26 Best Places To Visit In January USA (2024)

There isn’t any higher place to spend your bleary January than within the USA. The nation is full top-to-tail of unimaginable winter locations, whether or not you need heat temperatures or enjoyable winter actions within the snow. January journey can also be tactical, being outdoors peak season for many locations, which means fewer crowds and higher entry to unimaginable sights. An important instance is the nationwide parks, the place mountain climbing trails develop into virtually empty. January within the USA is fabulous – you simply must know which locations to go to.

Finest Locations To Go to In January In The USA

That will help you get essentially the most out of the yr’s first month, we’ve compiled a listing of the perfect locations to go to in January within the US. These locations are unfold throughout the complete nation – some snowy and wintery with traditional actions like cross-country snowboarding, some delicate with higher entry to mountain climbing trails and sights, and others scorching, with lovely seashores. Are you able to plan your January trip? Right here is the place you’ll meet your match.

1. South Padre Island

South Padre Island is an excellent place to go to in January if you need sunny climate and a wonderful trip on a barrier island. In January, temperatures drop marginally, however you may nonetheless get pleasure from loads of out of doors actions and seaside days. There are simply so many issues to do in South Padre Island: birding, horseback using, snorkeling, and extra. It has 34 miles of shoreline, vibrant white sands, and famously emerald waters. It really is a gem of Texas, as it’s the solely tropical barrier island and has a powerful complete of over 300 days of sunshine a yr.

South Padre Island is good if you wish to expertise coastal residing in Texas. While you go to in January, you’ll have barely any crowds. In March, all of the spring break crowds descend in town, and the small city will get significantly busy.

2. Key West

Who doesn’t love Key West? This beautiful island metropolis marks the tip level of the beloved Florida Keys, a series of barrier islands positioned on the southernmost level of Florida. Solely 90 miles north of Cuba, Key West will get tropical temperatures all yr spherical – so wave goodbye to chilly climate and good day to sandy seashores. Key West has pastel-colored homes and is linked to mainland Florida by the famed Abroad Freeway, which connects all of the keys. It is named a hub for diving and snorkeling, and in case you are a part of a distinct segment group that likes to be underwater relatively than on the seaside, this is among the finest locations to go to in January.

One of the vital fashionable methods to go to this island is on a Miami to Key West street journey. You can even mix it with a visit to the close by Everglades.

3. Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park

Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park is one in every of January’s most iconic and finest locations to go to. There are such a lot of issues to do in Loss of life Valley, and we will assure that they’re much extra fulfilling within the 30s to 60s than within the sky-high mid-summer temperatures that Loss of life Valley sees. The summer season temperatures in Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park get so excessive that there’s a frequent danger-to-life warnings. So it’s simply among the best locations to go to in January when heat climate isn’t any barrier to having fun with all of the park affords.

Loss of life Valley is the most well liked, driest, and lowest nationwide park within the USA. You may go to Badwater Basin, Dante’s View, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Racetrack Playa. The final one is essentially the most mysterious, with rocks that mysteriously transfer themselves.

4. Crater Lake Nationwide Park

Crater Lake is one other finest place to go to in January to beat the vacation crowds. This Oregon magnificence is among the finest US nationwide parks, with its most well-known cash shot being the namesake crater lake that was dramatically shaped by the traditional volcano Mount Mazama – which collapsed to go away Crater Lake behind. The park is centered round this lake, with a phenomenal Rim Drive with viewpoints over volcanic formations. Many little islands are additionally on the lake, like Phantom Ship and Wizard Island. Crater Lake Nationwide Park is among the finest weekend locations in January.

Crater Lake Nationwide Park is undoubtedly most famed for its vibrant blue waters and serene ambiance. It’s exhausting to consider that Crater Lake Nationwide Park was as soon as house to a raging volcano. After all, Crater Lake can also be the deepest lake within the USA, one other thrilling motive to go to. It averages a staggering 31 meters deep and is among the high 10 deepest lakes on the earth.

