Warm Weather Winter Getaways
Home / Articles / Warm Weather Winter GetawaysWho doesn’t love a winter wonderland? Mugs of hot cocoa, skiing through fresh powder, the perfect snowman… Okay, we admit, sometimes it’s nice to shed your puffy jacket and step into the sun! Your federal lands have a little something for everybody this winter, including these five warm-weather destinations where you can warm up and recharge after a long hibernation.
Head south for winter at these wonderfully warm destinations
Coronado National Forest
Arizona
Coronado National Forest (Danny Garcia, Share the Experience)
Head to the desert this winter! Located just an hour from Tucson, the Coronado National Forest offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation and a sunshine-filled escape from cold winter climates. Whether you're looking to hike, camp, birdwatch, or sit back and enjoy the view, it’s a wonderful destination to visit and explore.
This Arizona gem offers a unique variety of ecosystems, landscapes, and elevations with mild winter temperatures, typically ranging from the 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (15-22°C) during the day. But keep in mind nighttime temperatures can be chilly, so it’s important to pack layers. Explore all this forest as to offer and plan your trip!
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Florida & Mississippi
Gulf Islands National Seashore (Traci Sackett, Share the Experience)
Extending along the Gulf of Mexico’s coastline from Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle, Gulf Islands National Seashore offers gorgeous beaches, history, and a diverse array of natural beauty. Temperatures along the Gulf Coast are typically mild and comfortable, hovering in the 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (15-22°C) during the day, with cooler nights.
Escape to beautiful white sand beaches, enjoy water-based activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, view wildlife, explore fishing, and take in the views along scenic hiking trails!
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
California
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge (Paulette Donnellon, Share the Experience)
Fly south this winter to Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, located in Southern California on the fringes of the Sonoran Desert. This refuge is a hot spot for bird watchers with over 400 species documented.
Rock Hill Trail (approximately 2 mi / 3.2 km) is a great way to take in all the highlights, beginning at the picnic area by the Visitor Center and ending at Rock Hill on the edge of Salton Sea. Be sure to pack water, layers, and your binoculars for this adventure!
Haleakalā National Park
Hawaii
Haleakalā National Park (Kristin Evans, Share the Experience)
Do you have Hawaii on your mind? Hawaii is home to amazing Federal lands and waters, from national wildlife refuges and parks to national marine monuments and sanctuaries. On the island of Maui, Haleakalā National Park is an idyllic destination all year long.
For a truly tropical getaway, stick to the Kīpahulu District of the park, where daytime temperatures average 70-80°F (21-27°C) year round. Kīpahulu Campground is a popular spot in the park, offering scenic views over the ocean and access to the Coastline Trail. Pīpīwai Trail is a 4-mile (6.4 km), moderately strenuous, but rewarding hike through diverse forests with waterfall views.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
Florida
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (Bureau of Land Management)
Standing tall on the bustling, urban Treasure Coast of Florida, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is one of the only eastern sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Designated an Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) in 2008, Jupiter Inlet is known for its remarkable historical, cultural, and natural resources, including 26 special status species, and an archaeological record providing evidence of human occupation dating back over 5,000 years.
Come for the lighthouse and stay for the views along trails though native and restored Florida coastal habitats, or participate in exciting interpretive programs recounting the site’s unique military history and its important role in World War II. Winter is an ideal time to visit South Florida, with temperatures averaging between 60-80°F (15-26°C), so check out local programs and events that get you outside and on the water during your visit!
Explore Related Trips
Bring Home a Story
- Fort Pickens Campground Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida
- Rose Canyon Campground Coronado National Forest, Arizona
- St. Lucie Campground Lake Okeechobee, Florida
- Davis Bayou Campground Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi
- Kīpahulu Campground Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
- W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area Lake Okeechobee, Florida