There are several reasons why travelers would want to go to the United States in February. For one, even some of the most famous and popular tourist spots will be quieter this month, meaning access to more affordable deals and more chances to explore the whole country at its unspoiled, uncrowded best.
When heading to the US in February, you can either enjoy all the snow and take in all the cold winter has to offer or go to parts of the country where you are guaranteed sunshine and warm weather. Whatever the case, here are some incredible US destinations for February travelers.
Palm Desert, California
Nestled in the sun-filled Coachella Valley next to Palm Springs, approximately equidistant from San Diego and Los Angeles, Palm Desert is the perfect place for those who want to avoid the cold of winter. Known for its luxury hotels, golf courses, country clubs, and sunny weather, Palm Desert is one of the most popular all-year-round tourist destinations in the US.
Celebrities like vacationing here during the winter because of the balmy 26 degrees weather it experiences in February. This perfectly hospitable temperature means you can enjoy biking, hiking, golf, and desert treks.
Breckenridge, Colorado
If you’re looking for snow and sunshine, then Breckenridge is the place for you. Breckenridge is a charming mountain town in Colorado that provides great ski routes covered in snow for much of January and February, with a surprisingly lively nightlife and vibrant apres options. Characterized by its Victorian architecture, Breckenridge is well known not only for all its skiing opportunities but for its famous main street.
North America’s highest chairlift is in the Breckenridge Ski Resort. The resort provides travelers with easy access to some of the best ski runs.
Breckenridge also experiences very high snowfall averages in January, so this is truly the best time to see this US destination.
Zion National Park, Utah
A unique natural reserve characterized by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs lies southwest of Utah. This spectacular natural beauty that is any photographer’s dream is the jaw-dropping Zion National Park.
The Zion Canyon Drive is a winding double-lane road that runs through the park that offers travelers outstanding vistas at each turn before finally reaching the Virgin River. You must visit the river during your visit. You have to take some time to marvel at the river’s nearby waterfalls and luminous emerald pools.
Big Sky, Montana
Another great place for cold and snow lovers is Big Sky in Montana. This is a prime-time February destination because of the many family-friendly activities and events it hosts during this period. It offers other outdoor activities like hikes, nature zip lines, and escape rooms.
Yellowstone National Park, its famous neighbor, is a popular tourist attraction.
Winter activities include cross-country skiing, ice-trekking, snow-go bike rides, snowmobiling, and sledding. For the less adventurous traveler, the apres ski space is worth experiencing.
With that said, it doesn’t matter how you decide to spend your days so long as you reserve the winter evenings sitting in front of a raging fire sipping some hot chocolate or something stronger. The infinite panoramic view of the magical winter scapes of Montana makes it one of the best winter destinations in the US.
Tucson, Arizona
Arizona has been one of the most popular February destinations in the US for quite some time. Tucson, which attracts snowbirds from the states in the north and even Canada, is on this list because of its spectacular natural attractions and the warm weather it experiences in February. It’s in the Sonoran Desert’s cooler parts, southeast of Phoenix.
It is home to the Santa Catalina Mountains, which have some of the most scenic hiking routes in the state. The Phoenix Mountain Preserve is almost three times shorter, meaning more significant snowfall each winter because of this impressive elevation. Additional snowfall helps create a snowball effect; travelers can even ski down Mt. Lemmon.
Miami, Florida
Miami is located in the ‘Sunshine State,’ It is known for its humming beach bars, sun-kissed sandy beaches, and opulent boutique hotels. While this city is a popular destination all year round, visiting it in February is cost-effective because the exuberant Miami atmosphere is at its off-peak. Meaning not only will you avoid the busy crowds of spring-breakers, families, etc., but you can also make the most of extravagant hotels and tourist attractions at a fraction of the price.
While people in other parts of the US are wearing several layers of clothing, you can stroll down Ocean Drive in your shorts and visit museums like the Perez Art Museum and Vizcaya Museum, as well as the many different clubs and casinos.
Oahu, Hawaii
Last but not least is Oahu. You can’t talk about fabulous February US destinations without mentioning a Hawaii destination. The weather in February is still sunny and hot enough for people to have great beach days, and you will save a lot on hotel costs and airfare in the off-season. Oahu offers excellent surfing opportunities besides having some of the best beaches in the United States.
In February, the holiday crowd typically thins out significantly, and if you come at the right time, you might get the chance to celebrate Lunar New Year. Additionally, you can do some snorkeling at Eternity Beach or Hanauma Bay, watch surfing competitions or go off-roading.
Takeaway
Many people don’t usually want to travel during winter, especially in January or February. However, there is usually a sweet spot in this month. After Christmas and New Year’s madness, many popular destinations will experience a lull in tourism, meaning lower accommodation costs and airfare, smaller crowds, and an unhurried atmosphere.
Whether you want to escape the snow in Arizona or ski slopes in Colorado, this list has it all. If you’re a January or February traveler looking for some of the best spots to check out in the US, consider at least one of the destinations in this article. With that said, now you know what destinations you can check out this month.
