Best Places to Visit in January: USA Edition

Start the new year off on the right foot with a fun trip to one of the most iconic destinations in the entire country. With winter still in full swing, you may be dreaming of either escaping the cold or embracing it. Luckily, there are US locations for either. Within the country, you can find warm tropical paradise, intense winter weather, and everything in between. Plus, with each climate, there are different ideal activities for January whether you want to spend a few days or take an extended trip. Continue reading to discover the best places to visit in the USA in January, the best activities, and where to stay.

Best Places to Visit in January USA: Key West

Key West shines as one of the best places to visit in January USA for a sunny break from winter. January weather is perfect for relaxing on the island’s beautiful beaches or heading out on a day snorkeling excursion. On snorkeling excursions, you can take a boat ride to some of the best coral reefs and see marine life. Plus, gorgeous natural corals through the clear blue water. Another fun activity is to tour the Hemingway House to see where the famous author lived. Here, you can also learn about (and see) his six-toed cats, and walk through the garden that surrounds the home.

One can’t miss activity that you must include during your winter getaway is exploring Duval Street. This famous street brings endless energy with its restaurants, quirky shops, and live music that keeps the island feeling lively day and night. And every evening, Mallory Square turns into a waterfront celebration with performers, local artists, and unforgettable sunset views. If you want sunny days full of warm outdoor activities, visiting Key West is an amazing way to start the year.

Best Activity in January: Dry Tortugas National Park

If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience in January, a trip to Dry Tortugas National Park is for you. Many travelers consider it one of the best day trips from Key West, and it’s easy to see why. January brings calm seas, clear visibility, and comfortable temperatures, making it the perfect time to visit this remote island paradise. Plus, during this time of year, there are fewer crowds.

To get there, you can take either a seaplane or the ferry to reach Fort Jefferson. Once you get there, you can walk through the historic fort, snorkel in the clear waters, and relax on the peaceful beach. Opportunities to see marine life are also plentiful this time of year. Additionally, mild weather makes exploring the national park much more enjoyable. If you’re taking a winter trip to Key West and want a unique activity, the Dry Tortugas offer a bucket list-worthy experience.

Stay at Hyatt Sunset Harbor

Hyatt Sunset Harbor offers a perfect winter getaway for all things fun on Key West trips. The resort sits just steps from Mallory Square and Duval Street. This means you can walk to some of the island’s best food, shopping, bars, and activities in minutes. It’s an easy home base for exploring the island’s top spots without needing a car, and the relaxed waterfront setting makes it a peaceful place to unwind after a day of adventure. If you want convenience, comfort, and the perfect location, Hyatt Sunset Harbor checks every box.

Best Places to Visit in January USA: Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of the best places in the USA to visit in January if you want to embrace the winter months and enjoy every bit of snow before the season ends. January brings fresh powder, crisp mountain air, and incredible views of the lake surrounded by a winter wonderland. It’s a great place for both new and experienced skiers, with plenty of ski schools, beginner-friendly trails, and challenging runs. But skiing is only part of the fun. Lake Tahoe also offers snowshoeing through stunning forests, tubing which is perfect for families, ice skating rinks, and more. Whether you’re chasing a full winter adventure or just want to play in the snow, Lake Tahoe delivers the perfect cold-weather escape.

Best Activity in January: Skiing at Heavenly Ski Resort

A day at Heavenly Ski Resort is easily the top January experience in Lake Tahoe. Here, gorgeous winter scenery of the lake combine with fun mountain adventures to make the perfect day. One moment you’re skiing the slopes, and the next you’re looking out over the lake from thousands of feet in the air. Additionally, January usually delivers plenty of fresh snow. This means the ski runs are smooth and fun whether you’re a beginner or expert. Plus, many people consider the gondola ride alone to be worth the trip. On the gondolas, you can see panoramic views of the area that you will never forget. Beyond just the skiing, the adorable mountain village offers hot cocoa, good food, and live music. A visit to Heavenly Ski Resort is more than just a ski day; it is sure to be the highlight of your winter getaway.

Stay at Wyndham Tahoe at South Shore

Wyndham Tahoe South Shore makes a great home away from home for January trips to Lake Tahoe, especially for the trips that involve snowy adventures. Since this resort is situated so close to the mountains, staying here gives you easy access to winter sports. These include downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snow shoe trails, tubing hills and all of the winter fun you can imagine. This resort feels like a warm and cozy lodge to snuggle up in after a cold day. Plus with its spacious and luxurious accommodations, your winter adventure trip can also become a relaxing winter escape.

