February is that sort of season when you’re either trying to stay warm at home or decide to spice up your daily mundane with an exciting holiday.
You can enjoy the mountains still covered in snow, attend events, party, or head somewhere warm, the options are endless even in February. What’s more, popular destinations usually experience fewer crowds and better deals.
We have compiled a list of the 10 best places to visit in the U.S. in February. So read on and get to know what they are.
Big Sky, Montana
Spread over 5,850 skiable acres of the Northern Rockies, Big Sky is one of the largest winter resorts in North America. It even brands itself as the ‘biggest skiing in America’ but it’s definitely not just this sport you can do here.
Other popular activities in the area include sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, hiking, or cross-country skiing. The après ski scene is also very good in Big Sky.
On top of that, the famed Yellowstone National Park is just an hour of drive away.
Alta, Utah
Set in the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, Alta is another top-class skiing resort. It offers plenty of steep, expert terrains, as well as bunny hills that cater to beginners. Never stood on skis? Alta also boasts excellent ski schools.
In February, Alta receives the biggest amounts of snowfall. Therefore, the slopes are always covered with fresh, soft, powdery snow.
Before setting off to Atla, you should know that it’s a skier’s mountain and snowboarding isn’t allowed there.
San Diego, California
There is something for city bums, too. Come to enjoy the sun-lit sandy beaches and ocean activities in bustling San Diego.
The temperatures tend to hover around 65 degrees, so you will never get too hot. The city is also less crowded and the prices for accommodation are more affordable than in summer. You can save on museum tickets, too – more than 40 museums offer a 50% discount on entrance during the museum month.
Moreover, February offers plenty of events to attend. Celebrate the Chinese New Year in the Old Town, join the Vietnamese Tet Music Festival, the Bird Festival, or the San Diego International Jewish Festival – as you can see, you will simply never get bored in San Diago.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is another place that deserves to be mentioned in our list and is a great choice for those who enjoy outside festivities. Mardi Gras is an annual event that happens all around Louisiana but the most stunning one is in New Orleans.
The streets come alive with music, art, huge parades, and costumes. However, be ready to face busy crowds that might even become overwhelming for some. Also, the accommodation can get pricier than usual.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
If you like to indulge yourself in spas and enjoy long walks in nature, then you must visit Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. It’s the oldest area in the national park system and boasts an array of healing hot springs.
There is no opportunity to enter the thermal waters outside. But they are piped directly to the Bathhouse Row where you can soak in.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the 26 miles of hiking trails that lead through beautiful forest scenery and offer some amazing mountain views.
San Antonio, Texas
Traveling with your family? We have something for you, too. San Antonio is a growing metropolis well worth exploring, especially in February when the weather is much more pleasant than in the hot summer.
San Antonio boasts a rich colonial heritage. One of the most famous sights is the Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission that now serves as a museum. Another great place to explore is the River Walk – a promenade full of restaurants, bars, cafés, boutique hotels, and shops.
In the northern part of the city, there is also Six Flags Siesta Texas – an amusement park with rides and a water park, a good option for those with lively kids.
The Florida Keys
You don’t have to leave the country even if you want to soak in some sun and enjoy the beach. The Florida Keys have been a popular snowbird destination for years.
This tropical paradise is set about 100 miles south of Florida and offers an array of activities to engage in, including scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, and kayaking.
If you prefer to stay on the ground, there are also plenty of art galleries, boutique shops, and fresh seafood restaurants.
Kirkwood, California
When you say California, the first things that come to mind are beautiful state parks, lush vineyards, and thrilling surfing spots. But did you know that you can also practice winter sports in the Golden State?
Set not far from Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood Mountain Resort is easily accessible and in February, it receives the most snowfall. It is known for a wide selection of terrains for both beginners and pros plus it has affordable prices.
You can also explore Kirkwood through a cross-country skiing trail or set off on a snowshoeing adventure.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Home to whopping 250+ art galleries, Santa Fe shouldn’t miss on any artsy traveler’s bucket list. The best time to visit them all is in February when the city is more tranquil.
In February, you can also join the annual Santa Fe Film Festival, which has been on for more than 22 years.
If you get tired of the city during your stay, you can take a hike to nearby San Antonio Hot Springs. There is a plethora of beautiful bike trails in the area, too.
St. John, U. S. Virgin Islands
If you don’t mind traveling too far and are looking for somewhere to bask in the sun, try St. John in the U. S. Virgin Islands this time.
It features beautiful, quiet beaches, untouched nature, and a number of outdoor activities to engage in, including hiking and kayaking.
St. John is the smallest of the three main U. S. islands and has no airport, so you will have to take a ferry from the nearby St. Thomas.
For a different setting, you can also stay for a few days on St. Thomas, enjoy its beaches, golf courses, and nightlife, and then head to St. John.
