When people think of the best winter destinations in the United States, they often think of ski break destinations or snowy places. However, there are many other underrated winter destinations in the United States that you would not have considered visiting. From the gorgeous lesser-known beaches in Florida and smaller towns across the United States offer so many hidden gems.
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Underrated Winter Destinations in the United States: West Coast
Lost Coast, California
By Anna of Anna Tee
The Lost Coast is one of the incredibly underrated winter destinations in the United States. Located in Northern California, it is a remote, largely undeveloped strip of wilderness along the ocean. When the coastal highway was being built, it had to divert inland for a few miles because the rugged mountains were too difficult to build through and so the Lost Coast became a hidden gem!
You need a car to get to the Lost Coast. From Highway 101, you will take Mattole Road to the coast. The drive is pretty long, around 2 hours, because the road is windy, with lots of twists and turns, and many parts of it are gravel. The road is not too difficult, but you will need to take it slow!
The best place to stay on the Lost Coast is Shelter Cove. This tiny town is located by the ocean, and you can see the Black Sand Beach nearby. While you are exploring the Lost Coast, you can hike through the forest (the Lost Coast trail is a popular backpacking route along the ocean), see the gorgeous beaches, and check out the small local shops in the towns.
The Lost Coast is underrated because few travelers make their way here, so you will have some amazing views nearly to yourself. The rugged ocean scenery is absolutely incredible. Since it’s a long drive, at least two days is recommended on the Lost Coast.
You can visit the Lost Coast on a low budget – there are options for camping or for hotels, so a trip is possible on any budget.
Fairbanks, Alaska
By Bradley of Dream Big, Travel Far
Located 350 miles from Anchorage, Fairbanks is a gem of a destination all year round but is one of the especially underrated winter destinations in the United States. Known for its excellent small-town hospitality and nickname of Golden Heart City, it has a history of being a gold mining town and is now a hub for Alaska’s Interior.
It is an underrated winter destination because getting there takes quite a bit of effort, but it can be an adventure in itself! The Alaska Highway connects the contiguous US to Alaska via Canada, and the road trip is hands-down one of the most scenic in the whole country. With a paved road and stops along the way, driving is the easiest way to reach Fairbanks. You can also choose to fly to Fairbanks International Airport, which has regular flights from Seattle.
The most popular thing to do here is to see the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, which can be pretty easy to spot in the city. It also teems with other quintessential winter things like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and glacier hiking.
One of the cheapest and most unique things you should do when in Fairbanks is to take a selfie at the famous antler arch. For the locals, antlers represent the game hunting traditions of the past, and the impressive arch was woven from more than 100 antlers of different moose and caribou.
In terms of how many days to spend in Fairbanks, three days is the sweet spot to see all the essential attractions in the city and around. You will have enough time to explore the outdoors and cultural destinations alike.
While Alaska is generally an expensive winter destination, it is not impossible to visit on a budget! Spending longer and staying in an RV that can serve as both accommodation and transportation is the simplest way to cut down costs. Alternatively, staying in a local fishing lodge can cost as little as $40 per night.
Taos, New Mexico
By Amber of Amber Everywhere
Taos, New Mexico is one of the criminally underrated winter destinations in the United States, boasting majestic mountain views, plentiful natural hot springs, and great food. You can easily spend at least four days in Taos exploring the town, hiking in the mountains, watching the hot air balloons drift by, and sipping coffee in a local cafe. There are even ski resorts in Taos if you’d like to check out the New Mexican slopes.
You will need a car to experience Taos, as the town itself is quite spread out and the nearby attractions will be a 20-30 minute drive at a minimum. It’s a little out of the way, but do not skip a visit to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge to look out over the river.
You will find plenty of great options with stunning mountain views and gorgeous nature all around, so pay closer attention to whether you like the accommodation and its amenities than its location. Be sure to choose an accommodation where you can cook some of your own meals since eating out for every meal in Taos can get pricey.
If you are on a super tight budget, plan to camp and limit your meals out to keep your expenses under $75 per day. Accommodations in Taos average about $175 per night for midrange options in the winter, but you can save money by staying a short way outside of town. Because Taos is so spread out, there is not a huge advantage to staying right in the town, so don’t be afraid to stay 10-15 miles from the center in any direction.
When you go out to eat, you’ll find that the city has fabulous traditional New Mexican food. Try a smothered burrito or enchiladas “Christmas style” which means covered in half red chili and half green chili. You will also want to be sure to visit Chokola, an artisan chocolate shop with incredible treats right near the main town square.
