Looking to thaw out for the winter break? Why not try one of these sunny winter getaways in the United States.
Sick of the cold already? The best way to get through the rest of winter is to get away from it. Why not book a winter getaway to some of these year-round sunny destinations.
As with most travel at the moment, it’s best to check travel requirements for each destination before making any bookings. When you’re ready to start planning, be sure to download the Blacklane app to have easy access to local, professional chauffeurs. The app also makes it quick and easy to cancel or make changes to any ride.
Miami, Florida – A beach paradise
Miami’s white-sand beaches and warm temperatures call out to those looking for an escape from the cold.
While the coastal metropolis gets its fair share of winter visitors in December for the annual Art Basel fair, there’s plenty to do in winter beyond that.
There’s a thriving dining scene in Miami, from international heavy-hitters to local Cuban-influenced fare. Noteworthy stops are Quinto La Huella and LEKU.
There’s also some visually stunning Art Deco buildings worth driving past. Download the Blacklane app and book a chauffeured ride to to take you through the Art Deco Historic District, which lies between Fifth Street and 23rd Street.
Not to mention, daytime temperatures can reach between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 24 degrees Celsius) during winter.
Looking for good areas to stay? Skip “Millionaires Row” – the stretch of Collins Avenue between 41st Street and 62nd Street – and opt for the livelier Sunset Harbor, Venetian Islands, or South of Fifth neighborhoods.
Charter a private yacht for the day to make the most of the crystal-clear waters and finish up at the natural wine bar Paradis Books & Bread, where you can also get some bottles to go.
Death Valley, California – One for the hikers
Death Valley is considered one of the hottest places on earth in summer, often likened to Sahara-like temperatures. But come winter, this desert valley comes to life.
Death Valley averages daytime highs of 73 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) in winter and boasts clear sunny days, perfect for hiking.
For the adventurous, try the Complete Circuit starting at Golden Canyon. Walk up to the burnt-red walls of Red Cathedral, past the clay and mudstone badlands, and up to Zabriskie Point. From this great vantage point, you can grasp the scope of Death Valley, before making your way back down through the narrow and steep-sided Gower Gulch.
From mid-February, if the conditions are right, you could catch the start of wildflower season in the national park. Gold, purple, pink, and white blooms can spring up from the desert ground and turn the arid landscape into a sight to behold.
Otherwise, you can look to the skies for some incredible stargazing. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Badwater Basin offer unobstructed views to the twinkling constellations above.
For accommodation, you can stay directly inside the national park at The Inn Death Valley, which offers up a pool to relax by in the afternoons.
Or you could stay in Las Vegas, which is a two-hour drive away. For a memorable experience, book a Blacklane black car service by the hour to take you from your Las Vegas hotel out to Zabriskie Point for an epic sunrise.
Los Angeles, California – A cultural, sunny winter getaway
Los Angeles is fun in the sun, all year round. The average daily highs sit around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in winter, perfect for enjoying the 70 miles of glittering coastline.
Hikers will enjoy Griffith Park for its views out to the famed Hollywood Sign. For something a little further out, Los Liones Canyon is the pick for quiet walks and sweeping ocean views.
The colder months are also the perfect time to enjoy awards season in LA – The Oscars, the Grammys (unfortunately postponed for 2022), and the annual arts fair LA Frieze all happen in the colder months of the year.
The Getty Center is also worth a visit, not least for it’s impressive hilltop campus location with panoramic views. The buildings feature textured Italian travertine alongside curved balconies, all of which interplay beautifully with the bright Californian sunshine.
When you’ve had your fill of art, it’s time to experience the multicultural sensation that is Los Angele’s dining scene.
From contemporary Mexican at Mírame to seafood-focused fine dining at Angler, there’s something for every palate in Los Angeles. Koreatown is a bustling neighborhood filled with hundreds of Korean restaurants – top spots include Park’s BBQ and Ham Ji Park. Or, try South Bay for Japanese specialties at Izakaya Hachi and Koshiji.
Every neighborhood in LA offers up something different. With such a sprawling city, it’s worth downloading the Blacklane app and booking a chauffeured ride to get you to all the sights in comfort and ease.
U.S. Virgin Islands – Island hop this winter
Looking for something a little more left-of-field? Why not book a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands for your winter getaway?
Part of the Caribbean islands, the U.S. territory consists of three main islands – St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. While all boast white-sand beaches and year-round sunshine, the latter offers the perfect holiday for snorkeling and diving adventures.
Buck Island Reef National Park sits just to the north of the island and offers up extensive 4,554-acre (18.43 km2) underwater trails.
Otherwise, head to Cane Bay on the main island for some incredible snorkeling, horse riding along the crystal-clear shores, or hire a catamaran for the day to watch the sunset.
The food on St. Croix is a melting pot of influences – from African to Danish – with a focus on fresh seafood. Be sure to try the gooseberry ice-cream at Armstrong’s Ice Cream, it’s a local favorite.
The island’s two main towns are Christiansted and Frederiksted. Christiansted, in the north, is the best spot to stay for easy access to Buck Island.
Hawaii – Enjoy some incredible scenery
For an island getaway a little further from home, Hawaii in winter is a great choice.
The rugged volcanic peaks, turquoise waters, and lush vegetation of Hawaii provide the perfect backdrop for your winter getaway.
Try Maui for the beautiful Kaanapali and Wailea beaches or Kauai for the walking-only sections of the island. Lanai is great for a more rustic island experience, and Honolulu for some great sight-seeing.
Swimming is a year-round activity in Hawaii and the pristine beaches play host to some incredible activities – from surfing Waikiki to snorkeling with manta rays.
Away from the coast, why not take a sustainable tour of a taro or coffee farm to connect with the local communities. Hawaiian culture is a strong thread that weaves its way into every facet of life, making a trip to the six main islands that much richer.
Dishes such as poke (diced raw fish), Saimin (a warm noodle soup), and shaved ice (an artform when done correctly) should all be on your hit-list to best experience traditional Hawaiian cuisine.
To maximize your time away from home, be sure to book a Blacklane chauffeur to take you to and from the airport with ease. With complimentary 60-minute wait time for airport transfers, flight tracking by our chauffeurs, and real-time status updates on rides, you can travel knowing that wherever you’re traveling to, Blacklane is ready for you.
