January can be a tough month to make travel plans. You might be torn between escaping the winter to sunbathe in exotic climes or making the most of the winter sports season.
Whichever you and your family prefer, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best places to visit in January in the USA.
- Killington, VT
- New York, NY
- Hawaii
- Miami, FL
- Park City, UT
Killington, Vermont
You don’t need to cross the border into Canada to smell the sugar maples, homely real-fire lodges, and snow sports aplenty. Vermont has everything you need, and Killington has the second-highest summit in the Green Mountains.
With 73 slope miles over 155 varied trails, you’ll enjoy hitting the slopes in this quaint mountain village. Whether you’re a beginner or were born with ski poles in your hands, there are trails to suit your skill level.
A range of accommodation options to suit all budgets includes hotels, wooden lodges, and holiday rentals. Plus, the closest hostel is only 30 minutes away. You can even ski into your accommodation if you’re staying in the village.
For those who don’t like to ski or snowboard, other winter activities to enjoy in January include snow tubing, ice-skating, sleigh rides, and sledding. Have you always wanted to go dog sledding but haven’t had the chance to go to Alaska? Luckily, you can say “mush” in Killington too.
There are plenty of restaurants, a local brewery, and fresh maple syrup crafted from Vermont maple. If a winter holiday is what you’re after, Killington provides all you need and more.
New York, New York
It’s well worth arriving in New York at the end of December to watch the famous ball drop on New Year’s Eve. Into January, New York is still a magical destination with a lively spirit. The Rockefeller Tree is still alight until January, so if you arrive early in the month, you may catch a glimpse of this iconic sight.
The main attractions are open year-round and in the city that never sleeps, there’s always more to do and see. Take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty or gaze wondrously at the city from the 86th floor of the Empire State building.
The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, an iconic performance since the 1930s, runs through to the beginning of January.
New York is renowned for its food carts. Grab a hot dog or a pretzel on your way into Central Park. The 1.3 square mile park is magical in wintertime. Enjoy your time strolling and taking in the sights or put your skates on and go ice skating in the middle of the city.
Hawaii
Looking to get away from winter and chase the sun? Any island in Hawaii is the place for you. In January, the average temperature ranges between an 80-degree high and a balmy 65-degree low. The water temperate is 75 degrees, which means you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of swimming and water sports.
Waikiki is the tourist hot spot with Ala Moana mall, fireworks, glamourous hotels, and restaurants to suit anyone’s taste buds. You’ll be able to get your hands on surfboards, stand up paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. Nearby you can take the short hike up Diamond Head and enjoy the views.
Do you prefer to walk the road less traveled? Kauai is a great option if you prefer serenity while traveling. Here you’ll find Hawaii’s most beautiful hiking trails and dense rainforests. The island’s nickname is the Garden Isle thanks to its luscious greenery.
There’s also plenty to see and do on the big island with hikes, black sand beaches, and the Volcano National Park. Or take the family to a cultural experience such as a Luau or a Hula show.
The state tax-rate is only 4 percent, making Hawaii a premium shopping destination. Ala Moana and Waikele Premium Outlets are the most popular choices. Whichever way you like to travel, Hawaii has a tropical January option for you.
Miami Florida
January is the perfect time to visit Miami. While most of the country is shivering and pulling out winter blankets, Miami still has mild temperatures.
It is still the city’s coolest month, but with an average high of 76 and a low of 60, you can still enjoy the sun, surf, and sand. Seawater temperatures average of 71 which is chilly to the locals but warm enough for those who live further north.
As one of the warmer states on the US mainland, Miami is vibrant and lively with plenty to do in January, such as the South Beach Jazz Festival which attracts artists from all over the country. There’s also the International Chocolate Festival, because who doesn’t need an excuse to indulge in some chocolate!
From Miami, you can take a day-trip to Key West, the southernmost point in the US. It’s renowned for its beautiful sunsets, in fact, they receive a nightly round of applause from sunset chasers. Miami’s nightlife is incredible. After sun and relaxation by day, get your dancing shoes on for food, cocktails, and great music by night.
Park City, UT
If you’re on the west coast and you are itching to get your snow boots on, look no further than Park City. It has over 7,300 acres of skiable land and more than 330 trails. Park City it’s only an hour from Salt Lake City and is in the midst of the Rocky Mountain Range.
It has trails to suit beginners to experts with a terrain park for freestyle boarders and skiers. If that’s not your thing you can go to the Olympic Park to see where the athletes of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games competed. There is also tubing, distilleries, and restaurants.
Although ski mountains on the west-coast often scream luxury, you can travel Park City on a budget too. There are plenty of cheap eats, beers and free activities to be found. The atmosphere doesn’t get more magical than a winter snow stroll in the mountains, plus it’s an activity the whole family can enjoy.
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