5. San Diego

The colourful metropolis of San Diego doesn’t get sufficient love for our liking. We’ve regularly lined town, from the perfect seashores in San Diego to a tell-all information on the place to remain in San Diego. Los Angeles can step apart for a bit – it’s time to provide San Diego its well-deserved recognition, particularly as among the best locations to go to in January. San Diego’s profitable issue is its attractive year-round local weather, which makes it among the best locations to go to in winter. And whenever you couple that with over 70 miles of lovely seashores, it’s simple to see why it’s such a sought-after place to go to in January. San Diego is a metropolis break meets seaside vacation spot.

San Diego has sights just like the Resort de Coronado, Balboa Park, and the USS Halfway Museum. There’s additionally the attractive Torrey Pines State Nationwide Reserve and loads of alternatives to identify sea lions.

6. Yellowstone Nationwide Park

Yellowstone Nationwide Park has a phenomenal 2.2 million-acre assortment and is a delegated nationwide elk refuge. It holds the grand title of the world’s first-ever nationwide park and was established in 1872. Yellowstone Nationwide Park shortly grew a popularity for its hydrothermal and geological sights, together with Previous Trustworthy – an enormous geyser. And its park boundaries really include round half of the world’s energetic geysers. Yellowstone has a wow issue for historical past and nature lovers alike. Yellowstone Nationwide Park is finest explored by automobile, the place you may cease to admire and embark on its finest Yellowstone hikes.

So, why go to within the low season? What makes Yellowstone so nice to see in January? Briefly, you skip the crowds. Yellowstone is among the most visited nationwide parks within the USA. Because of this it will get hectic in peak season. In winter, you’ll have street closures to take care of, and you’re finest utilizing a 4WD automobile. Nevertheless, the primary street between the north and northeast entrances stays open, and you’ll nonetheless go to the park’s highlights. Simply rigorously analysis the place to remain in Yellowstone and see which sights are most accessible. Yellowstone Nationwide Park is unquestionably an journey in winter.

7. Saguaro Nationwide Park

Saguaro Nationwide Park is among the finest locations to go to in early January. This nationwide park is house to essentially the most huge cacti within the USA, and the saguaro plant has shortly develop into an emblem of America’s historic Wild West period. Celebration due to this, Saguaro Nationwide Park has develop into a bucket checklist nationwide park for individuals to go to within the USA. The cacti stay as much as 250 years previous and develop to the scale of timber – fairly cool, proper?

Winter months are the perfect time to go to this park, because it means you may benefit from the hikes and cacti views with out collapsing with warmth exhaustion (which is a real danger). It’s positioned simply outdoors Tucson, and also you don’t want a automobile in case you are nifty on a pedal bike or a great hiker. Saguaro Nationwide Park is among the most accessible parks within the USA.

8. Lake Tahoe

Nowhere fairly beats Lake Tahoe within the winter months, and it’s simply one of many high locations to go to in January for those who like ski resorts and out of doors winter actions. Lake Tahoe is famend for world-class snowboarding and transforms yearly right into a winter wonderland. You may hit the slopes or get pleasure from cross-country snowboarding; winter sports activities are a few of the finest issues to do within the space. Lake Tahoe is a shocking freshwater lake that straddles the California and Nevada borders. Whereas in the summertime, the lake’s seashores appeal to swimmers and sunbathers, by mid-January, the winter climate turns it right into a haven for winter enjoyable with snow sports activities and ski resorts galore.

Lake Tahoe is a perfect quick getaway in January. It has additionally been utilized in tons of of TV reveals and films, due to its pristine blue waters and traditional backdrop of alpine surroundings. As we mentioned, beating Lake Tahoe is tough whenever you desire a ski trip within the USA. It’s one of many nation’s finest cold-weather locations.

