The 8 Best Places To Visit in the US in January

January in the US carries a certain clarity. Mountain towns settle into their true winter rhythm, desert cities hit that perfect balance of warm days and cool nights, and coastal escapes feel unhurried before spring travel picks up.

It’s a month shaped by contrasts – fresh powder in the Rockies, quiet trail systems in the Southwest, breezy mornings along Florida’s shoreline – each offering something you can only experience this time of year.

This guide highlights the best places to visit in the US in January, offering local insights, seasonal recommendations, and thoughtful suggestions for winter experiences that truly capture the moment. You’ll also find Wander’s luxury vacation homes in the US across states like Colorado, Arizona, Florida, and California, giving travelers more space, privacy, and a seamless home base for everything from ski trips to sun-seeking escapes.

1. Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale’s winter weather is reliably pleasant—clear skies, crisp mornings, and afternoons that hover in the high 60s. January is peak season for long hikes through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, unhurried patio meals, and tee times at courses like Troon North.

Wellness retreats and spas build winter programs around the mild weather. The Arts District has a lively rhythm this month, and Camelback Mountain looks particularly striking under low-angle winter light.

Things to Do

• Hike the Gateway Loop at sunrise.

• Take a Golden Hour tour of Taliesin West.

• Book a spa afternoon at Sanctuary Camelback.

• Try the tasting menu at FnB.

• Ride the Sunrise Trail for broad views over the valley.

Travel Tips

• Desert temperature swings are real – bring layers.

• Trailhead parking fills fast; ride-shares save time.

• Expect exceptional sunsets – plan dinner around them.

Expert Advice on your January Vacation in Scottsdale

In Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, timing matters more than most people realize. Around 3 p.m., as the day hikers peel off for early dinners, trails like Lost Dog Wash and Sunrise Trail empty almost instantly.

I’ve walked sections of Sunrise with only quail for company, and the foothills turn this incredible amber-gold as the sun drops behind the McDowells. Photos come out far better than anything you’ll get in the flat midday light – you can actually see the contours of the rock instead of a washed-out haze.

Where to Stay Near Scottsdale

• Wander Scottsdale Bliss - A sun-soaked escape for 10 with its own pool and swim-up bar. Playful amenities include pickleball, basketball, mini golf, and a full gym for effortless workouts during your vacation.

• Wander Scottsdale Canyon - An eight-bedroom desert estate with a main house and guest house, ideal for large groups seeking privacy. Expect a sunlit pool, outdoor dining, an evening fireplace, a putting green, and classic arcade fun.

• Wander Scottsdale Mirage - With space for up to 18 guests, this six-bedroom retreat offers a private theater, sauna, hot tub with mountain views, and fireplaces inside and out – perfect for relaxed desert nights.

2. Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs in January is warm without heat – ideal for exploring mid-century neighborhoods, browsing the Uptown Design District, or taking longer hikes in Tahquitz Canyon. Winter rains often bring the seasonal waterfall back to life, and Joshua Tree stays comfortable enough for half-day hikes without the intensity of summer.

Evenings stretch leisurely, especially in the Historic Tennis Club area, where patios stay lively well into the night.

Things to Do

• Hike to the seasonal Tahquitz Canyon waterfall.

• Ride the Aerial Tramway to the alpine forest.

• Browse vintage shops along North Palm Canyon Drive.

• Spend a few hours exploring Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree.

• Book a mineral soak in Desert Hot Springs.

Travel Tips

• Tramway parking fills after 10 a.m. – go early.

• Mornings are cooler than expected; bring a layer.

• Weekdays make Joshua Tree feel quieter and more accessible.

Expert Tip on exploring Joshua Tree in January

If you’re heading into Joshua Tree from Palm Springs on a Saturday, don’t bother with the Park Boulevard entrance near the town of Joshua Tree. I’ve sat in that line long enough to watch people finish entire iced coffees.

The Black Rock Canyon entrance in Yucca Valley is consistently calmer, even on holiday weekends. Once you’re in, the Panorama Loop feels like a secret: wide-open ridges, big sky, and hardly anyone around.

On my last visit, I counted maybe a dozen people over the entire trail, and the high-desert light up there is some of the clearest in the park.

Where to Stay Near Palm Springs

• Wander Palm Springs Mesa - A three-bedroom estate in The Mesa with a pool, stand-alone spa, firepit, BBQ area, and plenty of outdoor space framed by dramatic mountain ridgelines.

