Feeling the winter blues? Take a trip. Go somewhere, anywhere, where the sun is shining and there’s a little reprieve from grey skies and frigid weather. I’m no doctor, but I think warm weather destinations are a cure—or at least a break—from seasonal sadness.
I can attest to the power of a good trip. Since moving to Wisconsin, a mid-winter vacation has become a non-negotiable for my mental health. Here are some of my favorite US-based escapes for a long weekend away.
Warm weather destinations
San Diego
I dream of returning to San Diego. Our trip in 2021 left me yearning for more. We fell in love with dreamy beaches, delicious food, vibrant downtown, and a low-key atmosphere.
Some highlights were our brief stay at the gorgeous Solana Beach, exploring the San Diego Zoo, and a day spent in La Jolla.
Miami
Miami is a beautiful and buzzing warm weather destination. I’ve visited a couple times; most recently, in 2023 for a winter getaway. For three straight days, we crashed on the beach. There’s no exaggeration here: it was a time for simple recovery and relaxation under the sun.
It was marvelous.
Las Vegas
Once upon a blustery February, we escaped to Las Vegas for a whirlwind 48 hours. Not only was it fun and packed full of activities to enjoy (and better company), the weather was also fantastic!
While it wasn’t necessarily hot or warm enough to swim, Las Vegas was sunny, 70 degrees, and the perfect place to adventure. We had a blast.
Scottsdale
Last spring, Chad planned the ultimate golden birthday surprise: a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona. Not only was there plenty of sunshine and pool time, but my best friends also picked us up from the airport!
The weather was gorgeous and absolutely perfect—not too hot to melt, but warm enough to soak in the sun and apply plenty of sunscreen.
Fort Lauderdale
Most recently, Chad and I hopped on a plane for a winter warm weather trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. FL, FL was exactly what the doctor ordered: a steady stream of pool hopping, lounging, and swimming.
We stayed right off Lauderdale Beach, and took a trip to Hollywood Beach to enjoy Margaritaville Resort for a day. This was one of our favorite getaways, from start to finish.
Bonus: Colorado
I have a bonus idea for you: though not necessarily warm, Colorado is brimming with sunshine! It’s a great destination if you need a break from grey skies. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tubing, and hot spring-soaking are such fun ways to get outside in the fresh air.
Let me know if you need location recommendations!
Established in 2018, Sunshine with Savannah is a catch-all blog with an emphasis on weekend travel, millennial-style marriage and fun, reflection-based musings, outdoor adventure, home design, and all things lifestyle.
Though the content is diverse and varied, the heart of this space stays true to a single, guiding principle: a simple pursuit to find sunshine, wherever I go.
A terrific list, and I like that you put in a winter wonderland as well…
Thank you, John! As a huge traveler, I’d love to read your list of favorites as well.
I have not been to any of these places (really need to rectify that), but I would love to visit them, especially to get some of that warmer weather. Lovely list!
I hope you’re able to travel and experience a little warmth! It helps to break up those infamous Midwestern grey skies. Thank you for reading, Molly!
A great list, though I must admit, I’m not a great sun lover. My skin turns red the instant I’m in it 🤣. Colorado seems beautiful, though.
As a fair-skinned person with red hair, I totally get that! I’m always lathered in sunscreen, lol. Thank you for reading!
This is a sweet list! Happy Trails!
Beautiful ideas across USA and fantastic to bring also the snow fun idea…
They’re great places to explore, for sure! Thank you for reading!