Escape the cold and chase the sun at the most enticing and affordable warm-weather winter getaways throughout the United States. From Arizona’s desert to Alabama’s coast, these vacation spots will brighten your season without breaking the bank.
Trade snow for sunshine on these ultimate budget-friendly winter escapes:
Charleston, South Carolina
The historic city of Charleston is a wonderful place to chase away the winter blues. This waterfront destination boasts charming architecture, cultural landmarks, mouthwatering cuisine, and more. Since most tourists head to Charleston in the warmer months, winter is an affordable time to plan a visit for cheaper flights and hotels.
Austin, Texas
Winter is the ideal time to cross Austin off your travel bucket list. Visiting during the low season takes the stress out of planning an inexpensive vacation.
Regardless of your interests, Austin has many fun things to do. Consider ice skating in the heart of downtown, sipping a seasonal cocktail at a local distillery, and enjoying live musical performances during Free Week in January.
San Diego, California
This season, escape to the coast for a relaxing San Diego vacation. The city is famous for its warm year-round climate, with plenty of sunshine even during winter.
San Diego offers many festive and affordable activities this time of year, like ice skating and dazzling light displays, making it easy to visit on a budget. Don’t miss your opportunity to embark on a whale-watching tour—if you’re lucky, you might spot a gray whale.
Phoenix, Arizona
Enjoy clear skies and mild weather with a winter getaway to Phoenix. It has something for the entire family, from hiking to shopping and exciting nightlife. Winter is the off-season in Phoenix, helping you save significantly on travel costs.
Savannah, Georgia
Head to Savannah to experience the traditional charm of a Southern winter. Spring and summer are peak tourist times in Savannah, so winter guarantees fewer crowds and lower prices.
Celebrate the season by browsing the Savannah Christmas Market and visiting themed pop-up bars throughout town. The city also hosts annual winter events like the Mountainfilm and Savannah Book Festivals.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Take a walk on the wild side and plan an exciting winter trip to Las Vegas. The world-famous city accommodates all budgets with its impressive array of things to do, see, and eat. During the shoulder season, December through February, you can score unbeatable deals on Las Vegas flights and hotels.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a highly underrated winter travel destination. After experiencing the magic of Gulf Shores, it’ll become your new go-to vacation spot.
This coastal city attracts beach lovers seeking sand, surf, and sunshine. It’s surprisingly affordable and far less crowded than other popular beach towns nationwide.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Stay warm all season by spending winter in Dry Tortugas National Park, a hidden gem in Florida. This remote destination is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts eager to go snorkeling, fishing, and wildlife-watching.
Winter is one of the least busy times at Dry Tortugas, helping you escape the hustle and bustle to reconnect with nature. Travel costs are also reasonable since you can camp within the park for a cheap nightly fee.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Consider New Orleans for a fun winter getaway spot that won’t break the bank. It’s magical around the holiday season when the city comes alive with festive light shows and decorations. Cozy up with a warm bowl of gumbo and watch in excitement as New Orleans gears up for its epic Mardi Gras festivities in March.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
December to February are the ideal months for an affordable Myrtle Beach vacation. Located on the Atlantic Coast, this family-friendly beach town appeals to travelers of all ages.
Make the most of the mild weather by strolling along Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and visiting Brookgreen Gardens for its seasonal Nights of a Thousand Candles event. Various Myrtle Beach eateries also participate in January’s Restaurant Week South Carolina, where attendees can sample exclusive culinary creations.
South Padre Island, Texas
Though South Padre Island is an inexpensive spot any time of year, you can score extra savings in winter. Since there are fewer tourists during the colder months, expect low-priced flights and hotels. South Padre Island stays warm around the holidays, making it an excellent place to enjoy the beach, go on a dolphin-watching tour, and try horseback riding.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
While many Florida towns are worth visiting in colder months, Cocoa Beach is among the best. Expect comfortable temperatures and exciting events during this time of year. One top winter highlight is the Surfing Santas Christmas Eve celebration, when hundreds of surfers in Santa suits overtake Cocoa Beach.
Escape for a weekend without blowing your budget
Don’t let busy schedules and limited budgets stop you from planning an exciting trip. Maximize your time and money at these inexpensive weekend vacation spots.
15 Affordable Weekend Getaways in the US for Incredible Adventures on a Budget
There’s no better time to plan the solo beach trip of a lifetime
You don’t have to overspend to create unforgettable memories on a solo beach vacation. These affordable beaches will bring your solo travel dreams to life.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