• Wander Palm Springs Oasis - Hosting six guests across three bedrooms, this modern home features a pool, hot tub, spacious BBQ patio, and access to club amenities, including pools, a gym, yoga studio, and walking trails.

• Wander Palm Springs Summit - This four-bedroom hillside stay pairs mid-century lines with panoramic views, a circular pool, cooling misters, and breezy private patios.

3. Miami, Florida

Warm days, calm seas, and low humidity make January one of Miami’s most pleasant months. The Design District’s outdoor art installations shine in winter light, Biscayne Bay is prime for boating, and Wynwood galleries stay busy after December’s Art Week momentum.

Coconut Grove and Little River move at a relaxed pace, while South Beach feels energetic but not overwhelming.

Things to Do

• Explore the Design District.

• Take a boat or sailing day on the bay.

• Visit the Rubell Museum’s winter exhibits.

• Enjoy a long lunch at Mandolin Aegean Bistro.

• Bike the boardwalk from Mid-Beach to South Pointe.

Travel Tips

• Early mornings offer the calmest ocean conditions.

• Avoid Brickell at rush hour.

• Breezy evenings call for a light layer.

Where to Stay Near Miami

• Wander Miami Beach Villa - A five-bedroom villa designed for privacy with a heated pool, outdoor kitchen, lounge spaces, and games, including basketball, ping pong, and cornhole.

• Wander Miami Coral - With room for 12, this Mediterranean-style home features five bedrooms, a saltwater pool, spa jets, and a shaded garden perfect for alfresco meals.

• Wander Miami Hammock - Seven bedrooms anchor this spacious Miami escape, complete with a pool, hot tub, tennis and basketball courts, and an outdoor BBQ setup.

4. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen in January feels more intentional than festive—the town exhales after the holiday rush, and storm cycles tend to refresh the mountains every few days. Ajax offers steep morning laps, Buttermilk stays friendly for beginners, and Highlands Bowl becomes a rite of passage for powder seekers. Even Snowmass, often overlooked, delivers long, uncrowded cruisers on many midwinter mornings.

In town, restaurant reservations are easier to secure, galleries feel more local, and the Rio Grande Trail takes on a quiet beauty under a dusting of snow. Ashcroft Ghost Town, blanketed in white, is one of the valley’s most evocative winter walks.

Things to Do

• Ski Highland Bowl on a bluebird morning after a storm.

• Warm up at the Aspen Art Museum café with mountain views.

• Snowshoe the Maroon Creek Road.

• Book a counter seat at Matsuhisa for après sushi.

• Explore galleries on Mill Street.

Travel Tips

• Early lift times give the best snow after storm nights.

• Ajax parking is limited – take the free shuttle.

• Book dinner earlier than usual; dining rooms are small.

Expert Tip on January Vacations in Aspen

It sounds backwards, but locals know: Snowmass is the move on Saturdays. Most Aspen skiers beeline to Highlands for Bowl laps, leaving Snowmass surprisingly open. More than once, I’ve had untouched groomers off Elk Camp to myself between 10 and noon, which feels almost impossible during peak season.

Lifts stay mellow, the mid-mountain restaurants are manageable, and terrain that’s usually busy – like Sneaky’s or Grey Wolf – suddenly feels like your own private run.

5. Big Island, Hawaii

January is peak whale season along the Kona Coast. Waters stay warm, visibility is excellent for snorkeling, and the island’s high elevations—Mauna Kea in particular—offer crisp, clear nights for stargazing.

Hilo’s side of the island becomes more lush with winter rainfall, giving the Hamakua Coast’s waterfalls impressive volume.

Things to Do

• Join a whale-watching cruise from Kona.

• Snorkel at Honaunau Bay.

• Drive Saddle Road for volcanic landscapes.

• Shop the Hilo Farmers Market in the morning.

• Hike the Kīlauea Iki Trail in Volcanoes National Park.

Travel Tips

• West side beaches stay sunnier in winter.

• Visit Mauna Kea early before cloud cover builds.

• Book stargazing tours in advance.

Where to Stay Near Big Island

• Wander Big Island - A five-bedroom Mauna Lani retreat with a private pool, hot tub, golf cart, e-bikes, and access to the Mauna Lani Beach Club’s sheltered cove and beachfront dining.

