Best Winter Vacations in the US for an Unforgettable Getaway

Want to take a winter vacation but not sure where to go? Then you’ve come to the right place! As your outdoor vacation experts, we’re always thinking about how the seasons inform your vacation experience, and how you can make the most of what every season has to offer. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of our top five favorite winter vacation ideas for five types of vacationers. Because whether you’re looking to relax, have fun, escape the cold, or embrace it, we believe your winter vacation should be as unique as your needs. So, come along as we reveal the best winter vacations in the US and where to stay to make your vacation truly unforgettable.

Stowe, Vermont: Best Winter Vacation Destination for Winter Sports Enthusiasts

If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, then Stowe, Vermont, should definitely be on your radar. Stowe is known as the “Ski Capital of the East,” and for good reason. Here, you’ll find 45 trails spread across two gondola-connected mountains, as well as the world-class Stowe Mountain Resort and the first cross-country skiing center in America. However, skiing isn’t the only winter sport in town. From ice skating to snowshoeing to snowmobiling and fat biking, Stowe offers tons of ways to play in the winter.

In addition to snow sports, Stowe offers old-fashioned holiday fun with A Traditional Christmas in Stowe. This renowned annual festival was named a top ten winter even by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. It features caroling, musical theater performances, a holiday bazaar, a tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa Claus, and much more!

Outbound Stowe

Looking for a place to stay during your winter vacation in Stowe? Look no further than Outbound Stowe. Located just nine minutes from Stowe Mountain Resort, this boutique hotel puts you in the heart of the winter sports action. Other nearby attractions include Waterbury Reservoir, Bingham Falls, and shopping and dining in Downtown Stowe.

Accommodations at Outbound Stowe range from guest rooms to cabins to cottages and come with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Private amenities include pillow-top beds, smart TVs, full bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. Moreover, the hotel offers a wide range of shared amenities to enhance your stay, including a pool, hot tub, communal fire pits, and direct access to the Stowe Recreation Path.

Book Outbound Stowe today!

Smoky Mountains, North Carolina: Best Winter Vacation Destination for Christmas Opulence

Want to celebrate Christmas like a millionaire? Then, head to the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina this winter for Christmas at Biltmore. At 175,000 square feet, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville is the largest privately owned home in the United States. And in true Biltmore fashion, they go big for the holidays. Each Christmas, the Biltmore staff decks the halls with over 100 Christmas trees, 10,000 ornaments, and more than a mile of garland. The exterior gets a festive makeover, too, complete with twinkling trees and glowing luminaries.

The Smoky Mountains are also home to an array of outdoor attractions. You’ll find several world-class ski resorts throughout the region, including Sugar Mountain Resort, Beech Mountain Resort, and Appalachian Ski Mountain. Moreover, this part of North Carolina is famous for its scenic mountain drives, which look especially beautiful with a fresh coating of snow. Keep in mind, however, that some drives close when it snows, and accessible routes should only be driven if your car is equipped for snowy conditions. Other can’t-miss attractions to add to your Christmas vacation itinerary include waterfalls, hiking trails, wildlife watching, and more.

Huffman Creek Retreat

Located in Robbinsville, just two hours from Biltmore, Huffman Creek Retreat makes the perfect base of operations for your Smoky Mountain vacation. This one-of-a-kind outdoor property immerses you in nature with 700 acres, hiking trails, private creek frontage, and three on-site waterfalls. Nearby attractions include the Fontana Dam and scenic drives like Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway.

Accommodations at Huffman Creek Retreat consist of seven unique cabins that blend rustic charm with modern comfort. As each cabin is unique, amenities vary. However, some unit amenities you can expect to find include gourmet kitchens, furnished porches with stream views, spacious seating areas, board games, and Wi-Fi.

View availability at Huffman Creek now!

Central Florida: Best Winter Vacation Destination for Families

Traveling with the kids this winter? Then Central Florida is the destination for you. Here, you can escape the cold weather for family-friendly fun in the Florida sun. From Disney World to Universal Studios to SeaWorld, Central Florida is home to some of the most famous theme parks in the world. Moreover, many of these parks host festive Christmas celebrations your whole family will love. Events include Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Holidays at Universal, and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.

Of course, the theme parks aren’t all there is to do in Central Florida. Natural wonders abound in this vacation hotspot, and with cool, comfortable temperatures, winter is the best time to enjoy them. Winter is manatee season at Blue Springs, where, for just a few dollars, you can see these iconic Florida giants in action. And with just a short drive, you can enjoy world-class beaches on both the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.

Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo

At Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo, you can escape the theme park crowds while enjoying convenience to everything Central Florida has to offer. Located just an hour and a half south of Orlando, River Ranch transports you to the Wild West with immersive amenities and accommodations. Saddle up for a horseback riding adventure, or don your best western attire and head to the saloon for some authentic line dancing. River Ranch also hosts the country’s longest-running Saturnight rodeo, as well as the Cowboy Adventure Park, hiking trails, hay rides, fishing, a general store, and more.