If you have more time, you can take a New Mexico road trip or spend some time in Albuquerque before or after visiting Taos.
Prescott, Arizona
By Dee of Vanilla Papers
With its mild weather, small-town charm, and rugged hiking trails, Prescott is one of the incredible and often underrated winter destinations in the United States. Although Phoenix is popular with snowbirds looking to escape the East Coast snow, Prescott is a lesser-known small town that doesn’t get the same tourist crowds.
Spend a weekend in Prescott to enjoy its historic downtown with its stately Victorian homes, ice cream parlors, and salons that date back to the Wild West. Prescott is about a two-hour drive north of Phoenix. Though it’s a small city so you’ll definitely need a car to get around and visit the nearby nature trails and lakes.
Head to the Sharlot Hall Museum for some local history. You will find everything from dinosaur bones to the first governor’s mansion (from 1864) at this spacious and kid-friendly museum. This historic gem is definitely one of the best things to do in Prescott.
Make sure not to miss the winding Greenways Trail that meanders some 2.5-miles straight from downtown. This scenic trail circles along Granite Creek and Miller Creek and it is a great warm-up in winter weather among the pines.
For more beautiful Arizona landscapes, head to the nearby Prescott National Forest for some 850 miles of trails. There are also several lakes nearby if you are looking for a great family vacation. Stay at Hotel Vendome, a boutique hotel dating back to 1917, for some great historic charm. Enjoy a wine bar, leafy veranda and clawfoot tubs all in the heart of downtown Prescott.
Redwoods, California
If you are looking for an epic winter getaway that is overlooked by many, consider heading to Redwoods State and National Parks. Thanks to its location along the coastline, the temperature stays moderate all year round and the low-hanging fog of winter makes the incredible landscape look that much more majestic and moody. Plus, the crowds of summer have long departed, often leaving completely empty parks and trails (and cheaper accommodations, to boot!).
While the redwoods are iconic (the tallest living organisms on the planet!), they’re fairly remotely located, tucked away along the northern California border. The closest major airport is in San Francisco, a little over 270 miles away. If you want an iconic California experience, drive along the famed Highway 1 north of San Francisco as long as you can and finish the rest of the drive up Highway 101.
The best way to explore this area is to go on any of the incredible hikes in the redwoods. For example, check out the Fern Canyon trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, whose primeval ferns look so prehistoric, it was used as a filming location for Jurassic Park: A Lost World.
If seeing soaring redwoods is what you are after, head to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, where you can roam around 44 acres of old-growth redwoods in Stout Grove, stretching over 300 feet overhead. There’s a nominal fee to enter the state parks (usually, $10 or less per vehicle), but otherwise, most of your activities within the Redwoods will be totally free. Thus, this makes for one of the best underrated winter destinations in the United States.
For a lower impact option, head south to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, where you can cruise along the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile stretch of road that snakes through the largest grove of redwoods on the planet.
Given the redwoods are spread out across several different parks, which stretch for over 120 miles along the northern California coast, give yourself at least three days to explore the parks. Try to pick a home base somewhere in the middle of the parks, like the View Crest Lodge in Trinidad, with a hot tub, in-room fireplaces, and free breakfast.
Underrated Winter Destinations in the United States: Midwest
Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
By Paulina of Paulina on the Road
At the Apostle Islands, situated in Bayfield County, you will witness the incomparable: outstanding red sandstone sea caves, sparkling blue Lake Superior waters, and breathtaking vistas of greenery at every step. This archipelago consists of 21 islands along 12 miles of the mainland coastline and is home to breathtaking vistas, unique cliffs, and antique lighthouses.
These unique features and locations make Apostle Islands a great visit. Not many people visit here during the holidays, there are only locals. That is why it is one of the underrated winter destinations in the United States and great for a cozy vacation.
The beautiful waters of Lake Superior, the biggest and clearest of the great lakes, are a location to discover hidden glory. The Apostle Islands are indeed a favorite spot for scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing due to the sea caves and shipwrecks. There are a lot more things to do.
You can reach Apostle Islands by taking your own boat to Lake Superior or paddling a sea kayak to the islands. There are many activities and sites to visit here! As among the most well-liked things in the Apostle Islands, kayaking is difficult to overlook, but with good cause. The next wonderful activity is camping. Cruise the Apostle Islands. If you just want to sail around the islands and witness them from the sea, an Apostle Islands Cruise must be at the top of your to-do list.
