February has a wide range of travel opportunities around the US, whether you’re more interested in warm climates, cultural events, or winter sports; all depending on your hobbies and the kind of experience you want to have. The following are the top 10 US destinations with lodging and restaurants suggestions for February travel.
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1. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA.
- TEMPERATURES: 66F/47F
- REASONS TO VISIT: Take in the colorful ambiance of the Mardi Gras celebration, which typically happens in February. Check the Mardi Gras parade schedule and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere; Watch or run the Rock ’n’ Roll half marathon through the Lakefront before celebrating Mardi Gras.
- OTHER THINGS TO DO: Explore the Bourbon Street in the French Quater, enjoy live music in jazz clubs, and indulge in Creole and Cajun cuisine; Explore the unique and historic cemeteries of New Orleans, including St. Louis Cemetery No. 1; Take a stroll along Mississippi River.
- TO STAY: The Westins New Orleans ($$$); New Orleans Marriott ($$); The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection ($$$).
- TO EAT: Oceana Grill ($$); Acme Oyster House ($$); Ruby Slipper Cafe ($$); and tons of other good ones.
2. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (PLUS VISIT TO DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK).
- TEMPERATURES: 66F/33F. Arrange your days such that the sun sets early—around 4:30pm. Don’t forget to pack layers. Not many tourists know that Vegas isn’t always hot.
- REASONS TO VISIT: Las Vegas’s mild winters in February are our favorite. You always have the Strip, but with less people. Also, in February, there are many alternatives available for romantic dinners and activities if you’re looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Vegas.
- OTHER THINGS TO DO: Weather is ideal for hiking nearby parks such as Valley of Fire,Red Rock State Park , and/or Death Valley National Park, when you want to escape the sin city and get into nature.
- TO STAY: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas ($$$); The Palazzo – The Venetian Resort – Las Vegas ($$$); and many others.
- TO EAT: Bacchanal Buffet, Mon Ami Gabi, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen – Las Vegas, and many others.
3. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
- TEMPERATURES: 66F/51F
- REASONS TO VISIT: Go for whale watching tour to spot gray whales migration; San Diego’s Mardi Gras celebration in the Gaslamp Quarter.
- OTHER THINGS TO DO:
Explore Balboa Park; Go to San Diego Zoo; Stroll along the waterfront; Visit La Jolla Cove for the sea lions and coastal view; Enjoy the beaches; Explore tide pools; Go hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or Cowles Mountain.
- TO STAY: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego ($$$); Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina ($$$); The US Grant, a luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego ($$$); and many others.
- TO EAT: Phil’s BBQ, Lucha Libre Gourment Taco Shop, The Crack Shack, and so many others
4. NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
- TEMPERATURES: 43F/29F
- REASONS TO VISIT: Winter Markets; Carnival Day in Bryant Park; Take Harlem Street Tour to celebrate New York’s Black History Month; New York Restaurant Week (please check event dates before you venture out).
- OTHER THINGS TO DO: Go watch Broadway shows, and etc.
- TO STAY: Hyatt Centric Wall Street ($$$); W Hoboken ($$$); Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel ($$).
- TO EAT: Katz’s Delicatessen ($$); Ippudo NY ($$); Peter Luger ($$$$); Burger & Lobster ($$$)- Flatiro NYC.
5. MIAMI, FLORIDA.
- TEMPERATURES: 75F / 64F
- REASONS TO VISIT: Pleasant weather and there are plenty of events and activities to enjoy.
- OTHER THINGS TO DO: Explore the vibrant Wynwood Arts District for its colorful murals and street art; Rent bikes and explore the Venetian Causeway; Go paddleboarding in Biscayne Bay; Take a boat tour to see the city skyline from the water; Visit Everglades National Park and explore the unique ecosystem by taking an airboat tour, hiking trails, or participating in ranger-led programs.
- TO STAY: W South Beach ($$$$); Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay ($$); Marriott Stanton South Beach ($$$).
- TO EAT: CVI.CHE 105, Crazy About You, Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina, and tons of others to try.
6.SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO (PLUS WHITE SANDS AND CARLSBAD CAVERN NATIONAL PARKS)
- TEMPERATURES: 47F/21F
- REASONS TO VISIT: Discover the city’s center, the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Despite the potential for cold, the Plaza’s adobe architecture and neighboring stores make for a charming scene.
- OTHER THINGS TO DO: If possible, make a road trip to White Sands National Park and /or Carlsbad Cavern National Park.
- TO STAY: La Posada de Santa Fe, A Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa ($$$); Hyatt Place Santa Fe ($$); Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Santa Fe ($$).
- TO EAT: The Shed, El Callejon Taqueria and Grill, Pantry Restaurant
7. PARK CITY, UTAH
- TEMPERATURES: 37F/15F
- REASONS TO VISIT: Park City is well known for its snowboarding and skiing. Please be advised, nevertheless, that while the school break is over and the area will be much less crowded, hotel rates will still be higher and the area will be more crowded during important events such as the Sundance Film Festival in late January.
- OTHER THINGS TO DO: If you are not into snowboarding and skiing, there are lots of other wintertime activities available ilike dog sledding, ice skating, and sleigh rides.
- TO STAY: The St. Regis Deer Valley ($$$$); Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection ($$$); Sheraton Park City ($$$); and many others.
- TO EAT: Five5eeds, No Name Saloon & Grill, Riverhorse On Main, and many others.
8. JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING (PLUS A VISIT TO GRAND TETON AND/OR YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARKS).
- TEMPERATURES: 33F/9F
- REASONS TO VISIT: A stunning location for outdoor winter sports like ice skating, skiing, and snowshoeing.
- OTHER THINGS TO DO: In addition, you may go on sleigh rides at National Elk Refuge, explore the town, and take a bath in the hot springs. Plus, you can visit Grand Teton National Park and/or Yellowstone National Park, which is just around the corner.
- TO STAY: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Jackson Hole ($$$); The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection ($$$)
- TO EAT: Snake River Brewing, Persephone Bakery, Liberty Burger, and many others.
9. GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK (SOUTH), ARIZONA.
- TEMPERATURES: 60F/35F
- REASONS TO VISIT: In the winter, the Grand Canyon is less frequented. Enjoy breath-taking vistas of the snow-dusted canyon from the South Rim, which is still open while the North Rim is closed. You can make this a day trip from Las Vegas or make Las Vegas as your next destination from Grand Canyon National Park.
- TO STAY: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon ($$)
- TO EAT: Plaza Bonita, El Tovar Dining Room, Big E Steakhouse & Saloon, and many others.
10. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTES
- TEMPERATURES: 39F/24F
- REASONS TO VISIT: Chinese New Year Parade at Boston Chinatown; Beanport (Ice Hockey) Tournament;
- OTHER THINGS TO DO: Explore the museums; Go ice skating; Join the Havard Square Chocolate Tour; Visit indoor gardens; Check out City Hall Plaza for winter events; visit aquariums; Go watch theatre and performing arts.
- TO STAY: The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston ($$$); Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station ($$); Boston Marriott Long Wharf ($$$).
- TO EAT: Neptune Oyster ($$$); Giacomo’s Ristorante – Boston ($$); Carmelina’s ($$); and many others.
