New Orleans, La
Yes, February is the perfect time to visit the Crescent City if you're seeking for an extravagant beaded bacchanal. However, January is the best month if you're the kind of person who wants to experience Mardi Gras culture without having to deal with an embarrassing hangover. In actuality, the annual Joan of Arc parade, a scaled-back homage to New Orleans' French traditions, kicks off Mardi Gras festivities on January 6. The annual Sugar Bowl game, which this year also serves as a college football playoff match between Texas and Washington, takes place in the same month. Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend later in the month offers free admission to numerous local institutions in addition to citywide art fairs.
Jekyll Island, Ga
While it may not be the ideal beach getaway for tanning and lazing in January, this picturesque natural preserve near Georgia's coast is nevertheless warm enough for leisurely walks in pristine surroundings. In addition to being a state park, the island offers pleasant temps in the mid-60s for exploring coastal wetlands and seeing uncommon birds like black-and-white warblers and crested flycatchers. Not only can tourists look for birds on Jekyll Island, but in January there's also the customary two-month treasure hunt. Handmade glass orbs are created by artisans nationwide, and tiny reproductions can be found nestled into the island's crevices. If you find one, you can exchange it for the real thing at the Guest Information Center.
Florida's Clearwater Beach
In January, when much of the United States is deep in winter and the holiday magic has worn off, visiting Florida is always a wonderful idea. With its stunning white sand beach, Clearwater is the ideal blend of a luxurious vacation spot and a laid-back beach town. Here, you may relax with a fruity drink and a grouper sandwich at Frenchy's before strolling the remaining mile or so to the stunning new JW Marriott. There, enjoy a sunset drink at The Deep End, the hotel's rooftop bar, while taking in views of the turquoise seas of the Gulf of Mexico. The Sound, a brand-new outdoor concert venue in Clearwater proper, will host Mr. Big, Kansas, and Styx in January. Alternatively, you might visit Coachman Park's Scenes on the Green, where on January 26 "The Little Mermaid" will be shown on the grass next to the Wyndham.
Nevada's Reno
While there's always something going on in the downtown Reno casinos, January is a better time to visit because of the abundance of activities available and the snow-covered mountains nearby that provide a variety of poker options. One of the most underappreciated day hills in the area, Mt. Rose boasts the highest base terrain in the Reno-Tahoe region and is much less crowded than popular locations surrounding Lake Tahoe. In favorable weather, you can also explore the neighboring desert. See the public art along the Truckee River, and then visit The Arch Society, the city's only dessert bar. Reno offers considerably more culinary options than just prime rib buffets. Chef-driven dishes at places like Liberty Food & Wine Exchange make the most of the city's proximity to California.
Lake Placid, New York
In January, the Adirondacks can appear quite surreal, particularly if you happen to catch the little mountains dusted with snow on a crisp, chilly afternoon. The finest place to take in the grandeur of upstate New York is to visit the 1980 Winter Olympics site, where you may ski the famous Whiteface Mountain or take a few laps around the Olympic Oval. In addition to Nordic skiing and ice climbing, Lake Placid boasts a charming Main Street that's ideal for an après. The majority of Lake Placid's winter activities are most easily accessible from the High Peaks Resort, which is conveniently located along Mirror Lake in the center of the city.
Read Also: Best Travel Destinations In January
California's Sonoma County
Sonoma County's unhurried, carefree vibe is especially enticing in January. It's also the slowest time of year for winemakers at wineries like Rodney Strong and Buena Vista, which allows them more time to stay and chat with customers in their tasting rooms. Of all, this little piece of paradise in California offers much more than just wine, with its undulating hills and clear blue skies. The gray whale migration can be seen along the coast, and restaurants will be serving up a variety of fresh seafood specials in honor of Dungeness crab season. Meyer lemons, Sonoma's other major crop, reach their peak in January as well. The fresh lemonade is especially delicious even in this cool weather.
Alaska's Fairbanks
You can either fully embrace winter or try to avoid it in January. Fairbanks is one of the best spots to go if you're game for the latter. The breathtaking winter scenery more than makes up for the city's lack of daylight. Although the city is dark for sixteen hours of the day, this makes it the best place to see the northern lights since the night sky offers for a great (and extended) backdrop for the celestial display. Ice sculptures dotting the city add a wintry touch to the public art, and nearby activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling make for easy day trips. If you're eager for a wintry road trip, spend a few hours west of Fairbanks exploring the Castner Glacier, a glacier cave with a small track that uninitiated snowshoers can follow.