For a nice stay, you can choose Larsmont Cottages. They have got impressive facilities and great reviews too. If you have decided to spend your winter in Wisconsin, go for at least 3 days.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
By Kyleen of The Bonnie Traveler
Chattanooga, Tennessee is nestled at the base of the Appalachian Mountains and is a delightful and one of the underrated winter destinations in the United States. The Scenic City is easy to get to, having its own airport, or it is only a 2-hour drive from Atlanta or Nashville (note: you change time zone traveling from Nashville).
Although parts of downtown Chattanooga are walkable, you are better off having a car to explore the beautiful mountain views the city has to offer. One of these amazing views is from Rock City, at the top of Lookout Mountain. This natural rock formation has an enchanted garden, and on a clear, winter day visitors can view 7 states from its lookout point. During the Christmas season, visit Rock City in the evening to be dazzled by millions of Christmas lights throughout the park.
Also, atop Lookout Mountain is Ruby Falls. Visitors travel 260 feet down into the mountain to learn about the cave features and history, as well as enjoy one of the highest subterranean waterfalls in the US.
One of the dominant features of downtown Chattanooga is the Tennessee Aquarium. The two peaked, glass towers contain 12,000 fascinating marine and wildlife creatures. One building is dedicated to freshwater ecosystems and the other showcases ocean habitats. This is a great inside activity to enjoy all day. The aquarium also offers spectacular views of the Tennessee River.
For a unique experience, sleep in a train car at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The train station was built in 1906 and later converted into a beautiful hotel. If it’s too cold to go rock climbing in the mountains, downtown features High Point Gym, a giant indoor rock climbing facility.
For a tasty treat, visit Rembrandt’s Coffee House and bakery in the Bluff View Art District. Chattanooga is the perfect winter weekend getaway that offers scenery, history, and fun activities at a budget-friendly cost of less than $100 per day.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
By Matilda of The Travel Sisters
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is one of the many underrated winter destinations in the United States that will not break the bank. You will need to stay at least 2 or 3 days in order to enjoy all the winter activities this small lakeside resort city has to offer. Those staying for up to a week can easily fill their time exploring other nearby lakes, towns, and natural attractions. Having a car is recommended as the closest airports (in Milwaukee and Chicago) are located about an hour’s driving distance.
There are many things to do in and near Lake Geneva during the winter. Free or cheap winter activities in the area include sledding, tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing as well as ice skating. You can also go skiing and snowboarding at nearby ski resorts.
If you are visiting in late January or February check out the popular ice castles in Lake Geneva. This unique attraction can be found in only five spots in the US. The man-made castles are especially beautiful after dark when they are lit up with different colored lights.
It is best to stay someplace in or near the charming downtown area (like the Comfort Suites Lake Geneva East) within walking distance of restaurants, small shops, and the lake. You can expect to pay about $75-150 per day for more affordable lodging.
Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
By Alyssa of An Apple, A Plane
A frozen fairytale awaits as you dance through frozen waterfalls and the snow-dazzled cavern of Starved Rock State Park. You will hardly believe you are in the midwest! Just two hours outside Chicago, have your winter world rocked at this travel gem and underrated winter destination in the United States.
Travelers tend to spend a holiday in the city, often forgetting to venture out of the city itself. If you are visiting from outside the Midwest, I recommend a long, three-day weekend to fully experience this new world and take advantage of nearby attractions. A day trip is doable if you are from the area. Car access is highly recommended in order to spend your Starved Rock weekend as you please and provides easy access to visit the neighboring state park, Matthieson.
Plan to spend one full day exploring Starved Rock. You can spend a second day visiting Matthiessen State Park for a quieter expedition (frozen waterfalls still included!) This destination is especially budget-friendly as there is no entrance fee for either state park.
Hours are from sunrise to sunset daily. Spend as little as $60 per night for a budget motel or opt to stay at Starved Rock Lodge for a more expensive array of cabins and hotel rooms. Two days of a car rental and two nights of a hotel stay can cost as little as $260.
Underrated Winter Destinations in the United States: East Coast
Crystal River, Florida
By Lanie of Make More Adventures
Crystal River, Florida is probably not the first place that you think of for a winter destination, but it is a budget-friendly and beautiful location with plenty of unique things to do. Crystal River makes for one of the best underrated winter destinations in the United States.
Fly into Tampa International Airport or Orlando International Airport and rent a car to drive the 70-90 minutes to Crystal River which is located north of Tampa and northwest of Orlando.
