5 of the best winter vacations America has to offer, according to Reader’s Digest

Winter travel in America rewards intention. The crowds thin. Prices soften in some places and spike in others. Landscapes change character. Cities slow down or lean into spectacle.

Reader’s Digest’s list of winter vacation ideas captures this range, highlighting destinations that either embrace the cold or offer a strategic escape from it. The common thread is timing. These places work best in winter not despite the season, but because of it.

The list avoids the idea that winter vacations must revolve around skiing. Snow matters in some destinations. Culture, climate, and seasonal events matter more. Winter is when certain cities feel most alive, when wildlife patterns shift, and when natural scenery becomes sharper and quieter. It is also when warm-weather destinations deliver their best conditions, free from summer heat or hurricane risk.

Together, they show how winter reshapes travel across the country — and why planning around the season can be the smartest move you make all year.

Here are 5 of the best winter vacation destinations in America.

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Park City earns its place on Reader’s Digest’s winter list for combining world-class ski terrain with a walkable historic downtown that feels alive even off the slopes.

Winter defines Park City’s identity. Snow conditions are at their most reliable, and the town’s infrastructure is built to support long stays, not just weekend trips. After skiing, visitors drift into Main Street for dining, galleries, and nightlife housed in preserved mining-era buildings. The result is a destination that balances outdoor intensity with cultural texture, making it appealing even to travelers who spend as much time indoors as outside.

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Reader’s Digest highlights New York City as a winter vacation because the season amplifies what the city already does best: scale, culture, and ritual.

Holiday decorations, ice-skating rinks, and seasonal markets transform familiar landmarks into shared experiences. Museums, theaters, and restaurants provide natural shelter from the cold while anchoring full itineraries that require little outdoor planning. Winter also sharpens the city’s visual drama, from snow-dusted parks to illuminated avenues. The cold becomes part of the performance rather than an obstacle.

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Aspen appears on RD’s list for travelers who want winter sports without sacrificing comfort or refinement.

Its multiple ski areas offer varied terrain, while the town itself leans into winter as a social season. High-end dining, spas, and events fill evenings, creating a rhythm that alternates between exertion and recovery. Aspen’s appeal lies in that balance. Winter becomes immersive but never punishing, even for travelers who prioritize atmosphere as much as activity.

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Reader’s Digest includes Scottsdale as a winter option for travelers seeking sun without humidity or extreme temperatures.

Winter brings mild days ideal for hiking, golfing, and exploring the Sonoran Desert. Resorts and outdoor dining operate at full capacity, and the region’s natural colors appear sharper under clear skies. Scottsdale’s winter appeal is practical. It delivers reliable weather, space to move, and a slower pace that contrasts sharply with colder regions during the same months.

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Maui earns its place on RD’s winter list not just for warmth, but for timing.

Winter coincides with humpback whale migration, turning coastal waters into active viewing grounds. Beach conditions remain favorable, and the island’s landscapes stay lush without oppressive heat. Maui in winter is less about escape and more about alignment. The season enhances what the island already offers, adding a layer of natural spectacle that does not exist year-round.