Winter is here. It’s cold and it’s wet, so you are more than likely staying at home wrapped up in a blanket, drinking hot cocoa and waiting for the warmer summer months to arrive. Instead of wasting your time at home have you thought about planning some winter weekend trips in USA?
There are so many fun and relaxing ways to spend your time over the winter months right here in the USA. Going away on a winter weekend vacation has to be better than being cooped up at home hibernating.
Why Take Your Winter Trips in the USA?
The USA is a big and varied country with many different types of climates. From snow-capped mountains to glorious sandy beaches, there is a winter vacation destination to suit all travelers.
What Should You Consider When Taking a Winter Weekend Trip in the USA?
There are a few factors that you will need to consider when planning your winter vacation in the USA.
Budget
Planning a budget well in advance of any winter trips in the USA is crucial to the whole experience. Once the destination and dates of your winter break have been finalized, estimate a budget that you will need for the weekend. Take into account money for accommodation, travel, food and any luxuries you may want to treat yourself to.
Luggage
When packing for a winter weekend vacation you want to pack light. Carry on luggage is the way to go for all your weekend USA trip needs. It’s faster, easier and reduces your chance of your luggage getting lost or damaged. You’ll also save time because using just a carry-on bag means there will no longer be a need to stand in line at bag drop off points or at the baggage carousel on arrival. Carry-on-luggage can you give you the best check-in experience. However, to make sure you don’t exceed baggage allowance for the airline, use a luggage scale. This will help you avoid paying expensive weight fees.
Accommodation
Firstly, you’ll need to decide if you want to stay in a hotel or a vacation home rental. There are hundreds of options available for the winter weekend traveler from Airbnb to Booking.com. Find accommodation that has everything you need. Is it close to transport and local amenities? And most importantly, is it within your budget.
We’ve put together our top 5 winter weekend trips in the USA. Whether you are after a winter skiing vacation or a bit of winter sun, we’ve got you covered.
Best Winter Skiing Weekend Trip in the USA
Park City, Utah
Park City is the perfect winter weekend vacation getaway in the USA for the avid skiing enthusiast. Located within less than an hour distance from the Salt Lake City International Airport airport, Park City is the most accessible mountain destination. There are many reasons why you should go on a ski holiday. Whether you hit the slopes, visit the Olympic Park or take part in the cities many outdoor experiences, there is an activity for everyone in this winter wonderland.
Average Winter Temperature: A high of 3° with a low of – 9°.
Top Things to Do or See in Park City, Utah, in Winter
- Dogsled
- Flying Eagle Zipline
- Gorgoza Tubing Park
- Ice skating
- Ski and snowboard
- Sleigh rides
- Snow Mobile
- Snowshoe
- Utah Olympic Park
- Winter fly fishing
Trip Advisor Review of Utah Olympic Park: “Take the tour and learn. Our guide was a ski jumper and was filled with experience and great information. I[t] was awesome going to the top of the ski jump area and looking down. We learned so much and was well worth the 12 dollars per person. If you’re in park city I would highly recommend visiting the Olympic park.”
– Bfam7777
Best Romantic Winter Weekend Trip in the USA
Fairbanks, Alaska
Just imagine it sitting under the stars experiencing the Northern Lights with the one you love. Is there anything more romantic? When you enter Fairbanks, Alaska, you will feel like you are entering a Narnia-like-world with wide open snow covered spaces and magical skies. Make Fairbanks your choice for your winter weekend vacation and you will not be disappointed by this winter adventure.
Average Winter Temperature: A high of -11° with a low of -23°.
Top Things to Do and See in Fairbanks, Alaska, in Winter
- Antique Car Museum
- Aurora Ice Fishing
- Aurora Ice Museum
- Chena Hot Springs
- Dog Sledding
- Fountainhead Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ice Sculptures at The World Ice Art Championships
- Moose Mountain Ski Area
- Northern Lights
- Running Reindeer Ranch
Trip Advisor Review of The Aurora Ice Museum: “In a small downtown area so you’re not sure what to expect. As we entered we saw a short but good movie with a lot of history. They then provided coats to enter the ice museum area. It was wonderful to see these awesome ice sculptures. Really beautiful!! Then we took the ice sleigh down the ramp almost outside it was so much FUN! This is included in the admission price but optional to do. Then they had an ice carving show so you could see how the sculptures are made. Really COOL!”