While manatees are spotted year-round in Crystal River, winter is a popular time to view these unique creatures. Visitors are able to take guided tours to see the manatees or they can rent kayaks, canoes, and SUPs and explore the river on their own.
Three Sisters Springs is a gorgeous natural spring and the only place in Florida where swimming with manatees is legal. Three Sisters Springs is only accessible by water, but there is a viewing platform that can be reached by a public trolley.
Plantation on Crystal River is a popular hotel option, and there are a few well-known hotel chains close to the river. Plantation on Crystal River has a golf course, spa, pool, restaurant, and a tourist center where fishing, scalloping, boating, and other tours can be booked.
A long weekend in Crystal River is long enough to relax, see the manatees, and enjoy the river, though those who do not mind a slower pace of life will enjoy Crystal River for a week-long vacation.
Less than 15 minutes south of Crystal River is Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park where manatees can be viewed from a viewing platform where visitors do not have to get into the water. Manatees are fed in this location, making sightings guaranteed. Other animals including alligators and flamingos can be seen in the park.
Drive a little further to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, about 35 minutes away from Crystal River. Weeki Wachee is known for its mermaids, which began as a roadside attraction in the 1940s. Kayaking and canoeing can be rented along the river by Weeki Wachee, and there is a boat ride available from the park.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
By Samantha of New England Wanderlust
Cape Cod is known as one of the best New England summer destinations because it has over 500 miles of coastline, puts on stunning hydrangea displays, is home to some of the best seafood restaurants and provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities. What most people don’t realize is that this region makes for an amazing and underrated winter destination in the United States. While everyone else is heading to the mountains to ski, head to the coast and snag some off-season deals at hotels, and enjoy this very popular area without any crowds.
Cape Cod actually experiences mild winters compared to the rest of New England with average daily temperatures in the 40’s°F during the afternoons, and it doesn’t get a lot of snow. For this reason, one of the best things to do on Cape Cod in the winter is to simply enjoy having the most popular and beautiful beaches all to yourself. Some of the best ones to see in the winter are Nauset Beach, Coast Guard Beach, and Race Point Beach.
After your beach walk, you’ll want to grab a warm cup of New England clam chowder, which is served year-round at restaurants but feels especially amazing after a brisk winter beach walk. One of the best places for chowder on the Cape that’s still open in the winter is Captain Parker’s Pub in Yarmouth.
Many accommodations on Cape Cod can be expensive in the summer, but winter is a great time to book a nice hotel with off-season rates. The Chatham Bars Inn is a luxury resort that’s open year-round and is a great place to treat yourself to a restorative massage. And since it’s right across the street from the beach, and walkable to the charming Main Street, it makes for a perfectly cozy place to stay this time of the year.
To get to Cape Cod, the closest international airport is Boston Logan Airport, and from there, the drive is about 1.5 hours, depending on which town you stay in.
Florida Panhandle
By Roshni of Top Treehouses
One of the most underrated winter destinations in the United States has to be the Florida Panhandle. Located on the Northwest coast of the state, close to the border of Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana, the Panhandle is not the first place you would think of when it comes to Florida, but that does not make it any less beautiful.
The easiest way to reach the Panhandle is by flying into Pensacola or Northwest Florida Beaches airport, but once there you will need a car so you can spend a week road-tripping along the coastal US 98 and 30A highway, stopping at the beautiful beaches and towns along the way.
Start at Panama City Beach and enjoy a relaxing, laidback trip, then head to South Walton (also known locally as 30A) for an upscale vacation before soaking up the history in downtown Pensacola, known for being the first US settlement.
Along the way you will be able to snorkel, swim, sail, paraglide, paddleboard, kayak, hike, and cycle (even in the winter months as the temperature remains in the high 60s). After all the outdoor activities you’ll definitely build up an appetite, and the Panhandle is full of southern charm so expect cajun cuisine (5 Sisters Blues Café in Pensacola is a must!), as well as quirky places to the east, such as Airstream row in 30A.
There are lots of great places to stay along the Panhandle including Calypso Resorts and Towers in Panama City Beach, Sandestin Resort in South Walton, and Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach.
A week in the Panhandle is around $1100 per person, but more time in Panama City Beach and less time in 30A will help bring the budget down.
Key Largo, Florida
By Megan of Megan Star
One of the most underrated winter destinations in the United States is most definitely Key Largo, Florida. Part of the Florida Keys, it does not receive nearly as much attention as Key West in the Lower Keys. Because it receives less attention, Key Largo tends to be cheaper and much easier to book accommodation during the winter months.
