Whether you are interested in snowy getaways or sunny vacations, January is the best time to explore America. If winter adventures are your thing, try Aspen, Colorado, for example. Here, you can experience world-class skiing as well as little cabins that will make you feel like cuddling. Another best option for winter trips is New York City. The City is still full of Christmas spirit and there is ice skating at Central Park or looking at the popular Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree.
New Orleans, Louisiana, cannot be left behind. This incredibly lively city starts preparing itself for Mardi Gras in January, which is really worth seeing! You can follow parades through the streets, dance along with music, and taste delicious Cajun dishes, too. Regardless of what kind of vacation you want to have this January, there is always something for everyone in the USA.
Here is our list of the best places to visit in January
Breckenridge, Colorado
What to See
Breckenridge is a cute mountain town with a lot of history. If old buildings are your thing and you like feeling like you’re going back in time, check out the Breckenridge Historic District, where Victorian-era structures stand, and the Breckenridge Welcome Center, which enlightens everything about the town’s mining past. For excellent views, take the Boreas Pass Road drive.
Things to Do
Breckenridge has plenty of outdoor activities, no matter what time of year it is. In winter, skiing and snowboarding rule at Breckenridge Ski Resort, but summer offers hiking, mountain biking, or rafting. Besides, if you are interested in the arts, the Breckenridge Arts District, with workshops, galleries, and many others, is open to you.
What to Eat
While in town, try something that locals are crazy about, such as elk and bison at Relish, or have a taste of creative dishes from Twist. If you like, there is a place called Downstairs at Eric’s, which is more casual. They have very good pizzas and are friendly to families.
Where to Stay
In Breckenridge, One Ski Hill Place could be an example of a luxurious place, whereas budget-friendly stays may include The Bivvi Hostel.
Getting Around
The ease with which one can move around in town due to the presence of the Breckenridge Free Ride bus service cannot be ignored. Especially downtown area, walking or cycling are also known ways to move around here.
Best Time to Visit
Winter (December-March) is the best season for skiing and snowboarding, and summer (June-August) is when all outdoor activities take place, but honestly, any time of year will be just fine for visiting Breckenridge. Just make sure you dress warm enough!
Palm Desert, California
Palm Desert! This town, which looks like heaven on earth, sits right in the middle of the desert. It has beautiful landscapes and numerous outdoor activities, not to mention several hotels and restaurants for visitors’ sake. If you want a chill vibe, this is definitely the right place to come.
What to see
So, what is happening here? Well, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is must see. There are all types of desert plants and animals that you will not find anywhere else. And while you are at it, make sure to check out the El Paseo Shopping District. It has lots of art galleries, shops and restaurants where you can just take a casual stroll.
Things to do
There are also other trails, for instance, Bump and Grind Trail, if you feel like trekking. Of course, there’s golf, it’s California after all. If that interests you, Palm Desert offers top-level courses. As far as theatre goes, McCallum Theatre is where it happens.
What to eat
Thankfully, there is food in Palm Desert, though. You have everything in Palm Desert, from fine dining to fast food places offering the best burgers in town. For instance, Mastro’s Steakhouse, if one dimmed necessary, could be recommended, or Wilma & Frieda’s Café. Or, better still, Mexican dishes! These flavors can be found in Fresh Agave.
Where to stay
For staying purposes, choose any location that suits your needs because there are many options to consider in this area anyway. For luxury, go to JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa; otherwise, stay at Best Western Plus Palm Desert Resort on a tighter budget.
How to move around the city
Traveling around the city is quite simple. If you decide to rent a car, then do so, but alternatively, using SunLine Transit Agency buses as well as Uber and Lyft, which provide ride-sharing services, should be fine with me.
Best time to visit
The perfect time of year is between November and April when the weather is good enough for outdoor activities. Summer may be too hot, especially if you do not like heat.
Utah’s Zion National Park
Zion’s red rock formations, towering cliffs, and deep canyons make it a show-off. Make sure you stop by Zion Canyon, The Narrows, and Angels Landing for some of the most spectacular views in the world and excellent hikes.
