January In The USA – 9 Gorgeous Places That Travel Experts Recommend

The USA is a hot destination to visit all year round. With fifty states, numerous national parks, impressive big cities and much more, I find it difficult to narrow down on the perfect location each time. I mean, how do you choose when there are so many great options? 

I have found that the best way is to narrow down on the location based on the time of the year I’m traveling. I also factor in the activities that I like to do. Since I get so many questions, I thought that I would put together a post with some of the travel experts in the field. In this post we tackle all the best locations to spend January in the USA. 

Brace yourself! The destinations to spend January in the USA are gorgeous and you are going to want to book your ticket immediately!

January In The USA: Table Of Contents

1. San Francisco, California
2. Death Valley National Park, California
3. Pasadena, California
4. Maui, Hawaii
5. Clearwater Beach, Florida
6. Miami, Florida
7. St John, U.S. Virgin Islands
8. Sedona, Arizona
9. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

1. San Francisco, California

Looking for a place with a mild climate and lots of culture? San Francisco is just that and a perfect place to spend January in the USA.

Location: U.S. West coast

Getting there: Use San Francisco International Airport to fly in and out

Where to stay: Chelsea Inn, a lovely property situated very close to the beach

San Francisco is a legendary city gracing the west coast of the country. Replete with culture, counterculture, and art, San Francisco has always stood up as a symbol of freedom and peace. Undoubtedly, a trip to San Francisco is an unforgettable experience and it is a great place to spend January in the USA.

The weather in January is mildly cold and sipping coffee and taking long walks is enough to keep you warm. One day in San Francisco isn’t enough, and you must plan for at least 3-4 days. But if you only care about seeing the absolute highlight, include Golden gate bridge, Golden gate park, Alcatraz island, and the Fisherman’s Wharf in your itinerary.

Take a leisurely walk on this iconic bridge as you take in the view of San Francisco bay. For taking a pic with the gate in the background, try one of the several viewpoints on your way.

The golden gate park spreads along with the gate and the shore, a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. Easily reached by a regular ferry, Alcatraz is a tiny island located some 2 km from the shore. Alternatively, you can take a guided trip to get to know the place and its historical importance in detail.

Fisherman’s Wharf is the harbor area and a huge entertainment hub of the city. The area is lined with restaurants and cafes serving everything from baked goods to freshly caught seafood.

By Vidyut from Triplyzer

2. Death Valley National Park, California

Death Valley National Park is one of the best places to spend January in the USA.

Location: Death Valley National Park, California

Getting There: The closest airport to Death Valley National Park is Las Vegas McCarran Airport in Nevada, which is about a 2 hour drive from the park. There is no public transportation within the park, so renting a car for this trip is key. 

Where to Stay: There is only one location to stay in Death Valley National Park, and that is at The Oasis at Death Valley. The Oasis contains two types of accommodations: The Inn, which is the luxury option, and The Ranch, which is the more affordable and family-friendly option. 

Death Valley National Park is known for holding the record as the hottest place on earth, so it is best enjoyed in the cooler winter months. January is the perfect month to visit, with average daily highs of 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeing this location in the winter months allows visitors to beat the heat and reach spots of the national park that they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to access in the soaring summer temperatures. The temperatures are just one reason why it is the perfect place to spend January in the USA.

Despite the scary name, Death Valley National Park is a beautiful desert location. When visitors enter the park, they are faced with massive rock formations of varying colors and shades due to the mix of minerals in the earth. The popular photo spot called Artist’s Palette, for example, contains hills in pastel hues of pinks, purples, and teals. The everchanging Mesquite Flat sand dunes are a wonder to behold and an adventure to explore. The iconic Badwater Basin Salt Flats, the lowest point in North America, presents the feeling of stepping onto another planet.

Death Valley is a great location for hiking and nature photography. One of the most popular photography spots is Zabriskie Point, an amazing sunset location. There is an easily accessible viewing platform that provides wondrous views of the landscapes below. The textures and depth of the rock formations cast shadows and colors that can’t be found anywhere other than the California desert in wintertime. 

By Olivia from Girl With Blue Sails

3. Pasadena, California

Pasadena is a really cool place to spend January in the USA.