9. Zion Nationwide Park

Zion Nationwide Park won’t have heat climate in January, with temperatures dropping beneath 40 F. Nevertheless, because the park turns into virtually unbearably busy and scorching in the summertime season, January is about as off-peak and quiet as potential. Should you gown for the chilly, you may nonetheless sort out a few of the finest hikes in Zion, and you’re virtually assured to have them to your self. Zion Nationwide Park has some beautiful sights, together with the Emerald Swimming pools, Canyon Overlook Path, and even the Narrows are accessible in January you probably have appropriate gear.

Zion Nationwide Park sees round 4.5 million annual guests, and by visiting in January, you may skirt most of those. It means quieter trails and higher lodging, with extra areas and cheaper charges. You’ll find out the place to remain in Zion prematurely and snag the perfect offers.

10. Looking Island State Park

Looking Island State Park is the preferred state park in South Carolina. It rose to sharp fame after getting used for a lot of the Vietnam Warfare scenes in Forrest Gump and is now cherished for its 5 miles of beautiful white sand seashores and attribute lighthouse. It sees over one million guests yearly and is well among the best locations to go to in January. You may hike by means of boardwalks on hundreds of acres of marshlands and even climb Looking Island Lighthouse.

In January, temperatures drop, however for those who gown for the climate, you may nonetheless get pleasure from many out of doors actions – simply with out the crowds. Issues like horseback using on the seaside, kayaking, and fossil looking are all ten instances extra fulfilling in winter when you will have the surroundings virtually to your self.

11. White Sands Nationwide Park

White Sands Nationwide Park is among the most lovely locations to go to in the course of the vacation season. For a winter break, White Sands Nationwide Park is ideal. It’s vibrant white because the world’s largest gypsum dune discipline – acres upon acres of white crystals. And with its New Mexico location, it is among the main warm-weather locations to choose. Consider it as a scorching model of a snow day. It has year-round heat temperatures, and you’ll go sand sledding, horseback, using, or on 4WD experiences.

White Sands Nationwide Park can also be house to the world’s most large fossilized footprints that date again to the Ice Age, offering greater than 20,000 years of humanity on this area. You may keep close to Las Cruces or Tularosa or head to El Paso.

12. Massive Sky

Montana is gorgeous all yr spherical, however January actually takes the biscuit. And Massive Sky is the state’s spotlight. It’s famend as one of many USA’s main resorts for snowboarding, and you’ll spot elk, huge horn sheep, and extra whenever you aren’t zipping down slopes at full blast. It’s a little luxurious, however we suggest a go to for those who fancy a high-end January getaway.

Massive Sky is the perfect place for a ski getaway, and you too can mix it with a go to to Yellowstone Nationwide Park. What a win.

13. Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a part of the attractive South Carolina Lowcountry. It has 12 miles of beautiful seashores, a conventional shoreline, a traditional purple and white Harbor City Lighthouse, and a scenic golf course. Hilton Head Island is someplace you may escape the hecticness of US cities and embrace a slower tempo of life. And it has the bonus of being a lot much less mainstream and quieter in the way in which of vacationers – particularly in its January off-season.

Temperatures hover at round 60 F on Hilton Head Island, good for seaside walks as long as you will have a few layers. Hilton Head Island is the best quirky getaway in January for those who don’t need intense solar and warmth however love coastal surroundings. You may even see dolphins.

14. Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is a Californian city within the sought-after Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s a hotspot for multi-day mountain climbing and beautiful alpine views in spring and summer season. Whereas in winter, it transforms into a number one getaway for winter snow sports activities like snowboarding and snowboarding. From Mammoth Lakes, you may go to the Satan’s Postpile Nationwide Monument and see the limestone towers at Mono Lake. Mammoth Lakes isn’t removed from Yosemite Nationwide Park both, making it a superb base for a extra prolonged interval.

Should you fancy a Californian ski break – a phrase you hardly ever hear – then Mammoth Lakes is your finest guess. It is usually supreme for exploring japanese California’s sights which can be a little bit bold for fulfilling day journeys from LA or San Francisco. Mammoth Lakes is snow sports activities heaven and a very good base for day journeys.