Getting to Key Largo is also extremely easy if you are arriving from Miami by car. The drive from Miami is around an hour and 15 minutes or so and it is truly the only way to visit as flying there isn’t an option. You can visit as a mere stop on a longer Florida Keys road trip or remain there on vacation! It is easy to find activities to occupy you from one day to one week!
Since Key Largo is small, you don’t have too many options for accommodation but one interesting tip is to stay in the back bay. Most people wouldn’t think to stay there as it doesn’t directly face the ocean, but the back bay in Key Largo is teeming with manatees! And, it is very easy to see them in the mornings. One hotel that is prime for viewing them is the Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo.
Aside from manatee watching, one of the best things to do in Key Largo is to go snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This is the first underwater park in the US and it was established to protect the country’s only coral reef system. If you’re more of an on the top of the water type of person, there are also paddleboarding and kayaking options there.
Other underwater activities in Key Largo are visiting the USS Spiegel Grove Wreck and staying at the Jules Undersea Lodge (or just paying it a visit). If you’re after a relaxing holiday, head to Harry Harris Park & Beach and enjoy some sunbathing. End your day with a seafood feast at the Key Largo Conch House which has everything from key lime macadamia pancakes to veggie curries.
While Key Largo is not as pricey as Key West, it is still not the cheapest destination in the US, especially if you want to take some boat tours and participate in water activities. You will find budget hotel options (can be around $100-$150 a night depending on your amenity desires) and plenty of grocery stores where you can grab food at a cheaper price.
Lake George, New York
By Michele of From Inwood Out
Tourists flock to Lake George in the summer to swim in the pristine water, play leisurely games of mini golf, and camp on the islands dotting the lake. And because Lake George, located at the southern base of the Adirondacks, is surrounded by tree-covered mountain peaks, autumn draws crowds, too.
But in the winter, Lake George comes alive in a different way thus making it one of the underrated winter destinations in the United States. The 32-mile-long lake freezes and once covered in snow, creates a vast winter wonderland perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Many hiking trails remain open, and several snow tubing parks are nearby.
Special events take place throughout the winter, including ice bars at local hotels and pubs. There’s also an annual Winter Carnival on weekends in February, where attendees can take part in family-friendly activities like pony rides, hot chocolate bars, chili cook-offs, and bonfires on the beach. There’s also the much-anticipated battle of the outhouses, a race where teams of five pull elaborately decorated outhouses across the frozen lake, vying for the cash prizes and eternal bragging rights that come with winning.
Lake George Village is relatively small and pedestrian friendly. Many attractions are located along both Canada Street and the Lakefront Walkway. For maximum convenience, book a hotel in this area. While many accommodations close for the winter, plenty stay open. Two popular ones are Surfside on the Lake Hotel & Suites and Fort William Henry Hotel & Conference Center.
Plan on spending 2-3 days to make the most out of a winter trip to Lake George. Driving is the most convenient way to get there. Trailways and Greyhound buses also service the area. Amtrak trains stop in Fort Edward, a 30-minute drive from the village. There are accommodations to suit every budget in Lake George, and many events and activities are free or low-cost.
Pass-A-Grille, Florida
By Terri at Female Solo Trek
Do not take a “pass” and miss visiting Pass-A-Grille, Florida, a laid-back beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico. The town’s mantra is “Lounge, shop, eat, repeat.” This may be the most lesser-known getaway on Florida’s West Coast and one of the underrated winter destinations in the United States. It is located on the southernmost end of St. Pete Beach.
The town’s name may be derived from the French Passe aux Grilleurs. Tourists visiting Tampa have been slipping away to Pass-A-Grille since the late 1800s. You will feel like you turn back the clock to the 1950s especially if you walk past the historic beach homes lining the beachfront avenue. Saunter down the wooden decks to sunbathe on the beach, walk the sandy beach, or leisurely collect shells.
Pass-A-Grille is your “facsimile Caribbean getaway” if you want to escape the blizzards and cold temperatures but need a cheap domestic airline ticket. Plan on a minimum two-night weekend visit, but it is easy to stay a week. Book a boat trip, stroll on the beach, collect seashells, visit outdoor art markets, shop trendy boutiques, play tennis, and spend every night watching the sunset.
There is Merry Pier to rent a fishing rod. Shell Key Shuttle offers excursions to Shell Key Preserve. If you can afford a 5-star vacation, book the historic Don Cesar, a pink mansion that once hosted F. Scott Fitzgerald. Alternatively, keep your costs down and stay at Castle Hotel or an Airbnb. Pass-A-Grille is also “dog-friendly.” Discount airlines fly to Tampa International Airport.
