12 Best U.S. Cities to Visit in January

The hectic Christmas season is done and gone. The holiday crowds are back to work and to their regular routines. Ski season is in full swing in the north. The weather is warm and the crowds of summer and Spring Break are a distant memory in the south.

So, what better time could there be to travel within the United States? From the ski resorts of Utah and Idaho to the sandy beaches of Florida and Hawaii, there’s a U. S. City waiting for you this January.

Did I mention there are some great travel deals to be had during this time of year too?

Aspen, Colorado

Top of almost every winter lover’s bucket list is Aspen. With temperatures ranging from very cold to mild in January, snow conditions are excellent for winter activities.

Venture into scenic landscapes to enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and night skating on beautifully-lit outdoor rinks. Take a snowmobile tour or relax with a romantic sleigh ride.

Reach new heights on the Silver Queen Gondola or the Alpine Rollercoaster. Non-winter enthusiasts can enjoy world-class shopping in the cozy boutiques.

It goes without saying that some of the world’s best downhill ski resorts are in Aspen! Pristine powder, steep vertical drops and thrilling backcountry await!

Park City, Utah

If you’re seeking pristine winter conditions to enjoy fun in the snow, Park City is the place to be in January!

This classic mountain resort town has pristine conditions to enjoy activities like dog-sledding, cross-country skiing and tubing. Downhill skiing at Park City Mountain Resort is very popular in winter..

Seeking something more chill? Enjoy a mix of snowshoeing and yoga with a Snowga tour. Go skating under the night sky at Resort Center Ice Rink.

Want time off from playing in the snow? Visit Olympic Park and see memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Attend screenings for upcoming films at the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival.

San Diego, California

Swimming in the Pacific Ocean in San Diego in January is possible but not advisable. The mild temperatures and sunny days are more suitable for walking along the beautiful sandy beaches.

Many events take place around San Diego in January. Check out the country’s biggest dinosaur exhibit at Jurassic Quest. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Sea World. Enjoy ice skating under the night sky at the Poway Winter Festival. Sample craft beers at the Brew Festival.

If you’re seeking a little adventure on your vacation to San Diego, a whale-watching tour to spot gray whales is always a hit.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Among the few warm places in January, none are as tropical as Honolulu! Plus, the holiday crowds are gone and Spring Breakers aren’t due for months.

This bustling city is lined with sandy beaches and palm trees. Explore the Waikiki district’s restaurants, bars and boutiques. Learn about history at USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu Museum.

Go whale watching and see humpback whales. Take a hike along Makapuu Lighthouse Trail or Diamond Head Crater. Visit Monoa Falls or escape the heat with some skiing atop Mauna Kea.

Seeking a quintessential Hawaiian experience? Attend a traditional Luau or check out the Triple Crown Surfing ComPetition.

Phoenix, Arizona

Every day is sunny and warm in Phoenix, even in January! Ideal conditions to explore the desert landscape and enjoy Golfing and biking.

Watch the Arizona Balloon Classic races or, if you dare, embark on a hot-air balloon adventure of your own. Admire stunning artworks at the season-opening of the Phoenix Art Museum. Indulge at Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival.

Want to take a break from the excitement? Relax surrounded by beautiful green spaces at Desert Botanical Garden and Japanese Friendship Garden. Come nightfall, head to the outskirts and observe some of the darkest skies in the country.

Bend, Oregon

Mild and wet or cold and snowy… This is Bend in January!

Take in natural beauty while hiking or snowshoeing to Tumalo Falls and in Oregon Badlands Wilderness. Go downhill skiing at Mount Bachelor, outdoor skating at Redmond Rink or snowmobiling in the Cascade Mountains.

Dog sledding is an exciting way to enjoy an afternoon. A horse-drawn sleigh ride is a perfect way to end the day at Sunriver Resort.

Check out Bend’s diverse foodie scene and Breweries on the Bend Ale Trail. Enjoy a concert at Tower Theater or chill out to some Jazz at the Oxford.

Lake Placid, New York

Cold, snowy winter wonderland. That’s how you’d describe Lake Placid in January. Perfect for soaring down the longest vertical drop in the eastern United States at Whitehouse Mountain Ski Resort.

Go snowmobiling, dog sledding or snowshoeing in the Cascade Mountains. Enjoy outdoor skating on Mirror Lake, cross-country skiing at Cascade Ski Center and ice fishing on Lake Placid.

Catch some thrills with a Bobsled ride or trip down the Toboggan Chute. Enjoy the landscape from above on the Couldsplitter Gondola.

Immerse in History at Lake Placid Olympic Museum. Relax with a horse-drawn sleigh ride and cocktails by a fireplace at a cosy après ski spot.

Orlando, Florida

The weather is mild and sunny most days in Orlando in January. This is perfect weather to explore those theme parks the area is known for.

Escape into a world of magic at Disney World and catch some thrills on the movie-themed rides at Universal Studios. Get in on some last-minute holiday action at the Sea World Three Kings Celebration. Kids love Legoland where they can build and play to their heart’s content.

Enjoy some live classic Shakespeare at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Visit the Titanic Artifact Exhibition or better yet, attend the Titanic Dinner Gala complete with reenactments and a Captain’s Cocktail party.

Sedona, Arizona

Cool, sunny days turn to crisp, cold nights in Sedona and there are fewer tourists around. It’s a perfect time to immerse in a world of natural beauty, healing and spirituality.

Enjoy hiking on scenic trails, including Cathedral Rock, and admire the beauty of the red rocks contrasted with a light dusting of snow. Embark on a desert jeep tour or soar high above the landscape in a hot air balloon. Learn about plant-based eating at VegFest.

Kick back in one of the world-renowned spas. End an adventure-filled day with a trip to the outskirts to observe the night sky.

Palm Springs, California

Seeking an escape from the damp cold of winter? The hot, dry weather of Palm Springs is your best bet in January!

Enjoy a scenic desert landscape perfect for biking and hiking over 100 trails. Soak in a hot spring, lounge by a pool or relax with some spa treatments. Take a stroll around town browsing vintage stores and admiring the unique architecture.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival is a big event in January as is the Southwest Arts Festival. Wine lovers can learn all about one of the most popular wine varietal in the region at the Pinot Noir Festival.

Naples, Florida

Imagine lying on a white, sandy beach or wading into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico in January. Well, you can do these things in Naples! You can also golf at world-class resorts, explore pristine nature reserves and cruise the bay at sunset while sipping cocktails.

Stroll through the downtown district with its posh boutiques and restaurants. Visit Naples Art Institute, Baker Museum and the Naples Botanical Garden. Take a day trip to the Florida Everglades.

Do you love festivals? Check out the Naples Winter Wine Festival and Art Fest Naples and indulge in seafood at the Mullet Festival.

Boise, Idaho

Boise is a great place to visit in January for outdoor winter fun. There’s plenty of snow to enjoy skiing at Brundage Mountain and snowshoeing and tubing at Bogus Basin. The cold temperatures keep the ice at The Village at Meridian’s outdoor rink frozen all winter long.

Escape the cold and immerse in a tropical ambience at Edward’s Greenhouse. Travel to the past on a trolley tour through historic Boise.

The Idaho State Capital Building, World Center for Birds of Prey and Idaho State Museum are also must-sees to learn more about the History, culture and nature of the region.