The 9 best winter sun destinations in the USA

When the cold has crept in and the sun has disappeared, there is nothing like getting out of town in search of a little warmth. The USA is known for its varied landscapes and climates, making it relatively easy to discover a patch of warmth even in the coldest of months. That’s why the team at Lonely Planet has compiled its list of the best spots across the country to escape to this winter. Whether you want to be poolside, beachfront, in a city or in a quiet alcove, there is a destination for you.  

Naples, Florida

Best for beach- and food-lovers

Recommended by Brekke Fletcher, senior director of content

Naples is where it’s at in winter. Snowbirds flock to the Paradise Coast for good reasons – gorgeous gulf beaches, plenty of wildlife and delicious dining with a view. Embracing both beach bum and luxe is Naples' superpower. There are too many beautiful stretches of sand to mention, including those on uninhabited barrier islands only reachable by boat. Find a range of accommodation options (including the just-opened Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort) and multiple opportunities to eat, shop, drink and stroll. Temperatures hover around the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 24ºC), so sun-drenched beach days are never sweltering.

Like its Italian namesake, food is a big deal in Naples. Book an outdoor table at Campiello, in the heart of Third Street South (also known as Old Naples). Order the Margherita pizza or one of their house-made pastas. For brunch everyone flocks to EJ's for their French toast, but expect to wait (worth it). Visit the Naples Botanical Gardens, wander around the Third Street South Farmer’s Market or take a morning yoga class on the sand at Vanderbilt Beach. 

Local tip: La Gondola offers private tours in the heart of Naples on authentic Venetian gondolas. 

South Carolina’s Sea Islands

Best for a lowkey coastal getaway

Recommended by Ann Douglas Lott, digital editor

I have a deep admiration for how Southerners will find a way to make a beach trip work any time of year. Florida’s the obvious choice for quick coastal getaway, but if you’re not like the other vacationers, take your pick of the Sea Islands framing South Carolina’s coastline. Come winter, it’s not exactly tanning weather, but rather big sweater on the beach, cycling on sandy paths, admiring the wildlife sort of temps. On each island, you’ll find glorious Atlantic beaches, forests of Spanish moss and literal boatloads of low country seafood cuisine, but like any idyllic island chain, no two islands are exactly alike.

For example, Edisto, about an hour’s drive southeast of Charleston, is the no-frills, easygoing type. Its shoreline is dotted with homes on stilts, and there’s s grocery store, a liquor store and a handful of bars. On the drive in, stop by King’s Farm Market for tomato pie, boiled peanuts and key lime pie – a few of their specialties, in addition to your traditional farmers market fare. Hilton Head Island is more high-end, with upscale resorts lining its waterfront and over 20 golf courses sprawled across the island. My ideal vacation here would be spent staying in Sea Pines Resort villa with family, spending our days walking and cycling to Harbour Town and the beach. By dinnertime, it may be too chilly for a meal on Hudson’s bayside dock, but the ambience continues indoors, where the hush puppies, oysters and seafood gumbo are just as delicious.

Santa Barbara, California 

Best for surfing and whale watching 

Recommended by Acacia Gabriel, associate editor 

As someone who was born and raised in Southern California, winter is a foreign concept (I’ve recently moved to New York, SOS). Just a few hours above Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is a California cool girl beach town with ocean activities, easy access to mountain hikes, and delicious restaurants and wineries. In the winter months, Santa Barbara has a sunny mild climate and fewer crowds. 

For those who like to surf – or, in my case, wipeout – Santa Barbara’s best swells are in the winter months. Also, the Pacific gray whales naturally migrate through the area in December through February, making it the perfect time to take a responsible whale-watching tour. You can spot another migration up in the mountains by going on the butterfly hikes in Goleta, where you’ll spot flocks of monarch butterflies between November and February. 

Stay at the Mar Monte Hotel and enjoy its heated pool and ocean views or get cozy by the fireplaces at the Upham hotel. Both are an easy drive or bike ride to some of the area’s best restaurants, including Convivo, Scarlett Begonia or Gala.

