Searching for a cheap winter vacation spot? Winter vacations may be costly, regardless of your travel plans—you might be expecting to ski this season or travel south to sunny beaches. The secret to saving money on your next trip is selecting the ideal location, but don’t worry—we’ll help you choose the best place for an affordable winter getaway.
We provide a variety of options that are less expensive than most, whether your goal is to hit the slopes, visit wine country, visit America’s history, or escape the cold for sunny coasts.
Put on your sandals or snow boots and prepare for an adventure that will allow you to experience the finest aspects of winter without breaking the bank. For lovers of both warm weather and skiing, these low-cost winter vacation spots in the United States are ideal.
Cheap Winter Vacations in the United States
1. San Antonio, Texas
Due to its kid-friendly attractions, low cost of hotels, and food, San Antonio has been crowned the most economical city in the United States for winter travel and family vacations. With free admission to historic places like the Alamo and other missions, it’s an excellent destination for an enjoyable and educational vacation.
There are theme parks to visit, professional sports teams to watch a game, and museums to explore, many of which offer free or reduced days. There are lots of beautiful parks for picnics, and wandering along the River Walk and taking in the scenery never fails to make for an enjoyable experience.
2. Boston, Massachusetts
Get cozy for a trip to Boston during the winter. Yes, it will be chilly—freezing temperatures are to be expected in January and February—but that also brings snow-covered parks and Boston Common ice skating.
Boston, Massachusetts, is a wonderful winter vacation spot for those who enjoy colder weather and winter activities. The city offers a range of attractions and experiences during the winter months.
If you’re itching to escape the cold, visit one of the city’s historical or art museums. The Verb Hotel, a chic and contemporary lodging option close to Fenway Park, is highly recommended by Hotels.com.
3. Miami, Florida
While many may desire a winter vacation filled with snow and ice, others would rather chase the sun and avoid bad weather whenever possible. Miami, a bustling city, comes to the rescue in this situation.
December highs are a pleasant 75°F, and since there isn’t much rain during this time of year, you may enjoy the sun without having to deal with the summertime throngs.
Miami is a tropical haven that welcomes both luxury seekers and budget travelers with its moderate mid-60s to mid-70s temperatures from November through February. Take advantage of the chance to enjoy Miami’s famous Art Deco buildings, gorgeous beaches, and lively Little Havana cultural scene.
Wintertime in Miami offers a break from the heat, as well as less crowded and more affordable travel possibilities.
4. San Diego, California
If you’re not into Florida and would rather hit the West Coast for some sun, San Diego ought to be at the top of your list of affordable destinations for a late-year trip.
Outside of the busiest summer travel season, top hotels in the city become a true steal, and the amazing food and drink scene will keep your tummy full and the conversation going late into the night.
For those who are practical in their travel planning, San Diego makes a fantastic base of operations because it is easy to factor in travel to other popular destinations in California, such as Los Angeles.
5. Breckenridge, Colorado
When the snow starts to fall, Breckenridge is maybe the greatest location in the US for skiing, which is an extremely popular winter activity.
It is impossible to ignore the influx of tourists that this resort town experiences during the winter months, but Breckenridge still manages to provide some reasonably priced holiday options due of its excellent infrastructure for serving the thousands of winter sports enthusiasts that visit it.
The most crucial thing to remember is to make reservations as soon as possible. The cheaper your vacation will be, the sooner you can reserve your lodging and set up your ski tickets.
6. Phoenix, Arizona
For those looking for warmth and a little taste of the West in January, Phoenix is the ideal destination because to its moderate winter temperatures, which often hover around the 60s and 70s. With average airfares of $238, this month is also one of the greatest seasons to purchase inexpensive flights.
Trails with breathtaking vistas of the Sonoran Desert and cities, such as Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain, come to life in the winter. Additionally, golfers have access to upscale courses like Troon North Golf Club and The Boulders Resort & Spa.
7. Beaver, Utah
It doesn’t have to break the bank to enjoy “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” especially in January when flights to Utah are the most affordable. Utah provides a plethora of affordable ski resorts to cater to all budgets, spanning from the spectacular Rocky Mountains in the north to the alluring red rock terrain in the south.
If you’re just getting started with skiing, think about purchasing a day pass at one of Utah’s smaller ski areas. For early online reservations, several of these treasures offer appealing discounts. All winter travelers are welcome in Utah, whether their destination is Eagle Point snuggled in Beaver, Cherry Peak tucked away in Cherry Canyon, or Brian Head in its namesake town.
8. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Some of the best skiing in the United States is well-kept secretly located in the unusual landscape of New Mexico’s deserts. Travel to this fascinating state is most affordable if you plan your tickets during the off-peak months, which are usually January through March.
