Beat the Winter Blues in These 20 Balmy Small Towns

Winter is here and it's not so nice. The good news is there are a handful of quiet, warm-weather destinations ready to excite and entertain travelers.

Fredericksburg is perhaps best known for hosting one of the nation's most iconic Oktoberfest celebrations. However, this charming Texas city, located a little more than an hour outside of Austin and San Antonio, is also beloved for its wineries and museums.

With an average January and February high temperature in the mid to upper 70s, Punta Gorda is an easy choice for chilly travelers this winter, offering a restored historic district, waterfront shopping and plenty of natural attractions.

Only a bridge separates Port Isabel from the more well-known Texas resort city of South Padre Island and history buffs will be drawn to the 167-year-old Point Isabel Lighthouse and Port Isabel Historical Museum, which features artifacts dating back to the Mexican-American War.

A popular spring break destination on the Arizona-California border, Lake Havasu City is a balmy destination ideal for water sports, views and laid-back vibes. The city's iconic London Bridge, which was relocated from England, is one of the many attractions visitors will want to hit.

Beaufort is one of the nation's most romantic destinations and while it's not immune to cold temperatures in the winter, visitors will have plenty to do between Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia.

This tiny town of only a few thousand on the Hawaiian island of Kauai is the perfect place to warm up as the average high temperature never drops below 80 degrees.

Fine wine, stellar beaches and warmer days await visitors to this often overlooked city between Los Angeles and San Francisco. You'll only regret not making it a stop on your winter road trip along the PCH.

The Floribama Shore has a whole lot more to offer than the namesake MTV series suggests. Beaches and sunny skies are plentiful as well as opportunities for fishing, boating and other pulse-pounding water sports. Families will especially enjoy the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

New Mexico is a big state and Santa Fe and Albuquerque certainly stand out as top places to visit. However, Las Cruces, which is just an hour drive north of El Paso, offers a quieter experience along with tremendous museums, monuments and nature.

Located not far from the Mexican border between San Diego and Phoenix, Yuma is famous for its Wild West-era prison but is also an underrated destination for art. It doesn't hurt that the average high in February is a cozy 74 degrees.

If you're in search of a quiet town to unwind outside of Las Vegas this winter, consider Boulder City. You'll also be just a short ride from the Hoover Dam.

To the west of Gulf Shores, Biloxi is beloved for its beaches, casinos and famous lighthouse. Plus, the average high temperature from January to March is in the mid-70s.

Located in Southern California's Coachella Valley, Indian Wells is the ideal winter escape for travelers hoping to relax as it boasts unique spa experiences as well as renowned hotels and resorts. Golf and tennis enthusiasts will also feel right at home here.

Forget the Catalina Wine Mixer or anything else that might be bothering you because Avalon is nothing but gorgeous views, comfortable temperatures, bison (yeah, really) and opportunities to get lost in something new.

The Florida Keys are a no-brainer for frost-bitten travelers and the village of Islamorada has got everything you could want in a winter retreat, including coral reefs. Don't let winter stop you from swimming.

Northeast of Beaufort, Edisto Beach is a town of only a few hundred people where winter guests can dethaw, go camping, hiking and a whole lot more

Much like the "Floribama Shore," Laguna Beach is best known for the hit MTV series but wintertime visitors will find plenty of warm sand, blue sky and relaxing atmosphere here. Seeking inspiration? Look no further.

Often overshadowed by nearby New Orleans, Lake Charles is perhaps best known for its casinos. Still, visitors are all but guaranteed to soak up some Louisiana culture they didn't know they needed.

This barrier island on the Atlantic coast is the ideal winter getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers as it offers opportunities for camping, hiking, boating and more. Visitors also won't want to miss the Dungeness Ruins.

North of Cumberland Island, Georgia's St. Simons Island offers beaches, salty marshes and balmy temperatures to rescue you from the harsh winter. Whether you're seeking peace and quiet or just a place to clear your head, this is it.