5 Awesomely Warm Places to Visit this Winter

Sizzling spots, year-round

Parka? Check. Gloves? Check. Crushing desire to thaw out? Check… and double-check! When you’re smack-dab in the middle of winter, warm places are irresistible. Just the thought of wearing sunscreen and a lei while the rest of the country is shoveling through the white stuff is enough to make us smile.

If you’re ready to thaw out, check out these places for some sizzling-hot fun, no matter what month it is!

• Honolulu, HI

  Pack your Hawaiian shirts, you guys! Because if the delicious luau dinners aren’t enough to convince you, we know what will. The average winter temp in Honolulu is over 80 degrees!

  Located on the island of Oahu, Honolulu is one of the most perfect warm places for a mid-winter getaway. World-famous Waikiki Beach, with its rolling waves, is the perfect place to get your surfing start.

  If you’re feeling adventurous, head over to Diamond Head Crater. The steep hike is worth it for the stunning coastal views!

  And the fun doesn’t end at sunset. Honolulu’s known for its excellent nightlife, so be prepared to hula dance the night away!

• Las Vegas, NV

  Winter in Sin City = all the excitement, without the triple-digit temps. That’s a Yes (with a capital Y) from us!

  The warm weather is ideal for casino-hopping up and down the Strip. Or head over to Fremont Street, Vegas’s original downtown, with its old-school casinos, neon lights, and outdoor entertainment.

  Believe it or not, Las Vegas is an especially good choice if you’re vacationing on a budget; you can find a hotel room or restaurant at almost any price point. Just don’t bet it all on red!

• Los Angeles, CA

  Can’t decide whether you want a city or beach for your warm weather getaway? No worries, the City of Angels has both—plus some serious shopping.

  Want some beachy fun? Head over to Venice Beach, the original “Muscle Beach,” where you can alternate working out and working on your tan.

  Prefer to shop? Go couture-crazy on Rodeo Drive. Then take your budget over to the Grove. Once a popular farmer’s market, it’s now known for its trendy boutiques and delicious eateries.

  And don’t forget to hit the Instagram-friendly hot spots: the Hollywood sign, Santa Monica pier, and, of course, the handprints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

• Sarasota, FL

  If you’re trying to get away from the hustle and bustle, we’ve got the perfect little beach town for you.

  Beautiful Sarasota offers the powdery white sands and clear water you’d expect from the Gulf of Mexico. And its low-key, laid-back vibe makes it one of the best warm places for families needing a break from winter.

  But what makes Sarasota truly unique is its unexpectedly vibrant arts scene. Museums, art galleries, concerts, and even Florida’s only ballet all offer top-notch entertainment in the little beachside city.

  But if we had to pick just one, we’d visit the Ringling Museum. The 100-year-old Venetian-style building houses a jaw-dropping collection of paintings by the Old Masters and a courtyard filled with sculptures.

• Scottsdale, AZ

  Golfing in the winter? Sure, if you visit this premier golf destination.

  Scottsdale’s dotted with a whopping 200-plus courses, conveniently found under year-round sunny skies, including the renowned TPC Scottsdale. Add its mild winter temps, and the city’s a natural fit for golfers seeking a warm weather escape from the snow.

  After the 18th hole, head to Old Town Scottsdale. Spend the evening touring public art, shopping at Western-themed boutiques, and having a drink or two at a local saloon.

  Not a golfer? You might prefer Scottsdale’s other claim to fame, its world-class spa resorts. Splurge on a luxurious local treatment—adobe clay treatments.

Ready to trade your beanie for a bathing suit? Then make one of these warm places your destination for a winter getaway!

And if you really want to maximize your fun in the sun, ship your stuff to your final destination with LugLess. No need to haul a suitcase filled with bathing suits across the airport. We’ll get your bags to your hotel or Airbnb, so all you have to do is hop off your flight… and apply sunscreen.