15 Best U.S. Destinations to Visit in February

Ah, February. It's the month of Valentine's Day, the Super Bowl, and yes, when some states get to experience the first taste of spring. But in many parts of the U.S., there are plenty of other things that make Februrary worth its while, including art shows, music festivals, food and wine tours, and more.

With so much going on, the options for travel in February are seemingly limitless. Plenty of ski resorts are still open, cities host annual brewery parties or rodeos, and state parks are way less crowded (plus lodging is a little cheaper, too!). Can't quite decide on where you want to go? Here are some ideas we think you'll enjoy, from dream vacation spots to a few hidden gems.

Best Places Overall to Visit in February

If you are wondering where to visit in February in the U.S., we have some ideas we think you'll really enjoy. From some obvious dream vacations to a few hidden gems you may not have even considered. Here are some of the best places to travel in February.

1. Miami, Florida

• Location: Miami, FL
• Why Visit in February: Visiting Miami, Florida, in February is pretty popular with snowbirds.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Book this luxury apartment suite in a swanky hotel. This spacious suite on the eighth floor gives you incredible views of South Beach and can accommodate up to five guests.

Miami, Florida, is one of the most popular winter destinations for those who desperately need a break from colder northern temperatures. Miami in February will treat you to temperatures in the 70s, which are perfect for day-to-day activities. Take a Valentine's Day cruise on Biscayne Bay, spend a day shopping at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival from February 14 to 16, 2026, or delight your taste buds with the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival on February 19 to 22, 2026.

2. Palm Springs, California

• Location: Palm Springs, CA
• Why Visit in February: Visiting Palm Springs, California, in February is just in time for one of its signature events: Modernism Week. Tour incredible homes during the day and attend exclusive parties at night.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Stay at this incredible home with room for 12. Make it a multi-family getaway, a girls' away weekend, or a Super Bowl party crash pad.

Palm Springs is another warm-weather destination for those looking to warm their toes and hearts with beautiful California weather. Rev your engines at McCormick's Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction from February 20 to 22, take in any number of art walks, food, and wine festivals, or even a taco tour. The city's also a perfect spot for a romantic getaway: the wonderfully walkable downtown is filled with unique restaurants, shops, and entertainment opportunities.

3. Maui, Hawaii

• Location: Maui, HI
• Why Visit in February: Visiting Maui, Hawaii, in February is the prime time for whale watching. The Great Whale Count, part of the Maui Whale Festival, happens from February 9 to 15, 2026.
• Where to Stay Nearby: This spacious two-bedroom villa is a short walk to the beach and has an elevated perch for whale watching right from your lanai.

There's nothing more romantic than Hawaii in February. Between the laid-back vibe, warm water, pristine beaches, and tropical food, you're bound to fall in love. Maui is special with its stunning Hana Highway, authentic luaus, and the surprising bamboo forest along the Pipiwai Trail. Mama's Fish House also makes flaky, melt-in-your-mouth grilled fish.

Best Attractions to Visit in February to Avoid Crowds

The whole point of a vacation is to get away and enjoy some relaxation, which is much easier to do if you aren't picking overcrowded destinations. If you'd like a little help in that department, try these next few wonderful destinations.

4. Willamette Valley, Oregon

• Location: Willamette Valley, OR
• Why Visit in February: Visiting Willamette Valley, Oregon, in February is prime truffle-hunting time. Plan a truffle hunt and wine-tasting day for an unforgettable experience.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Enjoy Newberg's Truffle Month in February by staying at this lovely Chehalem Mountain Wine Cottage, only minutes from several wineries.

Most people yearn for the rich green landscape of Oregon's Willamette Valley in the late spring or summer, but February can be extra special, too. As a dense morning fog sits over the vineyards and the warmth of the sun begins to break through its heavy curtain, the landscape takes on a surreal quality you just can't find any other time of the year. Most wineries offer winter tasting events, too, so you can enjoy a wine lover's getaway with the vineyard all to yourselves.

6. New York, New York

• Location: New York, NY
• Why Visit in February: Visiting New York, New York in February is the perfect time for the frugally minded. Tourists stay away in the winter, so you'll enjoy lower-priced lodging and shorter wait times at iconic attractions.
• Where to Stay Nearby: This stylish four-bedroom gem in the Upper West Side is a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle.

