Still searching for a new place to explore this winter? Whether you prefer snowflakes or sunshine, the personal finance experts at WalletHub have ranked the top American cities for convenient, affordable, and enjoyable winter getaways. They analyzed 70 of the largest metro areas across the country, focusing on 6 key factors: travel costs, local expenses, attractions, weather, seasonal activities, and safety. From cozy snowy escapes to sunny retreats, these cities offer something for everyone – all without breaking the bank. Here's your ultimate travel guide to the perfect winter vacation in 2025 and beyond. Let's get to the point!
So where to find the best United States winter getaways in 2025?
Top cold-weather towns
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1. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta tops the list for cold-weather winter getaways in the United States, despite its mild winter temperatures compared to other cities. With one of the nation's largest airports, reaching Atlanta is a breeze. Conveniently located within a 2-hour flight from 80% of the USA population, most travelers can find direct flights from their nearest major airport.
Winter in Atlanta offers plenty to do. Shopaholics can indulge at the Mall of Georgia or explore designer and boutique stores in Buckhead. For a dose of fresh air, enjoy a sunny winter stroll through downtown's Centennial Olympic Park, perhaps stopping by the Georgia Aquarium along the way. Foodies can savor a diverse culinary scene, with many restaurants offering unique fusions and rotating menus.
2. NYC, New York
Winter in NYC is truly magical. Ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center and the Wollman Rink in Central Park, world-class shopping, Broadway shows, and cozy cafes perfect for warming up after exploring – the city offers it all. With renowned attractions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History, New York is a cultural hub that becomes even more appealing during the winter season as crowds thin and prices drop.
3. Washington, D.C.
Escape the summer crowds and visit Washington, D.C., in winter when the Smithsonian Museums are less crowded and the National Mall is blanketed in snow. Thanks to 2 major airports – Dulles (IAD) and Ronald Reagan (DCA) – affordable direct flights to D.C. are readily available from many major cities across the United States.
In D.C., travelers can enjoy seasonal activities like cross-country skiing, ice skating, and performances at the Kennedy Center. If the sun is shining, visit the Smithsonian National Zoo, which recently welcomed a new pair of giant pandas in 2024. Conclude your day at one of D.C.'s world-class restaurants, many of which offer seasonal menus and creative cocktails.
4. Chicago, Illinois
Renowned for its iconic skyline, Chicago offers a wealth of activities to keep visitors entertained, even during its chilly winters. Millennium Park is the ideal spot for a sunny winter afternoon, offering scenic views of downtown, an ice skating rink, and smaller crowds than in summer at the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (better known as "The Bean").
Visitors can also catch a Blackhawks game, explore world-class art at the Art Institute, or get a bird's-eye view of the city from the Skydeck at Willis Tower. Afterward, warm up with a traditional deep-dish pizza and indulge in some shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Chicago also boasts low travel costs thanks to its 2 international airports and numerous discounted winter activities, such as the annual Theatre Week in February.
5. Cincinnati, Ohio
WalletHub's report ranked both warm-weather getaways and cities with colder climates. In the colder climate category, Cincinnati offers the best value for your money. Local costs in this underrated Ohio city are the lowest in the report, allowing travelers to make the most of everything the city has to offer, from high-end dining and shopping to family-friendly attractions.
Downtown's Fountain Square transforms into a winter wonderland with ice skating and festive light displays throughout the season. On chilly days, Union Terminal provides a warm haven for exploring its 3 museums: the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Children's Museum. For outdoor enthusiasts, Eden Park and the Cincinnati Observatory offer peaceful spots for winter walks and stargazing.
Top warm-weather towns
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1. Las Vegas, Nevada
If you want fun in the sun without the summer crowds, check out Las Vegas. Whether you're catching a Cirque du Soleil show or hitting the casino, winter visitors can find great deals on hotels and attractions. Plus, the mild weather makes walking the Strip enjoyable.
Sin City really embraces the winter season with festive decorations, lively markets, and special live shows. Don't miss the outdoor ice rink at the Cosmopolitan or the seasonal displays at the Bellagio Conservatory. Vegas also has amazing dining options and quirky spots like the Museum of Selfies, the Mob Museum, and the Neon Museum.