Location: Pasadena, California

Getting There: Hollywood Burbank airport is the closest airport to Pasadena if you are flying in. Many people choose to drive here especially if they live close by.

California is famous for its near-perfect weather and Pasadena is no exception. Even in January, the daytime temperature almost always hovers around a sunny 70 degrees. Besides the weather, what makes Pasadena especially worth visiting in January is the Rose Bowl Game & Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. The Rose Bowl Game is a college football game played between the champions of the Pac 12 and Big 10 conferences. If you love football, then Pasadena would become one of your default locations to spend January in the USA.

Every year on January 1, over 90,000 fans flock to the Rose Bowl to watch one of the best games of the year while millions more watch on TV. Lots of festivities surround the game as well that make it a unique experience, from team pep rallies to lavish pre-game tailgate parties to the famous Rose Parade. You don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy the parade, although the teams and their marching bands do participate in it.

Besides the two colleges, some of the best marching bands in the nation are selected to perform in the prestigious parade. To enter a float in the parade, every inch of it must be covered in flowers or leaves. The designs are always incredibly unique and elaborate. An estimated 1.5 million people line up along five miles of Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena to watch all the floats and performers. The Rose Bowl Game & Rose Parade are true American classics and are a must-do on anyone’s California bucket list. 

4. Maui, Hawaii

The gorgeous beaches of Maui are one of the popular attractions in January in the USA.

Location: Maui, Hawaii

Getting there: The only way to get to Maui is to fly into Kahului Airport on the eastern side of the island. Maui is quite spread out, so you’ll definitely need a rental car while you’re there to get around and explore.

Where to stay: Paia is an adorable surfing town at the start of the Road to Hana and centrally located to most points of interest on the island. Check out the Paia Inn, with stylish decor and a fabulous location just steps away from the beach.

One of the best times to visit Maui is January- not only can you escape the winter chill from the mainland United States, but you’ll also get to experience the fantastic humpback whale migration! I mean, what better way to spend January in the USA, right?

Every November through May, 10,000-12,000 humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the shallow and warm lagoons of Maui to breed and raise their young. Take a whale watching cruise and have the experience of a lifetime watching these acrobatic giants jump out of the water, slap their tails, and dive into the water below.

Looking for something to do on land? No Maui itinerary is complete without a drive along the Road to Hana, a 65-mile road that snakes through some of the world’s lushest rainforest. Along the way, you’ll wind your way across 600 curves, cross 59 bridges, and pass more waterfalls (and tropical fruit stands!) than you can count!

By Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

5. Clearwater Beach, Florida

One of the best locations to spend January in the USA is Clearwater beach in Florida.

Location: Clearwater Beach, Florida

Getting There: You can easily get to Clearwater Beach by flying to Tampa International Airport.  From there it’s a scenic 30-minute drive to Clearwater Beach, going past Ben T. Davis Beach and enjoying the views from the Courtney Campbell Causeway and crossing the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. 

Where To Stay: There are many resorts in Clearwater Beach that are right along the beach.  Pier House 60 Marina Hotel, for instance, has some exceptional views of the beach and Pier 60.  

The hotel has a rooftop bar to enjoy some drinks while watching the sunset.  There’s also a fitness center and the hotel offers free breakfast.  

January is a great time to visit Clearwater Beach, Florida! The weather is cool and the crowds are smaller, so you can enjoy all the beach has to offer without the hassle. There are plenty of things to do in Clearwater Beach in January, so you’ll never be bored.

One of the best things to do in Clearwater Beach in January is to relax on the beach. With the cooler temperatures, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a leisurely walk on the sand or nearby walking path or take a dip in the ocean. If you’re looking for something more active, there are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, biking, and kayaking.

If you’re interested in exploring beyond the beach, there are plenty of January events and activities to keep you busy. Check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, take a dolphin-watching tour, or visit one of the many nearby state parks. January is also a great time to see a show at the Ruth Eckerd Hall.  Whatever you do, you’re sure to have a great time.

As you can see, Clearwater Beach is a beautiful place to spend January in the USA. The white sand and clear blue water make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the winter season.

