Best Places to Visit in January
I find that January is the perfect time to kick off the new year with travel, whether you’re seeking snowy adventures, sunny escapes, or cultural experiences. While I enjoy winter wonderlands, I love warm-weather retreats even better, and there are plenty of destinations that make January a great month to explore as I found during my four weeks road tripping around the USA this month. Here are the destinations I recommend, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
1. The Florida Keys
Ready for a sun-soaked tropical island escape in Florida? January in the Florida Keys is an absolute best winter escape!
We love how this island chain, sitting between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf, delivers a warm experience when most places are cold and grey.
Driving the Overseas Highway is one of my favorite parts, and it’s a spectacular, almost magical journey linking Key Largo to Key West with endless turquoise views.
We find Key Largo, just about an hour south of Miami, to be a brilliant idea for a relaxed and affordable January getaway filled with snorkeling and coral reefs.
Islamorada feels like a hidden treasure to us, offering some of the best fishing in the world and an underrated, laid-back island vibe.
Marathon impressed us with its family-friendly energy, cool beaches, and unique attractions like the Turtle Hospital, which makes the trip extra meaningful.
Key West, located at the very end of the Keys and closer to Cuba than Miami, is an exciting, colorful dream full of history and nightlife. After our drive from Miami, we explored for seven amazing days from our comfy base at an affordable vacation rental in Key West (hotels are pretty expensive here in January due to high season pricing!).
I was happy to see lots of local events and festivities happening like Key West Food & Wine Festival and Mallory Square Sunset Celebration (free).
We think January is the most amazing time to visit because the weather is mild, the skies are clear, and the humidity is low. January temperatures are ideal here for snorkeling, diving among coral reefs, kayaking through mangrove!
I loved how much there was to see and do in addition to stunning tropical beaches, including visiting places like Bahia Honda and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park ($8 per vehicle), visiting marine life attractions such as the Turtle Hospital ($35 for a 90-minute tour, reservations recommended) and 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!
We also love the vibrant food scene, where fresh seafood, key lime pie, and waterfront dining create unforgettable experiences.
Exploring hidden beaches, mangroves, and quiet nature trails made us realize how underrated the Florida Keys truly are.
- 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.
2. Lorton, Virginia
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? First off, I found that January was the perfect time to visit this town just a 30-minute day trip from my home base in D.C. In addition, I loved how Lorton transformed into a quiet winter retreat, with bare oak and maple trees, frosted meadows, and the peaceful atmosphere of Northern Virginia’s countryside.
I found the winter atmosphere cool and calm, making it one of the best times to explore this affordable and unique destination without crowds.
We had an amazing experience wandering around Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge (free to enter), where frosty trails, river views, and quiet nature felt almost magical in January.
We enjoyed seeing local galleries and studios in my photos, and the experience felt both joyful and inspiring during the slower winter season.
I also loved how close Lorton is to Mason Neck State Park ($10 per vehicle), which felt like a spectacular hidden escape for wildlife watching and scenic winter walks.
We found the dining scene to be a brilliant idea for a winter family trip, with cozy restaurants and relaxed cafés nearby in Springfield and Woodbridge. Our lunch was at Glory Days Grill where I had a great Grilled Chicken Caesar salad ($14.99).
I think January is the best time to enjoy Lorton’s peaceful charm, because the cooler weather makes every outing feel calm, refreshing, and special.
We truly felt this underrated Virginia gem delivered a unique and memorable experience that balanced nature, culture, and location perfectly.
What I loved best:
My highlight was visiting The Workhouse Arts Center where I admired art exhibits (they also offer winter workshops and performances).
A downside? You'll have to bundle up though because it's freezing... but on the upside you'll have the trails to yourself this month!
3. Guntersville, Alabama
Ready for a nature-rich escape? Check out Guntersville, a real standout! The summer months (June to September) in northern Alabama are sweltering, so I decided to head here in January instead.
It turned out to be the perfect choice this month with crisp, mild days with cool nights, and some of the clearest skies of the year. Nestled on the shores of Lake Guntersville, this little town offers water views, and January offered a peaceful, uncrowded vibes which we adored.
