Are you looking for a sunny winter vacation spot? Keep scrolling for my top picks of warm winter destinations in the United States!
This list of warm winter destinations in the United States of America was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Winter blues got you down? I totally get it. While everyone else is posting snow day pics, I’m over here dreaming about sunshine and beach days.
The good news? You don’t need to fly halfway around the world (or even dig out your passport) to find warm weather.
I’m Marcie, a family travel blogger who’s spent years chasing sunshine during the coldest months.
Trust me when I say the U.S. has some seriously amazing warm spots that’ll make you forget winter even exists.
Key West, Florida
Let me start with Key West because honestly, it’s hard to beat. Picture this: temps in the mid-70s, turquoise water, and that laid-back island vibe that makes you want to throw your watch in the ocean.
Winter is actually one of the best times to visit Key West. The humidity drops, the beaches aren’t as packed, and you can actually enjoy walking around without melting into a puddle.
Kids love Smathers Beach for swimming since the water stays shallow for ages. Perfect for little ones who are still getting brave in the ocean.
The food scene here is unreal. Fresh seafood everywhere you turn, and the sunset celebration at Mallory Square is basically a giant street party every single night.
Where to Stay:
- Southernmost Beach Resort – Right on the beach with multiple pools
- Perry Hotel & Marina – Gorgeous waterfront views and super family-friendly
- Havana Cabana – Fun Cuban vibes with a great pool scene
What to Do:
- Key West Conch Train Tour
- Eco Conscious Reef Diving with Southpoint Divers
- Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour
Kauai, Hawaii
OK, I might be biased here because my mom lives on Kauai, but this island is pure magic in winter. As a family travel expert, I’ve visited more times than I can count, and I never get tired of it.
Here’s what nobody tells you: winter is actually a great time to visit Kauai. Yes, it’s the rainy season, but if you stay in Poipu (on the south shore), you’ll have the best chance of sunshine and dry weather. Poipu is hands-down the driest area on the island, which is why we always head there.
The food truck scene on Kauai is fabulous. Seriously, some of my best meals have come from trucks parked along the side of the road. There’s something about eating fresh poke or garlic shrimp while looking at the ocean that just hits different.
Winter also brings humpback whales to Kauai’s waters. We’ve spotted them from shore a few times, and it never gets old watching these massive creatures breach in the distance.
Don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen and a good pair of water shoes for exploring tide pools and rocky beaches.
Where to Stay:
- Grand Hyatt Kauai – Incredible pools and right in Poipu
- Koloa Landing Resort – Beachfront location with amazing sunsets
- Royal Sonesta Kauai – Great pools and central location
What to Do:
Want to plan your trip like a pro? Check out my free Hawaii trip planning course for all my insider tips.
San Diego, California
San Diego in winter is what I call “cheating at winter.” While the rest of the country is bundling up, San Diego locals are hitting the beach in hoodies.
Temps hover around 65-70°F, which is basically perfect weather for doing everything.
The best part? Winter crowds are way lighter, so you can actually enjoy places like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park without fighting through massive lines.
My kids are obsessed with the zoo, and visiting in winter means we can see everything without everyone having a meltdown from the heat.
The beaches here are stunning year-round. Sure, the water might be a bit chilly for swimming (though locals will tell you otherwise), but beach walks, tide pooling, and sandcastle building are all fair game.
La Jolla Shores is perfect for families, and you might even spot some sea lions hanging out.
If you want to capture some gorgeous family photos against San Diego’s beaches and sunsets, grab a session with Flytographer and save $20. Trust me, the lighting in San Diego is incredible.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel del Coronado – Iconic beachfront resort with winter ice skating
- Hyatt Regency Mission Bay – Multiple pools and waterslides for kids
- Paradise Point Resort & Spa – Tropical island vibes on Mission Bay
What to Do:
Miami, Florida
Miami is that friend who never has an off season. Winter temps sit comfortably in the mid-70s to low 80s, making it one of the top warm winter destinations in the United States for families who want both beach time and city exploring.
South Beach is obviously the most famous, but here’s a local secret: Crandon Park on Key Biscayne is way more chill and perfect for families. The water is calm, there’s tons of space, and you won’t be dodging beach clubs every five feet.
