February could be the optimum time of 12 months to hibernate at house for some. For the remainder of us, meaning smaller crowds, snowy adventures, and/or heat escapes. In the lifeless of winter, a few of us like to embrace the snow and frigid temperatures, whereas others search for a tropical local weather to treatment the wintertime blues.
To provide help to in your seek for the most effective locations within the USA in February, this listing has a bit little bit of all the things:
1. Big Island, Hawai’i
The Big Island is likely one of the most magical locations in Hawai’i, so if it isn’t in your bucket listing but, it ought to be! This Hawaiian paradise is the biggest, most various, and maybe probably the most adventurous of all of the islands. From mountain climbing to catch a legendary sundown on the steam vents (like within the picture above) to snorkeling with manta rays, there’s a lot to do on the Big Island for each sort of traveler.
February is a incredible time to go to, as a result of the climate is a bit cooler this time of 12 months, plus it’s humpback whale season. If you may have the winter blues and wish a tropical pick-me-up, the Big Island is ready for you!
2. Fairbanks, Alaska
If you haven’t already found why winter is a stellar time to go to Alaska, I’ll provide you with a touch: the aurora borealis. Although the northern lights are extra vibrant in March, you’ll nonetheless have an amazing likelihood of seeing them in February, making the wintertime journey completely price it.
This is the last word place to embrace the attraction of winter within the far north, and February is the most effective time to take action. Since tourism is low this time of 12 months, that is the time to attain a deal on lodging. It’s additionally a good time to take a look at the wintry landscapes of Denali National Park and the Castner Glacier Ice Cave. Find out what else to do in Fairbanks this February right here.
3. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Winter is the best possible time to take a look at California’s deserts, as many different seasons are just too scorching to have the ability to take pleasure in their magnificence totally.
Lesser-known Lassen Volcanic National Park positively deserves extra hype. From the crystal-clear waters of Lake Helen to the mountain views on the prime of Mount Brokeoff, there’s fairly quite a lot of surroundings right here, making it price a go to.
February days in Lassen are cool (highs within the mid-50s) but sunny, so be sure that to deliver loads of safety from the solar. Nights could be fairly chilly, so in the event you resolve to camp, be sure that to organize for freezing temperatures.
Learn all the things you should find out about planning your journey to Lassen right here.
- Best issues to do in February: Stargaze at Ridge Lakes, climb to Lassen Peak, or take a look at the opaque inexperienced shade of Boiling Springs Lake.
- Where to remain: There are campsites within the park, however most are closed in February. Lake Almanor Lodge is near the park, and the rooms have full kitchens. Rates begin round $234/night time. Book right here.
4. Orange County, California
Orange County is one other superior choose if you wish to escape the coolness of winter. Its sunny days with temperatures reaching the low 70s could be the treatment to your winter blues. Catch an epic sundown on the seaside or from the sky on a helicopter tour or a dawn in a hot-air balloon. It’s additionally peak grey whale migration season.
Besides having some significantly epic sunsets, there’s a lot to do in Orange County which you can keep so long as you’d like and by no means get bored. Chances are, you’ll return house nonetheless feeling such as you’re in a California dream.
5. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin is one other nationwide park that doesn’t see practically as many guests as others within the American Southwest however is unquestionably price a go to. Here you’ll discover pristine alpine lakes, historical bristlecone pine timber (the oldest residing organism on the earth!), unbelievable mountaintop views, and a few of the greatest stargazing within the decrease 48 states.
February temperatures within the nationwide park are chilly in February, with highs within the mid-40s and lows within the 20s, so come ready with a lot of layers. Though it might be chilly this month, there’s much less snowfall, making it the best time to go to if you wish to hike and/or stargaze.
You can discover all the things you should begin planning your journey to Great Basin right here.
- Best issues to do in February: Visit the Lehman caves on a guided ranger tour, hike the Bristlecone Pine Trail, climb Wheeler Peak, and extra.
- Where to remain: Accommodations are sparse close by, so Stargazer Inn Nevada within the city of Baker is your greatest wager. Rates begin round $97/night time. Book right here.
6. Kirkham Hot Springs, Idaho
If you haven’t soaked in scorching springs within the lifeless of winter, that is your nudge to strive it. The steam rising from the recent water creates a stunning environment that yow will discover in its full glory at Kirkham Hot Springs in Idaho. Summertime is the most well-liked season, so checking it out in winter means you’ll have a greater likelihood of getting the place to your self.
This is one in every of many equally as lovely scorching springs within the space, so if you wish to make the most of them totally, contemplate an Idaho scorching springs highway journey this February.
- Best issues to do in February: Soak within the scorching springs (clearly), drive the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, cross-country ski or snowshoe at Whoop-Um-Up Park N’ Ski Area, or hike to Pilot Peak within the Boise National Forest.
