9 Cities You Might Not Think to Visit in Winter (But Should)

When it comes to wintertime vacations, a handful of classic destinations come to mind: the ski slopes of Aspen, the gilded streets of Hollywood, and the sunny beaches of Miami, to name a few. While these famous locales have their charm, America is home to plenty of underrated destinations that deserve a spot on your winter bucket list. Here are nine of the very best.

1. Biloxi Shines as an Underrated Winter Getaway

If you’re searching for a New Orleans vibe without venturing to the Big Easy, Biloxi in Mississippi might be your ideal destination. This Gulf Coast gem offers waterfront charm and a variety of entertainment options, from delicious eateries to bustling casinos. During winter months, temperatures won’t dip below 60, so you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay as you explore Biloxi’s historic district and modern attractions. Don’t miss the Biloxi Lighthouse and the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, both of which are wheelchair accessible and offer nearby parking options.

2. Louisville: A Charming Winter Escape in Kentucky

You don’t have to be a sports enthusiast to enjoy a journey to Louisville, but it certainly can’t hurt. After all, this fantastic city houses the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Kentucky Derby Museum, both of which pay tribute to some of America’s most iconic pastimes. Keep warm with a healthy dose of Kentucky bourbon after trying your hand at skating at Alpine Ice Arena. Both museums offer accessible entrances, and paid parking is available nearby for a convenient visit.

3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: An Unexpectedly Awesome City to Visit in Winter

You won’t find balmy temperatures in Pittsburgh, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting. This industrial powerhouse boasts all sorts of wintertime activities, including the Andy Warhol Museum, which pays homage to Pittsburgh’s one-of-a-kind native son. Indulge in some delicious Polish fare before heading out to visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. What’s not to love? For dining, try Pamela’s Diner downtown for classic Pittsburgh breakfasts. Both museums offer ramps and elevators for accessibility.

4. St. George Offers a Sunny Twist on Winter Travel

If you’re seeking nature and adventure without the overwhelming crowds of many winter destinations, St. George in Utah might be just the place for you. With convenient access to Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park, and more, you’ll find all sorts of opportunities for outdoor fun when you check out this historic town. Winter temperatures hover in the mid-50s, so you can keep bundling up to a minimum.

5. St. Louis in Missouri Delivers a Charming and Culture-Filled Winter Escape

You could spend weeks in St. Louis and never see all it has to offer. Sure, the weather here is classically cold during winter, but you’ll be too busy to notice. Venture to the top of the iconic Gateway Arch, explore the St. Louis Art Museum, enjoy an afternoon of sledding at Blanchette Park, or dig into the past at the St. Louis History Museum. You’ll wonder why it took you so long to explore this incredible American city. When here, you can take lunch at Pappy’s Smokehouse downtown – it's just a short walk from the Gateway Arch.

6. San Diego Delivers Beachy Bliss Even in Winter

Sticking with the warm-weather winter destinations, San Diego is a great place to visit in the winter. This coastal California city offers plenty of adventures. Surfing is one of the most popular things to do, and you can find plenty of places to go surfing in San Diego. Spend some time visiting Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo; both are great family-friendly activities. 

7. Boise Becomes an Underrated Winter Gem Worth Exploring

The capital city of Idaho is just the ticket to a winter adventure. There are plenty of things to do in Boise in the winter, and its attractions will appeal to both city and nature lovers. Several museums in Boise will easily occupy your afternoons, especially the Boise Art Museum and the Idaho Black History Museum. On the nature side, enjoy the 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt or hike to Table Rock for a stunning view of Boise. 

8. Spokane Delivers Cozy Vibes and Outdoor Fun in Winter

This beautiful city in eastern Washington is an underrated winter destination. Downtown Spokane is teeming with attractions, encompassing everything from museums to a vibrant nightlife. Be sure to pay a visit to Riverfront Park. This popular park in Spokane is home to the largest urban waterfall in the United States! You can also go ice skating on the Numerica Skate Ribbon. If you want to trade your skates for skis, there are five ski resorts located just two hours south of Spokane. Nearby ski resorts include Snowboard Park and Mount Spokane Ski, 49° North, and Silver Mountain, all of which offer lessons for beginners.

9. Bar Harbor Becomes a Peaceful, Snowy Coastal Escape in Winter

Dreaming of a New England winter? While most will flock to Boston, Bar Harbor is an underrated hidden gem in the wintertime. Sitting pretty on Mount Desert Island on Maine’s Frenchman Bay, visiting Bar Harbor in the winter is an experience unlike any other. Shoulder seasons tend to be the best way to escape the crowds, and that’ll come in handy if you plan on exploring Acadia National Park. If conditions allow, you can go cross-country skiing in the park. Downtown Bar Harbor has some pretty quirky museums you should check out, and there’s often a winter festival to look forward to. Please note that to visit Acadia National Park, you will need to purchase a seasonal entrance pass, which is available for purchase online. Some of the trails here include the Ocean Path.

Alright, readers: we want to hear from you. Are there any other cities in the United States that deserve a spot among other underrated wintertime destinations? Please let us know via this nomination page.

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