15. Payette Nationwide Forest

Payette Nationwide Forest is a 2.3 million-acre forest in Idaho and a phenomenal place to hike, camp, and are available face-to-face (or as shut as snug) with tons of of traditional American animals. You may spot deer, elk, mountain lions, bears, coyotes, and cute, small animals like river otters and snowshoe hares. It additionally creates ‘open play areas’, the place appropriate automobiles can sort out winter snow tracks. You may simply try the Payette Winter Journey Map for street steering.

If you need a winter forest getaway in January, snowy Payette Nationwide Forest is an excellent possibility. It has actually accessible forest roads you probably have a 4WD with appropriate changes, and it’s actually equipped for winter visitors with its Winter Journey Map. You may get pleasure from cross-country snowboarding and totally different snow actions as effectively.

16. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park

Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is a group of seven islands with a historic Fort Jefferson on the biggest. It is usually a hotspot for marine life and has some beautiful coral reefs. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is among the most original locations to go to within the USA, not simply in January however all yr spherical. Why? As a result of it’s extremely difficult to achieve, requiring you to constitution a ship or seaplane. Most nationwide parks within the USA have almost tens of millions of holiday makers, whereas 80,000 guests make it to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park yearly. You may ebook excursions from Key West by ferry or arrange personal transport, and there’s tenting onsite on the Backyard Key campground.

January is among the finest instances to go to this hard-to-reach park, because the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean are quieter from November to April – e.g., outdoors of hurricane season.

17. Aspen

Aspen is gorgeous. The mountain city is a hub of winter actions, and the entire of the USA holds its breath till winter lastly arrives at Aspen once more. A lot of the finest issues to do are snow-related, and you’ll get pleasure from very good snowboarding and snowboarding. That’s to not point out close by spots like Glenwood Sizzling Springs, the place you may day journey to and revel in naturally heated swimming pools. When higher to take action than within the peak of winter?

Aspen is a should in case you are a passionate snow sports activities lover. January is sort of busy, as winter is Aspen’s peak season. Nevertheless, March and December are a few of the most energetic months, so that you received’t be completely crushed by crowds. Begin the brand new yr in type – heading full pelt down an Aspen mountain.

18. Las Vegas

Vegas is a straightforward one to steer individuals to go to. Sin Metropolis is among the most famed cities on the earth, and you’ll gamble, social gathering, and sightsee to your coronary heart’s content material. It has a popularity for indulgence, which is simple to see simply from wanting on the lodges and locations to remain in Las Vegas. You could have the whole lot from casinos to world-class golf programs. Speak about selection.

New Yr’s Eve is an intense however insanely enjoyable time to go to Las Vegas, so we’d counsel visiting from late December to early January. Nevertheless, even late and mid-January have their attracts, with loads of occasions and motion on the Strip. And that’s with out factoring in all of the incredible issues to do off the Strip, like day journeys to kayak Emerald Cave and even to the Grand Canyon.

19. Salt Lake Metropolis

Salt Lake Metropolis is a superb winter getaway. The historic metropolis is the capital of Utah and is filled with fascinating tradition, together with Mormon historical past and spiritual sights. Salt Lake Metropolis is full of issues to do, together with museums just like the Pure Historical past Museum of Utah, Salt Lake Utah Temple, This Is The Place Heritage Park, and the attractive Crimson Butte Backyard. Salt Lake Metropolis is full of social and cultural historical past, and sights are a lot quieter in its January low season. You must also take into account its enjoyable winter actions, like close by snowboarding and snowboarding resorts in its surrounding mountains.

Salt Lake Metropolis won’t be the primary January trip you take note of, but it surely is a wonderful possibility for anybody who likes an adrenaline rush or is keen on Mormonism.

