If you don’t live in a place with fluffy snow and sunny skies, odds are that winters around your neck of the woods are a little rough. If you’re getting cabin fever and need to get away, the U.S. offers a ton of gorgeous road trips with pretty snow, sun and gobs to do, all in one place. Here are some of the best road trips in the country.
Boulder, Colorado
Fancy yourself a beer snob? Welcome to your new home away from home. Taste the Rockies at one of Boulder’s countless microbreweries among gorgeous snow and the ornate holiday decorations that line the streets of this college town. Plus, driving in, you’ll get scenic views of the Rocky Mountains and maybe get to stop by Denver or one of the state’s luxurious ski resorts.
New York, New York
This one is a no-brainer. There’s nothing like winter in New York, especially when the holidays are drawing near. Feel the charm and excitement of the city, stopping by a show at Radio City Music Hall or seeing the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Make sure to wear lots of layers, though! The weather is unpredictable in NYC this time of year.
Portland, Oregon
It’s bitter cold and totally worth it. The Pacific Northwest’s weirdest little city is still alive during the winter, with remarkable coffee shops, countless music and theater shows and amazing festivals, including beer festivals. See Portland’s quirks in the rain and snow.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle becomes bitter cold in winter, but there’s something majestic about the Space Needle around the holidays. Warm up at one of the city’s countless coffee shops and put on your favorite hipster sweater. This is a snow-and-rain-spotting trip not to miss.
Yosemite National Park
If natural beauty is your thing, get away from the city and make your way to one of the country’s most stunning national parks. Icy landscapes and big, burly winter wildlife make this a family trip not to forget, though camping in the bitter cold is not advised.
Sedona, Arizona
This isn’t Arizona the way you think of it. While Sedona still has mountains, it’s far from a desert town. Lush greenery and stunning red rocks meet snow in this winter paradise. Stop by the vortex or get in on Sedona’s multidenominational spiritual services. Sedona is unlike any other place on earth.
Washington, D.C.
Finally, a freeze in Washington that doesn’t involve spending. When snow descends on Washington, D.C., it becomes a magical place. While the weather might be harsh, the sight of the Washington Monument or the Capitol blanketed in white is well worth the chill.
Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City goes snowy this time of year, and you can warm yourself at any of the city’s resorts or pizzerias. Go ice skating by Millennium Park or visit Little Germany’s Christkindlmarket downtown. The weather is cold, but the feeling is warm.
Yellowstone National Park
Pack on the layers and take a hike through Yellowstone’s breathtaking scenery. With miles of hiking and skiing, you’re sure to stumble across something that tickles your fancy.
Portland, Maine
Even when winter rolls around, fishing season in Portland is far from over. You can still get your fish on at multiple coastal locations with the entire family as snow-coated trees line your way.
Weigh in
What’s your ideal midwinter travel destination? Somewhere tropical, close to home and easy to access or in the snow? Tell us in the comments below!
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