It was also exciting to me that this month falls within the peak season for migrating bald eagles. The Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park happen throughout January and February, giving you the best chance to see these majestic birds up close with guided tours.
I drove into town from Huntsville International Airport (HSV), just an hour away and spent a 48 hour weekend in a comfortable King guest room at 3-star Hampton Inn Guntersville (around $95/night).
What I loved best:
My Alabama weekend highlights included hiking along the lake trails, and taking in panoramic views from Guntersville Dam.
4. Things to Do in Vestal, New York
Set along the Susquehanna River and framed by wooded hillsides, this is one of the most surprisingly scenic small towns I’ve explored in upstate New York, and I think it’s one of the best low-key destinations in the region. Visiting this town in January wasn't the obvious choice, but since we were visiting family in New York over New Year's, we headed here for a few relaxing days and we had the best time!
I drove 3 hours from my apartment in NYC and stayed at 3-star Hampton Inn & Suites Binghamton/Vestal for five nights. 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).
5. Ocala, Florida
Ready for another warm-weather January destination you can reach without a passport? Check out Ocala, Florida, one of my favorite places to visit in January! Why? I loved how mild the weather was this month, with sunny days and cool nights, making it one of the most comfortable times of year to explore the "Horse Capital of the World."
What excited me most was that January falls right in the middle of Florida’s prime equestrian season. Ocala’s green pastures come alive with horse shows, polo matches, and farm tours. At the same time, the area’s natural beauty shines in the winter, from clear springs to shaded forest trails.
I flew into Orlando International Airport (MCO), just over an hour’s drive away, and settled into 5-star Equestrian Hotel, a AAA Four Diamond award winner (around $499/night) and during our two days there we hiked through Ocala National Forest, and visited GoldMark Farm, where we loved visiting the unique Triple Crown Museum (tours from $40). For food, I recommend Ivy on the Square which has great Southern food and you get to sit in a historic building and watch life go by outside.
My highlight was a glass bottom boat tour in Silver Springs State Park - I loved they were so affordable (just $15 per person for 30 minutes) for such a unique vacation adventure!
A downside? Unfortunately Silver Springs does not permit swimming in the main springs and, in addition, this is an inland destination so it was 1.5 hours from the nearest ocean beach.
6. Anderson, South Carolina
I think January is the absolute best time to experience this underrated gem tucked in the Blue Ridge foothills near Clemson and Greenville (in South Carolina’s “Upstate” region).
We love how this charming town near Lake Hartwell feels like a hidden getaway, offering cool winter air, fewer crowds, and joyful Southern hospitality.
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), a boutique hotel in a converted textile warehouse.
I found strolling downtown Anderson in January to be one of my favorite experiences, with brick-lined streets, cozy cafés, and vibrant local shops.
We enjoyed how affordable and relaxed everything felt, making this an amazing weekend escape that never felt rushed or overdone.
I thought visiting Lake Hartwell State Park in winter was a brilliant idea, since the quiet trails and misty water felt peaceful and romantic.
We experienced some of the best comfort food here, and January was perfect for lingering over warm meals in inviting local restaurants.
I loved that Anderson sits just minutes from Clemson University, giving the town an interesting mix of small-town charm and youthful energy.
We felt the magic of the season while exploring nearby waterfalls and scenic drives toward the Blue Ridge Mountains, which felt spectacular and uncrowded.
I found the local museums and historic sites to be a unique way to spend chilly afternoons, especially since everything felt calm and intimate.
We thought Anderson was an awesome family-friendly destination in January, with parks, open spaces, and easy-to-navigate attractions.
I appreciated how close Anderson is to Greenville, making it easy to turn this into a flexible regional getaway.
We felt this town was one of the most underrated winter destinations in South Carolina, offering a slower pace without sacrificing things to do.
My personal highlight was brunch at The Common House which serves house-roasted coffee and inventive Italian mains with a tasting-menu option, where my best choice was the handmade spaghettoni with caramelized onion $22.
7. Melbourne, Australia
You'll have to dust off your passport, but, for me, 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, In addition, I’ve found some great deals here just after the New Year, especially in Melbs where the summer weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors including long strolls along the Yarra River, exploring cafés, or spending 2 hours at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Moreover, January in Melbourne brings world-class events, from the Australian Open to outdoor music festivals and art installations scattered across Federation Square.