20. Massive Island

Massive Island is thought for its issues to do. The huge island is the biggest on the Hawaiian archipelago, and it has the whole lot from a volcano to black sand seashores and seashores famend for browsing. You may fly to the Massive Island straight from most US airports. And whenever you arrive, you will have island city atmospheres and delightful sights just like the Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park to maintain you entertained.

January is the perfect time to go to Hawaii for those who’d prefer to dodge the crowds, particularly the flocks of vacationers that come for the solar at Christmas. A warning: January is the wettest month on the Massive Island. Nevertheless, for those who ebook an prolonged keep to maximise sightseeing alternatives in dry spells and don’t thoughts the joy of tropical storms, it is a wonderful vacation spot for winter. The Massive Island is moist, not chilly. The rain really provides to the dramatic surroundings, particularly in rainforest areas like Honua’Ula Forest Reserve and Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary.

21. New Orleans

For southern appeal, look no additional than swanky and ultra-cool New Orleans. Not accustomed to town? Effectively, relaxation assured there are many issues to do. New Orleans known as ‘the Massive Straightforward’ due to its cool vibe, continuous and colourful nightlife, good delicacies, and nice ambiance. The motion compiles closely on Bourbon Road, a neon avenue of bars and events that spill out onto the road. Nevertheless, you’ve additionally bought swamp excursions to identify alligators, snakes, turtles and riverboat cruises to get pleasure from New Orleans from a waterfront view. And that’s to not point out the jazz and Creole meals excursions.

You may really feel flat in January. That post-festive lull hits most individuals, and New Orleans is the right treatment. Upbeat and in your face, town is exactly the high-energy enhance it’s essential get you out of a January stoop.

22. Miami

Hey Miami. After a chilly Christmas or busy festive interval with kin, the right antidote is a January blast on this coastal metropolis. Miami’s seashores are unequalled, and even within the peak of winter, temperatures can nonetheless attain the low 70s. This implies you may handle a seaside day or two and revel in a dip in rooftop swimming pools (try our information on the place to remain in Miami). Stroll amidst artwork deco structure on South Seaside and stroll by means of oceanfront parks. Miami’s social gathering scene is never-resting, too, and even in late and mid-January, you’ll be capable to get pleasure from nice nights out.

After all, none of this even components within the day journey potential from this vital Florida metropolis. You may head to the Everglades, Florida Keys, or north to Fort Lauderdale. Miami is way from only a cut-and-paste metropolis break. It’s a base to get pleasure from Florida and its highlights whereas profiting from January’s fewer crowds.

23. Charleston

Charleston is finest identified for the Charleston dance, however the South Carolina metropolis additionally has the primary school, museum, playhouse, and golf course within the USA. Charleston is a hub of historical past and probably the most fascinating metropolis breaks you may take within the nation. It’s the oldest metropolis in South Carolina and was established in its current location in 1680 earlier than being renamed Charleston from Charles City in 1783. And in January, you may get pleasure from gentle snow flurries and barely any crowds. It’s the good time to go to a metropolis that provides many museums and indoor sights – just like the Gibbes Museum of Artwork, Excessive Wire Distillery, and the Charleston Museum.

There’s loads to do and see on this underrated metropolis. Town is well accessible by Amtrak, flight, and automobile.

24. New York Metropolis

You don’t want us to let you know that you’re by no means in need of issues to do in New York. This metropolis is among the finest locations you may go to in winter on the earth – not simply within the USA. The mega metropolis is filled with festive cheer and glowing lights, particularly for those who keep in early January to catch the tip of Christmas markets and decorations. Mid and late January are additionally nice, with post-Christmas buying gross sales and extra sights reopening. Plus, you may see all of the traditional sights, like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial.

You may simply discover locations to remain in New York, and for additional inspiration, see our information on the place to remain in New York. It’s a fashionable January trip for nice motive.