- Where to remain: If you’re touring in a bunch, this totally outfitted cabin close to the recent springs is a superb luxe choice for round $279/night time. You also can keep in a yurt for round $80/night time.
7. Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky is a vacation spot match for skiers of all ranges, boasting greater than 5,800 acres of skiable terrain and 85 miles of trails. Skiing is the principle attraction right here, and among the best locations to go is Big Sky Resort, which has 38 lifts to select from.
If you need to lengthen your journey, you can also make Big Sky a cease in your winter highway journey to Yellowstone, because the park is simply an hour away!
- Best issues to do in February: Ice skating, mountain climbing and sightseeing across the 4 mountains within the space.
- Where to remain: Since February is peak ski season in Big Sky, lodging costs are a lot increased. Rainbow Ranch Lodge is likely one of the extra reasonably priced choices, with rooms beginning at round $375/night time. Book right here.
8. Page, Arizona
Page is house to many pure wonders, together with Antelope Canyon, the Wave, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Lake Powell, and White Pocket. Since many of those locations get additional crowded within the spring and fall months, winter is the most effective time to keep away from the throngs. Temperatures listed here are cool in February, with highs within the higher 40s and lows dipping into the teenagers at night time. So whereas it’s not as frigid as in additional northern states, you’ll nonetheless need to pack loads of layers.
9. Tuscon, Arizona
Tucson is an apparent alternative for any desert fanatic searching for the most effective locations within the US in February. From the daring and fiery sunsets to the peculiar cacti shapes dotting the panorama, it’s really one in every of a form.
This is the proper place to flee the chilly this winter. February temperatures in Tucson are lovely, with highs within the low 70s and many sunshine. Considering that a lot of the metropolis’s treasures are open air, you’ll be capable of benefit from the lovely climate all day lengthy.
10. Zion National Park, Utah
As one in every of America’s most well-known nationwide parks, Zion can get extraordinarily crowded in the course of the excessive season from spring to fall. Sure, it’s nonetheless price a go to, however lengthy strains and spikes in close by lodging prices could be overwhelming. That’s why it is best to contemplate visiting Zion in February, when crowds are at their annual low.
Although it may well get fairly chilly right here within the winter, with temperatures dipping into the mid-20s at night time, that additionally means there’s an opportunity you’ll see a lightweight dusting of snow on the mountains, which makes for a beautiful view. Popular lookouts like Observation Point and Angels Landing tackle a distinct sort of magnificence within the wintertime that’s fully definitely worth the chillier temperatures.
11. Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah
Grand Staircase Escalante is likely one of the many Utah nationwide parks which are really awe-inspiring. The pink rock formations that this space is thought for are ample right here, giving the house an at instances otherworldly feeling.
February’s climate is chilly and generally windy, with temperatures dipping into the excessive 30s, however there are many perks to visiting Grand Staircase Escalante within the wintertime. This is off-season for many nationwide parks, together with this one, so that you’ll be capable of take pleasure in fewer crowds and higher costs on lodging.
There are additionally a number of locations which are solely accessible within the winter, like Zebra Canyon, which is often flooded from spring to fall. If you go to, don’t miss the chance to hike to Coyote Gulch, because it’s one of many highlights of the realm.
12. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Home to the tallest dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a treasure to behold. Although February is likely one of the coldest months right here, it’s a incredible time to benefit from the dunes, as there’s a great likelihood you’ll have the place nearly completely to your self. Plus, this space has International Dark Sky Park distinction and subsequently some of the spectacular night time skies within the nation.
During the month of February, it usually snows about as soon as per week, but it surely often melts rapidly on the heat-conducting dunes. Come ready for low temps (within the 30s to low teenagers) with loads of layers, in addition to solar safety, because the rays bouncing off the sand could be harsh. If you thought February in Colorado was all about contemporary powder and ski lifts, this place will remind you of the state’s spectacular variety.
- Best issues to do in February: Go sandboarding or sand sledding, catch a glimpse of elk and pronghorn, hike the dunes.
- Where to remain: Renting a complete house is the best way to go right here, as there are few resorts near the park. This “eclectic adobe cottage” in Crestone is completely cozy for a February go to and is just round $112/night time for all the place. Book right here.
13. Colorado National Monument, Colorado
Some locations are simply extra magical within the wintertime, and the Colorado National Monument is one in every of them. Here snowfall is comparatively low, typically masking the panorama with only a skinny blanket of powder. The distinction of the fragile white snow and imposing pink and orange rock formations makes for a surprising scene particular to this time of 12 months.