What to Do
Hiking is the main attraction here, with trails for all levels of hikers. There’s Riverside Walk, which is easy-peasy, and Angels Landing, which is difficult but will give you something to brag about. You could also try rock climbing and canyoneering or spot some animals indigenous to this area. For those who just want a little relaxation while they enjoy the beautiful scenery, then going through Zion Canyon Scenic Drive would be the best alternative.
Where to Eat
There are plenty of places to eat in Springdale nearby. American food, pizza, and even Mexican cuisine are available, depending on your tastes. Some locals like Oscar’s Café or Zion Pizza & Noodle Co., which look stunning with their giant mountains and crystal clear streams, perfect for any outdoors lover.
Where to Stay
There are different types of accommodation, from campgrounds inside the park to small hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in Springdale. Zion Lodge is the only place where tourists can spend their night inside the park.
How To Get Around
Since you have an aversion to traffic, the park runs shuttle buses during the spring and fall. They will leave you by the trailheads, and in addition, there are bicycles that may be rented or guided tours taken.
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit are usually spring and fall. The weather is mild, and the crowds aren’t as thick. Summer can get really hot, while winter is quiet, but some tracks can be closed off.
Big Sky, Montana
If you’re going to Big Sky, Montana, then you are in for a treat. This place is beautiful with those huge mountains and clear rivers running through it. It is a perfect destination for anyone who loves nature.
What to see
So, what are some places that you must see here? First of all, let’s start with Big Sky Resort because if you don’t see the view from up there—wow! Ousel Falls is also a nice place where one can go for a quick hike or even have a picnic. And definitely do not forget about Yellowstone National Park. There is nothing so amazing as watching geysers and hot springs live.
Things to do
There’s plenty to do in Big Sky, too. During the winter months, you can enjoy great skiing and snowboarding on slopes around here. During the summer season, one might consider going hiking, fishing, mountain biking, or rafting along the Gallatin River just outside town. Fly fishing could also be interesting if one feels like doing something new!
What to eat
When it comes to eating out, one should try some local dishes. Try Lotus Pad for tasty Asian fusion cuisine or Riverhouse BBQ for mouth-watering barbecue, among others. But while here, make sure that you eat one thing only: Montana bison burger. I swear you will never regret this!
Where to stay
As far as accommodations go, there are options for every budget and preference. Montage Big Sky is an excellent resort to splurge on if money isn’t necessarily tight; otherwise, cozy lodges and vacation rentals are also available. You will definitely find something that fits you perfectly.
How to get around the city
To get around town, renting a car might be a good idea. This way, you can easily explore all parts of Big Sky as well as the areas surrounding it. There is also availability of shuttle services and bike leasing in case you don’t want to use your car.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit really depends on what you want to do. Winter is, of course, amazing for skiing and snowboarding (December to February). But if hiking and other outdoor activities are more your thing, then summer is perfect (June to August). Spring and fall are lovely, too, just quieter and more peaceful. Regardless of when you plan on coming here, expect some real treat.
Conclusion
On the other hand, January is the best time for vacations. If your type of holiday involves beach vacations, then Miami, Florida, should be the place to go. Beat the winter blues to enjoy the best of your vacations.
What are the favorite tourist attractions in the USA during the snowy winter January months?
The city of Aspen in Colorado and Lake Tahoe in California have excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. Two of the best places to go skiing are Alyeska Ski Resort in Alaska and Banff National Park in Canada, as both feature stunning snowy scenery, excellent ski resorts, and a plethora of fun winter sports to enjoy.
Which state has a relatively warm climate during January in the USA?
If you want to sleeve it up with the warm breezy season in January, then San Diego, California is perfect for the region. Nice warm climate, pretty seawaters, you don’t find yourself missing ice creams while sight seeing in different areas like the San Diego zoo or Balboa park.
Which American cities offer entertaining festivals in January?
January is the best time to enjoy Mardi Gras masquerade in New South Wales, themed parades, energetic music, and mouth-watering cuisines.
