Don’t get left out in the cold this winter. Make sure you head to a sunny destination that is the right fit for your winter escape. A perfect place includes sun, warm temps, more sun, and of course, things to do and see (and eat). Consider camping in these sunny, fun, winter hot spots!
Gulf Shores, Alabama
If you’re looking to bury your feet in something white this winter, opt for the sugar-white sand of the Gulf Shores versus the other alternative…snow! Blue skies and 60-degree weather make the Gulf Shores a perfect winter destination – plus Gulf Shores RV Resort, with its stocked fishing ponds and pickleball courts makes for the perfect camping spot. While wintering here, walk the trails at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge while birdwatching. Named the best recreational trail by USA Today for three years running (2023-2025), the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park is another option to stroll the outdoors while checking birds off your birding “life list.” Fish, golf, or day trip to Mobile or Pensacola.
Palm Springs, California
What’s the best time to visit a desert climate? Winter, of course! So, book a stay at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and explore this desert paradise that enjoys sunny days, cool nights and comes alive during the winter months. Hiking in cooler weather is one of the best ways to explore the beauty of the landscape. Great hikes in this area include Mount Jacinto State Park and the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. Of course, a day trip to explore Joshua Tree National Park should definitely be on your agenda. Another must-do is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – keep your camera close because the views are spectacular! January brings the Palms Springs International Film Festival (psfilmfest.org) while VillageFest is a weekly event, every Thursday, that sees downtown Palm Springs host artisans, street vendors, food vendors and live entertainment.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Can you imagine enjoying 75-degree days in winter and warm sandy beaches without the crowds. If that appeals, book a stay at Encore Breezy Hill and spend winter in the “Venice of America.” The nickname comes from the more than 150 miles of waterways running through the city. And just like in the Italian version of Venice, you can take a gondola ride through the city that takes you past the mansion and greenery that make this city a Florida must-see. The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is great for hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddling. The Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Fest is set for January 18-24 and will feature several celebrity guest chefs, and of course food and wine. If you’re looking for seafood specifically, the 17th Annual Riverwalk Stone Crab & Seafood Festival is scheduled for January 17. \
Key West, Florida
70 degrees during the days and 60 degrees at night plus a whole lot of fun is what you can expect with a sunny winter getaway to the Florida Keys. For your stay, consider Sunshine Key RV Resort and Fiesta Key RV Resort. Winter is a great time to snorkel in the area since the water is clearer during the drier winter months – John Pennykamp Coral Reef State Park is the perfect place for snorkeling. And of course, The Keys are a water sport lover’s paradise with every possible option available from deep sea fishing to kayaking and canoeing. Festivals abound at this time of year including The Key West Food & Wine Festival (January 27-31), The Florida Keys Seafood Festival in Key West (February 13-14), and the Marathon Seafood Festival (March 13-14).
Read More:
- Warm and cool winter road trips you’ve got to take
- Enjoy fall’s bounty with two fall-centric recipes
- Here’s where to camp and see the stars
- What do you mean you haven’t tried pumpkin French toast?
- Explore the Thousand Trails Camping Pass and the Thousand Trails Cabin Pass
- Find more campgrounds at ThousandTrails.com.