Winter Vacation Ideas in the US
If you’re looking for fun winter vacation ideas in the US, take a look at our US travel ideas to see if there’s one that interests you.
Use our list of resources below to help you find the perfect US winter vacation destination to add to your bucket list.

You’ll find travel tips, attractions, recommended activities and a packing checklist to help you plan a fabulous vacation this winter.
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WHAT TO PACK FOR A NATIONAL PARK TRIP IN THE WINTER
- US National Parks Pass – You can order passes online or get them at any of these Federal Recreation Areas. BUY THE PASS AT REI and they will donate 10% of sales to the National Park Foundation.
- Waterproof hiking boots or shoes
- Insulated boots
- Heavy wool socks – we LOVE Darn Tough Socks!
- Walking stick or trekking poles
- Wicking and quick-drying base layers
- Fleece jacket
- Wool, down or heavy-weight insulated jacket
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Insulating hat
- Insulating winter gloves
- Fleece neck gaiter or buff
- WATER – water bottles or hydration backpack
- FOOD – healthy snacks
- Flashlight or headlamp
- National Park maps
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection with sunscreen
- Polarized sunglasses
- Hand lotion
- Toilet paper (carry out in a bag – do not bury)
- Hand sanitizer
- First aid kit
- Bags to pack out trash
- Cell phone
- Portable charger
- Medications
- Binoculars
- Guide books
- Camera Gear Checklist – FREE DOWNLOAD!
Outdoor Gear we recommend! Travel Gear & Hiking Gear
Winter Vacation Ideas in the US
Winter may not seem like a good time to take a trip, but it’s one of our favorite seasons to travel! Here’s a list US destinations that are awesome to visit this time of year.
Montana
- Glacier National Park in the Winter
- Yellowstone Winter Vacation
- Packing for a Winter Vacation in Yellowstone
- Yellowstone Winter Lodging
Utah
- Things to Do in Utah in the Winter
- Utah National Parks in the Winter
- Arches National Park in the Winter
- Bryce Canyon in the Winter
- Bryce Canyon Winter Camping
- Canyonlands National Park in the Winter
- Capitol Reef National Park in the Winter
- Zion National Park in the Winter
- Moab in the Winter
Washington
Wyoming
Places to Visit by Month in the Winter
There are important things to know about visiting US national parks and other locations during this time of year. Check out these articles to know all about planning a trip during a specific month so you know in advance what to expect.
- National Parks in December
- National Parks in January
- National Parks in February
- Utah National Parks in December
- Utah National Parks in January
- Utah National Parks in February
- Arches National Park in December
- Arches National Park in January
- Arches National Park in February
- Bryce Canyon in December
- Bryce Canyon National Park in January
- Bryce Canyon National Park in February
- Canyonlands National Park in December
- Canyonlands National Park in January
- Canyonlands National Park in February
- Capitol Reef National Park in December
- Capitol Reef National Park in January
- Capitol Reef National Park in February
- Grand Teton in December
- Grand Teton National Park in January
- Grand Teton in February
- Yellowstone in December
- Yellowstone in January
- Yellowstone National Park in February
- Zion National Park in December
- Zion National Park in January
- Zion National Park in February
- Moab in December
- Moab in January
- Visiting Moab in February
Winter Travel Tips and Resources
Tips and resources for what to pack, what to wear, where to stay and other helpful information for taking a trip in the winter.