2. San Diego, California
San Diego has nice winter weather, with daytime highs in the 60s, making it a great time to relax by the coast. Visitors can check out everything Balboa Park offers, including the San Diego Zoo and Japanese Friendship Garden, with fewer people around.
Winter is also a great time to see baby sea lions at La Jolla Cove, plus it's the best season for whale-watching tours, marking the start of gray whale migration. San Diego's craft brewery scene is amazing, with lots of outdoor patios to soak up the sun.
3. Dallas, Texas
Winter in Dallas brings mild weather and lots of seasonal fun like the light shows at Fair Park. Check out the trails and plants at the 66-acre Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden or enjoy a family day at the Dallas Zoo, the oldest and biggest in Texas. If you're after indoor activities, visit winter exhibits at the Dallas Museum of Art, catch a Mavericks NBA game, or wander around the Dallas Farmers Market.
4. Austin, Texas
Austin is a fun winter getaway, famous for its lively music, tasty food, and many activities. It's a great spot for nature fans – biking at Zilker Park, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, and hiking to the Barton Creek Greenbelt waterfalls are popular things to do.
No visit to Austin is complete without trying its famous food like barbecue from food trucks and Tex-Mex favorites. Plus, winter is a perfect time for free tours of the Texas State Capitol, with fewer crowds around.
5. Phoenix, Arizona
Want to skip the cold and head to a warm spot? Winter is an awesome time for outdoor lovers to check out Phoenix where temps chill in the 60s and 70s. Hike Camelback Mountain for great views of downtown, stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden at Papago Park, or hit the links in Scottsdale, home of the top-notch TPC Scottsdale course. Winter also offers perfect weather for hot-air balloon rides over the desert, with sunrise and sunset tours to wrap up your Southwest adventure.
The airport parking solution: search, book and relax with ParkingNearAirports.io!
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Have you ever heard something about off-site parking? If not, we recommend you take a closer look at this part of the article, as this information will be handy for those who prefer to travel by air and get to the airport by their own car.
Most people suppose that parking at the airport is the fastest and most convenient option for them. However, it's not actually true. We'll explain to you why.
To be true, being in a terminal parking lot isn't convenient at all. Although on-site airport parking is the nearest place where you can leave your vehicle for the period of a trip, you can face the following difficulties:
- You will need to find a spot in a crowded lot,
- You will need to carry the luggage all the way through the parking lot,
- You must pay expensive fees without great service.
Sounds not good, right? However, we found an excellent solution for you – in this case, off-site parking can become a savior for you. So if you're trying to find a parking spot with great service nearby the airport you're flying from and don't want to leave there the most significant part of your budget, pay attention to this option.
How does it work?
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Obviously, people who chose a car as a way to get to the airport want to leave their vehicle safely while traveling and not to face the problems we described above. So what can off-site airport parking offer its customers?
Although a few miles usually separate such parking from the airport, you shouldn't worry about this. Off-site parking provides free shuttles going back and forth between the parking lot and the airport. Thanks to this, it removes any worries about getting stuck in traffic on the way to the airport during peak times. So all you need to do is choose the best time for you and inform the parking lot staff.
How does it work? Actually, everything is straightforward: when you come to the entrance, the staff will remove your luggage from your car and load it onto the shuttle, which will take you and your bags to the terminal. Then, the vehicle will be parked securely.
In addition, this type of parking is much cheaper, and this is good news, as nobody wants to waste money. Therefore, off-site parking is the perfect option to receive excellent service and save money at the same time.
Want to find some great offers? You don't need to go somewhere – just find it right here!
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We're glad to inform you that you can find this solution right here. Our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers the best prices on airport car parking and bundles hotel and parking packages. Besides, we provide the services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
Our platform allows you to make an airport parking reservation through a few clicks within the application. As a result, customers receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking spot upon arrival at the off-airport lot. Besides, if plans change, you can cancel hassle-free and receive a refund.
To understand it better, we would like to give you an example. Let's imagine that you're planning a trip to a popular destination. Regardless of your departure point, you can find convenient and affordable parking near airport you're flying from. Also, ParkingNearAirports.io offers its customers special airport parking coupons. With the help of these coupons, you can make the price for parking even two times less. So don't forget to use them to save as much money as possible.
You can find all the necessary and helpful information connected with the off-site airport parking on our official website. Enjoy traveling!
