Our discussion of the best places to visit in the United States in January started over a casual lunch break, but soon, our team realized that America was so vast and varied that a few recommendations here and there weren’t enough.
We believed that our readers must properly know which places in the US were most suitable for their January plans. There is Aspen, with its world-class ski resorts and exhilarating snowy adventures, and Miami, if you would still prefer warm destinations in January.
You will find some of the most romantic places to visit in January in Jackson Hole, while Taos in New Mexico is unsurprisingly very budget-friendly, even in cold January months.
We think that this year is the best time to visit the US in January. Let’s look at the reasons why we think these places will make up the ideal destinations in the first month of the year for your vacations in the United States.
Amazing Places In The United States That You Can Visit During January
1. Winter Destinations to Explore This January in the U.S.
Boston, MA
Boston, US, during the cold months of January, is a sight to behold with its postcard-worthy ice skating rinks, world-class museums, and multiple slopes for snowboarding and skiing. Some of the best events happening in Boston in January include the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast, the New England Boat Show, and the Boston Celtic Music Festival. Don’t miss them.
Fairbanks, AK
January isn’t a popular month to visit Alaska, but the -20 degrees weather can turn out to be more beautiful than you imagined. Fairbanks, particularly, is one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights in the US. Also, Fairbanks is relatively cheap as there are many off-season deals available in restaurants and hotels, and you can also enjoy hiking at night.
Olympic National Park, WA
The Olympic National Park, WA, which is mostly recognized for its saltwater beaches and lowland lakes, looks like a winter wonderland in January. The snow-covered mountain range is a great opportunity to admire the Pacific Northwest, and winter is the perfect time for hiking, backpacking, enjoying winter sports at Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area, and even watching dramatic storms off the coast.
Breckenridge, CO
Breckenridge in January is one of the best places to visit in the US. Besides skiing and snowboarding, there is a lot to do here, such as seeing the stunning art at The International Snow Sculpture Championships, sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, and UTV tours. There are many picturesque rentals available in the town for your memorable stays in Breckenridge.
South Dakota Road Trip
A winter road trip in South Dakota might just be what your heart craves in winter if you are visiting the US during January. A 3 to 4-day trip is enough to check out everything from Sioux Falls, Badlands National Park, and Mystic Hills Hideaway to the Spearfish Canyon, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore.
2. Best U.S. Spots for Warm Weather in January
Miami, FL
We know what you are thinking. What could we possibly do in Miami during winter? The same Miami, which dazzles with its tropical beauty in summer, looks ethereal in colder months as well, during which the major tourist places have lesser crowds. Visit the Wynwood Walls, Art Deco buildings, Art Basel, or other charming places, or, even better, indulge in a beach escape or waterfront dining if you are not afraid of the slightly cold breeze.
Honolulu, HI
January is a great time to visit the United States, especially Honolulu in Hawaii. This Hawaiian destination isn’t as cold in January as other places on this list – you can still take a dip in the slightly warm ocean if you fancy a beach escape. The cold climate also makes up for lots of stargazing, sunrise watching, winter whale watching, winter hikes, and other opportunities.
San Diego, CA
San Diego is warm and sunny, even in the cold months of January, so if you are planning to visit this place in the US, make sure that you take full advantage of smaller crowds. Enjoy exciting activities like surfing, beach games, Farmers Insurance Open PGA tournament, Jurassic Quest dinosaur exhibit, and so much more, all in the comfortable temperatures of January.
Key West, FL
Key West’s well-preserved architecture and historic places like the Key West Lighthouse, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and the Seaport are flooded with tourists in the summer months. But January is also the best time to visit this place in the US, especially if you are planning to take part in exciting events happening in town, such as the Florida Keys Seafood Festival or the Key West Half Marathon & Runfest.
3. Budget-Friendly Places to Visit in January in the U.S.
Taos, NM
Planning to go to the US in January but also want to stay within your budget? Taos in New Mexico might be your dream destination. The National Historic Landmark is perfect to spend a winter weekend. Hit the Taos Ski Valley slopes, enjoy snowboarding, snowshoeing, or skiing in the wintry trails, warm yourself at Stagecoach Hot Springs, or enjoy many low-cost and free activities around town.
Chicago, IL
January is a great time to visit Chicago in the US, especially if you are after winter-related activities. Since the city is pretty much freezing, you can enjoy outdoor ice skating in Maggie Daley Park. Enjoy snow-trekking or sledding at Soldier’s Field and Northerly Island, or admire the breathtaking frozen Michigan Lake up close from the Lakefront trail (bonus points if you have had the deep-dish pizza to warm up beforehand).
