I happen to be an expert on this particular subject because I really don’t like being cold. I have been known to wear a jacket indoors when someone sets the AC below 72. I do endure the cold from time to time, you know, for the kids, but I am happiest when I can lounge in the sun like a lizard.
Here are our favorite warm winter vacation destinations in the USA. These are the best places to thaw out and warm up before diving back into the remaining days of winter.
The Best Warm Winter Family Vacations in the USA
1. Palm Springs, California
Average high temperature in the winter: 70-75 degrees
Number of days of rain per month in winter: Just 2!
Palm Springs is where people from LA head when the “winter” weather gets too extreme for us at home. If it is 55 in LA, it is sure to be at least 10 degrees warmer in the Coachella Valley where Palm Springs is located.
This is the land of palm trees and golf courses. Resort swimming pools are a year-round attraction and there are lots of outdoor adventures to be had- from a hike to a palm oasis, to days spent at the Living Desert, to Red Jeep tours of the San Andreas fault.
Here are our favorite things to do in Palm Springs with kids .
And, since it is the desert, it hardly ever rains here so your chances of sunshine are extremely high!
Where to Stay: There are so many great resorts in Palm Springs for families. We love the Omni Rancho Las Palmas for its waterslides and lazy river which are sure to give your family summer vibes.
La Quinta Resort is a great option if you are traveling with Fido. The amazing golf, tennis, and dozens of resort pools are major draws.
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells is another great option if you are looking for a great resort pool complete with waterslides and a lazy river. They also offer glow golf in the evenings!
Is this your first time traveling with your little one? Here are 25 great tips for flying with a toddler .
2. Kaanapali Beach, Maui
Average high temperature in the winter: 82 degrees
Number of days of rain per month in winter: 2-3 days
There really isn’t a bad time to visit Maui, but the winter is especially wonderful on the dry side of the island in spots like Wailea and Kaanapali. In addition to absolutely beautiful weather, there are also whales!
That’s right, the winter is prime humpback whale watching season in Maui which is home to the densest population of humpback whales on the planet!
10,000 humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Maui every year to give birth and feed in the warm waters which are rich in plankton and krill.
It is often easy to spot the whales right from the shore. If you have an oceanfront hotel room, like the one we had at Napili Kai Resort , it is possible to see whales jumping out of the water from the comfort of your balcony!
The best way to really see the whales is on a whale watching cruise . There are many different options, including some that combine whale watching with snorkeling in popular spots like Turtle Town or Molokini.
Please be respectful and avoid Lahaina which will be recovering from the tragic wildfire of 2023. The island welcomes visitors which are vital to its economy but it is important to remember that its horrific and tragic loss is not for tourists to photograph or exploit.
Of course, there is much more to enjoy on a winter vacation to Maui than just whales. Here are our top picks for things to do in Maui with kids .
Where to Stay: There are so many amazing resorts in Maui! Here are our picks for the best Maui resorts for families .
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3. Tucson, Arizona
Average high temperature in the winter: About 70 degrees
Number of days of rain per month in winter: 4 days
I really feel like Tucson doesn’t get the love it deserves. Tucson is not only home to Saguaro National Park , it is also the only UNESCO Capital of Gastronomy in the United States, thanks to its incredible Sonoran Mexican cuisine.
Tucson receives 300 days of sunshine per year and winter is generally dry, making it a great destination for hiking, biking, or just lounging by your resort pool.
Sabino Canyon and Catalina State Park are two great places to get outside, along with the two districts that make up Saguaro National Park which the city splits down the middle.
If it is epic Instagram photos you crave, head to Mission San Xavier del Bac, which has an epic “Hotel California” vibe, and strike a pose.
Read about our picks for the best things to do in Tucson with kids .
Where to Stay: The JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort is a fabulous luxury resort for families. Golf, tennis, hiking, and pool time are big draws at this gorgeous resort which backs up to desert park land.
I also love the Westward Look Resort’s low key luxury. This sprawling resort features several specialty gardens, hiking trails, biking (bike rental available) and even horseback riding!
