides instead.

I flew into Jackson Hole Airport traveled to the park by snow coach and spent an extraordinary four days in the park. I saw Old Faithful erupt against a snowy backdrop, went cross-country skiing near Mammoth Hot Springs, and spotted wildlife in a frozen Lamar Valley.

• Visitors’ Center Address: Grand Loop Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
• Map Location
• Location: Rocky Mountains, Northwest Wyoming, Northwest USA
• Vibe: Snow-covered geothermal natural paradise
• Average temperature – 0 to -15 degrees

My highlights…

• Photographing the picturesque scenery on a snow coach tour – it was a truly incredible experience watching the bison move through the snow and breathe puffs of frosty steam!  

14. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

The summer heat at this striking desert landscape can reach dangerously high levels, so I explored during this month instead – the cooler temperatures made it perfect for long hikes and I discovered is surreal beauty without the intense desert heat or crowds. Unlike many other national parks, I found that all the roads and trails remained open too.

I drove two hours from Flagstaff and spent an extraordinary long weekend exploring mostly hiking the Blue Mesa Trail through rainbow-hued badlands and and enjoying peaceful walks among glistening petrified logs in the surreally beautiful Crystal Forest. 

I also managed to squeeze in seeing ancient petroglyphs at Puerco Pueblo, and joining in an interesting ranger-led backcountry adventure where I discovered the extraordinary Painted Desert (a huge area of colorful badlands).

• Visitors’ Center Address: 1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028
• Map Location
• Location: Painted Desert Region, Northeastern Arizona, Southwest USA
• Vibe: Surreal and quiet desert solitude
• Average temperature – 10°C to 16°C

My favorite highlights…

• Seeing a reconstructed skeleton of a phytosaur, a crocodile-like reptile that once inhabited the region at the interesting Rainbow Forest Museum.

15. Kirkwood, California

This scenic mountain town completely won me over during my February short break! It’s when the high-elevation resort gets some of its deepest powder, so I found it was perfect for skiing and snowboarding across its famously challenging terrain and scenic bowls – and I loved that it still had a laid-back, uncrowded vibe that made the experience even better.

I discovered Kirkwood to be a more affordable ski resort generally (compared to other more famous resorts in the state) and during this month there were also some exciting competitions including the IFSA 2* Qualifier (Collegiate) and the IFSA Junior 3* competition.

I flew into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, drove an 1 hour and 45 minutes southwest and stayed for a thrilling three days.

I skied at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, watched the experts tackle the tougher The Wall and The Cirque terrains, enjoyed peaceful snowshoeing through the scenic Kirkwood Meadow and then checked out the lively Après-Ski scene – The Cornice Grille and the cozy The Wall Bar were my favorites!

• Visitors’ Center Address: 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive Kirkwood, CA 95646
• Map Location
• Location: Sierra Nevada Mountains, Northern California, West USA
• Vibe: High-altitude ski hideaway
• Average temperature – minus 4°C to 4°C

My personal highlights…

• I stood at the edge of the quarter pipe totally captivated, watching snowboarders pull off insane tricks – they did massive flips, stylish grabs, and spins! 

16. San Diego, California

I adored visiting this sun-drenched coastal city in February – the weather was mild and sunny, perfect for beach walks, outdoor adventures, and soaking up some much-needed Vitamin D while escaping the cold, gloomy winter back home. With its nearly year-round sunshine, it was exactly the kind of warm getaway I needed!

I found it to be much quieter, with a more local vibe and some great accommodation discounts too. I was also pleasantly surprised by how many awesome events were happening – like the educational San Diego Museum Month, the colorful Chinese New Year Fair, and the lively Mardi Gras celebrations in the Gaslamp Quarter.

I drove two hours on the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles and stayed for a gorgeous four days. While I have to admit it wasn’t quite warm enough to swim in the ocean comfortably, it was fine to just relax on the sandy beaches at La Jolla and Coronado instead.

I also explored Balboa Park’s museums and gardens, admired the blooming cherry blossoms at the Japanese Friendship Garden, and even spotted migrating gray whales off the coast (February is the peak of the gray whale migration)! 

• Visitors’ Center Address: 996 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
• Map Location
• Location: Southern California Coast, Southwest USA
• Vibe: Sun-soaked funky coastal city
• Average temperature – 10°C to 18°C

My highlights…

• Going for a round of acupressure with gold-infused oil and a zen-like Gold Extract Body Wrap at the Korean-style Aqua Day Spa.