Nashville, TN
Nashville offers many budget-friendly winter activities in the US during January. Most of them include happy hours at bars, walking along the picturesque river, and admiring the waterfalls at Burgess State Park or Cummins Fall. January is a great time to visit Nashville as the crowd is smaller, the holiday events are full of life, the weather is still quite comfortable, and the accommodations are available at discounted rates.
South Padre Island and Port Isabel, TX
Winters might be a bit too chilly in South Padre Island and Port Isabel, TX, but still quite comfortable so that you can enjoy picnics in Isla Blanca Park, a stroll by the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, or have fun with the dolphin cruise. Don’t forget to do some winter shopping at The Lighthouse Boutique, after which you can take a stroll at the Pirate’s Landing Fishing Pier and enjoy fresh seafood with ice-cold drinks.
4. Best Places for Couples to Visit in January in the U.S.
Truckee, CA
Truckee is the perfect romantic getaway in the USA to visit in January. There are so many reasons why we call Truckee, CA, a destination made for couples in the US, and they include the quaint and charming Historic Downtown Truckee, the rigged trails of Tahoe National Forest that you can venture through with your partner, and Truckee in North Lake Tahoe for the luxury of world-class resorts and thrill of snowboarding and skiing.
Vail, CO
Vail literally shines in winter, and couples seeking romantic spots in the USA to visit during January must add Vail to their travel plans. The legendary ski slopes are all you need to have fun with your special person, where you can enjoy dog-sledding, sleigh rides, snowmobiling tours, ice climbing, and even winter fishing. Don’t forget to stay in a cozy log cabin or check out the swanky restaurants in Vail for a scenic culinary experience.
Jackson Hole, WY
Jackson Hole will prove to be a different kind of romantic getaway for you and your partner. If you are going to the US in January and want a peaceful winter vacation, opt for Jackson Hole, where you will get to enjoy free and public stargazing events, Moose Hockey Games, Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides, and live music at The Silver Dollar Showroom. Declare your love by taking your partner to the Glow Nights Celebration at the Center for the Arts.
Savannah, GA
Savannah brings a sense of calm and creates a romantic atmosphere like nothing else. The streets draped in Southern Charm are perfect for exploring the Christmas markets and holiday pop-up bars alongside Savannah River or for cozying up with your partner in your private yurt in Alpine Village at The Lost Square. For couples seeking thrilling activities, take part in the winter races as you run alongside Daffin Parks, Enmarket Savannah Bridge, and other picturesque locations in the city.
New York, NY
Our final place on the list of best spots in the USA for couples to visit in January is none other than The Big Apple. New York is a place for romantics, especially in January, when it is the off-peak season. You will get plenty of time and space to have fun with your loved one, whether you are admiring the city’s skyline from The Top of the Rock, viewing The Great Gatsby or Lion King musicals on Broadway, or taking pictures in the snow, against the stunning silhouette of Statue of Liberty.
5. Best Family Vacation Spots in the U.S. to Visit This January
Aspen, CO
Aspen is one of the best family-friendly destinations in the United States to visit in early January. Almost all travelers book their trips to Aspen during ski season. While Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass Mountains Ski Resort are on top of their vacation plans lists, you can also indulge in charming streets, cross-country skiing, and luxury winter retreats in lodges, restaurants, and hotels.
Seattle, WA
January is an off-season in Seattle, which makes it one of the best places for families to visit in the USA during this month. You can spend your time indoors in pretty museums or the Seattle Aquarium, ride the Seattle Great Wheel, or spend a cozy and delightful weekend in Leavenworth, which is only a few hundred miles away from the city. This small town is a must-visit if you would like to indulge in Nordic skiing, flat biking, and other winter activities.
Crater Lake National Park, OR
Crater Lake National Park, OR, is also one of the best places for families to visit in the US during January, especially if you love snow! The lake looks ethereal, surrounded by snow-covered meadows, on which you can sled, ski, snowshoe, drink hot cocoa, or engage in other exciting winter activities. The Rim Village is also an elevated area near the Crater Lake National Park, where winter looks even more exciting in January.
Mammoth Lakes, CA
There is endless stuff for families to do at Mammoth Lakes, CA, during January, so if you are planning a visit to the US during colder months, this is the place you should add to your itineraries. The snow is almost 800 inches wherever you look, so whether you want to ride the highest chairlift service in the state, have snowmobile adventures, or love an otherworldly powder to build snowmen, Mammoth Lakes, CA, has gotcha!
Lake Tahoe, CA & NV
Lake Tahoe straddles California and Nevada. So, if you are near any of these states and want to explore the beauty of America’s winter in January, don’t forget to visit Lake Tahoe. There are lots of exciting events happening these days, which you can enjoy with your whole family, such as snowboarding, skiing, and other winter activities to keep you warm, and cocktails, fireside, and craft beers to fulfill your winter cravings.
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