Best Places to Visit in January USA: Las Vegas

January is one of the best months to visit Las Vegas because it is a chance to see all that Vegas has to offer, without the intense temperatures that it is known for. The cooler temperatures make it so much easier to explore the city without the extreme heat you get in summer. January is also a great time for outdoor adventures, including day trips to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. During this time of year, you can hike, sightsee, and take in the stunning red rock formations without overheating. Other nearby outdoor spots, like the Hoover Dam are also much more enjoyable this time of year. Plus, many Christmas decorations stick around into early January. This gives you one last chance to enjoy festive lights, holiday displays, and that little bit of seasonal magic. It’s a fun mix of winter charm and desert adventure.

Best Activity in January: Death Valley National Park

One of the best things to do in Las Vegas in January is a day trip to Death Valley National Park. This is the time of year when the temperatures are mild enough to explore comfortably, turning a place that’s scorching hot in summer into an enjoyable winter adventure. Some popular activities here are walking across the salt flats at Badwater Basin and taking in sights from Dante’s View. You can also see the colorful hills at Artist’s Palette without the intense desert heat. The crisp winter air also makes the landscapes look even clearer, which is perfect for photos and sightseeing. If you’re trying to decide on the best place to visit in January near Vegas, Death Valley stands out as one of the most memorable experiences you can have.

Stay at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino

A stay at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is one of the best options for trips to Vegas in January. This is because Westgate puts you close to the action while still giving you plenty to do on-site. The resort has its own casino, great restaurants, a spa, and fun shows, so you can enjoy plenty of Vegas experiences without setting foot off the property. However, its proximity to the monorail makes it easy to reach the iconic Strip and all its big attractions. When your day is done, Westgate offers a comfortable place to relax, recharge, and enjoy the excitement of Vegas at your own pace.

Best Places to Visit in January USA: Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii

Kona on the Big Island is one of the best places to visit in the USA in January if you are crazing the ultimate relaxation. The island of Hawaii is known for its laid back tropical vibes that will provide you with the ultimate escape from the cold winter. You can explore coffee farms, relax on beautiful beaches like Magic Sands, or wander through historic sites in Kailua Village. During your island adventures, don’t skip the chance to indulge in all of the incredible food and local shops!

Whale-watching season is also in its prime, giving you a chance to spot humpback whales right offshore. And with clear January skies, an evening stargazing tour or watching stunning sunsets near Mauna Kea becomes an unforgettable experience. Kona offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, making it an amazing way to start the year. Plus, with it being the off-season for travel, it will be more relaxing than ever with fewer crowds.

Best Activity in January: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A visit to the Big Island would not be complete without a day trip to see the one-of-a-kind Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. January is a great time to explore the park’s unique landscapes and geological formations. From active volcanic craters to lava tubes, you will be astounded by the stunning sights in this park. Not only can you view the famous Thurston Lava Tube, but you can actually walk through it, too! More things to do along your journey in the park include stopping at places like the Kilauea Iki crater and a scenic drive along Chain of Craters Road.

For more of the best things to do, a stop at the visitors center can help you plan your day. It can also help you understand the park’s natural history and how natural forces built the Big Island. It can be a day full of adventure, geology, and scenery you won’t find anywhere else.

Stay at Wyndham Hawaii at Kona Hawaiian Resort

On the west coast of the Big Island, you’ll find the Wyndham Hawaii at Kona Hawaiian Resort. This resort offers spacious villas with a laid-back and traditional Hawaiian feel. This makes it easy to unwind after days of exploring the island’s beaches and attractions. Its location puts you close to downtown Kailua-Kona, so you can walk to great food, local shops, and historic sites. Plus, you’ll be a short drive from the best places for snorkeling, coffee tours, and coastal views. The resort’s lush landscaping, relaxing pools, and peaceful atmosphere create the perfect balance of comfort and island adventure.

Turn Your January Trip Into a Tradition with Timeshare Resales

January is a great month to take a trip to any destination in the USA, and beyond! This could mean an annual escape away from the cold or to the cold, depending on what you are looking for. Whether you want to take a family trip to hit the ski slopes or a romantic vacation to somewhere tropical for a break from the cold weather at home, January vacations can be opportunities for lifelong memories. One of the best ways to ensure that you will always start the new year off right is with a timeshare! Timeshares lock in your vacation ownership so that no matter what, you know you can enjoy the getaway of your dreams every year. Plus, by buying a timeshare on the resale market, it is more affordable than ever.

Browse Fidelity Real Estate’s resale marketplace to find your perfect fit, and simply make an offer! Our team of experts is also here to help you with any questions that you may have about all things timeshare and resale.

Sell Your Timeshare with Fidelity Real Estate

Already own a timeshare and want to sell? Fidelity Real Estate’s team has been guiding owners in the resale process for over 20 years, and are experts at guiding you through the process. We understand that sometimes plans change, and your timeshare might not be the best fit for you anymore. Luckily, the timeshare resale market is full of buyers looking to secure a vacation ownership just like yours! Fill out the form below to get started on the process of reselling your timeshare.