Little Havana is an absolute must-visit. The Cuban food alone is worth the trip, and wandering the colorful streets feels like stepping into another country. Plus, the kids will love watching the domino players and trying fresh sugarcane juice.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the Everglades are right there. We did an airboat tour last time and my kids still talk about seeing all the alligators. It’s wild (literally).
Where to Stay:
- Fontainebleau Miami Beach – Iconic resort with amazing pools
- Andaz Miami Beach – Retro-cool vibes and family-friendly
- Kimpton EPIC Hotel – Downtown location with rooftop pool
What to Do:
- Little Havana Food and Walking Tour
- City Tour Miami PLUS (City Tour + Boat Tour)
- Small-Group Everglades Boat Tour
San Juan, Puerto Rico
I have to include Puerto Rico on this list because I’ve been there in winter and absolutely loved it. The weather is gorgeous (high 70s to low 80s), the food is incredible, and the colorful architecture in Old San Juan is basically made for photos.
Here’s what makes Puerto Rico perfect for winter: you don’t need a passport, everyone speaks English (alongside Spanish), and it feels like a tropical escape without actually leaving the country. Plus, there are tons of things to do in Puerto Rico with kids!
Old San Juan is one of those places you could wander for hours. The blue cobblestone streets, the historic forts, the rainbow-colored buildings.
It’s all so photogenic that I was basically that annoying person stopping every five seconds to take pictures.
The food in Puerto Rico deserves its own paragraph. We ate everything from mofongo to fresh seafood to the most amazing empanadas. The outdoor dining scene is huge here, which is perfect for families with kids who need space to move around.
El Yunque Rainforest is only about 45 minutes from San Juan, and it’s the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. We did an easy hike to a waterfall and the kids thought it was the coolest thing ever.
Thinking about visiting Puerto Rico? Grab my free Puerto Rico trip planning course to make planning a breeze.
Where to Stay:
- El Conquistador Resort – Massive resort with its own water park
- Caribe Hilton – Historic property with private beach
- Condado Vanderbilt Hotel – Luxury beachfront in the heart of Condado
What to Do:
- Flavors of Old San Juan Food Tour
- El Yunque Rainforest & Waterfalls Half-Day Tour
- ATV Ride Experience from San Juan
The colorful streets of Old San Juan are perfect for family photos. Consider booking a Flytographer session to capture your family against those iconic buildings (and save $20 with my link!).
Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona
Phoenix and Scottsdale are having a major moment right now. Winter temps in the 70s, stunning desert landscapes, and a food scene that’s seriously underrated. This is desert living at its finest.
Scottsdale has this cool mix of Southwest charm and modern luxury. The resorts here are next level, many with incredible pools and water features that rival theme parks. My kids would happily spend an entire vacation just at the hotel pool.
The hiking around Phoenix is gorgeous in winter. You can actually do it without melting, which is saying something. Camelback Mountain offers amazing views if you’re up for a challenge, or there are plenty of easier trails for families.
There are even some awesome resorts with water parks in Arizona. These are great for families and are perfect stops on a Southwest road trip!
If you visit in December, don’t miss Scottsdazzle. It’s a month-long festival with holiday lights, live music, and all sorts of fun events. The whole town goes all out with decorations.
Where to Stay:
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – Luxury resort with amazing pools
- Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia – Stunning Spanish-inspired property
- JW Marriott Desert Ridge – Multiple pools and a lazy river
What to Do:
My Final Thoughts on Warm Winter Destinations
Listen, winter doesn’t have to mean being stuck inside watching Netflix (though no judgment if that’s your vibe). These warm winter destinations in the United States prove you can find sunshine, adventure, and serious vitamin D without even pulling out your passport.
I’ve done the cold winters, and I’ve done the sunshine escapes. Sunshine wins every single time. Whether you’re island hopping in Hawaii, eating your weight in Cuban food in Miami, or exploring desert trails in Arizona, these spots deliver warmth when you need it most.
Pack your favorite travel backpack, grab some packable kids’ clothing, and get ready to trade snow boots for flip flops.
Your winter escape is waiting, and it’s closer than you think.
Looking for more winter vacation ideas? Check out the best national parks to visit in winter, snowy winter destinations in the U.S., and how to visit Disneyland at Christmas!
