Now that the holidays are over and we’ve settled in for those long winter nights ahead, you might be itching to take a vacation. We’re dreaming of days in sunny California, an après-ski weekend in Jackson Hole, and more. Check out our favorite winter destinations below.
Photo courtesy of Taylor Swaim
Palm Springs
Palm trees towering above midcentury architecture and a sense of California joie de vivre are drawing us to Palm Springs this winter. The warm weather and sunny skies are just a bonus.
For design aficionados, Palm Springs is a dream destination. The area is a never-ending stream of Instagram moments thanks to the iconic architecture. If you want to soak up as much of the area’s design spirit as possible, head out there in February for Modernism Week.
If your travel companions aren’t so jazzed about design, take them to the aerial tramway for a bird’s-eye view of the Coachella Valley. You can also get active and hike to the Tahquitz Canyon waterfall. But no trip to Palm Springs is complete without a visit to see the Cabazon Dinosaurs. These roadside attractions have been an area icon since the 1970s.
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is one of the coolest cities to visit right now. Located in the heart of Mexico, San Miguel has consistently been named one of the best cities in the world by Travel + Leisure.
The city is walkable, so we recommend skipping a rental car. If you’re into buying art and textiles from the places you visit, then San Miguel is the place for you. The Mercado de Artesanías is filled with beautiful pieces of Otomi textiles and hand-painted pottery that can add a touch of global flair to your home.
When you visit in winter, you can avoid crowds and enjoy the weather, which hovers around 70℉. You’ll still be able to see the city’s beautiful architecture without breaking a sweat or fighting large crowds.
Photo courtesy of Jess Hothersall
Photo courtesy of Charlotte Parker
Jackson Hole
If you’re craving some winter magic, head to Jackson, WY, for a weekend of snowy fun. Jackson Hole, the valley that the town of Jackson is located in, is a winter sports paradise. Skiers from across the world come to check out the slopes of the Tetons.
The food scene is not to be overlooked, though. World-class dining options can be found right in town. Adventurous eaters can also ride the tram to the top of Rendezvous Peak and enjoy waffles at Corbet’s Cabin at an altitude of 10,4500 feet.
Hawaii
No winter-getaways list is complete without a mention of Hawaii. While winter is the rainy season for the chain of islands, the weather is typically localized. Factor in the possibility of some rainstorms, but know that just down the beach the sun could be shining. Visiting Hawaii in the winter also means you have a chance to see the legendary surf swells. We recommend taking a day to visit the North Shore of Oahu to see the surfers do their thing. You can watch the legendary Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational from now until the end of February.
If you get tired of the beach, the Hawaiian Islands also offer a vibrant food culture. The combination of influences from countries across Asia, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Portugal, and America means that each bite is a unique fusion of flavors.
Photo courtesy of Kelly Lack, Nicole Franzen & Nicole LaMotte
Photo courtesy of Hotel Saint Cecilia
Austin
Take the media buff in your life to Austin for South by Southwest (SXSW). The massive festival takes place over nine days in March. SXSW attendees get a chance to view some of the hottest new films of the season, see some of their favorite celebrities, and attend engaging panel discussions.
If you want to explore beyond the festival, taking a night to check out Austin’s vibrant music scene is a must. There are tons of good restaurants and places to listen to music—almost everybody there seems to be on the verge of making it as the next big thing.
We also recommend staying in the chic Hotel Saint Cecilia. You can check out our tour of the hotel here.
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