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort has a great pool area with water slides, full service spa, and a multitude of dining options. It is also surrounded by that enchanting desert scenery that we all come to Tucson to experience.
4. Death Valley National Park, California
Average high temperature in the winter: 70 degrees
Number of days of rain per month in winter: Just one day!
I know that most people associate Death Valley with HEAT but during the winter, this national park is actually incredibly pleasant to visit.
As a matter of fact, I think winter is the best time to visit Death Valley National Park because the mild temps allow you to get out there and explore without melting.
Despite its ominous name, Death Valley is actually quite beautiful and filled with life and diversity.
From sledding down the sand dunes at Mesquite Flat to climbing up the sides of Mosaic Canyon to watching the sun turn Zabriskie Point all sorts of magnificent colors, families are sure to fall in love with the park.
Check out our full guide to Death Valley National Park which includes lots of fun things to do and great tips for exploring the park.
Note: F lash floods damaged parts of Death Valley and some roads are still closed though most of the main roads are now open. Check the park website before you visit for up to the minute updates.
Where to Stay: While you can camp in Death Valley, I think this is one of those national parks where I prefer lodging with four walls.
The Oasis at Death Valley is made up of two properties, the more upscale Inn at Death Valley and the family-focused Ranch at Death Valley .
Both were extensively renovated about three years ago and have access to a 87-degree spring-fed pool, sports courts, and children’s playground.
There is also horseback riding and jeep rentals available onsite. Golfers won’t want to miss playing at lowest elevation gold course in the world!
5. Puerto Rico
Average high temperature in the winter: 83 degrees
Number of days of rain per month in winter: 15 (but it doesn’t last long)
East Coast families will be happy to hear they don’t have to head all the way to Hawaii to find tropical weather in the dead of winter. Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island you can visit without having to worry about a passport- score!
Check out the best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
There are 300 miles of beaches in Puerto Rico, which means there is almost one beach to explore for every day of the year. Add in water sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, diving, and relaxing (yes, that should be a sport too), and you have officially arrived in heaven.
Sure, you could just lounge on the beach and soak up the sun, but adventure awaits! Zip line in El Yunque National Forest, kayak in a bioluminecent bay, sail the Caribbean waters on a catamaran, and explore the caves in the Rio Camuy Cave Park.
Where to stay: The El Conquistador Resort, a Waldorf Astoria Resort is spread over 500 acres overlooking both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
With everything from their 100-acre private island getaway, Palomino Island, to the massive family-friendly Coqui Water Park, the Waldorf Astoria Spa, Arthur Hills Golf Course and of course the main pool complex which features three pools, you have no reason to leave this luxury resort.
6. Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona
Hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve , Photo Credit: Myles McGuinness for Experience Scottsdale
Average high temperature in the winter: About 70 degrees
Number of days of rain per month in winter: Less than 5
Scottsdale and Phoenix have both been long been known as a primo spots for warm winter vacations in the USA for good reason, the weather is gorgeous and the resorts are ample.
I can’t get enough of the saguaro cacti and the rocky desert landscape. There are so many great hiking trails to enjoy, like those found in the South Mountain Park and Preserve .
If you would rather channel your inner cowboy and make your way through the desert the way the vaqueros did, head to Mac Donald’s Ranch and take the kids on a trail ride.
Little train enhusiasts will want to spend time at McCormick Stillman Railroad Park and most of the city’s popular courses offer classes and programs for all ages, including Kierland Golf Club, McCormick Ranch Golf Club, and The Phoencian Golf Club .
Here are our favorite things to do in Scottsdale with kids and the best things to do in Phoenix with kids.
Where to Stay: There are so many amazing options for family resorts in Phoenix and Scottsdale, and many have their own waterparks !
At Pointe Hilton Tapitio Cliffs Resort families love the spacious two-room suites and The Falls Water Village which features a 40-foot waterfall, a 138-foot enclosed slide, and expansive pools.
