20 Places Where You Can Escape Winter's Wrath Without a Passport

by Alex Temblador
Last updated:: 6:00 AM ET, Mon January 6, 2020

PHOTO: Fresh Pineapple Juice at the Sunset Celebration in Key West. (Photo courtesy of Emily Krause)

PHOTO: Ariel view of beach (photo via The Palms Hotel and Spa)

St Thomas, US Virgin Islands. (photo via sorincolac / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: One of the pools at Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. (photo via Condado Vanderbilt Hotel)

PHOTO: Yuma Lakes, Yuma, Arizona. (photo via Cheri Alguire/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: HIking through Maui, Hawaii. (Photo via Unsplash / Strauss Western)

PHOTO: Trunk Bay, St. John, USVI. (Photo by Lauren Breedlove)

PHOTO: Two Lovers Point in Guam (photo courtesy of segawa7/istock/Getty Images Plus) ((photo courtesy of segawa7/istock/Getty Images Plus))

Florida Keys Aerial View (shot from aeroplane) (photo via Bertl123 / iStock/ Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Sweeping views of American Samoa. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / sorincolac)

St Croix USVI beach. (photo via Wash5148town /iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park. (photo by Françoise De Valera James/Dreamstime.com) (Françoise De Valera James/Dreamstime.com)

A shelling tour along the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel is the perfect family adventure. (Photo via The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel)

PHOTO: Kakaako is one of Honolulu's fastest-growing neighborhoods and is a hotbed for murals and art. (photo via Daniel Ramirez/Flickr)

Everglades National Park, Florida. (photo via volgariver/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Suicide Cliff in the Northern Mariana Islands. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / raksybH)

PHOTO: Islands of Adventure theme park. (Photo courtesy Universal Orlando Resort)

Kalalau Lookout, Kauai. (Photo by Lauren Breedlove)

PHOTO: Aerial view of South Padre Island, Texas at dawn. (photo via Hundley_Photography/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (Hundley_Photography / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

A family feeding fish and pelicans in Islamorada, Florida. (photo via romrodinka/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Views of the beach and boardwalk in Tijuana, Mexico. (photo via E+ / grandriver)

Warm Weather Getaways

1/21

Are you so over heavy coats, frozen noses, shoveling snow, and driving on ice? Us too, which is why we suggest escaping the pitfalls of winter by booking a warm-weather getaway. We've gathered some of the best destinations for sunshine and warm temperatures, making sure to include those that don't require the hassle of a passport!

Miami, Florida

2/21

During the winter, Miami is one of the warmest destinations in the U.S., sporting temperatures in the mid to upper-70s throughout January and February. You'll be able to fully thaw from winter weather as you sunbathe on South Beach, explore the art of Wynwood Walls, and shop through Bayside Marketplace.

St. Thomas

3/21

St. Thomas is a U.S. territory and Caribbean island best known for great snorkeling in Magens Bay Beach and relaxing resorts with beachfront locations. Book a getaway here and you can enjoy such sights like the lovely Danish architecture of the capital, Charlotte, Blackbeard's Castle, and fun activities like ziplining and boat tours.

Puerto Rico

4/21

This tropical island is a blast for those who love jungle adventures, days spent on the beach, and delicious food. Expect temperatures in the mid-80s as you hike El Yunque National Forest or walk through Old San Juan. As a U.S. territory, you don't need a passport to enter or exit Puerto Rico, making it the perfect winter escape.

Yuma, Arizona

5/21

If you're looking for a warm vacation that doesn't involve the beach, check out Yuma, Arizona. Temperatures reach the low 70s in January and increase in February and March, making for a comfortable trip as you hit the city's casinos and historic attractions like the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historical Park and the historic downtown. Don't miss out on hiking in the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge and visiting the Castle Dome Mine Museum & Ghost Town and Imperial San Dunes National Recreation Area.

Maui, Hawaii

6/21

Make your way to Maui, Hawaii, this winter for an unforgettable -- and warm -- vacation. Of course, you'll find beaches like Honokalani Beach, and great spots for hiking, like the Haleakala Crater Hike, but there are other cool things to do on the island like taste wine at Ulupalakua Ranch, swim in the waterfalls of the Seven Sacred Pools, and ride horseback through pineapple fields at Ironwood Ranch.

St. John

7/21

As the smallest U.S. Virgin Island, St. John is for travelers who want a low-key vacation. With warm weather year-round, it's a paradise for outdoor lovers. The Virgin Islands National Park covers most of the island and includes beautiful beaches, hiking, and snorkeling at Honeymoon Bay. While most of your time will be spent on the beach and in the water, St. John offers great experiences like tours at the Annaberg Sugar Plantation and spending the day in Cruz Bay, a charming town with shops and delicious restaurants.

Guam

8/21

Guam is one of the most overlooked U.S. territories, but as a tropical island with temperatures in the mid-80s, beautiful beaches, and historical attractions, it's a great place to visit without a passport. Learn more about WWII at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park and ocean life in UnderWater World, one of the longest tunnel aquariums in the world. However, don't feel bad if you just want to swim in spots like Inarajan National Pool, Talofofo Falls, and Ypao Beach the whole trip.