In keeping with its Western theme, Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo offers some of the most unique accommodations you’ll find anywhere. Go glamping in a Luxe Teepee, Conestoga Wagon, or Luxury Glamping Tent and enjoy upscale amenities like breakfast delivery, climate control, and private fire pits. Or, book a cabin, considered one of the most luxurious accommodations at the ranch, and enjoy a full kitchen, spacious living and dining areas, and a complimentary golf cart. Lodge rooms are also available. They come in three configurations, sleeping between two and four guests.

Find vacancies at River Ranch!

Hawaii: Best Warm Weather Winter Vacation Destination

Central Florida offers a subtropical respite from winter weather. But if you really want to escape the cold this winter season, head to the only truly tropical state in America: Hawaii. In terms of warm winter getaways, they don’t get much warmer, or farther away, than Hawaii. In addition to mild winter temperatures, you can enjoy cultural experiences like luaus, hula lessons, or outrigger canoeing. Or, take in the breathtaking views with a volcano hike, helicopter tour, or horseback ride.

Certainly, Hawaii is a tropical paradise with mild weather year-round. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find snow, or ski slopes for that matter. At nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, the summit of Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii. During the wet season, this tropical volcano becomes a winter wonderland, receiving up to five inches of snow. There is no ski resort on Mauna Kea. However, two lifts allow you to ski and snowboard at your own risk.

Pacific 19

Pacific 19 is a boutique hotel where every detail and every guest gets full attention. Start your day with a refreshing dip in the ocean or an invigorating session in the yoga garden. Or, for a faster pick-me-up, stop by the Waimea Coffee Co. for a caffeine fix. Once you’re up and running, Pacific 19 offers a full calendar of planned activities to help you find your inner Aloha spirit. Not feeling active? At the outdoor pool, you can perfect the art of doing nothing.

Located in Kona, Pacific 19 boasts convenience to loads of popular Hawaii attractions. Swim with manta rays at Manta Ray Village, the only place where you can do it at night. Or, explore the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary and get up close and personal with this unique climate zone’s iconic flora and fauna. Finally, at the end of a long day exploring Kona, you’ll love nothing more than to retire to the comfort of your guest room or suite, where you’ll enjoy upscale amenities like in-unit kitchens, private lanais, and spacious seating areas.

View available accommodations at Pacific 19 now!

Bar Harbor, Maine: Best Winter Vacation Destination for an Off-Season Escape

During the summer and fall, Bar Harbor bustles with tourists. However, this coastal Maine town becomes a serene New England escape during the winter low season. With fewer crowds, Bar Harbor’s small-town charm – complete with tour boats putting along in the harbor, boutique shops, and the cheery chime of trolley cars – becomes all the more charming. And best of all, you can have it all to yourself!

Downtown Bar Harbor hosts an array of festive shopping events in the late fall and winter. Snag great deals in the comfort of your PJs in the Early Bird Pajama Sale. Then, head to the Criterion Theater to watch the Bar Harbor Bed Races, where local businesses compete to cross the finish line in decorated beds on wheels. At the Village Holidays celebration, you can join Santa for hot cocoa, a tree lighting, and a special reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. And be sure to stick around afterward for the Midnight Madness Sale, offering a night of unbeatable savings at local shops.

Terramor Outdoor Resort

This one-of-a-kind glamping resort lets you enjoy refined comfort off the beaten path. Choose from five different luxury tent models sleeping between two and five guests. More than just tents, each accommodation comes with electricity, Wi-Fi, portable heating and cooling, deluxe bedding, and more. In addition, Terramor offers a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Commune with nature with a scenic hike along one of the many on-site trails. Or, bond with your fellow travelers with community events and a communal fire experience. Other amenities include a lodge with a restaurant and bar, a pool and hot tub, event spaces, and grill stations.

Terramor Outdoor Resort immerses you in nature with a secluded setting among the spruce, pine, and birch trees of Mount Desert Island. Meanwhile, you’ll be just minutes from some of Bar Harbor’s most popular attractions. Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, sample fresh seafood at Bar Harbor Oyster Company or the Travelin Lobster, and discover the natural wonder of Acadia National Park, ranked one of the top ten national parks in America.

Book your winter vacation at Terramor now!

Nook Outdoors: Your Winter Vacation Headquarters

Whether you want to escape the cold or embrace it, Nook Outdoors is your winter vacation headquarters. We’ve curated the best outdoor accommodations from across the country, making it easy to find the perfect glamping spot, landscape hotel, or boutique hotel for you. So, what are you waiting for? Explore our complete directory of outdoor properties and book your winter vacation today!