The weather in Utah has started to cool down drastically, and while some people love the winter season because it leads to winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, there are also some who want to escape the cold.

So, if you’re someone who wants to get out of the cold this winter and travel somewhere warmer, this list is for you.

The list is filled with eight US destinations where the weather stays warm in the winter, allowing tourists to enjoy the sun and a variety of outdoor activities.

8 warm winter travel destinations

Everglades, Florida

Florida’s pleasantly warm weather makes the Everglades a great place for outdoor activities in the winter.

With hiking, kayaking and seaplane tours, there are plenty of opportunities for family fun without the sweltering heat of a Florida summer, per Visit Florida.

There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing in the area, as alligators, manatees and many bird species tend to be more active in the winter months.

Tourists can visit specific areas such as Corkscrew Swamp, Big Cypress and Fakahatchee Strand, respectively Visit Florida.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The cool season in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina runs from November to March and rarely reaches temperatures below 64 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, according to Hilton Head. website. This makes the area an ideal place to visit in winter.

In winter, pets are welcome on the beach at any time, and the area’s cuisine is full of fresh seafood. There are even a few food festivals that take place in Hilton Head in the winter.

Hilton Head also offers a great spot for fishing, and visiting visitors will find that it is peak season for redfish, trout and flounder, according to Hilton Head. website.

There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing in the area during the winter.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks island chain off North Carolina offers a break from the busy, busy cities.

“In fact, you won’t find any cities on the Outer Banks, just more than 100 miles of wide-open shoreline, charming seaside villages and a mix of towns brimming with personality and fascinating connections to our nation’s history,” according to the publication. Outer Banks website.

Visitors to the Outer Banks can participate in a variety of water activities such as kayaking and boating, as well as aerial activities such as hang gliding and helicopter tours, according to the Outer Banks. website.

The area is also a great place for bird watching, visiting lighthouses and there are even a few museums.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

“Beautiful white sand shores, exciting outdoor adventures, delicious coastal cuisine and unique attractions make our beaches the perfect place for your next vacation,” according to Gulf Shores. website.

Spanning Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, there are 32 miles of white sand beaches where tourists can spend their time relaxing or doing a variety of activities.

According to Gulf Shores websitethere are also plenty of attractions in the area for tourists to visit, such as Adventure Island, the National Naval Aviation Museum, and the Admiral Shellfish Company.

Outdoor activities available in the area include bird watching, hiking and cycling.

Corpus Christi, Texas

Corpus Christi is a vacation town on the Texas coast that is a great winter destination because of the beaches and warmer temperatures, according to Corpus Christi. website.

The area is home to many beaches with over 100 miles of shoreline, giving tourists plenty of variety when choosing where to spend their beach time. The area is also filled with a variety of attractions perfect for tourists visiting during the winter months.

These attractions include Mustang Island, Padre Island National Seashore, the South Texas Botanical Gardens, the South Texas Museum of Art, and the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History.

Sedona, Arizona

In Sedona, outdoor recreation is a year-round affair, with plenty of sun, cool weather and blue skies, it’s an ideal destination for outdoor activities in the winter, per CNN.

Activities around Sedona include Jeep rides and hot air balloon rides over scenic canyons. There are also various hiking opportunities, such as the Cathedral Rock trail.

The Red Rock Scenic Byway, which has been called a “museum without walls,” is a great place to take a drive, according to CNN

Palm Springs, California

With temperatures in the high 70s during the winter months, Palm Springs is an ideal place to travel to stay warm this winter.

The area is known for its spas, resorts, mid-century modern architecture, shopping and art, according to Palm Springs. website. There are also plenty of places for visitors to play golf and tennis.

An iconic landmark visitors can see in Palm Springs is the “Forever Marilyn” statue, a 26-foot-tall sculpture of Marilyn Monroe, according to Palm Springs website.

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is the central hub of California’s Central Coast region, also known as “America’s Riviera”, per CNN.

The city of Santa Barbara is a great place to stroll the streets lined with sidewalk shops. Visitors can also hike the wooded trails of the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden and explore the Old Santa Barbara Mission.

There’s also the nearby Santa Ynez Valley, home to vineyards and tasting rooms along the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains, per CNN.

Other potential day trip destinations include the Dutch-influenced town of Solvang and the Wild West-influenced Los Alamos.