• Wander Big Island Retreat - This 12-guest home includes five bedrooms, a private pool and hot tub, stocked garage, golf cart, games, and Beach Club access, plus thoughtful family-friendly touches.

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans in January balances cool weather, pre-Mardi Gras energy, and peak oyster season. Historic districts are easy to explore on foot, from the Garden District’s oaks to Bywater’s murals and river views.

Music venues book strong winter lineups, and the city’s culinary scene leans into warming, rich flavors ideal for chilly evenings.

Things to Do

• Hear jazz at Preservation Hall.

• Wander the Bywater’s cafés and murals.

• Take a Creole cooking class.

• Explore the sculpture garden at City Park.

• Book a table at Peche for fresh Gulf seafood.

Travel Tips

• Evenings get surprisingly chilly—bring a warm layer.

• The streetcar is reliable for uptown travel.

• Early Carnival parades begin earlier than many visitors expect.

7. Lake Tahoe, California

Tahoe’s winter arrives in earnest by mid-January. Its combination of deep-snow storms, long ridgelines, and lake-to-summit views is hard to match. The North Shore remains quieter and more family-friendly, while South Lake offers a livelier après scene.

January’s storm cycles often give the region some of its best powder skiing of the year, and the light over the lake at sunset is particularly striking in midwinter.

Things to Do

• Ski Northstar’s glades or Heavenly’s Skyline Trail.

• Snowshoe Tahoe Meadows for scenic panoramas.

• Enjoy breakfast at Fire Sign Café.

• Ice skate at the Village at Northstar.

• Drive the lakeshore during winter’s golden hour.

Travel Tips

• Storm cycles can temporarily close mountain passes.

• Resort parking fills quickly – take shuttles when available.

• North Shore stays quieter during peak weekends.

Expert Advice on Skiing in Lake Tahoe in January

When Tahoe storms roll in, Northstar rewards patience and a little strategy. While the summit gets socked in, the mid-mountain trees offer just enough cover to clear the visibility.

I’ve had days where Upper Pioneer and the edges of Logger’s Loop held these perfect, knee-deep pockets long after the main lines were tracked out. Staying low also keeps you out of the wind holds, which often hit the higher lifts. Some of my most memorable storm days were spent lapping those sheltered runs, watching the snow stack up hour by hour.

Where to Stay Near Lake Tahoe

• Wander Tahoe Ridge - A 10-bedroom mountain lodge featuring an indoor pool and sauna, theater, game room, and an outdoor deck with a hot tub and fireplace.

• Wander Tahoe Meadow - With 14 bedrooms and room for 32, this expansive estate offers an indoor pool, sauna, movie theater, outdoor hot tubs, fire pits, and sweeping views of Mt. Tallac.

• Wander Tahoe Haven - This nine-bedroom retreat showcases an indoor pool wrapped in cedar, a sauna, mountain-view fire pits, a chef’s kitchen, a game room, and a theater.

8. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe carries a calm, crystalline quality in January. Canyon Road’s galleries stay active but unhurried, the Railyard’s studios feel lived-in rather than touristy, and Ski Santa Fe—perched above 10,000 feet – often sees excellent midwinter snow.

Cold evenings pair beautifully with Chile-forward dishes, and soaking at Ten Thousand Waves, or Ojo Santa Fe, becomes a highlight in itself.

Things to Do

• Ski at Ski Santa Fe.

• Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

• Wander the galleries along Canyon Road.

• Warm up with classic New Mexican dishes.

• Soak in the outdoor tubs at Ten Thousand Waves.

Travel Tips

• Hydrate more than usual; elevation is noticeable.

• Side streets can ice over in the mornings.

• Restaurants in the historic district close earlier than many expect.

Where to Stay Near Santa Fe

• Wander Santa Fe - A seven-bedroom San Diego escape blending modern design with Southwestern warmth. Amenities include a hot tub, sauna, movie theater, grand piano, and access to Fairbanks Ranch tennis, pickleball, trails, and clubhouse.

Plan a January Vacation in the US with Wander

January travel rewards people who choose destinations aligned with the season – mountain towns running at full winter capacity, desert cities hitting their most comfortable temperatures, and coastal regions offering breezy, relaxed days.

Whether your mood leans toward skiing, hiking, art, or sunshine, these places give January its own identity. With Wander luxury vacation homes in the US positioned across many of the country’s strongest winter destinations, it’s easy to build a trip that feels effortless, restorative, and right for the season.