Check out these 5 stunning warm-weather winter destinations in the U.S. guaranteed to chase away those winter blues.
Winter blues getting to you?
Tired of fighting the snow and freezing rain, having to warm the car and scrape the windshield before you can leave for work?
Maybe it’s time for a vacation.
A vacation where you can enjoy warm ocean breezes and sunshine-filled days. A place where you can spend your day hiking to a tropical waterfall or sipping a mint julep on the veranda.
Here are five stunning warm-weather winter destinations in the U.S. that are guaranteed to warm you up and chase away those winter chills.
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Naples, Florida
On the southwest coast of Florida is a cultural mecca guaranteed to keep you warm and entertained to your heart’s content.
Naples, Florida is known for its art scene with dozens of art galleries, museums, performing art theatres and more.
This coastal town has upscale shopping, beautiful beaches, and more than 700 restaurants.
Check out the 5th Avenue luxury business district for an unparalleled shopping and dining experience.
Just one block away, you’ll find Truluck’s, one of the best restaurants around for incredible fresh seafood and crab.
For the best butcher cut Wagyu steaks try D’Amico’s The Continental restaurant where 1920s Parisian bistro meets New York steakhouse for an amazingly exceptional dining experience.
Naples has some amazing places to stay as well.
For a five star luxury experience, try the Ritz Carlton Golf or the Ritz Carlton Beach Resorts, both located in the center of town.
Hyatt House, the Inn on Fifth, and the Naples Bay Resort are also excellent choices to relax and pamper yourself.
And the Holiday Inn Express on 5th Ave is a good mid-budget option.
Tin City Waterfront Shops is another area you’re sure to enjoy.
Located right on Naples Bay, Tin City has over 30 unique boutique shops in a restored waterfront area along with two restaurants serving fresh seafood.
You should also check out the many pristine white sand beaches in the Naples area including Naples Pier Beach, Vanderbilt Beach, Lowdermilk Beach and Seagate Beach, to name just a few.
Naples is considered the “Golf Capital of the World”.
There are over 90 championship golf courses in the greater Naples area, some designed by notables like Rees Jones, Greg Norman, Larry Packard and others. Check them out here.
From late October thru April, Naples experiences its peak season of visitors.
This means that you’ll be able to experience the best of Naples with a myriad of dining options and cultural activities, but if you’re looking for lower prices and minimal crowds, plan your visit between May and September.
Kauai, Hawaii
January is a great time to visit Kauai.
While technically the rainy season, it’s actually December that typically sees the most rain.
In January the temperatures range between the high 50s and low 70s.
Perfect temperatures for enjoying the outdoors!
The best part however, is the absence of crowds you normally see during the summer months.
For the adventure lovers, there’s plenty of hiking trails on the island, especially in Waimea Canyon.
January is peak whale watching season for the waters surrounding the island.
The humpback whales come to the waters off the coast of Hawaii for mating and calving season.
You can watch them through binoculars from the Kilauea Lighthouse on the north end of the island.
Or, for a more up-close encounter, consider one of the many whale watching boat tours operating on the island.
For great accommodations, consider staying at the Sheraton Kauai Resort or the Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort.
A a delicious dinner, try the Rumfire at the Sheraton Kauai Resort.
The food and service are amazing and the sunset views overlooking the beach are absolutely beautiful.
Want to visit more than one Hawaiian island? Here’s the best 7-Day Island Hopping Itinerary to Maui, Oahu, Hawai’i, and Kauai.
Temecula, California
Temecula is known for hot air ballooning and its wineries.
What could be more relaxing than enjoying a delicious glass of wine while reminiscing about your early morning hot air balloon ride?
Talk about chasing away those winter blues!
Consider making a hot air balloon reservation here.
Temecula has nearly 50 wineries with varieties including Syrah, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
In fact, in 2019 the Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Temecula as one of the top ten wine destinations in the country.
You can make reservations for one of the many wine tours here -a great option where you don’t have to worry about transportation or needing to have one of your party be the designated driver!
One of the prettiest places to stay in Temecula is the South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.
And if you happen to visit in early June, check out the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival!
Sedona, Arizona
One of the most gorgeous areas of Arizona, Sedona is a small town just south of Flagstaff known for its vibrant rock formations.
Sedona is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, artists and others.
If you’re into wine, check out the Verde Valley Wine Trail.
The area has several wineries and tasting rooms due to the dry climate grapes need to thrive.
There are several hiking trails in the area including the popular Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek Canyon.
Sedona is also known for its spas and beautiful bed and breakfasts.
For a pampering spa experience, check out Enchantment Resort where you’ll find beautiful suites and the resort fee includes spa access.
If boutique bed and breakfasts are more your style, check out Sedona’s A Sunset Chateau.
This place exudes a southwestern flair with an outdoor fire-pit and hiking trails just outside your door.
Sedona is also centrally located to three national parks.
The Grand Canyon is just over two hours away to the north.
The Petrified Forest National Park is two hours to the northeast and Saguaro National Park is just over three hours to the south.
For an insider’s guide and tips for visiting Arizona’s three national parks, check out my Ultimate Arizona Itinerary.
Savannah, Georgia
The fifth stunning warm-weather winter destination you should visit is Savannah.
Considered the jewel of the south, Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia.
Known for its museums, historic sites, and beautiful parks, Savannah is teeming with the genteel air of a bygone era while embracing modern charm.
Stay in the beautiful historic downtown area and you can enjoy a walking tour of the area, or climb aboard one of the trolley tours.
You can also tour the town from the water on board one of Savannah’s riverboats for a unique experience.
While in Savannah, consider staying at The Gastonian, a 19th century mansion located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District.
Or the McMillan Inn, a luxury bed and breakfast also in Savannah’s beautiful Historic District.
For some of the best southern eatery around, check out the Pirates’ House. First established in 1753, it’s one of the oldest buildings in Savannah.
And if you’re looking for great tasting wine with an incredible view, check out the 208 Wine Bar located right on the Savannah River.
With temperatures in the low 60s during the day, Savannah is a perfect place to relax and enjoy some southern charm while forgetting those winter blues!
So whether you prefer white sandy beaches, historic antebellum inns, high desert hiking, or southern California hospitality, these five stunning warm-weather winter destinations in the U.S. are sure to cure those winter blues and bring warmth to your spirit.
Comment below if you’re planning a vacation to your favorite winter destination! I’d love to hear from you!
Happy traveling and embrace your inner dragonfly!