Unlike different locations within the state, Colorado National Monument is straightforward to navigate within the wintertime as a result of there may be not often sufficient snow to impede the roads and mountain climbing trails. Plus, February temperatures listed here are a lot milder, with highs reaching the higher 40s in the course of the day. Add this to your Colorado highway journey to increase your journey!
- Best issues to do in February: Try cross-country and downhill snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, and fats biking. You also can hike to unbelievable viewpoints, canyons, and rock formations.
- Where to remain: The lovely city of Grand Junction is simply six miles from Colorado National Monument and is filled with eating places, sights, and locations to remain, like this candy trip house for less than $120/night time.
14. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Confuse your folks with images of you barefoot on large white sand dunes that appear like freshly fallen snow by visiting White Sands National Park this February. This enchanting place is a feast to your eyes, with its stark white slopes that shimmer and seem to alter shade throughout dawn and sundown. White Sands not often ever will get crowded, however visiting in February nearly ensures that you simply’ll have an enormous a part of it to your self, because it’s off-season.
Temperatures this time of 12 months hover within the higher 50s and low 60s in the course of the day, dipping into the 30s at night time. This is an unconventional different to a seaside trip, providing a warmish local weather that’s extra off the overwhelmed path. Ready to begin planning your go to? Check out this White Sands National Park information first.
- Best issues to do in February: Hike the dunes, go sandboarding or sand sledding, catch a sundown or dawn, and extra.
- Where to remain: There aren’t many lodging near the park, however Home2 Suites by Hilton Alamogordo has the most effective rankings, and costs are first rate, at round $150/night time. Book right here.
15. Jemez Hot Springs, New Mexico
If you’re road-tripping by way of New Mexico this February, Jemez Hot Springs is a must-stop. In February, the realm will seemingly be snowy and chilly, making the recent springs much more pleasant to dip into. Here you possibly can select a extra rugged pure springs that require a drive and a hike to get to, or you possibly can go for a man-made expertise at Jemez Hot Springs lodge and spa. Either method, this can be a fabulous approach to spend time open air within the wintertime from the consolation of a steamy pool.
16. Fort Davis Mountains State Park, Texas
If stargazing is in your bucket listing, contemplate heading to Fort Davis Mountains State Park in Texas this February for some of the dazzling night time skies within the nation. This spot is unquestionably off the overwhelmed path, about midway between Big Bend and El Paso.
Here you’ll discover the McDonald Observatory, which hosts Star Parties the place you possibly can spend 2 hours with an astronomy knowledgeable to be taught extra about what you possibly can see within the night time sky. When it involves stargazing in West Texas, it doesn’t get significantly better than Fort Davis Mountains State Park.
- Best issues to do in February: Hike the paths in the course of the day and stargaze at night time
- Where to remain: The Hotel Limpia is just some miles away from the park and is an reasonably priced place to remain, with rooms beginning at simply $74/night time. Book right here.
17. South Padre Island, Texas
If you’re searching for a seaside getaway this winter, South Padre Island in Texas is a pleasant one to think about. Although this island has a status for being rowdy throughout spring break and {the summertime}, visiting in February means having fun with the seaside within the peace and quiet of the off-season. Since the temperature right here not often dips under 65 levels in the course of the day, the heat is a welcome break from the coolness of winter.
- Best issues to do in February: Rent a motorbike to discover the island, go stand-up paddleboarding, hire a kayak, or just chill out on the seaside, catching the dawn or sundown.
- Where to remain: February is the most effective time to get a deal on resorts, like this totally serviced residence, for simply $140/night time. Book right here.
18. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is likely one of the greatest locations to go to solo this February, because it’s simple to refill your itinerary. There’s a lot to do in New Orleans that we’ve got a complete information devoted to serving to you resolve the way to spend your time there.
With highs within the mid-60s and lows within the mid-40s, this time of 12 months has excellent sweater climate, making it a pleasant break from the frigid chilly in the event you stay someplace additional north. This can also be a quieter time, with fewer crowds and higher offers on flights and lodging.
19. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Don’t be afraid of February’s low temperatures in Milwaukee! While it might be chilly throughout this time of 12 months, there may be nonetheless a lot to take pleasure in about this Midwestern gem. Get exterior and check out one of many many winter sports activities in and round city: from snowshoeing to curling, you are able to do all of it inside the Milwaukee metropolitan space. If you’re feeling daring, you possibly can even surf on Lake Michigan at Bradford Beach!
After a full day of winter sports activities and mountain climbing, head downtown to take pleasure in a heat meal and a few of the greatest craft beer within the nation. Don’t skip out on the well-known fried cheese curds!
- Best issues to do in February: Take a native meals tour, or be taught concerning the metropolis’s haunted previous on a ghost tour.