– Hialeah73
Best Affordable Winter Weekend Trip in the USA
Asheville, North Carolina
If you are after a scenic winter weekend trip away then head to Asheville, North Carolina. Here, you get to experience an affordable winter vacation in the USA and the stunning vista of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 33 breweries based in the city’s South Slop District, you can enjoy a tipple or two of delicious home-brewed craft beer.
Average Winter Temperature: A high of 9° with a low of -2°.
Top Things to Do and See in Asheville, North Carolina in Winter
- Ashville Art Museum
- Ashville Pinball Museum
- Bearwallow Mountain Trail
- Biltmore Estate
- Cataloochee Ski Area
- Centre for Craft
- Downtown Ashville Brewery Walking Tour
- Lexington Glassworks
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Western North Carolina Nature Centre
Trip Advisor Review of Downtown Ashville Brewery Walking Tour: “I’m so happy that we chose this educational walking tour as opposed to a bus tour. Greg was super knowledgeable about the brewery process, beer, and the Asheville area. We were happy that it was a smaller, more intimate group (our tour was just 4 people). If you’re looking for an educational, fun tour, this one is phenomenal!”
– Clukow
Best Cultural Winter Weekend Trip in the USA
New York, New York
Yes, the weather may be on the cold side, but New York City in winter is so much more than you could possibly imagine. New York is a dream destination for a winter weekend trip in the USA. Take a crisp winter walk in Central Park or go ice skating by the Rockefeller Centre just like they do in the movies. And with the many museums and galleries on offer, you can unleash your inner culture vulture to the max.
Average Winter Temperature: A high of 4° with a low of-3°.
Top Things to Do and See in New York City in Winter
- Brooklyn Flea Indoor Winter Market
- Chinese New Year at the Lunar New Year Parade and Festival in Flushing
- Fashion Week
- Holiday Train Show at The Botanical Gardens
- Ice skating at the Rockefeller Centre
- Keep Warm at Central Park Zoo’s Tropic Zone
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Restaurant Week
- Westminster Kennel Club’s Annual Dog Show
- Winter Jazz Fest
Trip Advisor Review of The Metropolitan Museum of Art: “I have been to this museum many times. It is among my favorite places in NewYork. The art covers a vast array of different time periods and regions of the world. It’s hard to pick a favorite section as they all offer something unique and amazing. The building itself is also very fascinating. On weekends be sure to check out whether they offer bar service on the main balcony as there is often a string orchestra playing. It adds to the ambiance of the museum and is an incredible treat. If you are only visiting one museum in NYC this would be my pick.”
– Yana D
Best Warm Winter Weekend Trip in the USA
Honolulu, Hawaii
If you are after a bit of “winter” sun, make Honolulu, Hawaii, one of your must-go-to winter trips in the USA. Honolulu has a pleasant climate all year round and is always wonderfully warm, including in winter. With great weather, surfing, sunbathing and beaches, what more do you need from a winter vacation?
Average Winter Temperature: A high of 27° with a low of 18°.
Top Things to Do and See in Honolulu, Hawaii in Winter
- Ala Moana Centre
- Diamond Head State Monument
- Honolulu Museum of Art
- Koko Crater Trail
- Makaou’u Point Lighthouse Trail
- Manoa Falls
- Surfing
- USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park
- Shangri La Museum
- Waikiki Beach
Trip Advisor Review of Diamond Head State Monument: “This hike was definitely worth all the people you encounter! The hike is moderate (not by Colorado standards) and everyone can do it if they take their time. We didn’t go early (like all the other reviews said) cause we slept in, so we probably encountered the large crowd. Still, people were polite and everyone followed the path as was intended. The views were amazing!!! Even with our walk from a distant parking lot, my family was able to accomplish this in 2 hours. (We are a pretty active family though). So if your family isn’t on the active side plan for 3 hours so you can rest at the various spots:). Definitely do this!!”
– ManagerMama