25. Amelia Island

Amelia Island is among the finest weekend getaways in Florida, but this lovely barrier island is sort of criminally ignored internationally. The island has 13 miles of shoreline, quiet in summer season and abandoned in winter. If you need a seaside getaway with zero crowds, Amelia Island is a phenomenal thought and one in every of your finest decisions. You don’t want a automobile to get round when you arrive at Amelia Island, and you’ll spend your trip leisurely strolling or biking round with beautiful surroundings.

Different actions on Amelia Island embrace swimming, kayaking, and fowl watching. You may spot tons of wildlife, too. There are alligators, bobcats, turtles, and river otters. There are even bald eagles – the very last thing you’d count on on a sandy barrier island. Amelia Island has one in every of Florida’s most original coastal ecosystems and is a haven for nature lovers.

26. Sedona

Who doesn’t love Sedona? This Arizona desert city is far cherished for all its wonderful issues to do, which embrace mountain climbing by means of purple rock buttes and visiting Montezuma Citadel Nationwide Monument. Sedona can also be ideally positioned for a day journey to see the Grand Canyon, and you’ll benefit from the ski actions in Flagstaff in winter – simply with out these insufferable crowds. Sedona is principally the quieter Flagstaff various. And in case you are assured driving in icy and snowy circumstances and blissful to hire a 4WD, you’ll love Sedona in January. The hikes in Sedona and the variety of potential day journeys are unreal.

For extra inspiration, try the main lodges in Sedona. There are numerous locations to remain, though ebook prematurely as a result of it’s nonetheless a preferred place to go to in January, regardless of Flagstaff getting essentially the most consideration. Keep in mind to take a look at the Sedona Heritage Museum, Seven Sacred Swimming pools, and all of the artwork galleries.

FAQs: Locations to Spend January within the USA

As you may see, January is finest spent within the USA. Any of those 26 finest locations to go to in January will deal with you to a incredible time – whether or not you head to Aspen for winter sports activities, New Orleans for metropolis tradition, or Amelia Island for seashores. Earlier than you go, although, try these FAQs. You by no means know which bit of knowledge might make all of the distinction.

What’s the finest state to go to in January?

If you need solar, you need to head to Florida or California. Should you’d favor a snowy January trip, head to Colorado, Montana, South Carolina, or New York.

The place within the US is it heat in January?

California and Florida are each nonetheless heat in January. Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii are additionally good decisions for chasing heat climate.

The place is an efficient time to journey in January?

You may normally snag offers in early January – particularly in case you are prepared to fly on the dreaded New Yr’s Day. Nevertheless, as an entire, the month is exceptionally modest by way of budgeting for flights. And mid January needs to be when most sights that shut throughout holidays reopen.

The place is it heat to journey in January outdoors the US?

Anyplace within the southern hemisphere is a superb possibility when on the lookout for heat locations outdoors the US to go to in January. Australia is in its peak summer season right now. South America and Central America are additionally scorching right now, and even some international locations in Europe, like Cyprus, expertise delicate climate right now.

Would you like a winter wonderland? Or a phenomenal seaside you could bask on? There are such a lot of unimaginable USA locations to go to in January. We’ve labored exhausting to restrict this information to only the perfect 26. The variety of the USA involves gentle in January, and you’ll see the complete scale of what the nation affords vacationers.

The USA has the whole lot from winter out of doors actions at snowy resort cities to tropical paradises just like the Massive Island and beautiful purple rock surroundings like Zion Nationwide Park. And that’s earlier than we even point out metropolis breaks – good day, New York and Las Vegas. The winter months actually spotlight these dramatically totally different experiences within the USA.

Hopefully, you at the moment are excited to go off in your January vacation. Earlier than you do, bear in mind to take a look at our checklist of the 50 finest locations you may go to within the USA. We’ve additionally bought sources on the finest nationwide parks, seashores, hikes, and street journeys within the USA. We’re tremendous captivated with US journey, and our purpose is to maintain you as knowledgeable as potential, with all the perfect data only a click on away. Have a incredible time wherever you go to in January.