The Adventure Water Park at the Westin Kierland Resort features a lazy river, waterslide, and Kierland FlowRider. And the resort is very family focused with a great kids club and plenty of activities and events going on year round.
The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel has been an Arizona landmark since opening in 1929. Amenities families love include eight pools, croquet, golf, tennis, and giant lawn chess. It’s no wonder this hotel has been frequented by so many celebrities and U.S. presidents!
The Arizona Grand Resort and Spa is home to Oasis Water Park. It is one of the top 10 water parks in the nation and is exclusively for resort guests. In addition to eight-story water thrill slides, a wave pool, and a flowing river, guests will enjoy luxurious rooms and family-friendly onsite dining.
7. US Virgin Islands
Average high temperature in the winter: 83 degrees
Number of days of rain per month in winter: 10 days
The US Virgin Islands (USVI) are comprised of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Tourists from all over the world vacation here to escape the chill of winter and soak up that wonderful Caribbean sunshine, but one of the perks for United States citizens is that we don’t need a passport to visit.
From crystal clear waters to white sandy beaches to vibrant greenery and drop-dead gorgeous views from almost every vantage point, a vacation here is a feast for your eyes and a splendid break from reality.
All the islands offer varied activities such as zip lining, snorkeling, kayaking, and horseback riding, as well as plenty of fun on the beach.
St. Thomas boasts more action than the other islands, thanks to its cruise port. Nature lovers will appreciate that more than 60% of St. John is part of Virgin Islands National Park which allows it to remain wild and ready to be explored.
Here is a comprehensive guide to St. Thomas USVI .
Where to Stay: On St. Thomas, Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove is a family-friendly resort with two- and three-bedroom villas that have full kitchens. Kids will love the large swimming pool with a waterslide and everyone will love the private beach and ample water sports onsite.
On St. John, The Westin St. John Resort Villas are tough to beat. The property has ocean-view villas with full kitchens, washer/dyers, and some villas even have enough space for eight adults , making it perfect for multigenerational travel.
8. The Florida Keys
Average high temperature in the winter: 76 glorious degrees
Number of Days of rain per month in winter: 3 days
When freezing temps are baring down on much of the East Coast, the Florida Keys are warm and sunny, beckoning you to a place where the biggest problem seems to be blowing out a flip flop!
The Keys are the furthest south you can get in the continental United States and if you are up for you’re chasing sunshine and a laid-back charm , the Florida Keys are the perfect place for your family vacation.
On your journey along the Overseas Highway, you can explore a coral reef, tour Ernest Hemingway’s home, enjoy action-packed water sports, and sample every single variety of key lime pie out there.
Robbie’s (located at Mile Marker 77.5) is a fun stop lined with handmade souvenir shops and outdoor games. The main draw is feeding the giant, silver tarpon from the dock. Kids can’t get enough of it!
It is also a great place to sample conch fritters and get out on the water via a boat tour or jetski. It is a tourist trap in the best kind of way.
Down in Key West, make time to enjoy the nightly street carnival in Mallory Square . Sword swallower, jugglers, and tightrope walkers help liven the atmosphere while you stroll vendor stands and sample items from food carts.
Here are 10 great things to do in the Florida Keys and 10 more fun things to do in Key West .
Where to Stay: The Ocean Pointe Suites is a laid-back place to stretch out by the water. Each suite is equipped with a full kitchen, washer, dryer, and private balcony. There’s also a marina with a small beach and a heated pool.
24 North Hotel Key West is located right at the point of entry to Key West. It’s convenient to visit the Old Town via the hotel’s trolley, but away from the hustle and bustle of the nightlife. The artwork and murals are eclectic and the pool is popular families.
9. Orange County, California
Average high temperature in the winter: 70 degrees
Number of days of rain per month in winter: 5 days
Orange County is what made me the weather weakling that I am today. Over a dozen years of living in one of the most temperate places on the planet will do that to you.
I can’t begin to tell you how amazing it is to explore tide pools on the beach on a random 80 degree day in January and have the entire place to yoursel f. From the artsy vibe of Laguna Beach to the classic surf town appeal of Huntington Beach, Orange County is hard to beat.