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 where I adored the skyline views and started my visit with a relaxing 60-minute massage at the spa right after check-in. 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 also found out that Street Art Tours with Melbourne Street Tours are a must-do while you are in town!
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.
8. Kauai
I think it’s one of the absolute best islands in the U.S. for travelers who want nature, quiet, and jaw-dropping scenery. While you don't need a passport to visit, a January trip here still requires some planning and usually budgeting because it involves a longer flight but I think it's totally worth it! When I lived here, I could get to the island more frequently and for a fraction of the cost...and it was my absolute best place to go in January! I've always loved Kauai's relaxed vibes, tropical sunshine, and watching whales breaching just off the coast. My husband and I love getting out on the water in a kayak and I bring my hydrophone (basically an underwater microphone) to just sit and listen to whale song (and record it too).
This January, we based ourselves at the 4-star OUTRIGGER Kauai Beach Resort & Spa for two days, and I loved that there's always a cultural experience to attend nearby like a local hula performance. I like to visit farmers’ markets overflowing with affordable tropical fruit picked yesterday.
Kauai's beaches are always a highlight but January is peak season so I always leave busy resort beaches behind and seek out lesser known spots instead.
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 was exploring the quaint town of Hanalei with its surf shops, art galleries, and scenic pier.
A downside? Airfares can be steep, especially since January is high season in Hawaii due to warm weather and prime whale watching.
9. Scottsdale
Another one of my favorite places to travel in January is Arizona. Why? It's sunny, warm and like I mentioned above for Kauai, I've found some great deals here right after New Year's.
In addition, I love that the weather is perfect for spending time outdoors, mild enough for long hikes in the Sonoran Desert, exploring art districts on foot, and golf too.
January brought Scottsdale’s Arizona Concours d’Elegance (the famous exhibition of the world’s finest collector cars), and cool art walks in the Old Town galleries.
I flew into Phoenix Sky Harbor and made the short 25-minute drive to Scottsdale, where I 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. While there, we enjoyed hiking on Pinnacle Peak with panoramic desert views, and I treated myself to a rejuvenating 60 minute spa session inspired by Native Sonoran traditions.
My highlight is spending time outdoors, whether it's by the pool or hiking, depending on how energetic I'm feeling.
10. Places to Visit in Apalachicola, Florida
This town instantly felt like one of those hidden gems that I couldn’t believe more people don’t talk about. Tucked away on the Gulf Coast near St. George Island, this small town has such a unique blend of history and coastal beauty that it quickly became one of my favorite underrated winter destinations in Florida. You can look forward to mild winter sunshine this month, crisp breezes off the bay, and stunning sunsets over the water.
Strolling along the Apalachicola Riverfront was fantastic. The town’s historic district is full of unique boutiques, antique shops, and inviting seafood restaurants that completely won me over. Apalachicola Bay oysters were super fresh!
My husband and I agree that 3-star Coombs Inn & Suites, a Victorian B&B with antique-filled rooms is a nice choice for a romantic 2- or 3-day weekend getaway.
Exploring Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (free to visit) was a highlight for me. We enjoyed learning about the fragile ecosystem and spotting winter migratory birds in the marshes over there.
11. Tyler, Texas
When I moved to Texas, I found out that this charming East Texas city was an awesome place to visit this month with its mild, sunny days, beautiful landscapes, and incredible lake views.
The conditions were just right as it was post-holiday season. The town had settled into a peaceful rhythm, the parks were open, and the trails and lakes were perfect for exploring without the peak-season crowds. I drove four hours from my house near Austin and I stayed at 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Tyler for two nights, and I enjoyed hiking at Tyler State Park, browsing boutiques in the historic downtown square, and winding down with local craft beer, dining, and live music at Liberty Hall.
My highlight was exploring the enchanting Tyler Rose Garden (America’s largest and free to visit!). I though the Tyler Rose Museum ($3.50) next door was very interesting and returning for the Texas Rose Festival in the fall is now on my bucket list!
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, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
