After the December holidays, tourism slows down all through the US, making January a unbelievable time to discover a brand new place. Costs are usually decrease, which means you would possibly be capable of snag an amazing deal on lodging and flights.
When deciding the place to journey this January, take into account whether or not you need to embrace a wintry wonderland together with its freezing temps, or head someplace a bit hotter for a break from the chilly. This record has a bit of every, together with seashores, uncrowded nationwide parks, nippy cities, and extra:
20. Massive Island, Hawai’i
In the event you are likely to get the winter scaries and are in search of the right tropical vacation spot this January, there’s no higher place than the Massive Island of Hawai’i. Not solely does the Massive Island have some unbelievable seashores, however there are additionally some unbelievable snorkeling spots and lovely hikes as nicely.
The Massive Island is house to a various ecosystem that gives guests an unbelievable number of surroundings. From the seashores and the mountains to waterfalls to lookout factors, it has all of it. It’s additionally a hub for non secular and transformative experiences.
So, why go to the Massive Island in January? Initially, escaping the frigid temperatures of winter is an attractive proposal. (You received’t be the one one with this concept although, as winter is among the hottest instances to go to Hawai’i. In comparison with November and December, nonetheless, January is a bit much less crowded.) There’s additionally much less rainfall that month, so it’s good for all of the out of doors actions you are able to do. Plus, humpback whale season can be in full swing in January, providing you with one more reason to go to.
19. Fairbanks, Alaska
It’d sound fully bonkers to go to Alaska within the winter, however hear me out. In the event you don’t thoughts bundling up and braving the chilly, Fairbanks is an extremely magical place to go to in January. Throughout this time, there’s an opportunity you possibly can catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, aka the northern lights. Plus, it’s a unbelievable time to take a look at the Chena sizzling springs and go canine sledding.
In Fairbanks, you possibly can totally immerse your self in an icy wonderland. Go to the Aurora Ice Museum to see some spectacular sculptures, or embark on an epic snowmobiling journey. There’s lots to do in Fairbanks this January for anybody who desires to completely expertise Alaskan winter in all its snowy glory.
18. Olympic Nationwide Park, Washington
There’s so much to like about wintertime within the PNW. The moody shoreline, glowing timber heavy with newly fallen snow, and white mountain peaks are all options of Olympic Nationwide Park in Washington in the course of the month of January. Though some components of the park are closed within the winter months, most of it stays open to discover.
In the event you’re hoping to get out and discover, there are many hikes in Olympic Nationwide Park to select from. Considered one of them is Hurricane Ridge, the place you possibly can go snowshoeing, snowboarding, tubing, or snowboarding. The coastal hikes are additionally nice within the wintertime, as you possibly can simply stroll alongside the seashores, like Rialto Seashore. Simply be sure to go to throughout low tide, because the winter waves may be treacherous and unpredictable throughout excessive tide.
17. Crater Lake Nationwide Park, Oregon
Crater Lake in Oregon is a powerful website any time of 12 months, though the snowy climate of January makes it further particular. From cross-country snowboarding to snowshoeing, sledding, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, there are many winter actions to take pleasure in right here. Though this space will get extra snow than most different locations within the US, the park stays open all through the winter months.
There’s an opportunity that you could be encounter some street closures if there’s heavy snowfall, which can make it troublesome to not possible to succeed in the lake itself, so be sure to test climate situations earlier than you depart. If you’ll be able to make it to the rim of the majestic lake, the wintertime view is nothing in need of spectacular.
16. Mammoth Lakes, California
The Mammoth Lakes area in California is among the state’s hottest locations to go snowboarding. Nevertheless, there’s far more to do in Mammoth Lakes within the winter than simply snowboarding. Most notably, trying out the new springs here’s a should in January. When there’s snow on the bottom, the new springs are further steamy and much more stunning than within the hotter months. Plus, they’re not as crowded throughout this time of 12 months, so that you’ll have a greater likelihood of attending to soak solo.
