Are you tired of zipping up your heavy winter coats, wrapping scarves around your neck, and lacing up your snow boots? Then you’re not alone! During this chilly time of year, plenty of people are hoping to escape the cold and soak in the sun. If you’re looking inspiration for your next sunny vacation, we put together a list of warm winter vacation destinations in the United States and Canada for you to travel to.
Discover HomeExchangeKey West, FL
If you’re looking for a trip to the coast, Key West, Florida is the perfect place to go for a warm vacation during those winter months. Between snorkeling excursions, sailing, and kayaking, there’s no limit to the adventures you’ll have here. Bookworms can take a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s home in Key West, where he spent the final 10 years of his life and also penned some of the most notable works in his career, like A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls. After a day spent on or in the water and touring museums and historically significant sites, head on over to Duval Street for all of your souvenir shopping and dining needs.
Coral Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
This winter, why not embark on an island getaway? Coral Bay, which lies in St. John’s Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands (the only place on this list that's not in North America), is a paradise that will keep you entertained, relaxed, and (most importantly) toasty. Though less tourist-y than other cities and islands in the USVI, you’ll find no shortage of restaurants, historical sites, and fun activities to do. Spend a day chowing down on Sunday brunch at Miss Lucy’s or grabbing a slice of pizza at Salty Mongoose Pizza & Rum Bar. For those of you who are more outdoors-y, try taking a hike on the Ram Head Trail, which will give you unforgettable views of the Caribbean Sea and St. John’s South Shore.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Don’t hesitate to visit one of Canada’s warmest cities during this time of year! While the rain may prevent you from seeing the sun as much as some of the other places on this list, you’ll still be able to escape the cold weather that is found in other Canadian and American cities. Take a trip under the sea at the Vancouver Aquarium, where you can explore over 30 exhibits and observe various species of fish along with penguins, otters, and sea lions. If you’re not in the mood to make a splash, spend an afternoon at the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, where you can learn about the province’s diverse cultures, with an emphasis on the region’s Indigenous peoples.
Travel with HomeExchangeSavannah, GA
Savannah is home to large parks, historical buildings and sites, and (according to some) even ghosts. Whether you’re hoping to take a deep dive into the supernatural, go shopping, learn about the city’s history, or dig into mouth-watering Southern food, there’s something for everyone here! Artsy tourists should take a tour of the SCAD Museum of Art, where they can find local student artwork. Visitors should also take a trip to Savannah’s Historic District and walk through the 30-acre Forsyth Park, first established in the 1840s. Don’t forget your camera to take some beautiful photos while there!
White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
Spend your vacation at this charming Canadian beach town and enjoy the seaside, even in winter. Go see the actual white rock of White Rock, a boulder near the beach with a long and storied history of its own as well as the town’s namesake. If you want to take in the salty sea air, go for a stroll on the White Rock Pier, where you can get unforgettable views of the ocean, grab an ice cream cone, or try your luck at fishing.
Palm Springs, CA
If you’re hoping to escape the cold, then Palm Springs will definitely grant you your wish! Located in Southern California, the weather is beautiful nearly year-round, and most visitors spend their trip lounging by the pool and soaking in the sun. However, if spending your entire trip poolside makes you antsy, there’s plenty of non-swimming and lounging activities to do during your vacation! Fans of history will love taking a tour of the Palm Springs Air Museum, where they can find the world’s largest collection of still-flyable WWII-era aircrafts. For a more nature-fueled adventure, try embarking on the Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall Hike, and while the trail provides little shade and is about 350 feet in elevation, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Tahquitz Waterfall.
Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada
On the east coast of Vancouver Island lies the quaint city of Courtenay, where there is no shortage of activities to enjoy indoors and outdoors. Take a tour of some of the local breweries, such as Land & Sea Brewing Company and Gladstone Brewing Co., and sample some flights of the homemade beers from each stop on your journey. If drinking isn’t in the cards for you during your vacation, you can also take a hike to Nymph Falls and get some amazing views of Barber’s Hole, a calmer part of the Puntledge River.
Plan your warm winter getawayNow that you have this list of warm places in North America to travel to, what are you waiting for? Get ready to enjoy the sunshine and feel its warmth on your skin. Don't forget to pack some sunscreen and make sure to remember to ask your HomeExchange host for recommendations on the best way to enjoy your time in the sun.
