A lot of us think of summer and beaches when the words “vacation” and “getaway” swirl around our wanderlusting brains, yet not all preferred destinations need to be tropical and international per se. We often forget that there’s plenty of American cities that are good, and potentially better, for visiting year round rather than during peak months.
Consider traveling to these 5 continental locales during the cooler months—some of which can even be enjoyed in all their full splendor over a long weekend— and enjoy preferred rates, fewer tourists, and the stunning scenery, cuisine, and culture they all uniquely provide:
Zion National Park, Utah
Mountainous hikes with breathtaking views.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcq4os7hBay/?taken-at=212934193
Channel Islands, California
Snorkeling, diving, kayaking.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTHnGwql2Xn/?taken-by=channelislandsnps
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The romantic southwest.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Climbing, fishing, skiing, and wildlife watching.
Portland, Maine
Seafood and serene ocean views.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcp1dh0B2Fc/?taken-at=20941393