- Where to remain: I like the structure of the Iron Horse Hotel, which is in century-old constructing that was once a warehouse. Rooms right here begin round $179/night time. Book right here.
20. Upper Mississippi River Towns, Illinois and Iowa
If you’ve ever traveled by way of Illinois and Iowa, you most likely bear in mind the lots of of miles of cornfields stretching in each path. While this space of the Midwest is thought for its farmland, there are additionally pockets of nature and quaint small cities which are price a go to.
January and February are the most effective months for bald eagle watching, as these majestic creatures flock to the wooded bluffs alongside the Mississippi River to nest for the winter. After you catch a glimpse of America’s nationwide hen, go for a hike or snowshoe on one of many many trails within the space.
For extra concepts, see our listing of the greatest issues to do in Illinois, which options a few of the cutest small cities within the Mississippi River space.
- Best issues to do in February: Cross-country snowboarding at Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks, or take a bald eagle trolley tour to see these majestic birds within the wild.
- Where to remain: Cozy rustic villas can be found in prime eagle-watching territory, with charges round $185/night time for a two-bedroom setup. Book right here.
21. Magic Mountain Ski Area, Vermont
Magic Mountain in Londonderry, Vermont, is a paradise for skiers of all ranges, with 50 trails to select from and loads of snow to take pleasure in! This winter wonderland has been skied for over 50 years and gives a extra quaint, relaxed expertise in comparison with the bigger resorts within the space.
Lift tickets are extra reasonably priced than the norm in New England, making it an amazing choice for skiers on a finances!
- Best issues to do in February: Ski your coronary heart out at Magic Mountain, then head to Burlington for a craft brewery tour and tasting.
- Where to remain: Snowdon Chalet Motel has easy accessibility to the ski resorts in and round Londonderry, and charges begin at simply $149/night time. Book right here.
22. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island is a mega-popular seaside vacation spot in the summertime months, when the warmth lends itself to a refreshing dip within the ocean. Visiting in February may not be the most effective time for a swim, however it’s excellent for having fun with the fantastic thing about this charming island. Temperatures this time of 12 months peak round 65 levels, dipping into the 50s at night time. It’s nice climate for a stroll on the shore, a leisurely cruise on the ocean, or exploring the Lowcountry panorama.
Since February is Hilton Head Island’s low season, you’ll be capable of keep away from the crowds and rating a deal on lodging. There gained’t be as many eating places open this time of 12 months, however there’s nonetheless a lot to do on the island.
23. Jekyll Island, Georgia
Off the shore of Georgia lies picturesque Jekyll Island, a sunny seaside getaway for adventurers and animal lovers alike. The island is house to Georgia’s solely sea turtle schooling and rehabilitation facility. Here friends can catch a Turtles at Twilight tour and be taught extra about these creatures and different wildlife on the island.
With temperatures within the 60s in the course of the day, the climate is right for a seaside stroll at Driftwood Beach Park. Have a picnic, benefit from the driftwood monuments, or catch one of many island’s well-known sunsets. February can also be a good time to go to as a result of the island places on an occasion known as Island Treasures, which is a hide-and-seek sport by which gamers seek for glass globes that may be exchanged for handcrafted glass floats.
24. Ginnie Springs, Florida
If you’ve been drooling over all of the dazzling images of cenotes in Mexico however need to maintain it home this February, look no additional than Ginnie Springs in Florida. Featuring shiny turquoise and child blue waters and underground caverns with swimming pools, this is likely one of the most lovely oases in Florida.
While Ginnie Springs tends to refill in the summertime months, February sees a dip in guests, making it the proper time to go to if you wish to expertise its magnificence totally. Since Florida stays heat all 12 months spherical, that is additionally an amazing place to take pleasure in a freshwater dip in the course of the winter months. It’s manatee season, too; pop over to Crystal River to see them.
- Best issues to do in February: Swim with manatees in Crystal River, hire a kayak or paddleboard to discover Ginnie Springs, or dive into Devil’s Cavern.
- Where to remain: Grady House Bed and Breakfast is likely one of the best-reviewed locations to remain close by. Rooms begin round $200/night time. Book right here.
25. Key West, Florida
If you want a tropical getaway in February, among the best locations is Key West, maybe the warmest spot within the continental US this time of 12 months. So don’t be stunned in the event you see loads of different snowbirds right here. Unlike most different entries on this listing, Key West’s excessive season is wintertime, so it may well get crowded.
Don’t let that deter you from visiting, although. High season right here means you’re in for a full of life and action-packed journey, with a lot of enjoyable issues to do, like indulging within the Key West Food & Wine Festival on the finish of the month.
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I hope this listing gave you a lift of inspo when looking for the most effective locations to go to within the USA in February.
Which one are you most enthusiastic about?