February is that sort of season when you’re either trying to stay warm at home or decide to spice up your daily mundane with an exciting holiday.
You can enjoy the mountains still covered in snow, attend events, party, or head somewhere warm, the options are endless even in February. What’s more, popular destinations usually experience fewer crowds and better deals.
We have compiled a list of the 14 best places to visit in the U.S. in February. So read on and get to know what they are.
Boynton for Hike Through Hidden Canyon
In winter, Boynton Canyon in Arizona offers a quieter visit, with its prominent red rock formations providing a serene backdrop. This season sees fewer visitors, making it an ideal time for those seeking a peaceful experience.
To reach Boynton Canyon, travelers can drive to Sedona, Arizona, and follow the signs to Boynton Canyon Trail, located just a short distance from the city center. The trail offers easy access to the canyon’s natural beauty.
Alta, UT for Best Powder Skiing
Set in the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, Alta is another top-class skiing resort. It offers plenty of steep, expert terrains, as well as bunny hills that cater to beginners. Never stood on skis? Alta also boasts excellent ski schools.
In February, Alta receives the biggest amounts of snowfall. Therefore, the slopes are always covered with fresh, soft, powdery snow.
Before setting off to Atla, you should know that it’s a skier’s mountain and snowboarding isn’t allowed there.
New Orleans for Mardi Gras
New Orleans is another place that deserves to be mentioned in our list and is a great choice for those who enjoy outside festivities. Mardi Gras is an annual event that happens all around Louisiana but the most stunning one is in New Orleans.
The streets come alive with music, art, huge parades, and costumes. However, be ready to face busy crowds that might even become overwhelming for some. Also, the accommodation can get pricier than usual.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas for Healing
If you like to indulge yourself in spas and enjoy long walks in nature, then you must visit Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. It’s the oldest area in the National Park system and boasts an array of healing hot springs.
There is no opportunity to enter the thermal waters outside. But they are piped directly to the Bathhouse Row where you can soak in.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the 26 miles of hiking trails that lead through beautiful forest scenery and offer some amazing mountain views.
San Antonio, Texas for Rich Colonial Heritage
Traveling with your family? We have something for you, too. San Antonio is a growing metropolis well worth exploring, especially in February when the weather is much more pleasant than in the hot summer.
San Antonio boasts a rich colonial heritage. One of the most famous sights is the Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission that now serves as a museum. Another great place to explore is the River Walk – a promenade full of restaurants, bars, cafés, boutique hotels, and shops.
In the northern part of the city, there is also Six Flags Siesta Texas – an amusement park with rides and a water park, a good option for those with lively kids.
San Diego for Beaches
There is something for city bums, too. Come to enjoy the sun-lit sandy beaches and ocean activities in bustling San Diego.
The temperatures tend to hover around 65 degrees, so you will never get too hot. The city is also less crowded and the accommodation prices are more affordable than in summer. You can save on museum tickets, too – more than 40 museums offer a 50% discount on entrance during the museum month.
Moreover, February offers plenty of events to attend. Celebrate the Chinese New Year in the Old Town, join the Vietnamese Tet Music Festival, the Bird Festival, or the San Diego International Jewish Festival – as you can see, you will simply never get bored in San Diago.
Big Sky, Montana for Best Skiing
Spread over 5,850 skiable acres of the Northern Rockies, Big Sky is one of the largest winter resorts in North America. It even brands itself as the ‘biggest skiing in America’ but it’s not just this sport you can do here.
Other popular activities in the area include sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, hiking, or cross-country skiing. The après ski scene is also very good in Big Sky.
On top of that, the famed Yellowstone National Park is just an hour of drive away.
Kirkwood, California for Winter Sports
When you say California, the first things that come to mind are beautiful state parks, lush vineyards, and thrilling surfing spots. But did you know that you can also practice winter sports in the Golden State?
Set not far from Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood Mountain Resort is easily accessible and in February, it receives the most snowfall. It is known for a wide selection of terrains for both beginners and pros plus it has affordable prices.
You can also explore Kirkwood through a cross-country skiing trail or set off on a snowshoeing adventure.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Strawberry Park Hot Springs, located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is a serene winter destination, particularly in February. Amidst the snow-covered landscape, the natural hot springs offer a warm and relaxing experience in a rustic, forested setting.
Accessible by a scenic drive or shuttle service, the springs are an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility in a natural environment. Visitors can indulge in therapeutic soaks in the mineral-rich waters while enjoying the quiet beauty of the surrounding wilderness. This location is perfect for your peaceful winter getaway.
St. John, U. S. Virgin Islands for Caribbean Vibe
If you don’t mind traveling too far and are looking for somewhere to bask in the sun, try St. John in the U. S. Virgin Islands this time.
It features beautiful, quiet beaches, untouched nature, and a number of outdoor activities to engage in, including hiking and kayaking.
St. John is the smallest of the three main U. S. islands and has no airport, so you will have to take a ferry from the nearby St. Thomas.
For a different setting, you can also stay for a few days on St. Thomas, enjoy its beaches, golf courses, and nightlife, and then head to St. John.
Park City, UT for Winter Activities
Park City, known for its winter sports, offers a range of activities such as skiing and snowboarding on world-class slopes, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. Visitors can also enjoy unique experiences like dog sledding and bobsledding.
The town’s vibrant après-ski scene, with cozy dining and entertainment options, adds to the winter charm. For more details on winter activities in Park City, you can visit their official website here.
Oahu for Tropical Escape
The professional surfing competitions on the north coast of Oahu make it one of the most beautiful Hawaiian Islands to visit in February. The North Shore also has a thriving food truck culture!
In a week, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the best parts of Oahu. Visit Pearl Harbor, go snorkeling in the famous Hanauma Bay, and learn to surf in Waikiki, which is close to Honolulu.
Travelers can find a little bit of everything in Oahu. In Honolulu, there are many stores, bars and empty, undeveloped beaches.
On Oahu, hiking is a paradise. Easy out-and-back hikes to destinations like the top of Diamond Head, secluded beach walks, and hikes with inclines for serious hikers are all possible.
Biscayne National Park, Florida for Coral
Biscayne National Park in Florida is best visited in February. The park contains the northernmost portion of Florida’s reef and is 95 percent water.
A snorkeling or scuba diving trip to see the coral, fish, and maybe even a shipwreck is a highlight.
The best time to do this is February when the weather is reasonably cool and dry and there is no hurricane season.
A kayak trip through the mangrove swamps that surround the islands is also an option, as is an ascent of Elliott Key, the largest of the islands.
Not only is it cooler in February, but there are far fewer bugs to bother hikers and paddlers.
Santa Barbara, California for Summer in Winter
This stunning oceanfront city, surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains, is the perfect place to escape the snowy places.
Since February is usually less busy than the busiest summer months, it’s easier for travelers to find affordable accommodations.
February weather is perfect for hiking enthusiasts who want to explore Chumash Painted Cave State Park. Wine tasting is another thrilling activity to enjoy in the Santa Barbara area. There are numerous wineries throughout the region. Look for lots of new wines in February, as it is right after the grape harvest.
