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Need some inspiration for your winter getaway? Here are the best places to visit in February in the USA for white winter buffs and warm weather lovers.
One of the most underrated times of year to travel is in the winter. With lower accommodation costs, cheaper flights, and fewer tourists, the best places to visit in February in the USA can’t be missed!
This post contains all of the best spots to go for a February vacation in the USA.
From underrated locations that you may not even know about to popular cities and national parks, this list truly has it all and will hopefully help you plan your winter trip.
Imagine being able to visit some of the most beautiful places in the USA without having to stand in a crowd of people just to get a great picture. That’s one of the top reasons to travel in the winter months!
27 Best Destinations in the United States to Visit in February
Below are some of the best travel destinations in the US to visit in February.
1. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Visit Milwaukee in February to experience the city covered in snow! February is notoriously a slow month for Milwaukee tourism, so visiting during this time will allow you to get lower accommodation prices, and you won’t have to wait in lines at popular tourist attractions.
However, the weather can be pretty cool, so dress appropriately.
There are many fun things to do when visiting Milwaukee in February, like visiting the Milwaukee Art Museum, exploring Pabst Mansion, and shopping at the Milwaukee Public Market.
Many local bars and restaurants also host fun trivia nights this month!
Where to Stay in Wisconsin
Click here to find accommodation in Milwaukee.
2. San Diego, California
First up is San Diego, one of the best places to visit in the USA in February. While southern California has pretty incredible weather year-round, most travelers still opt to visit during the summer months when they’re on break.
Some of the can’t-miss activities while visiting San Diego in winter include wine tasting, museum-hopping in Balboa Park, and of course, watching winter sunsets.
For a more winter-friendly outdoor activity, you can also stop by one of the city’s many ice skating rinks, though February is usually the month some of the rinks come down for the season.
Where to Stay in San Diego
Click here to find accommodation in San Diego.
3. Yellowstone National Park; Montana and Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is a top-rated national park in the USA, and it’s ordinarily impossible to visit it without crowds, especially at the popular geyser viewpoints.
However, that all changes during the winter season, especially in February.
Because of Yellowstone’s location, the park does get snow in the winter. Many travelers opt not to visit when it’s snowy because it gives the park a whole different experience, but it’s unforgettable.
February activities in Yellowstone National Park include snowshoeing, winter hiking, snowmobiling, and even cross country skiing. You can rent equipment nearby, or you can bring your own if needed!
Where to Stay in Yellowstone
Click here to find accommodation in Yellowstone.
Read next: 32 Places to Visit in December
4. Table Rock State Park, South Carolina
If you’re interested in visiting a pretty underrated place, opt to visit Table Rock State Park in February.
This park is located in Pickens, South Carolina, and has panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In fact, it’s home to South Carolina’s highest mountain, Pinnacle Mountain!
The park is extensive and covers about 3,000 acres of land, so there are lots to explore by hiking the trails, swimming, and even camping.
Table Rock State Park tends to be visited by locals in February, so you’ll have the opportunity to explore the area without many other tourists. Talk about an unforgettable February vacation!
Where to Stay near Table Rock
Click here to find accommodation near Table Rock.
5. Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky, Montana is easily one of the best places to visit in February in the USA, especially if you love winter sports.
It’s located right near Yellowstone National Park and serves as a popular adventure getaway.
Unlike other destinations on this list, Big Sky can and does get pretty busy in the winter, especially in February.
However, that’s because it’s filled with skiing and snowboarding trails right at the fabulous Big Sky Resort.
The town itself is also lovely and filled with many great things to do. Once the sun goes down, the town gets all lit up, and the holiday lights usually are still on the buildings in February!
Where to Stay in Big Sky
Click here to find accommodation in Big Sky.
6. Lake Tahoe, California
Known for being a great summer vacation spot, Lake Tahoe is highly underrated in February.
It’s located partly in California and Nevada and is a fantastic getaway from the bigger cities, as there are so many outdoor activities there.
During the winter, Lake Tahoe is usually covered in snow, especially in the southern part.
There’s something so breathtaking about the bright white snow against the teal blue Lake Tahoe. You’ll want to bring your camera.
Similar to Table Rock State Park, you’ll find mostly locals in the area visiting Lake Tahoe in winter. Usually, lodging prices decrease a bit, too, especially in February.
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe
Click here to find accommodation in Lake Tahoe.
7. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan is truly not what you’d expect to find within the state!
The main feature here is the unique rock formations (especially at Pictured Rocks Cliff) and the blue-green waters that look incredible no matter the time of year.
When visiting Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, be sure to go on the many hiking trails throughout the park to explore all of the hidden gems that it has to offer.
Plus, there are only four National Lakeshores in the USA, and they’re highly underrated.
Again, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is popular in the summer, so visiting in February provides a welcome reprieve.
Where to Stay near Pictured Rocks
Click here to find accommodation near Pictured Rocks.
8. Austin, Texas
Another of the best places to visit in the USA in February is Austin, Texas.
Many people don’t know this, but February is the top month to visit Austin because there are few crowds, more affordable accommodation, and the weather is incredible.
The heat is nowhere near what it is in the summer when most people visit in the peak season!
In February, there are lots of great things to do in Austin. Participate in one of the many Valentine’s Day events held by local businesses, explorer Zilker Park, or see a movie at the Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In.
Where to Stay in Austin
Click here to find accommodation in Austin.
Read next: Weekend in Austin
9. Apostle Islands Sea Cave, Wisconsin
Visit Apostle Islands Sea Cave in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, one of the best places to visit in February in the US!
These sea caves are incredibly underrated. Mostly only locals know about them, and the few tourists who visit them tend to go in the summer.
The best way to explore the sea cave is to go on a boat tour, usually with kayaks or a canoe.
Then, you can go right through the caves and see them up close while also learning more about them from a guide.
The beauty of the caves in February is very different from what they look like in summer!
Where to Stay near the Apostle Islands
Click here to find accommodation near the Apostle Islands.
10. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Located in Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park is one of the best places to visit in February in the USA that you won’t want to miss out on.
Because of its location, many people choose to visit Hot Springs National Park in the summer when the weather is a lot warmer. In February, the weather is a lot cooler, and there are fewer people!
However, many people fail to realize that the hot springs are the perfect way to warm up in the winter, mainly because the bathhouses are inside.
In addition to the bathhouses, other fun things to do in Hot Springs National Park include hiking, checking out the national landmarks, and going on the scenic Hot Springs Mountain Drive.
Where to Stay near Hot Springs
Click here to find accommodation near Hot Springs.
Read next: 8 National Parks in Arkansas
11. Miami, Florida
Miss out on the spring break crowd by visiting Miami, Florida, in February, just a month before!
The weather during this time is still incredible, with daytime temperatures usually being in the 70s. Most days, it doesn’t even get lower than the 60s.
Because the weather is relatively warm, you can even still swim in Miami Beach in February.
Plus, because you’ll be beating the spring break crowd, you can enjoy lower accommodation prices.
Be sure to visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the Wynwood Walls, and Ocean Drive, where you can get some incredible photos of Art Deco buildings.
Where to Stay in Miami
Click here to find accommodation in Miami.
Read next: 31 Places to Visit in January
12. San Francisco, California
Need some downtime to recover from the stress of the holiday season? Then you’ll want to plan a relaxing trip to the city by the Bay.
San Francisco is one of the underrated best places to visit in February in the US.
People flock to California year-round, but as mentioned earlier about San Diego, many people tend to forget about it in the winter months.
San Francisco is filled with fun wine tasting festivals, Valentine’s Day events, and terrific weather in February.
Plus, the popular Noise Pop Music & Art Festival is hosted in San Francisco during this month, with affordable ticket prices.
Other classic San Francisco landmarks are also easier to visit this time of year because of the smaller crowds, like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
Click here to find accommodation in San Francisco.
13. Salt Lake City, Utah
Ski bums unite! Salt Lake City is a highly underrated February vacation destination because most people tend to visit Utah’s neighbor, Colorado, instead.
Because of that, you’ll find that the ski resorts nearby are a lot less busy than the ones you’ll find in Steamboat Springs, Breck, or even Aspen.
While Salt Lake works as a perfect home base for winter adventures, there are tons to do right within the city.
Explore Temple Square, learn at the Natural History Museum of Utah, or take a visit to Red Butte Garden. With some extra time, take the drive to the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City
Click here to find accommodation in Salt Lake City.
14. Death Valley National Park, California
As one of the best places to visit in the USA, Death Valley National Park has an incredible landscape that will truly make you feel like you’re on another planet.
