8 Places to Visit in January
I find that January is the perfect time to kick off the new year with travel, whether you’re in the mood for snowy adventures or a sunny escapes. While I enjoy winter wonderlands, I love warm-weather retreats even better. Luckily, there are plenty of destinations that make January a great month to explore as I found during my four week road trip around the USA this month. Here are my favorite January places, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
The Florida Keys
Ready for a tropical January in tropical island escape in Florida? Head to the Florida Keys, a real standout.
The trip there alone along the scenic Overseas Highway is one of my favorites in the USA. I recommend leaving plenty of time to stop and enjoy turquoise ocean views.
You'll find Key Largo just about an hour south of Miami. It's an affordable January getaway letting you enjoy snorkeling on beautiful coral reefs.
Islamorada is my second in the Upper Florida Keys favorite. You can take your kids fishing and relax on vacation.
Marathon is just 45 minutes from Islamorada. I recommend stopping at the Turtle Hospital ($35 for a 90-minute tour, reservations recommended) before continuing South.
Eventually, you reach Key West at the very end of the Keys. There's plenty of history and nightlife to enjoy here in addition to tropical island beaches.
I was happy to see lots of local events and festivities happening in January like Key West Food & Wine Festival and Mallory Square Sunset Celebration (free).
If fact, I think January is the most amazing time to visit because the weather is the best all year. You can go snorkeling, diving among coral reefs, and kayaking through mangroves!
You can also enjoy visiting places like Bahia Honda and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park ($8 per vehicle), visiting marine life attractions such as Dolphin Research Center ($36, open 7 days per week), and historic sites like The Hemingway Home and Museum ($19 adult admission, $7 for kids 6-12 years old, free under 5 years old).
I adored our morning at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory ($17.50), followed by lunch at La Grignote just around the corner where my ham and cheese sandwich was delicious!
- Average January temperature: 64.5 °F – 75.7 °F (18.1 °C – 24.3 °C)
What I loved best:
My highlight was simply walking around Old Town Key West, admiring the architecture and pink bougainvillea blooms in January.
After our drive from Miami, we explored for seven amazing days from our comfy base at an affordable vacation rental in Key West.
A downside? I have to warn you that hotels are expensive here in January due to high season pricing.
Lorton, Virginia
If you want an underrated and affordable, January road trip from D.C., this is it. Chris and I both absolutely love Lorton, and have been many times.
This is one of my favorite places to visit in Northern Virginia. Why? I loved how Lorton transformed into a quiet winter retreat so different from my day-to-day in the busy city.
You can visit Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge (free to enter), walk along the river trails, and explore the Workhouse Arts Center.
The afternoon was spent wandering around Mason Neck State Park ($10 per vehicle). We saw bald eagles which felt like a dream come true.
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was Grilled Chicken Caesar salad ($14.99) for lunch at Glory Days Grill.
A downside? You'll have to bundle upbecause it's freezing... but on the upside you'll have the trails to yourself this month!
Tyler, Texas
Ready for a an East Texas road trip? When we moved to Texas, we discovered Tyler (a city of around 110,000) on one of our first road trips through the state. January was chilly but sunny. As long as you bundle up, it's perfect for exploring the trails and lakes.
We started around downtown Tyler which had a welcoming old-Texas atmosphere. Lunch at a classic East Texas eatery added to the charm.
We spent part of the day at the the enchanting Tyler Rose Garden (America’s largest and free to visit!). Yes, you'll see roses in bloom here in January! I though the Tyler Rose Museum ($3.50) next door was very interesting. Returning for the Texas Rose Festival in the fall is on my bucket list!
As evening arrived, one of my favorite stops was Liberty Hall, a beautifully restored 1930s theater. They host the Tyler Film Festival in May and offer all sorts of performances in January, so be sure to check the schedule.
What I loved best:
For me, Tyler, Texas is one of the best places to visit in January not just because it's close to my home, but also because it offers warmer weather and unique things to do.
A hidden gem and my favorite highlight was a short drive into nature at Tyler State Park, where pine trees and quiet roads offered a scenic reset.
We drove four hours from my house near Austin and I stayed at 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Tyler for two nights.
Anderson, South Carolina
You'll find another January favorite of mine in South Carolina’s “Upstate” region. Anderson is a hidden gem with a lovely downtown and unique attractions. We stopped for a tasting-menu brunch at The Common House. My favorite were the handmade spaghettoni with caramelized onion ($22).