Winter high temperatures in Clearwater Beach range between 60-80 degrees and there are still plenty of people swimming in the water during this time.  

By Wayne from Always On The Shore

6. Miami, Florida

Miami in Florida is one of the best spots to spend January in the USA.

Location: Miami, Florida

Getting there: The airport that serves Miami is Miami International Airport (MIA). Within the USA, there are many direct flights from Miami (i.e. I flew from Los Angeles to Miami via American Airlines with no stop, 4 hours flight duration at US$300). Even if you are coming from Latin American countries like Colombia, Ecuador, or Mexico, there will be direct flights to Miami as it is very close to this region. 

From MIA, you can go to your accommodation through the following transportation methods:

• Airport train (US$4, 28 minutes)
• Bus (US$30, 45 minutes) 
• Taxi (US$25, 30 minutes)
• Airport Shuttle (US$20, 11 minutes)
• Rental Car (from US$30 per day)

Where to stay: I always stay in the Little Havana neighborhood as I love polishing my Spanish and eating Latin food. This area in Miami has music, Latin street food carts, and street events that depict how Miami is highly influenced by Latin culture. 

South Beach (SoBe) is a little fancier place to stay and is best if you want a staycation. I recommend this area for those who are only in Miami for a weekend as there are many bars and restaurants. You don’t have to go far, especially when you’re traveling on a time limit. Riviera Suites South Beach is a great option for a resort-type vacation in Miami. 

Like everywhere in the world, January is a high season in Miami and is especially enticing to those who are escaping harsh winters in the US. One would expect that January is when people will leave their holiday vacations but in Miami, the hype starts in January!

January temperatures in Miami is around 76°F and doesn’t fall below 50°F. Key events include Martin Luther King Jr Parade (around the third Monday of January) where Miami holds a grand parade to honor MLK. In the same week, the Art Deco Weekend takes place in Ocean Dr (Miami Beach). There will be markets, music, concerts, exhibitions, food, and drinks. At the end of January, The Miami Marathon and The Miami Jewish Film Festival are two of the biggest events.

By Trisha from P.S. I’m On My Way

7. St John, U.S. Virgin Islands

If you are looking for warm weather in January in the USA, consider visiting St. John in the U.S. Virgin islands.

Location: St John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Getting there: St. John does not have an airport which makes it an ideal destination to get away from the crowds. You’ll need to fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas and take a ferry from there to St. John

There’s an option to take the ferry from Red Hook or the capital Charlotte Amalie to arrive at Cruz Bay on St. John.

Where to stay: The main areas to stay on St. John are Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. Cruz Bay on the western side of the island is more convenient, close to the ferry terminal, restaurants, grocery stores, and beaches. A car is not a must-have in this area since you can get around in a shared taxi. Coral Bay is on the other side of the island and offers a quieter, peaceful haven away from the main town center but it requires a car. 

Vacation rentals are a great option in either area like this spacious 1 bedroom apartment on Vrbo where I stayed with my husband. Cinnamon Bay Campground nestled within US Virgin Islands National Park has reopened this year after severe hurricane damage in 2017 and offers bare sites, eco-tents and cottages. Resorts like The Westin St. John and Gallows Point offer a premium Caribbean vacation experience on the island.

St. John enjoys warm weather throughout the year and provides the perfect escape in January with temperatures in the 80s and 70s (Fahrenheit). The island is filled with not one or two but about a dozen spectacular beaches.

Turquoise waters glisten in the sun bordered by soft white sands and verdant mountains. Try the underwater snorkeling trail at Trunk Bay (one of the top beaches in the country) or enjoy kayaking in the gentle waters of Maho Bay.

Home to Virgin Islands National Park, St. John is a perfect destination for nature lovers. There are more than 20 trails that will take you through lush tropical forests to unique attractions like ancient petroglyphs and plantation ruins. Take the easy Lind Point Trail to get to Honeymoon Beach or push your boundaries with the moderately strenuous Reef Bay Trail for a quintessential St. John hike. Visit one of the sugar plantations and mill ruins at Cinnamon Bay or Annaberg to learn about the harsh realities of slave labor.