There are epic dunes, rock formations, and more throughout the park. Everywhere you look, you’ll have your breath taken away!
It’s one of the best places to visit in February in the USA because the cooler weather can make your experience in the park even better.
There’s barely any shade in the park, so the colder weather combined with clear skies is the perfect equation for an unforgettable experience.
Some of the top spots you can’t miss in the park include Artists Palette, Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point, and Badwater Basin (at 282 feet below sea level, the lowest point in North America).
Where to Stay in Death Valley
Click here to find accommodation in Death Valley.
15. Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is a dream travel destination in February! The average temperatures in Kauai tend to be around the same year-round, so even in winter, it won’t get colder than sixty degrees each day to the island’s tropical nature.
The only difference between visiting in winter is that you’ll want to bring a sweatshirt!
That alone is one of the reasons why Kauai is one of the best warm winter vacations in America.
Visiting Kauai in February is the ideal time to do so because it’s Hawaii’s off-season.
Prices will be nowhere near as high as they are in the summer, so you’ll be able to save at least a little bit of money by visiting during this time of year. Spend time at Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park or Wailua Falls for a treat.
Where to Stay in Kauai
Click here to find accommodation in Kauai.
16. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Wanna fight off the winter blues? Then head over to San Juan! Puerto Rico is still hot in February compared to other destinations in the United States, but it’s still beautiful there.
This is also one of the least rainy times of year in San Juan, which is why it’s on the list of best places to visit in February in the USA!
San Juan is the perfect place to go for a tropical February getaway from a cooler state.
Some of the top things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, include visiting Castillo San Felipe del Morro, relaxing on a sandy beach, and exploring El Yunque.
Where to Stay in San Juan
Click here to find accommodation in San Juan.
17. Hot Springs, North Carolina
Get away from the cold by taking a trip to Hot Springs, North Carolina, one of the best places to visit in February in the US!
This town is known for just what you think it is: hot springs. It’s the perfect destination to escape to if you’re looking to have a romantic vacation or a fun weekend away with your best friends.
The mineral springs that the town is so well known for are open all year, but you’ll mostly find locals-only enjoying it during February.
Even though the weather is a bit cooler during this time of year, the hot springs will keep you warm!
Where to Stay in Hot Springs
Click here to find accommodation in Hot Springs.
18. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of the USA’s most famous destinations, no matter the time of year.
February is the perfect time to visit because tons of fun festivals are held during this month in New Orleans, like Mardi Gras Day or Fat Tuesday!
Because this is the most popular month of the year to visit New Orleans due to Mardi Gras, prices are higher for accommodations and flights to the city.
However, if you book well in advance, the fluctuation shouldn’t be too bad. Just plan ahead and get ready for one of the best experiences you can have in Lousiana!
Where to Stay in New Orleans
Click here to find where to stay in New Orleans.
19. Big Island, Hawaii
Another of the best places to visit in February in the USA located in Hawaii is Big Island.
It got its name because it’s the biggest island that makes up Hawaii, so there are tons to do there.
The best attraction that Big Island is known for is Volcanoes National Park, one place that you won’t want to miss.
Like Kauai, the weather is still pretty great in Big Island during February, but there are fewer visitors during this time of year, besides the few people who visit to escape the cold northern weather.
Because of that, you’ll be ankle to have a more local experience and visit top destinations like Akaka Falls State Park and Punalu’u Beach with fewer visitors!
To top it off, go scuba diving, hiking, swimming in Hawaiian beaches, or horseback riding around the island!
Where to Stay on Big Island
Click here to find accommodation in Big Island.
20. Paradise Valley, Arizona
Paradise Valley in Arizona is one of the best places to visit in February in the USA because the state’s weather is nowhere near as brutal as it is during the rest of the year!
Plus, Paradise Valley is pretty well known for its incredible tourist attractions, like the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, which you won’t want to miss.
Most people know that Paradise Valley is best visited in winter, so this is the most popular time.
However, don’t let that deter you from booking your trip! Just be sure to make your reservations ahead of time, and you’ll be fine.
Where to Stay in Paradise Valley
Click here to find accommodation in Paradise Valley.
21. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Because Myrtle Beach is such a popular spring break destination, most people don’t visit in February.
The weather is a bit cooler than it is in the summer, making a visit to Myrtle Beach in winter a lot more enjoyable.
Some of the positives to going to Myrtle Beach for your February vacation include fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices.
