Best Warm Weather Destinations For Winter
Though winter can be very enjoyable, after a while the cold weather, ice and snow can become overwhelming. Planning a getaway to a destination with warmer weather might be just what you need to break the winter blues and make it through the rest of the coldest parts of the year.
Here are some of the best warm weather destinations for winter travel:
Kauai
www.gohawaii.com
Kauai offers pleasant weather throughout the year and this is the main reason why so many suffering from the winter blues make their way to this island for a winter getaway. Things to do on Kauai include exploring the Waimea Canyon, Kōkeʻe State Park, Na Pali Coast and the Kalalau Trail. Other activities include spending the day at Kalapaki or Po'ipu beaches, setting sail from Hanalei Bay and touring the Kauai Museum and Kilauea Lighthouse.
Make sure to book your reservations for air travel, hotel and activities several months in advance, as this is a popular winter vacation destination for many around the globe.
St. Maarten
www.st-maarten.com
This winter, escape to the Caribbean by planning a tropical getaway to St. Maarten. You will be able to warm up, relax at the beach and spend the afternoon splashing around in the waves. Things to do in St. Maarten include visiting Loterie Farm, shopping along Front Street, playing at the Casino Royale and exploring Pic Du Paradis. No matter what you plan to do while visiting St. Maarten, you will want to make sure you plan plenty of outdoor activities, because once you return home, you will be stuck in the house waiting for the cold weather to pass.
Key West
www.keywestcity.com
Everyone dreams of a beautiful Key West vacation that includes enjoying the warm waters that surround the islands. Though you may be spending most of your time at the beach, there is so much more to experience while visiting Key West. Those activities include exploring the Dry Tortugas National Park, visiting the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, scuba diving down to the Vandenberg Wreck and catching a performance at the Waterfront Playhouse.
Paradise Valley
www.ci.paradise-valley.az.us
Paradise Valley is a great place to escape from the winter cold. This destination is home to mild year-round weather that will have you considering moving to Arizona. In addition to the beautiful landscapes with mountainous backdrops, this area is home to many activities that will have you out and about exploring the natural attractions found in Arizona. Top things to do in Paradise Valley include seeing Arizona's Sonoran Desert, visiting the Grand Canyon National Park and exploring Red Rock State Park.
Miami Beach
Miami Beach is home to many activities and things to do while enjoying the warmer winter weather. One of the most popular places in Miami is South Beach, where vacationers from around the world come to explore the many stores, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues found in this concentrated area of the city. Other things to do include visiting Little Havana, exploring the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and spending a lot of time at the beach.
Santa Barbara
www.santabarbaraca.com
Located in the south-facing section of California's coastline lies Santa Barbara. This destination offers visitors warm weather and plenty of things to do during a winter escape. Fun things to do when visiting Santa Barbara include visiting Lotusland, The Granada Theatre, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Shoreline Park. There is also plenty of fun and exciting things to do along Santa Barbara's Waterfront, including dining, shopping and live entertainment.
Oahu
www.gohawaii.com
A visit to Oahu will offer you more than just a warm weather destination. This area is home to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, making a trip to Oahu educational too. Other exciting things to do in Oahu include visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center, exploring Diamond Head, visiting SeaLife Park and climbing Nu'uanu Pali. A winter getaway to Oahu is definitely one the entire family can enjoy and should be experienced at least once before the little ones graduate high school.
Related: Have a Romantic Vacation In Hawaii
Orlando
www.visitorlando.com
Almost everyone talks about visiting Orlando during the winter months. Not only does the Central Florida area offer warm weather during the winter months, but it is also home to many theme parks, all of which are decorated for the holiday season. Make plans to explore Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios during your winter getaway. But do not forget to take a quick drive to the east coast where you can explore the Kennedy Space Center and spend the day at the beach.
Many warm weather destinations offer a variety of activities to help northerners experiencing the cold winter weather warm up and have fun. The above listed locations are great places to escape and explore without fearing getting snowed in. There are definitely some great opportunities to enjoy some warm weather and say good-bye to the winter blahs.
Heather Landon is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.