Where to Go to Defrost this Winter

Escape the winter chill on a vacation to SoCal, the Southwest, Hawaii, or Mexico

Written by Sunset October 7, 2009

When the weather outside is frightful, sometimes the only delightful thing to do is hightail it somewhere nice and balmy. Sure, winter wonderlands are magical and few things beat a good ski trip with friends, but by the time January and February roll around, it’s time for a change of scenery. Whether you’re a beach bum or a desert explorer, these destinations promise a soul-warming winter getaway. Just one weekend of surf and sand may be all you need to carry you through the rest of the season.

Please bear in mind this winter, though, that there is no vacation from social distancing, masks, and hand-washing. Some states have restrictions in place concerning visitors from other states—you might have to quarantine for 14 days on arrival, or you might have to prove you’ve tested negative for COVID-19. Be sure you know the rules before booking.

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Photo Courtesy Ko'a Kea

Live the Aloha Life in Hawaii

Hawaii is top of mind for most when it comes to warm winter getaways—and for good reason. At places like Waimea Plantation and Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort you can fall asleep with the windows open and wake up to the sound of crashing waves. Grab a locally grown and roasted coffee, then take a stroll under the palms or join a small crowd for a chill activity like outdoor yoga.
2 of 9 Creative Commons photo by Photos by Clark is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Find Year-Round Summer in San Diego

Gorgeous beaches, surfers, and the zoo? Always. But they no longer define San Diego. Now there's the immigrant population infuses neighborhoods with new flavors and attitudes, while hotels like La Valencia, Hotel del Coronado, and Estancia La Jolla offer uber-stylish digs. There's awesome beer (and a new craft beer museum), a killer food hall, and plenty of other reasons to visit asap. America’s Finest City? More like America’s Coolest City—and with lovely winter temps that will make you want to extend your stay. Don't leave without taking a walk along the 68-acre Sunset Cliffs park.
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3 of 9 Courtesy of Enchantment Resort

Play Among the Red Rocks in Sedona

The iron-red mesas, warm days, and miles of hikes into some of the most stunning landscapes in the country make Sedona a great winter getaway. And it’s just two hours north of Phoenix; less than an hour from Flagstaff. Soak it all in while sitting around the azure pool at Enchantment Resort, which practically disappears into its Boynton Canyon location with its terracotta architecture. Days here are spent mountain biking, playing tennis, doing Native American-inspired spa treatments at the award-winning Mii Amo spa, and then stargazing under the darkest skies in the barely-chilly night.
4 of 9 Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Go Off the Beaten Path in Santa Barbara

Yes, Santa Barbara can be a tourist magnet, but the temperate California city has pockets that are blissfully all yours (think pool-side cabanas, pastry, and plenty of Mediterranean-inspired architecture). Skirt the well-known spots in favor of under-the-radar gems. Cruise Alameda Padre Serra to Franceschi Park, instead of going for the all-too-popular Cabrillo Boulevard. Walk around Santa Barbara College, instead of trying to get into the mission on a weekend. And make your way to Funk Zone to find a bevy of stylish eateries, galleries, and wine bars. At day's end, find peace and quiet at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. The spa's rooftop area is especially heavenly, especially when accompanied by an al fresco massage.
5 of 9 Ferrantraite/ Getty Images

Fall In Love with Mexico's San Miguel

Cobblestone streets, shady courtyards, and intimate cafés would make even a walk across the street feel romantic in San Miguel de Allende. In winter, colorful gardens and houses are a welcome antidote to short days, and the cosmopolitan vibe—a blend of the best parts of Santa Fe, Siena, and Seville―means people still dress up for date night. Walking tours of the city center benefit local kids' charity and present an ideal way of introducing yourself to most of San Miguel’s major sites, including the famous Parroquia.
6 of 9 Thomas J. Story

Cruise Down to Baja

Baja has long inspired adventurers and creatives with its sun-kissed shores, dusty roads that lead to hidden gems, and inviting culture. Take your pick of warm winter getaways: If you're into wine, then make for the burgeoning Valle de Guadalupe. Need a reboot? Modern Elder Academy welcomes and soothes guests facing big transitions with its shaman-led retreats, or if you're into stylish digs, shops, and restaurants, then the super-hip town of Todos Santos is where you'll want to hole up. Allow us to recommend Liz Lambert's Hotel San Cristóbal as your basecamp. Then again, you could keep driving south to see what all the fuss is about with Cabos' buzzy, sleek hotel and art scene.
7 of 9 Creative Commons photo by Bureau of Land Management is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Get Away to the Desert in Phoenix

January is prime time for mountain hikes in Phoenix, where winter temps climb into the blissful '70s. Head to the Camelback Mountain-Echo Canyon area or Eagletail Mountain Wilderness (pictured) for the best desert scenery. The almost-100,000-acre Eagletail preserve barely gets any cell service or thru traffic, so it's just you and the epic landscape.
8 of 9 Photo courtesy of Hotel Joaquin/ Roger Davies

Enjoy Laguna Beach Without the Crowds

When the summer throngs depart, you get this seaside arts town and its beaches all to yourself, making it an idyllic spot for a warm winter getaway. Just 50 miles south of L.A., Laguna Beach has galleries galore, romantic hotels, and jaw-dropping views of the coast. If you're visiting around the holidays, book yourself into the Montage Laguna Beach, which goes all out with stunning displays and feasts for Christmas and New Year.
9 of 9 Photo by Dave Lauridsen; text by Gretchen Reynolds

Catch a Boat to Catalina

Bask on the beach in Southern California’s storied island and explore the charming harbor town of Avalon.
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