Despite the cooler weather, all of the city’s best destinations can still be visited, including the SkyWheel, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Broadway at the Beach.
Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach
Click here to find accommodation in Myrtle Beach.
22. Big Sur, California
Arguably one of the most beautiful places to go for a February vacation in the USA is Big Sur.
This part of California is one of the most well-known because it covers part of the state’s coastline, where you can get breathtaking views of the ocean.
The best way to experience Big Sur is to go on a road trip and stop at popular spots like Bixby Creek Bridge, McWaay Falls, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where you can go on some incredible hikes for breathtaking scenery.
Where to Stay in Big Sur
Click here to find accommodation in Big Sur.
23. Vail, Colorado
If you’re an outdoor adventure buff, you can’t overlook Vail, Colorado, which deserves a spot on this list of best places to visit in February in the US.
Vail is located only a short drive from the city of Denver and will make you feel like you’re in another country because it’s a true winter wonderland.
A lot of the architecture feels very European, especially if you’ve been to Austria, Switzerland, or Germany before.
Spend time on one of the many city ski trails or take the time to explore the few villages, especially the famous Vail Village.
Prices in Vail are highest in winter, but that’s because Vail is most beautiful in the snow!
Where to Stay in Vail
Click here to find accommodation in Vail.
24. Savannah, Georgia
Because its weather is so much better in winter compared to the summer, Savannah, Georgia, is one of the best places to visit in February in the USA.
This city has grown in popularity as of late, and that’s because of its incredible architecture and fun attractions.
No visit to Savannah is complete without discovering Forsyth Park, exploring Wormsloe Historic Site, and shopping downtown to support local businesses.
Just keep in mind that the weather in February can be a bit unpredictable, so you’ll have to come prepared!
Where to Stay in Savannah
Click here to find accommodation in Savannah.
25. St Paul, Minnesota
Have a city getaway by taking a trip to St. Paul, Minnesota, one of the best places to visit in February in the USA!
This city is part of the Twin Cities area along with Minneapolis and is home to some great theaters and educational landmarks.
In St. Paul, be sure to visit Minnehaha Falls, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Minnesota State Capitol.
In February, there are still some remnants of the great winter activities like ice skating outdoors in the city. Keep in mind that the weather does get pretty cool here!
Where to Stay in St Paul
Click here to find accommodation in St Paul.
26. Magic Mountain Ski Area, Vermont
Do you love skiing? Then you’ll want to experience winter in Vermont and head to the Magic Mountain Ski Area, which is a fantastic white winter destination.
This destination is perfect if you want to witness cooler weather in February while also getting your adrenaline pumping.
Because this is the most popular time to visit the ski area, there will be more people.
Still, Magic Mountain is a mecca for skiers and riders who want to challenge themselves on its legendary expert trails and off-piste glades.
On top of that, the Magic Mountain is one of the best places to visit in Vermont, so be sure not to miss it.
Where to Stay near Magic Mountain
Click here to find accommodation near Magic Mountain.
Read next: Cozy Cabins in Vermont
27. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Take a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park in southwestern Utah, which is easily one of the best places to visit in February in the USA.
Like other national parks, many people don’t bother visiting Bryce Canyon in the colder months. That means the trails will mostly be just yours!
Bryce Canyon gets covered in snow in February, which creates a beautiful juxtaposition against the bright orange hoodoos that the park is so well known for.
One thing to keep in mind is that Bryce Canyon does close some of its trails in winter for safety reasons, like the famous Wall Street portion of the Navajo Loop, but it’s still worth a visit for smaller crowds.
Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon
Click here to find accommodation in Bryce Canyon.
Wrapping Up on the Best February Vacations in the US
If you’re planning your USA travel in February, we hope this article gave you some excellent ideas of places to go in February.
After all, the US offers a wide range of sceneries and cities to enjoy the magic of the season.
You can either opt for a quintessential winter break complete with snow fights and hot chocolate in a new city or go on an outdoor adventure and bask in the warm weather.
Whichever option you choose, be sure to have a fantastic winter getaway in the USA.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our blog posts below:
- Best Places to Visit in January
- Best Places to Visit in March
- Best Places to Visit in April
- Best Places to Visit in May
- Best Places to Visit in June
- Best Places to Visit in November
- Best Places to Visit in December
- Best Places to Visit During Christmas
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