10 U.S. Destinations That Are Better in Their Winter Off-Season

As someone who dwells in the northern reaches of our gorgeous nation, I don't mind a little chill in the air—especially if it means I get a cheaper flight or hotel room and more space to myself. That's why I really enjoy traveling to certain places during their winter off-season. In fact, there are some destinations that I would argue are better to visit during their slow times than at any other time of year—even if it means wearing a jacket. Here are 10 examples of gorgeous U.S. destinations that are even better in the winter.

1. Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah

Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park is stunning at any time of year, but there's something truly special about seeing it under a blanket of snow that makes it even more remarkable. Sitting at an elevation of around 8,000 feet, the park is more likely to experience heavy snow than nearby areas at lower elevations, such as Zion National Park. This creates a wonderful opportunity to visit both parks at a time when visitation is particularly low, and the longer nights make for excellent stargazing under their dark skies.

2. Hawaii

Believe it or not, one of the slower seasons in Hawaii for tourists falls at a perfect time for folks living in higher latitudes to visit: late January through early March (between holiday vacation and spring break, essentially). This means you're likely to find cheaper flights and stays, smaller crowds, and plenty of aloha. I'm partial to Maui this time of year, because it's peak humpback whale season, but with Madame Pele showing off over on the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park may be the place to be.

3. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia, with its coastal climate and Low Country languidity, can get downright swampy in the summer. It's for this reason that I prefer to visit this genteel Grand Dame of a city in the winter, when there are fewer tourists on the streets and a reduction of sweat on my brow. To my Northern sensibilities, the temperatures feel mild, the cuisine layered and spicy, and the people warm and welcoming.

4. Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona

I've visited Grand Canyon National Park a couple of times in winter, and on both occasions I was surprised at how crowded it was. Having now visited in the spring and fall, as well, I now understand that the crowds I experienced in January and February were a mere trifle in comparison. A little chill in the air and a dusting of snow on the ground is definitely worth it to get a little extra elbow room at this popular national park. (Bring YakTrax.)

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

If you can live without an outdoor pool, January and February are great times to visit Las Vegas. It's a slow season in Sin City, so you can usually score some pretty good deals on hotels and airfare, as well. Moreover, there's plenty of natural beauty to explore within a couple of hours of the city, including Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley National Park, which will definitely be milder this time of year.

6. White Sands National Park - New Mexico

The beauty of White Sands National Park in the winter is that there are few other visitors and, if you're from a colder climate than southern New Mexico, you can still get on a toboggan and slide down a hill—but you won't have to worry about wet gloves or snow up your sleeves. The long nights and open landscape also make it a wonderful place for stargazing. You won't need winter gear, but definitely bring a jacket; the desert can be cold at night. And the sleds? You can rent them at the visitor center.

7. Arches National Park - Utah

Arches National Park is one of the busiest, most overcrowded units in the system—and once you clear the line, you can see why: its landscape is stunning. One of the reasons for the park's crowds is that, despite its fairly large size, its front-country infrastructure is relatively minimal. This means long lines and timed entry reservations for much of the year. In January and February, however, you may not have to wait and all. A layer of snow and shining stars against the incredible rock formations will make the chill on your cheeks just fine.

8. Nashville, Tennessee

If you've been to Nashville in spring, summer, or fall, you've experienced packed streets, bizarrely overpriced flights, and outrageously expensive hotel rooms in an increasingly popular destination whose tourism infrastructure is having difficulty keeping up with demand. If you don't mind the potential for snow (but hey, more twinkly lights), visiting in January or February could significantly ease the financial burden. Don't worry, there will still be plenty of things to do and live music to see—these are non-negotiables in Music City.

9. Voyageurs National Park - Minnesota

It may sound somewhat disingenuous to say that one of the least visited national parks in the Lower 48 has an "off season," but in winter, many of the resorts and a couple of the visitor centers at Voyageurs National Park do close for the season. That said, it remains a prime winter destination for stalwart Minnesotans who trade in their canoes and fishing boats for cross-country skis and snowmobiles. It's also a popular destination for stargazers seeking the winter constellations and a shot at seeing the aurora in its boldest colors.

10. Petrified Forest National Park - Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park sits atop Arizona's Painted Desert and offers everything from amazing rock formations and ancient dwellings to Route 66 history and, of course, the amazing fossilized specimens of wood for which it is named. Given its setting, visiting in the winter offers much cooler temperatures and smaller crowds than you'd see at other times of year. Additionally, a light layer of snow accentuates the warm red, orange, and purple hues of the desert in a dramatic fashion.

If you visit any of these places during their winter off-season, you may never visit at peak times again. Have you been to any of these places in the winter? We'd love to hear about your favorite spots that are best to visit during the winter slow season, rather than at other times of year. Head over to our Nomination page to tell us about them.

If you're ready to start planning your winter adventures, be sure to check out Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner and see where it takes you.