Tag Archives: florida keys

5 Warm Weather Winter Destinations

The holiday lights are packed away. The mistletoe has long been discarded. The December cheer is quickly fading into the bitter winter months offering little anticipation for things to come. Are you feeling the post-holiday blues like many other Americans do come January? A quick winter getaway to thaw your spirit may be just what you need to pull yourself out of a torpid rut. Whether you live east, west, or somewhere in the middle, there are dozens of affordable warm weather winter destinations available to you.

Flights to popular winter destinations like Cancun and Honolulu are pricey and require months of planning. But these sunny spots are within driving distance for many of us and supply piña coladas just the same.

If driving isn’t an option, airfare is the lowest to your favorite winter destinations that it’ll be all year during January and February. Take some time to yourself following the holiday chaos, catch your breath, and settle into the new year right at these winter destinations.

 

New Mexico’s Hot Springs

iron pool at ojo caliente spa
Iron Pool at Ojo Caliente Spa in Taos | Image courtesy of Ojo Caliente Spa

Tranquil pools at Riverbend Hot Springs overlooking the Rio Grande and Turtleback Mountain. The ebullient private thermal pools at La Paloma Hot Springs and Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa. New Mexico’s natural hot springs are mineral hotbeds that are sure to replenish your skin after weeks in the harsh winter elements. One of the state’s most charming cities, Truth or Consequences, features quirky shopping, dining, and sightseeing opportunities. Plus, it’s got a number of mineral spas.

yellow flowers at taos pueblo new mexico
Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

 

Big Bend National Park

big bend national park texas
Big Bend National Park, Texas

For dark skies and warm toes, head down to Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas. Limestone Canyons and rigid, solitary mountains foster a feeling of isolation difficult to achieve anywhere else in the country. Get outside in the southwestern sun and explore hikes like Chimneys Trail, Devil’s Den, and Emory Peak. All of them offer physical challenges and rewarding views.

big bend national park texas rio grande
Santa Elena Canyon and Rio Grande river at Big Bend National Park, Texas

 

Florida Keys

florida keys aerial view
Aerial view of the Florida Keys

Flights to Miami are notoriously affordable from major airports during winter, and just a short drive from the airport are the Florida Keys, a white sand archipelago off the mainland coast teeming with activities and opportunities for a relaxing oceanside vacation. Winter temperatures in the Keys average mid-70s, making the islands an ideal location to defrost this season. Activities such as snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming, and wildlife watching are sure to keep you busy during your stay. Grab a drink at one of the many restaurants and bars available in the island’s luxury resort towns.

islamorada florida keys pelicans
Islamorada, Florida Keys, Florida

 

Tucson, Arizona

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Sunset in Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona

Metropolitan Tucson, located in the Sonoran desert of southern Arizona, is well known as a cultural and recreational hub in the state. Home to the Old Tucson Studios, an old west movie studio turned theme park, and ornate church architects, the city sits on the edge of Saguaro National Park, one of the most remote desert locations in the country and home to the greatest population of hundred-year-old Saguaro cacti. Winter is peak time in Tucson, while the temperatures are moderate and tourism is high.

tucson arizona sunset
Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona

 

Louisiana’s Bayou

louisiana bayou for winter destinations
Louisiana Bayou

Traveling to New Orleans and Louisiana swamplands may seem daunting if you’re from the north, but a road trip through America’s heartland, and many music cities, may introduce you to a side of our country you haven’t experienced. Catch up on your podcasts and take the trip south to immerse yourself in untapped bayou culture in Louisiana and Mississippi. The balmy temperatures and lively nightlife in the region will inspire you enough for the rest of the year.

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The French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, in January 2016.

Camp in Long Key State Park, Florida

With so many posh hotels and touristy areas scattered throughout “The Sunshine State,” those looking for a vacay geared solely toward nature without all of the commotion of highly saute-after commercial destinations may struggle to find a location for them. Long Key State Park, located in the Keys, is a hot spot for those looking for tropical savanna temperatures with two main seasons – hot, humid and wet for part of the year and cooler and dry for the rest of the year – and a pristine beach. If you’re not interested in busy Florida beaches and are looking for a place to truly indulge in the splendor of the natural environment, Long Key State park is for you.

florida keys

Once you book your trip and travel down the U.S. 1 Overseas Highway to get to Long Key State Park, you’ll be greeted with a large campsite close to the beach. In total, Long Key State Park offers 60 campsites fully equipped with water and electric hookups. Visitors may choose to tent or RV camp at any site and are able to situate up to two tents on each site. (It’s vital for visitors to inquire about limitations regarding the size of RVs allowed, especially on the site of their choosing since RV size regulations vary from site to site.) Every site has a grill and a picnic table.

florida keys

Besides everything each site has to offer, the entire park has a great deal of amenities to provide travelers. First and foremost, the camp welcomes all domestic animals, so there’s no need for campers to find a kennel for their furry family members. The park has hot showers, restrooms and dump stations.

Despite the campgrounds offering primitive camping for those looking for an escape from all the technology and bustle of today’s modern world, the park is located within 10 miles of a post office, convenience store, church, restaurant, and public marina.

long key state park canoe

There’s something for everyone at this state park. You can enjoy boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, biking, hiking, nature trails, soaking, wading, and snorkeling. Tourists can bird watch, witness breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and enjoy a boardwalk.

Because of the climate in the Keys, this particular state park is open to visitors year-round. Peak season is from December through January. Booking may be done up to 11 months in advance online or via phone, so you can start planning your undisturbed stay near Florida’s beautifulblue waters right now.