Tired of winter’s chill? If gloomyovercast days, icy sidewalks and freezing temperatures have you dreaming of warmer daysclimates, look no further than the U.S. Whether you’re craving sunshine, sandy beaches or outdoor activityies, these winter travel destinations offer the perfectwarmer weather to help you thaw out and recharge.
For sun seekers
For many Canadians facing long, dark winter days, there is no greaterbetter remedy than sunshine. If you’re craving the rejuvenating energy of bright, sunny skies, the U.S. offers plenty of options to brightern your mood. Here are some of the sunniest spots to explore.
Tucson, Arizona: At the edge of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson has some of the sunniest winters of any U.S. city. While it’s not the warmest place in the country over the winter months, it consistently offers more sun than just about any other destination south of the border.
In fact, Tucson weather is perfect for hiking its scenic mountains, biking the vast network of trails or exploring the stunning landscape on horseback. Of course, you can simply sit back and catch your rays poolside, if if the sun is all you’re after.
El Paso, Texas: Affectionately known as the “Sun City,”, El Paso has an average of 297 days of sun per year –— and most of the winter you’ll experience clear, sunny skies. Take in stunning sunsets, explore hiking trails, or dive into the food, history and culture scenes with sunblock in hand.
Las Vegas, Nevada: There’s oneOdds are that sunshine is safe bet in Las Vegas over the winter months.: sunshine. Sunny 79% of the time between November and February, Vegas is a fun spot to soak up the sun during the day –— and explore the food, shopping, casinos and shows by night.
For beachgoers
If you’re tired of pulling on heavy winter boots and craving the feel of sand between your toes, there are there are several beach destinations in the U.S. that deliver what you’re looking for.
Miami, Florida: Known for its legendary South Beach, Miami is also home to more than a dozen other amazing beaches – each with miles of soft white sand and clear blue waters. The best part? Miami has among the warmest ocean temperature of anywhere in the U.S. – in the middle of January, it pushes 25 degrees Celsius (and only goes up from there).
South Padre Island, Texas: With nearly 50 km of pristine white beaches (the longest stretch in the state), South Padre Island is consistently ranked as a top beach destination by travellers. The only tropical island in Texas, it holds the title of “the sandcastle capital of the world” (you can even take sandcastle building lessons here!)
When you’re done sinking your fingers and toes in the sand, head into the water for some adventure –— the island is a renowned surfing destination and offers lots of other water sports, such as parasailing, fishing and boating.
Oahu, Hawaii: The island of Oahu has hundreds of beaches, from the bustling and popular Waikiki Beach to quieter stretches of sand across the island. If you’re into surfing, Oahu’s North Shore is popular with big- wave surfers –— catch a wave if you’re experienced or simply watch the pros from the comfort of the sand.! For gentler waters, visit any of the beaches on the west or south shores. Ocean temperatures in Oahu are the highest in the U.S., at over 25 degrees CelsiusC.
Oahu’s winter beaches are also wonderful vantage points for whale watching, as the season runs from mid-December through to April. Though you canmay spot whale spouts from land, a boat excursion willoften gets you closer to these remarkable creatures.
For heat seekers
If warmth is what you’re after, look no further than these U.S. destinations boasting the country’s highest winter temperatures. While hitting 30 Cdegrees may be rare, these spots are guaranteedwill likely to thaw you out in no time.
Key West, Florida: Marked by a giant buoy, the Southernmost point of the United States is in Key West, Florida. So, it’s no surprise that it’s going to be one of the warmest places to visit during the winter months. With many days over 25 degrees and lots of sunshine to boost the “feels like” temperature, Key West is the perfect spot for those in search of warmth.
Known for its laid-back lifestyle, world-class scuba diving and fresh seafood, it’s easy to take it easy, enjoy the weather and send envy-inducing photos back home from this seaside town.
Big Island, Hawaii: While all the Hawaiian islands offer beautiful winter weather, Hawaii (also known as the Big Island) has the hottest temperatures of them all. Home to natural wonders – including black-sand beaches, active volcanoes and awe-inspiring waterfalls —– exploring Big Island is a jaw-dropping experience. While you may want to pack your hiking shoes to check out the island on foot, you can pack light for this hot spot.
Palm Springs, California: Often tThe warmest place in California during winter months is Palm Springs —– a desert city famous for hot springs and luxurious resorts. Whether you’re looking for a celebrity-style winter getaway or an outdoorsy holiday, Palm Springs can fit the bill. With temperatures typically ranging from 22 Cdegrees in January and climbing fast to 27 Cdegrees in March, temperatures are perfect for great hiking, world-class golf or mountain gazing by the pool.
For active travellers
If one of your favourite things to do in the nice weather is to get outside and play, any of the destinations on this list offer amazing opportunities to enjoy your favourite activities. These spots in particular have today’s most popular sports covered.
Northern Florida: From Amelia Island to Jacksonville, St. Augustine to Palm Coast, North Florida has so much to offer winter travellers looking to stay active. Especially golfers! Home to THE PLAYERS Championship, PGA TOUR and Champions Tour, Northeast Florida, known as Florida’s First Coast, is home to over 70 world-class golf courses and resorts. With so many options in a concentrated area, it’s the perfect destination for a golf getaway.
The area is also popular among pickleball and tennis players, with dozens of courts dedicated to each sport.
Phoenix, Arizona: With its reliable sunshine and warm temperatures, Phoenix has the whole package when it comes to winter getaways. In and around Phoenix, golfers have their a choice of over 200 courses —– in a wide rangevariety of styles, difficultiesy and prices range.
Pickleball players can also experience an abundance of riches. In Phoenix alone there are over three dozen pickleball courts to chooicese from, and in nearby Glendale, the popular Chicken N Pickle is an indoor/outdoor complex with pickleball courts, a variety of yard games, as well asand a restaurant and sports bar.
Hilton Head, South Carolina: Hilton Head is named “the golf island” for its wealth of courses contained oin on this charming islandLowcountry regionisland. Harbour Town Golf Links is home to the RBC Heritage tournament on the PGA tour and open to the public throughout the year. The two dozen other courses on the island conspire to make this one of the top golfing destinations in the world.
Tennis anyone? Hilton Head is also a premier tennis destination, with six major tennis centres and eight of the world’s top 100 tennis resorts and camps. Whether you want to play for fun, improve your ground strokes with expert instruction or introduce the game to your family, Hilton Head is a haven for tennis players of all ages and abilities.
Whatever your winter travel plans, the U.S. has it all—sunshine, warmth, beaches and endless activities. Don’t forget to pack your shades and sunscreen as you soak up everything these destinations have to offer, leaving the cold and grey behind.
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