Key West, Florida

9/21

Head south to the Florida Keys, stopping in Key West for a fun vacation full of nights out at bars on Duval Street, diving and snorkeling among the coral reefs, and sunbathing on the beach. If you get tired of visiting historic sites like Ernest Hemingway's Home and Museum, make your way to Mallory Square to people watch and admire the sunset.

American Samoa

10/21

American Samoa is comprised of seven South Pacific islands that offer everything from adventure to relaxation. During winter, American Samoa enjoys its hottest period, so its a good thing there are plenty of beaches and ocean access after you spend the day doing things like hiking Mount Alava and visiting the picturesque villages of the island. Make sure you experience the culture by tasting traditional Samoan food or riding in a traditional long boat with 40+ paddlers.

St. Croix

11/21

St. Croix doesn't get the same kind of tourist love as the other U.S. Virgin Islands which is why you should visit. Enjoy the warm weather, great beaches, and beautiful waters without crowds of tourists. A visit to Fort Christiansvaern Fortress is a must, as is a tasting at the Cruzan Rum Distillery, kayaking at the Salt River Bay National Historical Park, and scuba diving in the waters.

Big Bend National Park

12/21

Winter nights can be a bit chilly in Big Bend National Park, but in the daytime, it can reach the high 60s and low 70s, making it a great time to hike this stunning park. Located in West Texas, Big Bend sits on the Texas-Mexico border and offers phenomenal hikes through canyons and over mountains, as well as hot springs. Camp in Big Bend or book a quirky rental in the nearby town of Terlingua, home to some great restaurants, fun people, and a historic cemetery that's a must-visit.

Sanibel, Florida

13/21

Have a shell-tastic vacation in Sanibel, Florida, this winter. Sanibel occupies a unique location where the ocean delivers truckloads of seashells on the beach every morning which makes for a fun "shelling" experience for the whole family. Beyond shelling, relax at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, explore Captiva Island, eat at the famous Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant, and spend the day looking for sand dollars on Cayo Costa island.

Honolulu, Hawaii

14/21

Now that Honolulu flights are becoming cheaper, you may want to book your winter vacation to this lovely Hawaiian island. Spend time relaxing at your resort in Waikiki, check out street art in Kakaako, and hike Diamond Head. Be sure to try some Hawaiian favorites like poi at the beloved Highway Inn.

Everglades National Park

15/21

Winter is the perfect time to visit the Everglades. Not only is it warm (in the 70s) but it's also the dry season, bugs are few, and humidity is low. Explore the Everglades by foot with hikes on the Anhinga Trail or kayak through the mangroves or across the Florida Bay. You'll spy plenty of wildlife from crocodiles to alligators, manatees, and dolphins. Outdoorsy folks might be able to take a week-long canoe trip on their own, camping and fishing along the way, though others may want to book guided tours with rangers for their own comfort and safety.

Northern Mariana Islands

16/21

Whether you've heard of the Northern Mariana Islands or not, it's a fascinating (warm!) destination. The island is home to some interesting and sometimes weird WWII historical locations, as well a great scuba diving around the smaller islands like Saipan Island and Managaha island. You can also try new things like cliff fishing at Banzai Cliff and view thousands of birds at Bird Island Sanctuary.

Orlando, Florida

17/21

If it's too cold for the kids to play in the snow, haul them to Orlando, Florida, for some family fun in the sun. The family will have tons to choose from with the best places of entertainment like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld all in one place. Attractions like Wonder Works, Kennedy Space Center, and the Skeletons: Museum of Osteology offer fun family things to do for those on a budget.

Kauai, Hawaii

18/21

Nicknamed the "Garden Isle" because of the lush jungle that covers it, Kauai is full of secret beautiful spots. Kayak on the Wailua River to the Secret Falls and hike the Waimea Canyon, which some refer to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Enjoy secrets beaches with few other visitors and have a blast mountain tubing. Kauai offers more than you could ever imagine!

South Padre Island, Texas

19/21

Temperatures in South Padre Island in the winter reach the high 60s and low 70s, making it a good time to visit this dynamic destination. Hotels are pretty cheap during this time, which means you can put your money toward having fun at the Gravity Park amusement park or by booking a sailing trip. There is plenty of free activities to do like hanging at the beach and walking the Laguna Madre Nature Trail.

Islamorada, Florida

20/21

Islamorada is the more laid-back cousin of Key West. Located in the Florida Keys, Islamorada is the perfect winter escape for those who want some chill time on the beach and fun attractions that focus on the ocean like the History of Diving Museum and Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological Park. If you bring the kids, take them to see marine shows at the Theater of the Sea, before dragging them along for adult-shopping time at the quirky Rain Barrell Village.

Tijuana, Mexico

21/21

Tijuana, Mexico, is a mixed bag. Temperatures reach the mid to high 60s in January and February, which makes for a decently warm vacation as you visit the beach and traditional Mexican markets, eat great food, and enjoy the nightlife. While a passport is highly-suggested to visit Tijuana, you can get through the border and back with an Enhanced Driver's License or a passport card, which are both cheaper than a passport.

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