Inside Mammoth Lakes, among the finest spots to go to in January are Convict Lake for a beautiful view of the mountains mirrored on the water, the Scorching Creek Geological website for a magical steamy scene, and Mono Lake for a really distinctive panorama and salty water that doesn’t freeze within the winter. Most locations shall be fairly snowy this time of 12 months, so pack snowshoes for simpler entry.
15. Dying Valley Nationwide Park, California & Nevada
The California deserts are excellent to go to within the winter months, particularly in January, when the gentle temperatures make exploring extra accessible — within the hotter months, some spots like Dying Valley are just too scorching to hike by means of safely.
The desert landscapes in Dying Valley Nationwide Park are nearly otherworldly. From the refined coloration spectrum of the Artist’s Palette to the salty Badwater Basin and easy Mesquite Flat sand dunes, there may be lots to take pleasure in in Dying Valley for nature lovers. The most well-liked hike within the park is the Golden Canyon hike, which is nice to do within the winter, as a result of it’s the one time of 12 months when the warmth isn’t fully overwhelming.
In the event you’re pondering of heading to Dying Valley this January, take a look at this information on discovering the most effective locations to remain and camp in and across the park.
14. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
In the event you thought Lake Tahoe was good for summer season, you’re in for a deal with while you see how a lot there may be to do right here within the wintertime. January in Lake Tahoe is good for vacationers who adore out of doors actions like snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh using, canine sledding, ice skating, and extra.
The climate is chilly, with highs barely reaching the mid 40s, so put together your self with loads of heat layers so you possibly can totally embrace Lake Tahoe’s magnificence and availability of out of doors actions.
Lake Tahoe is shared by each California and Nevada, and has two distinct areas: North and South. North Tahoe is extra laid-back and has much less growth general, making it extra excellent for January vacationers who need to escape and join with nature. South Tahoe has extra lodging and eating places to select from, however you would possibly discover wintertime ski crowds there.
13. Kirkham Scorching Springs, Idaho
In case you possibly can’t inform, I’m a giant fan of visiting sizzling springs within the wintertime. There’s one thing so soothing about dipping right into a sizzling pool when the skin air is frigid, with steam rising up from the water so superbly. A few of the finest sizzling springs to go to within the USA are in Idaho, and Kirkham Scorching Springs is a robust contender for the perfect of all.
Kirkham is comparatively uncrowded within the winter months, which makes it such an amazing spot to go to in January, as there’s an opportunity you might have the springs to your self. The swimming pools sit proper subsequent to a flowing river, with snowcapped mountains within the background. The surroundings alone is a phenomenal sight, however with the ability to admire it from a steaming pure pool makes it much more idyllic.
12. Moab, Utah
In the event you’ve been dreaming of visiting Arches or Canyonlands Nationwide Park however are discouraged by the thick crowds of excessive season (March by means of October), take into account visiting in January. Winters are chilly in Moab, with highs within the 40s and lows within the 20s, however the potential of getting stunning rock formations to your self and decrease charges on lodging is perhaps value it.
There’s lots to do and see in Moab, equivalent to visiting the enduring Delicate Arch in Arches Nationwide Park, catching a dawn at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands, or grabbing a chew on the Moab Meals Truck Park. Moab can be a vital cease on any Utah nationwide parks street journey.
11. White Sands Nationwide Park, New Mexico
If you wish to get far off the crushed path this January, there’s no higher vacation spot than White Sands Nationwide Park in New Mexico. It’s the world’s largest gypsum sand dune subject and spans 275 miles in the midst of the desert. The dunes listed here are in contrast to anyplace else within the US; you possibly can even climb to the highest and sled down when you’d like. Visiting in January means having fun with milder temperatures, however be sure to nonetheless convey loads of solar safety, as there may be completely no shade when you enterprise outdoors of the guests’ heart.
In contrast to most nationwide parks which can be open 24/7, White Sands has working hours that change from season to season. One of the best time to go is correct earlier than sundown, because the surroundings is phenomenal when the solar goes down. Shadows solid from the dunes create stunning patterns within the sand, and the entire place glows with totally different hues. This nationwide park not often turns into crowded typically, however January yields even fewer guests. Likelihood is, you’ll get a complete sand dune to your self! Discover out every thing you must find out about visiting White Sands Nationwide Park right here.