Next, we enjoyed strolling through Carolina Wren Park, seeing the fountain and enjoying the peaceful stillness of January.
We also learned about Anderson’s textile and railroad history. A hidden highlight was driving out to Lake Hartwell in the afternoon.
We flew into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), about 45 minutes away, and spent a relaxed long 72-hour weekend based in a Standard Room with a King bed at Bleckley Inn (around $192/night). This boutique hotel is actually in a converted textile warehouse so it felt like part of historic Anderson.
Things to Do in Vestal, New York
This is one of the most surprisingly scenic small towns I’ve explored in upstate New York. I know that Upstate NY in January is not the most obvious choice for a getaway, but wintertime is very romantic here. You'll find Vestal along the Susquehanna River.
Our days included walking along the Vestal Rail Trail under snowy trees, browsing local shops and cafés along the Vestal Parkway, and heading out to nearby spots like Greek Peak Mountain Resort for skiing and snowboarding (around $120 lift ticket for a day).
Pete's Legacy Diner served great coffee and amazing French toast on Homemade Challah Bread ($7.55).
I drove 3 hours from my apartment in NYC and stayed at 3-star Hampton Inn & Suites Binghamton/Vestal for five nights.
Kauai
January in Hawaii is absolutely magical. When I lived here with Chris and our son for six years, we always took time off this month for whale watching, hiking and swimming. We love getting out on the water in a kayak. We bring our hydrophone (an underwater microphone) to just sit and listen to whale songs (and record them too).
I loved that there's always a cultural experience to attend nearby like a local hula performance. I like to visit farmers’ markets selling affordable tropical fruit.
Kauai's beaches are always a highlight. January is peak season so leave busy resort beaches behind and seek out off-the-beaten-path beaches.
A local's quick tip...I've found some really good deals on airfare and hotels during the first two weeks in January when other visitors are usually leaving the islands after celebrating Christmas and New Year's in Hawaii.
My highlight on Kauai was exploring the town of Hanalei with its surf shops, art galleries, and scenic pier.
We based ourselves at the 4-star OUTRIGGER Kauai Beach Resort & Spa for three care-free days.
Scottsdale
Another one of my favorite places to travel in January is Arizona. Why? It's sunny, warm and I've found some great deals here right after New Year's.
In addition, I love that the weather is mild enough for hikes in the Sonoran Desert, exploring art districts on foot, and golf too.
January also brought Scottsdale’s Arizona Concours d’Elegance (the famous exhibition of the world’s finest collector cars).
If you make the trip to Scottsdale, I highly recommend spending time in Old Town Scottsdale. This area is walkable and packed with art galleries, boutiques, and fantastic restaurants. From there, you can explore the Scottsdale Waterfront too.
If you love nature, Camelback Mountain is a must-see. Hiking Echo Canyon or Cholla Trail gives you sweeping views of the Valley of the Sun. The Desert Botanical Garden is an easier option to experience the Sonoran Desert without an intense climb.
I’ll warn you that Scottsdale is more spread out than it looks. On our first visit, we opted for a guided tour to get oriented.
My highlight was a rejuvenating 60 minute spa session inspired by Native Sonoran traditions which was amazing!
I flew into Phoenix Sky Harbor and spent three days at the 4-star Hotel Valley Ho, a AAA Four Diamond Award winner so you can trust you'll receive reliable service.
Melbourne in January
Another great place to travel this month is "Down Under." Why? The weather is great in January because seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. And in addition, I’ve found some great deals here just after the New Year's, especially in Melbs. The summer weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors. You can go for long strolls along the Yarra River, exploring cafés, and spending time at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Moreover, January in Melbourne brings world-class events, from the Australian Open to outdoor music festivals.
I adored the skyline views and started my visit with a relaxing 60-minute massage at the spa right after check-in (I find that it helps me get over jet lag faster!). From there, we went on a day trip to the Great Ocean Road (I thought coastal scenery lived up to its reputation!), and visited the National Gallery of Victoria (Adult tickets from $25, depending on the exhibit). I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge!
I also found out that Street Art Tours with Melbourne Street Tours are a must-do while you are in town!
I flew into Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) and made the 30-minute drive into the city, where I stayed five days at the 5-star Crown Metropol Melbourne.
I think that Melbourne is one of the best places to visit in January for great weather a lots to see and do! My highlight is absorbing the city’s creative energy, whether it’s sipping coffee on the patio at The Hardware Société, or catching a sunset from St Kilda Pier.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