If you look past the slushy snow, you'll realize New York in late winter is pretty magical. Between ice skating and ice bumper cars in Bryant Park at the foot of the Empire State Building, hot coffee or cocoa and shopping sprees on Fifth Avenue, and a delicious treat from a shop in Little Italy, the city has more than enough magic to go around. There's plenty of romance to be found in NYC.

5. Portland, Oregon

• Location: Portland, OR
• Why Visit in February: When visiting Portland, Oregon, in February, make sure you visit the Portland Winter Light Festival from February 6 to 14, 2026.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Enjoy this beautiful midcentury-modern home only steps from Restaurant Row and Mississippi Street.

Portland might not be the first place you think about for a February vacation, but there are plenty of activities to make the cooler temps worth it. Warm up with a Portland Mardi Gras festival in the third week of February, share a craft brew at Zwickelmania—an annual brewery festival—or "ooh" and "aah" at the Winter Light Festival in early February, where you can enjoy live music, incredible light shows, and the festive Portland vibe.

Best Places to Visit in February for Outdoor Adventure

From hidden gem ski resorts to epic hiking trails in the mountains, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had in February. Here are a couple of destinations we think are pretty special.

7. Breckenridge, Colorado

• Location: Breckenridge, CO
• Why Visit in February: Visiting Breckenridge, Colorado, in February will quickly make you realize why this charming small town is always included in the "best of" lists.
• Where to Stay Nearby: This beautiful mountain home in the heart of town is only steps from the slopes and is quite affordable.

Do you need one last ski vacation before spring melts your favorite slopes? Breckenridge, Colorado, will dazzle you with mountain views and thick, fluffy, powdery snow so deep you'll think you've fallen into a cloud. This delightful ski town has plenty of surprises for a little February romance, too. Hike through the sun-bathed forests around Carter Park, or take a sled dog tour through the Swan River Valley at sunrise— you won't help but fall deeper in love.

8. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

• Location: Gatlinburg, TN
• Why Visit in February: The best way to warm up when visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in February is by hitting up a bunch of moonshine distilleries. Try the Appalachian Apple Pie Shine at the Sugarlands Distilling Company.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Treat yourself to an amazing stay at the High Haven Cabin, a luxurious two-story log cabin surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains.

If you're looking for outdoor adventures, the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg is one of the best places to go in February. Beyond the typical winter activities—like skiing, skating, snow tubing, and snowshoeing—try a magical winter hike to Chimney Tops along the Alum Cave Trail. The peaceful solitude is awe-inspiring when you stand alone (or with loved ones) surrounded by the natural beauty of the Smokies.

Best Places to Visit in February for Events

Despite February being a time to hole up inside most places in the U.S., there are still many fun events happening in cold-weather regions. Here are a few fun destinations with late-winter festivals and events that we think you’ll love.

9. Salt Lake City, Utah

• Location: Salt Lake City, UT
• Why Visit in February: Lovers of outdoor winter sports should visit Salt Lake City, Utah, in February. Most slopes aren't as crowded, so you can go skiing, sleding, and tubing, in peace.
• Where to Stay Nearby: This beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home is in the heart of Salt Lake, with room for six guests. It's only a five-minute walk to Memory Grove and City Creek Canyon.

It can get slushy in February, but up in the mountains, it's absolutely beautiful after fresh snow. There are seven mountain ranges surrounding Salt Lake City, from the Wasatch Mountains to the north and east and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west. If you love winter sports, this city should be on your bucket list—most slopes will be winding down for the season, which means it's a great time to get that last ski trip in.

10. New Orleans, Louisiana

• Location: New Orleans, LA
• Why Visit in February: Why should you be visiting New Orleans, Louisiana, in February? Mardi Gras! This quintessential Louisiana celebration draws crowds from far and wide to celebrate the coming of spring—from a more ancient traditional perspective—or one last day to party before fasting begins for the Christian tradition of Lent.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Stay at this authentic Creole cottage Bed and Breakfast just a few blocks from the Historic French Quarter.

New Orleans is one of the best cities to visit in February in the U.S., or any time for that matter. With such a rich, unique culture and creative vibe, it is hard not to find something interesting to see and do during your stay. Satisfy cravings for gumbo, jambalaya, and shrimp creole in one of the most festive Cajun and Creole towns in the South. With a vibrant nightlife, New Orleans is one wild ride in February.

Best Hidden Gems to Visit in February

Many of the previous destinations you have probably heard about and have either been to or have been dreaming of going to. But sometimes, it's fun to pick somewhere you aren't as familiar with. Here are a few destinations that are equally enjoyable but may not have made it on your bucket list—yet.