Though it lacks the expansive resorts of its northern competitors, New Mexico’s ski industry yet flourishes because of its unique appeal. Ski Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, and Ski Apache are excellent examples; they all provide distinctive skiing experiences that can be both affordable and memorable with careful planning and early bird pricing.
9. Orange County, California
California’s Orange County is the ideal destination for tourists looking to flee the harsh, chilly winter thanks to its surf cities, hotels on the coast, beloved amusement parks, and moderate winter climate.
You may still take in the seaside beauty, tour neighboring communities like Dana Point and Huntington Seaside, and visit Disneyland, which is always minimal in January and February, excluding holiday weekends, even though it will be a bit too chilly for a swim in the ocean. In Laguna Beach, Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa is the hotel that Hotels.com suggests booking.
Also, Read TOP 10 CHEAP VACATION SPOTS IN THE UNITED STATES
10. Las Vegas, Nevada
There are numerous ways to visit Vegas for less money, even though the city is now synonymous with expensive holidays where high rollers spend hundreds of dollars for a meal at a celebrity chef restaurant and drop large sums of money at blackjack tables.
There are many of free and inexpensive activities to do in the city, and there are sometimes discounts available on hotel rooms that might not have floor to ceiling windows and private Jacuzzis but still offer a tidy and comfortable stay.
The Flamingo Wildfire Habitat, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, and the Bellagio water fountains are all free for the whole family to enjoy, while strolling the Strip may provide many opportunities for people-watching.
Additionally, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has more than 30 miles of hiking trails and is only 17 miles from the Strip.
11. Nashville, Tennessee
Compared to northern regions, Nashville experiences milder winter weather, making it an attractive destination for those looking to escape harsher winter conditions.
Known as the “Music City,” Nashville offers a vibrant music scene year-round. You can enjoy live performances at iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and various honky-tonks on Broadway. Nashville hosts festive events during the winter season, including the Christmas lights at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, holiday concerts, and the Nashville Christmas Parade, adding to the holiday spirit.
The National Museum of African American Music, the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and live music in the city’s well-known honky-tonks are just a few of the prominent attractions in Nashville that are truly indoors.
12. Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina, may not be typically considered a traditional winter vacation spot like some northern cities or mountainous regions, but it still has its appeal during the winter months.
Charlotte experiences relatively mild winters compared to many northern cities, making it a pleasant destination for those seeking a break from harsh winter weather.
While not a winter sports destination, Charlotte and its surrounding areas offer outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring parks such as Freedom Park or the U.S. National Whitewater Center, which may be more enjoyable in the cooler winter temperatures.
This vibrant, modern city offers everything you might desire for an urban getaway, including plenty of kid-friendly activities, museums to explore, and adult evening entertainment options galore.
When you visit Charlotte, you may also go outside and take in North Carolina’s rural landscape in all of its snowy splendor!
13. Austin, Texas
Austin experiences mild winters compared to many northern regions, with average temperatures often staying above freezing. This can make it an attractive destination for those seeking to escape harsh winter weather.
The winter months in Austin offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the city’s parks and green spaces. Places like Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt are popular outdoor destinations year-round.
Austin dubbed the Live Music Capital of the World, has a lot to offer foodies and music enthusiasts. Austin boasts a booming restaurant scene with plenty of delicious Tex-Mex, BBQ, and other cuisines. Plan a couple nights out to take advantage of the city’s well-known live entertainment.
14. Catalina Island, California
There’s no need to break out your passport or take a plane to the Caribbean if you want to go diving or snorkeling because Catalina Island has some of the best underwater life to explore in the continental United States. It’s only 20 miles off the coast of Southern California, so a boat journey from Long Beach will get you swimming in the dazzlingly beautiful blue seas with a variety of marine life.
Visit the well-regarded Lover’s Cove and you might see anything from sea stars and Garibaldi fish to octopi and eels. Even though there are lots of hotels in the area, camping at Two Harbors will save you a ton of money. Even in the winter, the region’s moderate climate means that it rarely gets too cold.
15. Niagara Falls, New York
In the winter, Niagara Falls is breathtaking and there are fewer tourists. New York, Boston, Cleveland, and other East Coast towns are reasonably accessible, and you can even go snowshoeing through the state park, which provides free snowshoe rentals.
When the temperature drops low enough, the famed “Frozen Falls” can be seen, with the surrounding area covered in thick layers of ice and snow created by the cascades’ thawing mist. After that, enjoy a hot chocolate at Platter’s Chocolate Factory while watching the chocolate-making process, or warm up at an attraction like the Aquarium of Niagara.