10. Albuquerque, New Mexico
In the event you’re taking a street journey by means of New Mexico, chances are high you’ll begin in Albuquerque or at the very least cross by means of. This quirky metropolis deserves to be a vacation spot all by itself, nonetheless, as there’s lots to do in Albuquerque. From visiting the Breaking Unhealthy filming places to taking a hot-air balloon trip over the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque is stuffed with journey.
Visiting Albuquerque in January is a good possibility for anybody who desires to flee frigid winter temperatures however doesn’t thoughts slightly chill. January provides gentle temperatures, with highs barely reaching the 50s however not often dipping beneath 30 levels. Carry some layers and also you’ll be good to go.
9. Breckenridge, Colorado
That is one for these of you on the market who really need to embrace winter and all of the out of doors actions that you are able to do within the snow. Breckenridge is among the USA’s most distinguished ski cities, so it’s no shock that January is the perfect time to go to. Positive, it is perhaps a bit crowded, however the sunny skies and abundance of occasions this month make it value it.
Among the best winter occasions in Breckenridge is the Worldwide Snow Sculpture Championships on the finish of January. This month additionally sees essentially the most snowfall of the 12 months, which makes it the perfect time for snowboarding, snowshoeing, sleigh using, dogsledding, snowmobiling, and extra.
8. Massive Bend Nationwide Park, Texas
You would possibly acknowledge Massive Bend from different lists of the place to go to within the USA by month. The reality is, there’s actually not a dangerous time to go to Massive Bend Nationwide Park, one of the vital underrated within the US. There are not often giant crowds any time of 12 months, however that is very true in January. You’ll love having some solitude right here, because the landscapes are pleasant and the night time sky is ideal for stargazing. Does it get any extra peaceable than that?
Though January is the coldest month in Massive Bend, temperatures nonetheless hover within the excessive 60s and barely dip beneath the 40s. Meaning tenting is completely doable in January. With 4 campgrounds to select from, you’ll have loads of choices.
7. Chicago, Illinois
You would possibly suppose I’m insane for including this, however Chicago is my hometown, and I feel there’s one thing particular about each season right here. Not satisfied? Though summertime in Chicago is thrilling and the climate is unbelievable for out of doors actions, visiting the Windy Metropolis in January is ideal for grabbing a deal on motels and visiting world-class museums (some are even free!).
Chicago winters are brutal, however when you’re ready for the chilly, it doesn’t should be such a deterrent. Put on loads of heat layers and make the most of all of the superb issues to do in Chicago which can be indoors. Catch a manufacturing on the Chicago Theatre, see a comedy present at The Second Metropolis, go to the Artwork Institute, or get your adrenaline pumping by standing on a glass platform 95 flooring within the air at 360° Chicago. The choices are limitless for issues you are able to do right here within the wintertime, so why not make the most of the most affordable costs of the 12 months by visiting in January?
6. Nashville, Tennessee
Visiting Nashville is a unbelievable possibility for vacationers wanting to save cash on their January trip. Not solely are there a ton of free issues to do within the Music Metropolis, however Nashville additionally made our record of the least expensive holidays within the US due to the reasonably priced lodging choices and beneficiant parts at eating places.
January additionally marks the center of Nashville’s off-season, which means costs are even higher than typical, and there’s an excellent likelihood you’ll get a deal on airfare as nicely. There might not be as many dwell reveals throughout this time, and the nightlife scene received’t be as vibrant, however that might be a draw for vacationers who need to have a extra laid-back expertise.
Nashville winters are chilly, with temperatures peaking within the excessive 40s in the course of the day and plunging to as little as 28° at night time. In the event you’re coming from additional north, nonetheless, this is perhaps hotter than the January temps you’re used to.
5. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is maybe one of the vital underrated small cities within the US. Not solely is there tons to do right here, however the metropolis is legendary for its heat Southern hospitality and cultural variety.