11. Annapolis, Maryland

• Location: Annapolis, MD
• Why Visit in February: Visiting Annapolis, Maryland, in February is a surprising time to enjoy multiple events and festivals. If you enjoy a craft beer or two, you'll love FeBREWary—a month-long celebration of Maryland's time-honored tradition of excelling at beer making.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Stay in the heart of Annapolis in this lovely historic home that has been wonderfully renovated into a welcoming, light-filled space for up to six guests.

You may not be aware of it yet, but Maryland will delight you with one of the best February vacations in the U.S. Annapolis, in particular, is a charming town on the gorgeous Chesapeake Bay, filled with history, cutlrue, and some of the best brewpubs on the East Coast. Enjoy ice skating at the Annapolis Town Center or attempt the Polar Bear Plunge—an annual event at Sandy Point State Park. If you get hungry after your outings, swing by the First Sunday Farmers Market for amazing food trucks and live music.

12. Boone, North Carolina

• Location: Boone, NC
• Why Visit in February: When visiting Boone, North Carolina, in February, make sure you make the trek to the Mile-High Swinging Bridge on Grandfather Mountain.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Enjoy views of the Appalachian Mountains in this cozy (but spacious) log cabin near Boone.

If you haven't heard about Boone, North Carolina, you are missing out on one of North Carolina's cutest little gems. It is surrounded by beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains with easy access to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. You'll fall in love with Grandfather Mountain and get goosebumps at how quaint the downtown Main Street area is—with microbreweries, shops, and restaurants all within easy walking distance.

13. Tucson, Arizona

• Location: Tucson, AZ
• Why Visit in February: Visit Tucson, Arizona, in February for one of the most celebrated events in Tucson—the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros, which takes place all month long with rodeos, art shows, and entertainment. It's a celebration of the strong cowboy culture in Arizona's past and present.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Enjoy amazing views in this Sonoran Desert cabin in Surprise, Arizona.

Tucson is one of the best places for a weather warm-up. With temps in the 70s, it is a nice break if your usual morning routine involves digging your car out of a snow bank. And what better way to have some fun in the sun than a good 'ole Arizona rodeo? You can also stop by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show from February 12 to 15, 2026 or stargaze at Tucson's Oracle State Park—one of the very few places on Earth designated as a Dark Sky Park.

14. Big Sky, Montana

• Location: Big Sky, MT
• Why Visit in February: When visiting Big Sky, Montana, in February, you might want to take in some skijoring—a major event where one person rides a horse pulling a skier or snowboarder through a 900-foot course with jumps and gates. It takes place February 7 and 8, 2026.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Stay at this mountain chalet near Moonlight Lodge in the Alpine Meadows area. It is the perfect spot to ski in and ski out right from your front door.

Big Sky, Montana, is a quiet winter sports oasis miles away from any big city, so you can enjoy all your favorite winter activities without big crowds. With 5,800 skiable acres, it's a mecca for alpine to cross-country skiers of all skill levels. Of course, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are also popular, with epic mountain views and tons of powder snow. If you're out in the wilds of Beehive Basin, you're bound to see abundant wildlife, including elk, moose, antelope, bald eagles, mountain goats, and big horn sheep.

15. Flint Hills, Kansas

• Location: Manhattan, KS
• Why Visit in February: Visiting the Flint Hills, Kansas, in February is an especially good time to visit Tuttle Creek State Park because you'll feel like it's all yours. The temps in February are in the 40s— not freezing, but cold enough to bundle up. It's a fantastic time to explore the beautiful Flint Hills hiking trails.
• Where to Stay Nearby: This converted, historic schoolhouse was built in 1916, but when you step inside, you'll be amazed at what you find.

In the warmer months, the Flint Hills are a unique tall-grass prairie running from Kansas to Oklahoma (known as the Osage Hills in OK). It's an incredibly wide-open area with unexpected silent beauty. Why would you venture out into this seemingly barren land in February? Cross-country skiing, of course! WIth rolling snow-covered hills, there's plenty of opportunity to zip around, or explore the Flint Hills Nature Trails in a peaceful, zen-like state.

Whether you're treating your significant other to a romantic Valentine's getaway, or escaping the cold, February can be a fun and exciting time to travel. If any of these exciting destinations peeked your interest, consider planning a trip using Only In Your State's itinerary planner, to get the best nearby lodging, dining, and sightseeing recommendations.