Local tip: If you pick up a $200 tasting card from the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail, you can get free tastings at all 20 Trail wineries. 

Sedona, Arizona

Best for luxe wellness experiences

Recommended by Rachel Lewis, senior social media manager

Come winter, I want to snuggle up somewhere warm and be forced to take better care of myself, and few places deliver on this goal like Sedona. First things first: Sedona is not a place for penny-pinching. If you can embrace that (and the fact that even a simple meal will run you 30 bucks), you’re going to have the time of your self-care-craving life. As if the views aren’t enough – am I the only one madly in love with the red rocks? LMK – any of my fellow wellness enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this woo woo city.

Spend some cash on a stay at Ambiente, where you’ll get your own atrium, private rooftop and the tub of your dreams (they even replace your bath salts daily). Come winter, crowds are thin, making it almost too easy to book the best spa experience of your life at Velvet, Ambiente’s spa. Sign up for reiki, a body polish and maybe even a wrap. You just might fall asleep bundled up in a warm cocoon as a delightful massage therapist works their magic on your scalp.

Take things a step further with a trip to the Center for the New Age, which you’ll recognize by the green aliens vibing outside of the building. Have your aura read and leave with some insight into your emotional state. If nothing else, you’ll leave with a pretty cool photo of said aura. 

Local tip: Swing by Tlaquepaque and grab “Arizona Style” Mexican eats at El Rincon. No need for a res.

Oʻahu, Hawai’i 

Best for adventure on land and sea

Recommended by Brekke Fletcher, senior director of content

Last year, I went to Oʻahu in November and thought to myself, “I need to move here.” Because as much as I love New York City, it’s a cold, bleak and dreary place in winter. Hawai’i is the literal opposite: sunny, shiny, glinty, green, lush, joyful. The highlight of my trip (outside my bougie time at Four Seasons Ko Olina) was driving around the island to check out all the incredible beaches: Lankai and Kailua in particular are stunning. If you want a quick bite to take to the beach in Kailua, I love this local deli and shop, Kalapawai Market (there are two, and I’m talking about the one near the beach). I am obsessed with their trucker hats, and they do both breakfast and lunch to go (sandwiches, pizza and poke). 

On the other side of the island, you must make a point to watch the surfers at the Banzai Pipeline, aka ʻEhukai Beach Park: Lexus Pipe Masters, the final event of the World Surfing League’s Championship tour, which takes place here in January. Not far from Banzai I happened upon Ted’s Bakery near Sunset Beach Park by total accident, ordered a “glazer,” which is just a donut, and I’ve never been the same. They also have excellent cakes by the slice, including a pineapple macadamia nut cheesecake.

Local tip: For an authentic taste of old Hawai’i, reserve a table at Buzz’s Original Steakhouse across from Kailua State Park. 

New Orleans, Louisiana

Best for a rip-roarin' good time

Recommended by Chamidae Ford, digital editor

If you’ve experienced New Orleans in the summer, you will understand why I recommend it in the colder months. Temperatures are mellow but still provide warmth, and the inviting and rollicking city promises an unforgettable adventure. 

I deeply believe that New Orleans is one of the best cities in the country. The food, the nightlife, the architecture! I would stay for months at a time if I could, just to sample as many restaurants as possible. 

For old school Garden District charm, stay at the Columns, one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever been to. It is sultry and dark and grand, encompassing everything you want in a Big Easy hotel. Catch a brass show at Preservation Hall, or stroll along Frenchmen Street for the opportunity to hop between multiple impressive musicians. Enjoy a bite to eat at Napoleon House in the French Quarter (don’t miss their muffuletta) before hitting the town and bar hopping your way through the madness of Bourbon Street. Walk through Aubudon Park and end with a white tablecloth dinner at Clancy’s. Take a ghost tour or head beyond city limits for a rush with an airboat tour on the swamp, spotting alligators along the way. 

