The 10 best winter destinations outside radar in the United States

Whether you are looking for the sun or snow, travel experts recommend these unexpected places.


Regarding the perfect winter getaway, some people are attracted mountain cities With ski slopes and comfortable cabins, while others want nothing more than to store their jackets and sunburn . Fortunately, the United States is filled with incredible destinations for each taste and personality style, including certain places that may not be on your radar when you think of winter destinations. We went to see the experts and asked them to recommend their favorite places to visit in winter. Whether you aspire to assemble yourself near the fire or sip a fruity drink by the pool, this list has something for you.

Read this then: The 6 best destinations outside radar in the United States which must be on your list of buckets .

The 10 best winter trips out of radar

1. Palmer, Alaska

The blue and white ice of the Knik Glacier in Alaska.
Carderdayne / Istock

Alaska is at the top of many travelers' buckets , and rightly so. The state is breathtakingly magnificent with unprecedented access to nature, leisure and perfect small towns. And combine all these attributes is Palmer, Alaska , located in the Mat-Su valley In the Chugach National Forest.

"It is a gateway city with a superb outdoor adventure while being close to Anchorage and Talkeetna," said editor Heide Brandes . "The Knik glacier is the biggest draw, with an ice field on average 25 miles long and 5 miles in diameter," recommends Brandes to take a helicopter tour with the glacier for guided hiking, kayak or the ' climbing. Then take advantage of local beer and burgers to Matanuska Brewing Company .

2. Hickory, North Carolina

Main Square in Hickory North Carolina
Nolichuckyjake / Shutterstock

With a population of 43,000 inhabitants, Hickory, North Carolina Combines the charm and the feeling of a small town with the amenities of a larger city.

"The city of artistic mountain at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains is the perfect compromise between cold and hot time destinations", explains editor Meg St. Spirit . "You can buy the pretty city center at crisp but always comfortable temperatures and enjoy the hike without putting heavy winter equipment." Hickory is particularly beautiful during the holidays when the city square is tense with sparkling lights, heated outdoor meals and live music.

Holy Spirit also likes the way the train tracks cross the center of the city "add to the old sensation". For more historical pleasure, "you can dine inside the old station at Hickory Older Station Restaurant, "she adds.

Read this then: The 10 best weekends you have to do this winter .

3. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio Riverwalk
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

During the winter San Antonio , Daytime temperatures are generally in the middle of 60, the ideal time to cycle the famous Riverwalk (which is decorated with lights for the holidays!) Or explore the history Missions of San Antonio . The city also has a rich cultural heritage and some of the best museums in the country.

"The Museum of Art has a large collection, especially Hispanic and black art, and has a coffee overlooking the river which is charming at dinner", Raves editor Rusksana Hussain . "Do not miss the Pearl District at the end of the Riverwalk with fantastic restaurants and open green spaces for picnics."

4. Lake Charles, Louisiana

An aerial photo of the Golden Nugget Casino Resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock

When the northern part of the country is full of cold and snowy winter time, Lake Charles, Louisiana is in the 1960s. "People tend to head directly to New Orleans, but Lake Charles is a less known area with a lot to do," notes Hussain. "Many opportunities for kayaking, eco-tours and other lake activities and cycling."

There are Cajun and Fantastic Creole restaurants in the region, and Lake Charles is also part of the Creole Nature Trail, an officially designated picturesque path of beaches, history and fauna. And if you are looking for a nightlife, consider one of the three casino stations.

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5. Ogden, Utah

View of the historic main street in Ogden, Utah with large mountains in the background.
DenistanGneyjr / Istock

the Far West West West Meet the ski slopes Ogden, Utah , "A historic west city nearly three incredible ski mountains - Nordic Valley, Powder Mountain and Snowbasin", said editor Jeanine Consoli. "In addition, he has a phenomenal scene of food, art and music."

While you are there, make sure to check Union station , a historic train deposit which now houses the Utah State Railroad museum and the John M. Browning Museum. Perhaps the best of all, Ogden is just a half hour drive from Salt Lake City airport.

6. Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale Arizona
Tim Murphy / Shutterstock

Scottsdale, Arizona is famous for electric sunsets, world -class seaside resorts and some of the country's best public golf courses. "Incredible food combined with winter desert hikes and mild temperatures are my favorites," adds editor Julie Bielenberg . AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

In Scottsdale, time is not only perfect for activities like Kayaking the Salt River or explore the desert with companies like Desert dog off -road adventures , but it is often hot enough for Bather by the pool while the delicious perfume of the Creosote bush fills the air.

Read this then: The 8 best 3-day weekends in the United States

7. Big Sky, Montana

Snow-covered cabins and mountains at Montana's Big Sky Resort.
Christiannafzger / Istock

A name like Tall sky evokes images of endless views and epic adventures, and this destination does not disappoint. "Big Sky is located in the heart of the Rocky mountains of Montana and houses some of the best ski, hiking and camping in the state," enthuses travel expert Matt James to visit.

James says the region is home to ski resorts with a big name like Big Sky Resort and Moonlight , as well as a number of smaller and more intimate ski areas. And, if you are not a skier, you can always enjoy the magnificent landscape and the air of the mountain.

8. Taos, New Mexico

Taos New Mexico
Roschetzky / Shutterstock photograph

One of the country's best destinations for skiing and snow. "With an average annual snowfall of 176 inches, the rugged peaks and the sacred wild nature of TAOS are filled with multicultural vibrations", explains the expert trip Becky Moore of World grasshopper . "Perfect for skiers and anyone with a sense of adventure, this small town is imbued with legendary charm and original traditions."

In addition to being an ideal place for skiing, Taos is also at home to a flourishing community of artists and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Taos Pueblo .

Read this then: The 10 best seaside resorts in the United States for a stressless getaway .

9. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

An aerial view of Steamboat Springs, Colorado covered in snow.
ThePalmer / Istock

Steamboat Springs, Colorado Offers opportunities for ice skate, snow tubes, dog sled and other snowy activities, but which really makes the city special Natural hot springs sprinkled in the city. They are the ideal place to dip your painful muscles after a hard day of play in the snow. "These hot swimming pools have existed for over 100 years," explains Travel Blogger Samantha Pearsall of The renegat hike .

After a day of outdoor pleasure, be sure to discover all the shops, art galleries and incredible restaurants in the city center.

10. Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth Washington
MARK A LEE / Shutterstock

Although well known to local residents, Leavenworth, Washington is still under the radar for a large part of the rest of the country. Located in the foothills of the waterfall mountains, the small hamlet looks like a European village, with a Bavarian architecture and a dining room in Al-Fresco all year round.

"The main tourist area lasts about six blocks [and] the majority is dedicated to shopping and entertainment," explains Travel Blogger Anna Krizova of Camino Adventures . "Discover the Steakhouse Christkindlmarkt and maybe Mozart for the best Schnitzel you have ever had."


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