by Melinda Crow
Last updated: 3:00 AM ET, Thu January 26, 2017
If the dreary skies of winter are bringing you down, it may be time to head toward sunshine and warmer temperatures. Here's a short list of options to get you started in the right direction, with reasonably-priced flights to get you there.
West Palm Beach
Round trip airfares from New York and Chicago to West Palm Beach International Airport start around the $250 mark. You will arrive to sunshine and temperatures in the mid-70s during the day. By flying into the much smaller airport, you can pick up your rental car and be at the beach in less than half an hour.
While West Palm itself has a pricey reputation, Palm Beach Shores to the north, has beach-front hotel options just over $200. Try the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront/Palm Beaches Resort, for about a third of the price as its neighbors. Try Johnny Longboats for lunch or dinner with a fun beach vibe.
Besides pool and beach sitting at the resort, try watercraft rentals or perhaps hiking, kayaking, or standup paddle boarding at the nearby John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.
For snorkelers and scuba divers, Phil Foster Park, beneath the Blue Heron Bridge offers one of the most unusual underwater opportunities in the world. Enter the water from the beach beneath the bridge just as high tide slacks for the best visibility. The nearby Palm Beach Inlet into the Intercoastal Waterway acts as a gateway for a parade of interesting sea life near the bridge. Expect to see octopi, rays, seahorses, and a wide array of colorful fish. The water is shallow and there is a snorkel trail to follow. Air, gear rentals, and even guided dives are available at Force E Scuba nearby.
San Antonio
Flights to San Antonio, Texas start around $300 round trip from New York or Chicago. You can expect daytime temperatures in the mid-seventies; any dip into the sixties is considered a cold front here. To fully explore the area, you will need a rental car. A hotel on the Riverwalk puts you in the heart of everything that is San Antonio. Try the Omni La Mansion del Rio with rooms starting around $200.
Beyond the Riverwalk, explore Texas history at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park that includes the Alamo. The collection of four missions has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After that, stroll through the San Antonio Botanical Gardens or the San Antonio Zoo or get your thrills at Six Flags Fiesta Texas amusement park. Want to kick up your heels Texas style? Drive up to Gruene for dinner at the Gristmill followed by live music and dancing at Gruene Hall.
San Diego
Flights to San Diego start around $200 from Chicago and around $300 from New York. Sunny skies and daytime temperatures in the mid-to-upper sixties are what you should expect for most of February. A rental car is the best option here as well.
The iconic Hotel del Coronado is the ultimate San Diego ocean-front experience for around $300 per night, or stay in historic the Gaslamp District for an eclectic assortment of eats, drinks, and entertainment nearby. Hotels average just under $200 in the district. Try the funky Hotel Z for as low as $169.
San Diego has an amazing assortment of things to do. It's still a little chilly for most water sports, but the timing is just right for whale watching. Contact San Diego Whale Watch for details about getting out on the water to see dolphins, sea lions, and whales. For lovers of craft beer, San Diego has become a hot spot for breweries. Sandiego.org has a complete list of breweries, or take a guided tour with Brewery Tours of San Diego.
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