It’s hard to believe, but the calendar doesn’t lie, and winter will be here before we know it. That means there are only a few short months left to start planning that getaway to escape the winter blues and recharge in the warmth of the sun.
Whether you’re in the Northeast or the Northwest, there are plenty of amazing places that are only a short plane ride away.
These include desert golfing meccas to tropical islands where the only thing to worry about is when you’ll walk down the sand for your next surfside cocktail.
Here are some amazing getaways to consider this winter.
Key West, Florida
Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States. While technically connected to the rest of the mainland through a network of bridges that cross the series of islands that snake out into the Caribbean, once you arrive in Key West, you’ll feel like you’ve disconnected from everything.
The island here features a laid-back lifestyle where you’re just as likely to see visitors and locals alike running around on golf carts and bikes as in cars.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta offers a mix of old-world charm and beachside relaxation.
To the north of town, you’ll find long stretches of resorts that offer everything you’ll need during your stay, including warm, sandy beaches, lively restaurants, and tours that take you out onto the ocean.
As you head into town, there are still plenty of resorts lining the coast. Yet, the landscape begins to transition into the old-world neighborhoods of the city, where you’ll find hidden taco stands, open-air markets, and lively nightlife perfect for dancing the night away.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui’s western shores are home to miles of sandy beaches that are flanked by hotels and condos perfect for hosting your island getaway. Here, you’ll find world-class golf courses, dozens of reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving, and unlimited refills of sandy beaches where you can relax while the kids play in the surf.
If you’re feeling up for a little adventure, head out on a drive around the island. Along the way you can stand under waterfalls or on the edge of a volcanic crater at over 10,000 feet in elevation!
Palm Springs, California
This desert getaway just outside of Los Angeles is filled to the brim during the winter months with snowbirds who want to spend their days on the golf course instead of shoveling snow back home.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for visitors, though. There is no shortage of hotels offering poolside retreats, plenty of tee times, and directions to the hiking trails that will take you high into the mountains overlooking the town.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
This getaway on the southern tip of Baja is known for its world-class sport fishing, lively nightlife, and sandy beaches tucked away within hidden coves.
Best of all, getting here only requires a short flight from many cities along the West Coast, so you can go from cold rain in Seattle in the morning to the warm ocean breeze of Cabo in the afternoon.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico, offers a rich history and vibrant culture, making it a perfect escape during the cold winter months.
Enjoy walks through the colorful downtown area and take in the ocean views from Castillo San Felipe del Morro. This large fortress has been standing watch over the entrance to San Juan Bay since the late 1500s! Around the fort sits Old San Juan, which shows off the city’s rich history.
Belize
This small country in Central America is home to some of the most incredible diving in the world, along with the perfect beach lifestyle.
Here, you’ll find numerous Cays where you can rent a beachfront home for far less than almost anywhere else in North America and spend days exploring the island by golf cart (many of these islands have no cars).
If you’re ready for one of the most incredible aquatic adventures of your life, hop on a scuba charter to the Blue Hole. Here, you can explore the depths below in this giant marine sinkhole.
Roatán, Honduras
Just across the water from Belize sits another tropical paradise rimmed with white sand beaches and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Roatán, Honduras, has quickly become a go-to winter destination for its beautiful waters and family-friendly adventures.
Don’t miss a trip into the jungles of the island, where you can see sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and parrots.
San Diego, California
The perfect family destination for a quick winter getaway, San Diego has enough to do to keep everyone in the family entertained.
With miles of sandy beaches, attractions like Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, and Birch Aquarium, and real-life Navy vessels that are open to exploration, this southern California getaway is a must-visit.
For a more relaxing visit, head north of town, where you can stay in one of the many beachside communities and spend the days walking the beach, surfing, and enjoying an endless supply of tacos.