17. Magic Mountain Ski Resort, Vermont

It was a great decision to take a winter trip to the classic, independent ski resort last year! As it offered me some of Vermont’s best powder conditions during February as well as uncrowded slopes, and a retro, no-frills vibe with steep, challenging trails, tree skiing, and a strong local community feel! 

• Visitors’ Center Address: 495 Magic Mountain Access Londonderry, VT 05148
• Map Location
• Location: Green Mountains, Southern Vermont, Northeast USA
• Vibe: Old-school mountain ski spot
• Average temperature – minus 6°C to minus 1°C

My highlights…

• Trying Uphill Skiing (Skins) for the first time which started by attaching skins to the bottom of my skis, which prevented backsliding – it was surprisingly fun and kind of addictive!

18. Providence Canyon State Park, Georgia

I thought ‘Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon’ was such an underrated hidden gem! Visiting during this month was ideal – the cooler temperatures made hiking the colorful, otherworldly canyon trails far more pleasant and safer, especially since summer temperatures here can soar to 35°C! 

The leafless trees revealed dramatic views of the towering gullies and the pink, orange, and red layers of soil, while the soft winter light cast striking shadows that really enhanced the canyon’s rugged beauty – all without the crowds, so it felt blissfully peaceful and was perfect for photography too!

I drove 2.5 hours from Atlanta and spent a nature-focused weekend break there. That was just enough to hike the strikingly colorful gullies along the Canyon Loop Trail, take in the surreally beautiful scenery peaceful and take part in the very educational Astronomy Night stargazing event which was hosted by the Coca-Cola Space Science Center!

• Visitors’ Center Address: 8930 Canyon Rd. Lumpkin GA 31815
• Location: Georgia
• Map Location
• Location: Southwest Georgia, Deep South, Southeast USA
• Vibe: Underrated natural gem
• Average temperature -13°C to 16°C

My personal highlights…

• Seeing old abandoned car wrecks with faded paint, moss-covered hoods, and shattered windshields left from the previous landowners in 1950s – I thought they made great quirky features! 

19. St Augustine, Florida

I found the weather to be mild and very pleasant during this month in this European-established gem of a city. There were 8 hours of sunshine per day and much less humidity than the summer months. It was also off-season which meant I found better rates on accommodation and far fewer crowds and tourists to contend with too – bonus!

Although the ocean wasn’t quite warm enough to swim comfortably, there were plenty of events to keep me occupied instead. These events included the lively Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series, the fun and family-friendly Old City Pirate Fest and the elegant St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival.

I flew into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), drove 50 minutes north, and stayed for a charming four days. I squeezed in exploring the historic sites of Castillo de San Marcos and the Colonial Quarter, wandered through the romantic cobblestone streets of the Old Town, and enjoyed the final weeks of the Nights of Lights display. 

• Visitors’ Center Address: 10 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
• Map Location
• Location: Northeast Florida, Atlantic Coast, Southeast USA
• Vibe: Upscale charming colonial town
• Average temperature – 18°C to 21°C

My must-do highlights…

• Wandering down St. George Street – I saw galleries housed in old colonial buildings and saw quirky shops selling hand-poured soaps shaped like alligators!
• Sampling wine at the charming San Sebastian Winery – the rich and fruity Reserve Petite Sirah was my favorite!

20. Table Rock State Park, South Carolina

This quieter, lesser-known national park made for a beautiful winter escape! While the heat and humidity can be intense in the summer, I found that February brought crisp, cool weather – perfect for hiking the scenic trails in peace, without the crowds or discomfort.

There were fewer crowds, fewer mosquitoes (and ticks!) and I really enjoyed how the whole park had a cozy vibe during the winter months.

The leafless trees also revealed breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge foothills that are usually hidden in other seasons, so I loved that it was an especially great time for photography too!

I flew into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), drove for 45 minutes and spent an outdoor-focused four days there staying in a cozy historic log cabin.

I hiked the Table Rock and Pinnacle Mountain Trails, admired panoramic winter views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and enjoyed the park’s “Music on the Mountain” bluegrass jam inside the historic CCC-built Lodge.

• Visitors’ Center Address: 158 E. Ellison Lane Pickens, SC 29671
• Map Location
• Location: Blue Ridge Foothills, Northwestern South Carolina, Southeast USA
• Vibe: Quiet mountain park
• Average temperatures – 10°C to 16°C

My personal highlights…

• Experiencing a romantic Valentine’s break in a cozy log cabin and waking each morning to the sight of mist rising off Pinnacle Lake, the scent of pine and the sound of woodpeckers! 

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