Beat the Winter Blues in These 20 Balmy Small Towns

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated:: 10:29 AM ET, Tue January 22, 2019

PHOTO: Aerial view of Islamorada, Florida. (photo via SEASTOCK/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Main Street in Fredericksburg is filled with lovely stone buildings, with lots of fun shops and wine-tasting rooms (photo by Jim Byers) (Jim Byers/TravelPulse Canada)

PHOTO: Fisherman's Village in Punta Gorda, Florida. (photo via csfotoimages/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Aerial view of Port Isabel, Texas. (photo via Hundley_Photography/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

London Bridge in Lake Havasu, Arizona. (Photo via Meinzahn/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus) (Meinzahn / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus)

Waterfront Park in Beaufort, South Carolina. (photo via csfotoimages/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Old Koloa Church, Kauai, Hawaii. (photo via pikappa/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Pismo Beach, California. (photo via Medici333/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

The pristine beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. (Photo via welcome-to-carol-world / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: The Organ Mountains in Las Cruces, New Mexico (Photo via SWCargill / iStock / Getty Images Plus) (SWCargill/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

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

PHOTO: Aerial view of Boulder City, Nevada with the Colorado River in the background. (photo via Rodrigo A. Rodriguez Fuentes/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Beach Boulevard through Biloxi, Mississippi at dusk (Photo via Sean Pavone / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus) (Sean Pavone/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: City and mountain view of Indian Wells, California. (photo via sanfel/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Avalon, Catalina Island, California. (Photo via Pablo_K/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (Pablo_K / iStock / Getty Images Plus))

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

PHOTO: Boardwalk to Edisto Beach. (photo via NorthHatley/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Aerial view of Laguna Beach, California. (photo via TraceRouda/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

View of Lake Charles, Louisiana. (photo via Jupiterimages / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

A wild horse grazes at Dungeness Ruins on Cumberland Island National Seashore. (photo courtesy of StockStudios / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: St. Simons Island, Georgia. (photo via Jupiterimages/PHOTOS.com>>/Getty Images Plus)

Winter Escape

1/21

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, Texas

2/21

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.

Punta Gorda, Florida

3/21

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.

Port Isabel, Texas

4/21

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.

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

5/21

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, South Carolina

6/21

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.

Koloa, Hawaii

7/21

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.

Pismo Beach, California

8/21

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.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

9/21

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.

Las Cruces, New Mexico

10/21

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.

Yuma, Arizona

11/21

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.

Boulder City, Nevada

12/21

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.

Biloxi, Mississippi

13/21

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.

Indian Wells, California

14/21

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.

Avalon, California

15/21

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.

Islamorada, Florida

16/21

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.

Edisto Beach, South Carolina

17/21

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

Laguna Beach, California

18/21

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.

Lake Charles, Louisiana

19/21

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.

Cumberland Island, Georgia

20/21

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.

St Simons Island, Georgia

21/21

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.

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Patrick Clarke

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A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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Beat the Winter Blues in These 20 Balmy Small Towns

Winter Escape

Fredericksburg, Texas

Punta Gorda, Florida

Port Isabel, Texas

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Beaufort, South Carolina

Koloa, Hawaii

Pismo Beach, California

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Yuma, Arizona

Boulder City, Nevada

Biloxi, Mississippi

Indian Wells, California

Avalon, California

Islamorada, Florida

Edisto Beach, South Carolina

Laguna Beach, California

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Cumberland Island, Georgia

St Simons Island, Georgia

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