Local tip: For most meals, head outside of the French Quarter for the best quality dishes. Cochon Butcher, Jaques Imo’s and Liuzza’s by the Track are some of my favorite spots. 

Rincón, Puerto Rico

Best for a quiet paradise

Recommended by Alfred Lorenzo Ruiz, senior director of product

If you need an island escape, head to Rincón on Puerto Rico’s west coast. A surfer's heaven and beach lover's delight, this small beach town holds every promise of glittering winter sun. 

For your first night on the island, head to the El Faro de Rincón, a local lighthouse, for hands-down the most beautiful sunset on the island. While you’re there, grab an Orange Mojito at nearby Ola Sunset Café (they use fresh Puerto Rican oranges). Don’t miss their rabbit empanadas, skirt steak or octopus.

When you are ready to get in the water, head to Domes Beach. And while Rincón is famous for surfing, if you prefer something lighter, try paddleboarding with Rincón Paddle Boards. Take a beach day at El Ancla, a local spot right on the sand with amazing drinks and super fresh ceviche.

And if you manage to tire of swimming, opt for horseback riding with Pinto “R” Us. For timeless and authentic Puerto Rican food, look no further than Red Flamboyán. Their mofongo and fried red snapper are next level. When you want to hit the town, La Plaza (town square) on Thursday nights comes alive with artisan markets, music, and food. Around the plaza, check out Rincón Beer Company for local craft beers, or El Altiko for drinks and tapas, perfect if you’re in the mood for a night out.

Local tip: The beaches never disappoint in Rincón, but Domes Beach, Steps Beach, Playa María, Almendros Beach and Black Eagle Beach are arguably the best.

South Padre Island, Texas

Best for wildlife spotting and surfside cocktails

Recommended by Dale Blasingame, co-author of the Lonely Planet Texas guidebook

Having grown up in the Rio Grande Valley, it’s a great experience to return as a tourist. I definitely took spots like South Padre Island for granted. Perhaps it’s because it’s one of the most well-known of the Texas beach towns or because it’s the destination for many Texas college students during Spring Break. 

Take a walk on the wild side among the alligators and birds on the boardwalk at South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center or catch a glimpse of rehabilitating sea turtles at the Sea Turtle, Inc. facilities. Take a 90-minute cruise to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins with Dolphin Watch Tours – it’s only $18! 

Catch a football game on TV or belt out your favorite karaoke tune at Coral Reef Lounge. You’re not really in the Lone Star state if you’re not eating a little Tex-Mex, so head to Nautico Island Grill for Tex-Mex staples like chicken enchiladas and fish tacos.

Local tip: Grab an umbrella and lounge on the sand or order a drink at any number of surf-side bars like the Wanna Wanna or Clayton’s.

Palm Springs, California

Best for gay glamour 

Recommended by Chamidae Ford, digital editor

There is no relaxing getaway quite like Palm Springs. It is both the epicenter of fun and completely removed from the rest of the world. In the winter, Palm Springs cools to a lovely 70 degrees in the daytime, and visitors far and wide flock for poolside lounging, vintage shopping and delights like drag brunch and late-night pool parties. 

One thing Palm Springs knows is design, so finding a wonderful midcentury modern hotel is not hard. I am partial to the iconic and beloved (at least in my world) Parker Hotel. It feels secluded and edgy, and I especially love its wall-to-wall mirror bathrooms and grounds that feel akin to a secret garden. Excuse me while I sip lavender lemonade by the adults-only pool. 

Dine at favorites like Farm, Mr. Lyons and 533 Viet Fusion. Don’t miss the crunchy French toast at Norma’s, located at the Parker Hotel. 

That being said, Palm Springs isn’t just for glamour. While a visit to the Sec-hé Spa is not to be missed if you love fresh springs and massages, get a workout in with a visit to the Tahquitz Canyon Trail, which has a waterfall along the loop. Or take in a bird's-eye view of this desert city with the aerial tramway. If you want to get really outdoorsy, head to the nearby Joshua Tree National Park.