Off-Season Hits: 8 Top-Secret Season Destinations for February

With fewer crowds and typically lower prices for accommodations, there are quite a few destinations around the U.S. with a secret season. February, for example, can be a bit of a hidden gem month as it's in the off-season for most places. So if you're seeking a quieter and more reasonably priced getaway, try one of these secret-season destinations in the U.S. this February:

1. Plan a February Escape to South Padre Island, Texas

While tourists from across the Southeast and beyond swarm this barrier island during the summer months, February brings a calmer, more relaxed vibe. Best of all, the weather is incredibly pleasant with an average high in the low 70s, so you can certainly spend time outdoors fishing and boating this time of year. And if you want to take a dip in the Gulf, the 64-degree water temperature may be enticing!

Hotel prices in South Padre Island, like Isla Grand Beach Resort, are also a steal compared to summertime, so take advantage of that during your last-minute February getaway. South Padre Island offers wheelchair-accessible boardwalks and calm beaches ideal for senior travelers or families.

2. Enjoy Winter Sunshine in Santa Barbara

When I lived in Los Angeles years ago, I would often take day trips up to Santa Barbara, especially during the winter months. Santa Barbara offers pleasant temperatures and is relatively uncrowded compared to other SoCal destinations.

What's there to do in Santa Barbara in February? Walk around Stearns Wharf and State Street Promenade, check out the Old Mission, or take a scenic drive along San Marcos Pass. And while you're here, you may as well take a trolley tour. Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or wine tasting rooms on State Street for a cozy February afternoon.

3. Escape to Charming Savannah, Georgia, This February

Oh, beautiful Savannah, how I love thee... here's a Southern city that can steal anyone's heart no matter when you go. February is the perfect month to visit and spend time outdoors as the average high is 65 degrees. You also won't have to worry about the high humidity that can make walking outdoors unbearable during the warmer months. For hotel accommodations by the city's stunning riverfront, book a stay at Thompson Savannah by Hyatt. Cobblestone streets and historic squares are easier to explore in February, when the summer heat and humidity are absent.

4. Sedona, AZ: Perfect for an Off-Season Escape

No other place I've visited around the world is like Sedona. With its enchanting red rocks, charming downtown with walkable streets and local shops, and a multitude of outdoor activities, it's no wonder that Sedona is such a popular destination for tourists from around the globe.

By March, Sedona gets crowded with tourists, so I prefer visiting in the off-season between December and February; during this time, Sedona is a sleepy town without all the traffic of the warmer months. If you're looking for a romantic getaway in Sedona, check out Amara Resort, my new favorite place to stay in town. While the resort is in the heart of Uptown Sedona, its proximity to Oak Creek makes it feel peaceful and quiet. Hiking, jeep tours, and spa visits are ideal in February when crowds are low.

5. Enjoy Mild Winter Weather in Charleston

I fell in love with the South Carolina city of Charleston while living there for 7 months while working on a TV show. My off days were spent exploring the waterfront, the city streets, and its famous food scene. I miss those days!

One of the best times of the year to be in Charleston, I discovered, is winter. There are fewer crowds in the city's off-season, which makes exploring a breeze. I suggest taking a horse-and-carriage tour to get to know the city, and staying in one of its many historic hotels to make the most of your Charleston experience. Historic homes, plantations, and museums are especially pleasant to visit in February’s mild weather.

6. Zion National Park: A Top Off-Season February Destination

I am a huge fan of traveling in the off-season, including visiting our national parks. Did you know that Zion National Park sees over 4.6 million visitors each year? While June and July are often the most crowded months with over 550,000 people, January and February see around 130,000-140,000. That's a huge difference! So, I say grab your National Parks Pass and head to Zion this month before the spring crowds start pouring in. Shuttle access and shorter, scenic trails make February an ideal time to explore Zion without summer crowds.

7. Escape to Sunny Orlando, Florida, This February

Home to Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, ICON Park, Animal Kingdom, and many, many more themed attractions, I often think that Orlando doesn't have an off-season. But it does: December through February. So, if you want to visit Orlando before it becomes crowded with tourists again, plan a trip and treat yourself to a resort stay in February when it's more affordable, and lines at theme parks are shorter than during spring break.

8. Enjoy Winter Scenery and Wildlife at Grand Teton National Park

Another national park to visit this February is Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. It's relatively quiet this time of year, making it a fantastic time to see wildlife on a park safari. You can also take on a recreational activity like snowshoeing, hiking, or snowmobiling through this winter wonderland of a national park this month.

Now, I live in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area in Arizona, which is in the midst of our high season. With beautiful weather, tolerable temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold, and the sheer number of outdoor events like the Waste Management Phoenix Open and Cactus League Spring Training, droves of tourists come here in February. Maybe I should make an escape to one of the best secret-season destinations in the U.S. this month! How about you? Plan your February getaway today with our Itinerary Planner, and escape the crowds!