Helen, Georgia
By Tori of Tori Pines Travel
If you are looking for a unique spot to explore this season, book a trip to Helen, Georgia. It is one of the best, most underrated winter destinations in the United States thanks to its adorable Bavarian-style village. The entire town looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale, and it’s especially magical in the wintertime. A trip here is very inexpensive as the accommodations are lower priced than in most cities and most activities are free or very inexpensive.
Helen is located in north Georgia, just an hour and a half north of Atlanta. You will want to fly into Atlanta International Airport, rent a car and drive to Helen. Book a hotel room downtown at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Helen, or one of the many beautiful cabins on VRBO located just outside of town. You can easily fill up 4-7 days here, with all of the activities in and around town.
Start your vacation exploring the village where every building is designed to fit into the Bavarian theme. Stop at the Georgia Mountain Coaster, sitting on the mountain looking over town that goes up to 28 miles per hour! It is fun for kids and adults alike.
If you are visiting Helen at Christmas time, there are many town Christmas events, and the village is decorated high to low in holiday decor. Try to visit during the annual Lighting of the Village, Holiday Parade, or the Christkindlmrkts.
Venture outside of town to explore the various nearby trails. Hike up mountains to beautiful viewpoints, explore the numerous waterfall hikes or visit the highest point in Georgia at Brasstown Bald where you don’t even have to hike to get to the gorgeous views over Georgia! And for beer or wine drinkers, stop by the nearby breweries and vineyards as a treat after the hike.
Woodstock, Vermont
By Paula of Paula Pins the Planet
If you are looking for one of the most amazing underrated winter destinations in the United States, you should add Woodstock to your bucket list. Woodstock is a small, underrated town in Vermont, that you will love to visit, especially during wintertime. It is one of the best things to do in winter in Vermont, and one of the most beautiful towns to visit in the United States, for a reason.
This small and quaint town offers plenty of things to explore in town and the surroundings, and it is a great destination if you are traveling on a budget, as many of the best things to do here are for free. On top of the list is to stroll down the main street and just get lost admiring the stunning array of buildings of 18th and 19th-century architectural styles, which turns even better when they are covered in snow, turning the stunning town into something coming from a movie. Another thing you may want to do is to visit the iconic covered bridges, and a few of the most beautiful in Vermont is located in the Woodstock area.
Now if you love the holiday festive, Woodstock offers several options to choose from. One of the most popular is the Wassail Weekend, a weekend event held at the Billings Farm, a wonderful dairy farm and museum. The event normally happens during the second week of December, when they recreate the historic New England Christmas charm.
Woodstock offers many great options for accommodations, from cabins to boutique hotels. One of the most popular is the Woodstock Inn & Resort, a classic New England hotel that offers a wide variety of room options. It’s also in a great location and we can explore Woodstock without a car.
If you are flying, the closest airport is Burlington International (BTV), approximately 90-minutes from Woodstock. While you do not need a car to explore the small town of Woodstock, you will need a car to explore the surroundings of the town.
US Virgin Islands
By Brodi of Our Offbeat Life
The US Virgin Islands are a group of Caribbean islands that offer visitors white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. Although the USVI are typically thought of as a summertime destination, they’re actually an excellent choice for one of the underrated winter destinations in the United States.
The best part is since it is a US territory, you don’t even need a passport to visit there if you are American!
The weather in the USVI is great in the winter. Temperatures hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and there’s very little rainfall. So you can enjoy all the island has to offer without worrying about bad weather ruining your plans.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy in the USVI. You can go snorkeling or diving, go on a day sail, or just relax on one of the many beautiful beaches. There’s something for everyone in the USVI.
The USVI are relatively inexpensive to visit. flights from the east coast are often under $500, and there are plenty of affordable lodging options available. You can also find some great deals on car rental rates in the winter.
The US Virgin Islands offer visitors a chance to escape the cold weather and enjoy some sun and sand. With its great weather, an abundance of activities, and reasonable prices, the USVI is an underrated winter vacation destination.
Final Thoughts on Underrated Winter Destinations in the United States
There are so many underrated winter destinations in the United States, you cannot go wrong no matter which one you visit. Other awesome places to visit include the US Virgin Islands, Bozeman, Montana, and Spokane, Washington. When springtime comes, make sure to check out these underrated spring destinations in the United States.