January is chilly in Louisville, however there are a number of the explanation why it’s a good time to go to. There’s an ice rink at 4th Road Dwell the place you possibly can go skating all through the winter. Since vacation crowds have died down by January, it’s additionally a good time to make the most of town’s glorious museums, such because the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Kentucky Derby Museum. Right here you may also discover the Seelbach Hilton Resort, which was a favourite place of Al Capone’s. Louisville is stuffed with attention-grabbing historical past like this, which you will get an earful of on a strolling tour.
4. Boston, Massachusetts
Though Boston’s winters may be harsh, this historic metropolis maintains its enchanting high quality the entire 12 months. Since one of many important attracts is the plethora of museums and historic websites, you don’t should spend an excessive amount of time outdoors within the chilly, as most of them are indoors.
In the event you get fortunate with sunny climate, although, you may also take a look at the Freedom Path, which is 2.5 miles lengthy and has 16 historic websites, with loads of choices to duck right into a constructing to heat up. Since that is considered one of Boston’s hottest vacationer points of interest, it could possibly get crowded within the spring by means of the autumn, so visiting in January is good.
Another excuse to go to Boston in January is to get a tour of Fenway Park, because it’s the low season for the Crimson Sox. Even when you aren’t a baseball fan, the stadium is stuffed with historic relics and tales. Boston can be set to host the 2023 Journey & Journey Present, which can occur on the finish of the month.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
There’s simply as a lot to do in Atlanta in January as there may be some other time of 12 months. The climate right here is gentle, with common highs within the 50s and occasional 70-degree days. Meaning you possibly can take pleasure in out of doors spots like Atlantic Inexperienced, the Atlanta Belt Line, and the Autrey Mill Nature Protect and Heritage Middle in January. In case you encounter rain, there are additionally loads of museums and different indoor points of interest, just like the Atlanta Up to date Artwork Museum, the Fernbank Science Middle, and the Atlanta Historical past Middle.
Though the climate is a plus, January in Atlanta is further particular due to the Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations all through town. From the parade downtown to the celebration on the King Middle, you’ll see why ATL is the place to be in January. Different occasions embrace the Cathedral Antiques Present and Tour of Properties as nicely.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Tourism in Charleston continues to rise every year, and for good purpose. This charming metropolis is stuffed with historic richness, superb meals, and glorious hospitality. Dare I say extra? Though Charleston is booming proper now, the winter months stay quiet right here, making January a unbelievable time to go to.
Charleston’s climate in January is good when you’re trying to escape the chilly. Temperatures hover round 60 levels, with chillier nights and mornings.
That is additionally the most effective time for foodies to go to, as town celebrates restaurant week in January. Even when you don’t go to throughout that week, the dip in tourism means you’ll have a greater likelihood at getting a desk at standard eating places which can be often booked up within the spring and summer season months.
1. Orlando, Florida
I’m right here to interrupt the information: Orlando is a lot greater than Disney World! Central Florida is house to considerable pure springs with crystal-clear water, a few of which look brilliant child blue within the daylight. Among the best is the Rock Springs swimming gap, only a 35-minute drive outdoors of Orlando. That’s only the start of all the attractive locations there are to see in and round Orlando. Wekiwa Springs State Park, Seminole State Forest, and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive are all inside an hour’s drive.
Since January is cooler than a lot of the 12 months but nonetheless heat sufficient to take pleasure in all types of out of doors actions, it’s a good time to go to. It’s additionally off-season for the theme parks, so you possibly can take pleasure in fewer crowds when you resolve to go. Off-season additionally comes with decrease charges on lodging, and it can save you much more by trying out Orlando’s many free actions and locations to go to.
Pin me for later:
I’ve to confess that I are likely to hibernate in January, because the chilly retains me indoors and snuggled up at house. Nevertheless, there are such a lot of locations to go to in January within the USA that sound so thrilling that I would simply should enterprise out and discover.
Which of those locations sounds the most effective to you?
