The weather in Utah has started to get considerably colder, and while some people love the winter season because it leads to winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding, some people also want to escape the cold.
So if you want to escape the cold this winter and travel somewhere warmer, this list is for you.
The list includes eight destinations in the United States where the weather remains warm in winter, allowing tourists to enjoy the sun and a variety of outdoor activities.
8 Warm Travel Destinations in Winter
The Everglades, Florida
Florida's warm, pleasant climate makes the Everglades a great place for outdoor activities in winter.
With hiking, kayaking, and airboat tours, there are plenty of opportunities for family fun without the sweltering heat of a Florida summer. Visit Florida.
There are also plenty of chances to view wildlife in the area, as alligators, manatees, and many bird species tend to be more active during the winter months.
Tourists can visit specific areas such as Corkscrew Swamp, Big Cypress and Fakahatchee Strand, according to Visit Florida.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
The cold season on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, runs from November to March and rarely reaches temperatures below 64 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, according to Hilton Head. website. This makes the area a great place to visit in winter.
In winter, pets are welcome on the beach at any time and the region's cuisine is filled with fresh seafood. There are even a few food festivals that take place on Hilton Head in the winter.
Hilton Head also offers a great place for fishing, and visitors will find that it's peak season for redfish, trout and flounder, according to Hilton Head. website.
There are also plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities in the area in winter.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks island chain off the coast of North Carolina offers a break from crowded, busy cities.
“In fact, you won't find any towns on the Outer Banks, just more than 100 miles of expansive shoreline, charming seaside villages, and a mix of towns brimming with personality and fascinating connections to our country's history,” according to the Outer Banks website.
Visitors to the Outer Banks can participate in a variety of water activities such as kayaking and boating, as well as aerial activities like hang gliding and helicopter tours, according to the Outer Banks. website.
The area is also a great place for bird watching, visiting lighthouses and there are even a few museums.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
“Beautiful white-sand shores, exciting outdoor adventures, mouth-watering coastal cuisine and unique attractions make our beaches the perfect place for your next vacation,” according to Gulf Shores. website.
Spanning Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, there are 32 miles of white sand beaches where tourists can spend their time relaxing or enjoying various activities.
According to Gulf Shores websiteThere are also many attractions in the area that tourists can visit, such as Adventure Island, the National Naval Aviation Museum, and the Admiral Shellfish Company.
Outdoor activities available in the area include bird watching, hiking and cycling.
Corpus Christi, TX
Corpus Christi is a vacation town on the Texas coast that makes a great winter destination because of its beaches and warmer temperatures, according to Corpus Christi. website.
The region is home to numerous beaches with over 100 miles of shoreline, giving tourists a wide variety of choices when choosing where they want to spend their beach time. The area is also full of a variety of attractions perfect for tourists visiting during the winter months.
These attractions include Mustang Island, Padre Island National Seashore, the South Texas Botanical Gardens, the South Texas Museum of Art, and the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History.
Sedona, Arizona
In Sedona, outdoor recreation is a year-round activity, with plenty of sunshine, cool weather, and blue skies, it's an ideal destination for outdoor activities in the winter, for example. CNN.
Activities around Sedona include off-road Jeep rides and hot air balloon rides over scenic canyons. There are also various hiking opportunities such as the Cathedral Rock trail.
The Red Rock Scenic Byway, which has been called a “museum without walls,” is a great place to take a drive, according to CNN
Palm Springs, California
With high temperatures in the 70s during the winter months, Palm Springs is a great place to travel to stay warm this winter.
The area is known for its spas, resorts, mid-century modern architecture, shopping and art, according to Palm Springs. website. There are also many places where visitors can play golf and tennis.
An iconic landmark that visitors can see in Palm Springs is the “Forever Marilyn” statue, a 26-foot-tall sculpture depicting Marilyn Monroe, according to Palm Springs. website.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is the hub of California's central coastal region, also known as the “American Riviera,” according to CNN.
The city of Santa Barbara is a great place to stroll the boutique-lined streets. Visitors can also hike along the wooded trails of the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden and explore the Old Santa Barbara Mission.
There's also the nearby Santa Ynez Valley, home to wineries and tasting rooms with a backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains, according to CNN.
Other potential day trip destinations include the Dutch-influenced town of Solvang and the Wild West-influenced Los Alamos.