Beyond the coast, there is wonderful hiking and mountain biking in Orange County, and the hills urn an emerald shade of green after a healthy rainfall.
Of course, that world-famous mouse that has enchanted families for generations also happens to call the OC home. Winter is a great time to visit the Disneyland Resort because crowds tend to be lower and there is always something fun going on like Christmas or the DCA Food and Wine Festival.
But wait, there’s more! Check out 30 Fun Things to do in Orange County with Kids.
Where to Stay: The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a gorgeous luxury hotel that sits on a bluff above Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. The views and location are hard to beat.
The property has an amazing Eco-Adventure Center where guests can sign up for whale-watching excursions, surf lessons, cooking classes, golf, and more.
Up in Huntington Beach, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach is a fun place for families. The pool has cabanas, a splash pad, two pools, a couple water slides, and Huntington Beach is right across the street so waterplay is endless.
If Disneyland Resort is where you want to call homebase while exploring Orange County, check out the OG of Disney resort lodging- The Disneyland Hotel .
This magical hotel delights families with headboards that play “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes”, character greetings in the lobby, and an E-ticket pool with a Monorail-themed slide.
10. Honolulu, Hawaii
Average high temperature in the winter: 81 degrees
Number of days of rain per month in winter: 5 days
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is the original Hawaiian beach vacation destination. It has gone through many changes over the decades but the perfect stretch of sand and lazy waves perfect for beginner surfers has remained the same.
Waikiki is a popular spot for those love city vibes in and island setting. Great dining at places like Morimoto Asia Waikiki (ramen and sushi), Duke’s (mahi mahi and mai tais), Musubi Cafe Iyasume, and Island Vintage Shave Ice is part of the Waikiki experience, as is shopping until your drop.
Beyond Waikiki, there are plenty of other great places to visit on the island to get out of the high rises and into nature like Diamond Head, Makapuu Lighthouse, Waimea Valley, and the pristine beaches of Kailua and the North Shore.
Make sure to allow for time to visit Pearl Harbor . In addition to the museum and resting place of the USS Arizona, it is also home to the USS Missouri Battleship and the USS Bowfin Submarine Park, which can both be explored by visitors.
Where to Stay: The Sheraton Waikiki has the best family pool on the Waikiki Strip and a terrifc beachfront location. The Helumoa Playground has a kid’s pool, fountains to play in, two waterslides, and two freshwater pools.
Daily lessons in Hawaiian culture are included with your resort fee and will have your kids playing the ukulele, making leis, and dancing the hula in no time.
Finding rooms with two queen beds can be a challenge in Waikiki but the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach has large rooms with the two queens that many families are looking for. It is located right across the street from the best stretch of Waikiki Beach and the views from the huge hotel hot tub are fabulous.
Be sure to check out the farmer’s market that takes place on the ground floor of the resort on Mondays and Wednesdays. There are lots of great handmade gifts to purchase and plenty of fresh tropical fruit to enjoy.
11. South Padre Island, Texas
Average high temperature in the winter: 70 degrees
Number of days of rain per month in winter: 2-3 days
While South Padre Island has a reputation as a spring break party hub, it is a laid-back beach town perfect for family vacations for most of the year, winter included.
Padre Island is the longest barrier island in the world and a perfect place to swim, sail, kayak, and dolphin watch.
If horseback riding on the beach is on your bucket list, South Padre Island is the place to do it! You can also go parasailing, visit a sea turtle rehabilitation hospital, go zip lining, jet ski, and even learn how to build an epic sand castle from a pro.
Read about our 10 favorite things to do in South Padre Island .
Where to Stay: The Isla Grand Beach Resort is a beachfront resort with cabana rooms in the two-story building and two-bedroom condos in the high rise building overlooking the pool.
Enjoy a poolside snack, take a dip in the hot tub, play a round of shuffle board, see a fireworks show, and listen to live music all without ever leaving the property.
12. San Diego, California