A great beach destination is not complete without appetizing food and drinks. St. John offers a variety of Caribbean cocktails like Painkiller (featuring Pusser’s rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut) and Bushwacker, aptly nicknamed the adult milkshake. 

Beer lovers can indulge in local craft beers by St. John Brewers at their Tap Room location in Mangoose Junction. Food offerings on the island range from traditional dishes like rotis and patés to flavorsome pizzas, burgers and sandwiches. What better way to spend January in the USA?

By Farha Mukri from Trips Come True

8. Sedona, Arizona

One of the best places to spend January in the USA is Sedona!

Location: Sedona, Arizona

Getting There:The best way to get to Sedona is to fly into Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport. From Phoenix you can rent a car and make the 2-hour 15-minute drive north up to Sedona. 

Where To Stay: I love to stay at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock. 

One of my favorite places to spend January in the USA is Sedona, Arizona. In fact, for the last three years in a row I have taken a Phoenix to Sedona road trip in order to  spend the first week of the year in this uniquely beautiful destination.

Having been to Sedona dozens of times over the past several years, I think January is the perfect time to visit Sedona for three important reasons. 

First, Sedona is a wildly popular place to visit which also makes it an expensive place to visit. However, January is low season in Sedona and you wouldn’t believe the deals you can get at local hotels during this part of the year. 

Second, since Sedona is a desert location known for its abundance of hiking and biking trails, the mild January temperatures are always much appreciated by outdoor enthusiasts. 

During January you can enjoy being outside all day long and don’t have to worry about avoiding the midday desert heat as you would during the spring and summer months.

Third, Sedona in January comes with all the natural beauty you expect from this area, but without the usual crowds. 

Even when hiking Sedona’s most popular trails like Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock, there are often no crowds to be found. Even better, there is almost always plenty of parking at the trailhead. 

When planning your January visit to Sedona be sure not to miss hikes along the Mezcal Trail, Devil’s Bridge, and Sugarloaf Mountain.

By Eden from Rock A Little Travel

9. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

The Apostle islands in Wisconsin is one of the popular spots to spend January in the USA

Location: Apostle islands, Wisconsin

Getting There: The closest airport to Apostle Islands is Duluth from where you can book a taxi to Madeline Island and then a boat tour to the rest of the Apostle Islands.

Where To Stay: For a nice stay, you can choose B&Bs or hotels. The privately-owned Washburn Inn offers great views of Lake Superior and can be one of the wise choices of hotels in the Apostle Islands.  

The marvelous collection of 22 islands together makes the Apostle Islands situated in Northern Wisconsin. This is one of the places that needs to be on your list. Apostle Islands are connected to the southeastern shoreline of Lake Superior and are situated off the coast of the Bayfield Peninsula.

There are a number of activities that these islands offer including hiking, sailing, kayaking, biking, and more. The Jewel of the Lake Superior has a lot to leave you stunned with. 21 among the 22 islands safeguarded by the National Park Service offer a mix of natural resources and culture. Apart from the beaches, culture, and landscape, there is one more thing which Apostle Islands are famous for lighthouses. You will also witness more than 250 bird species.

Clearly, there are a number of things to do in the Apostle Islands including paddling, sailing, and cruising. But one of the best experiences you can have is scuba diving as there’s clear water, mind-blowing shipwrecks, and underwater rocks. You can choose to camp on 19 of the 21 islands. There are endless adventurous opportunities that Apostle Islands offer.

The closest airport to Apostle Islands is Duluth from where you can book a taxi to Madeline Island and then a boat tour to the rest of the Apostle Islands. For a nice stay, you can choose B&Bs or hotels. The privately-owned Washburn Inn offers great views of Lake Superior and can be one of the wise choices of hotels in the Apostle Islands.  

By Paulina from Paulina On The Road

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There are so many gorgeous locations to spend January in the USA. I’m really grateful for everyone who chimed in with their suggestions. Their valuable expertise has made this post amazing!

Have you spend January in the USA? We would love to hear your suggestions on travel in the country. Let us know in the comments below.

We also have a posts that cover where to head to in February in the USA, be sure to check them out!