Tennessee's Chattanooga
This January, rock climbers will have plenty of entertainment in Chattanooga both during the day and at night. They can take on the top-notch sandstone faces at locations like Sunset Rock and the Tennessee Wall throughout the day. The yearly Lookout Wild Film Festival, which features films on outdoor activities and conservation, is another place where people may unwind at night and watch some of the best new films about the sport. The renowned Tennessee Songwriters Week, which begins later in the month and features performances by some of the world's most successful songwriters at various locations throughout the city, takes place.
Hawaii's Maui
Just in time for humpback whale season, Maui has reopened for business following the devastating fires earlier this year. The Hawaiian Islands' humpback migration peaks in January, and you can book a tour with organizations like PacWhale Eco-Adventures to learn everything there is to know about the amazing creatures from the naturalists who go along. January also sees a minor decrease in tourists following the holidays, meaning that the breathtaking Road to Hana will be little less crowded. If all else fails, simply relax on the dark sand beach at WaiŻānapanapa State Park or take in the surf while sipping a beer at Maui Brewing Co.'s seaside taproom.
Kari Pettersen
New Orleans, La
Yes, February is the perfect time to visit the Crescent City if you're seeking for an extravagant beaded bacchanal. However, January is the best month if you're the kind of person who wants to experience Mardi Gras culture without having to deal with an embarrassing hangover. In actuality, the annual Joan of Arc parade, a scaled-back homage to New Orleans' French traditions, kicks off Mardi Gras festivities on January 6. The annual Sugar Bowl game, which this year also serves as a college football playoff match between Texas and Washington, takes place in the same month. Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend later in the month offers free admission to numerous local institutions in addition to citywide art fairs.
Jekyll Island, Ga
While it may not be the ideal beach getaway for tanning and lazing in January, this picturesque natural preserve near Georgia's coast is nevertheless warm enough for leisurely walks in pristine surroundings. In addition to being a state park, the island offers pleasant temps in the mid-60s for exploring coastal wetlands and seeing uncommon birds like black-and-white warblers and crested flycatchers. Not only can tourists look for birds on Jekyll Island, but in January there's also the customary two-month treasure hunt. Handmade glass orbs are created by artisans nationwide, and tiny reproductions can be found nestled into the island's crevices. If you find one, you can exchange it for the real thing at the Guest Information Center.
Florida's Clearwater Beach
In January, when much of the United States is deep in winter and the holiday magic has worn off, visiting Florida is always a wonderful idea. With its stunning white sand beach, Clearwater is the ideal blend of a luxurious vacation spot and a laid-back beach town. Here, you may relax with a fruity drink and a grouper sandwich at Frenchy's before strolling the remaining mile or so to the stunning new JW Marriott. There, enjoy a sunset drink at The Deep End, the hotel's rooftop bar, while taking in views of the turquoise seas of the Gulf of Mexico. The Sound, a brand-new outdoor concert venue in Clearwater proper, will host Mr. Big, Kansas, and Styx in January. Alternatively, you might visit Coachman Park's Scenes on the Green, where on January 26 "The Little Mermaid" will be shown on the grass next to the Wyndham.
Nevada's Reno
While there's always something going on in the downtown Reno casinos, January is a better time to visit because of the abundance of activities available and the snow-covered mountains nearby that provide a variety of poker options. One of the most underappreciated day hills in the area, Mt. Rose boasts the highest base terrain in the Reno-Tahoe region and is much less crowded than popular locations surrounding Lake Tahoe. In favorable weather, you can also explore the neighboring desert. See the public art along the Truckee River, and then visit The Arch Society, the city's only dessert bar. Reno offers considerably more culinary options than just prime rib buffets. Chef-driven dishes at places like Liberty Food & Wine Exchange make the most of the city's proximity to California.
Lake Placid, New York
In January, the Adirondacks can appear quite surreal, particularly if you happen to catch the little mountains dusted with snow on a crisp, chilly afternoon. The finest place to take in the grandeur of upstate New York is to visit the 1980 Winter Olympics site, where you may ski the famous Whiteface Mountain or take a few laps around the Olympic Oval. In addition to Nordic skiing and ice climbing, Lake Placid boasts a charming Main Street that's ideal for an après. The majority of Lake Placid's winter activities are most easily accessible from the High Peaks Resort, which is conveniently located along Mirror Lake in the center of the city.
Read Also: Best Travel Destinations In January
California's Sonoma County
Sonoma County's unhurried, carefree vibe is especially enticing in January. It's also the slowest time of year for winemakers at wineries like Rodney Strong and Buena Vista, which allows them more time to stay and chat with customers in their tasting rooms. Of all, this little piece of paradise in California offers much more than just wine, with its undulating hills and clear blue skies. The gray whale migration can be seen along the coast, and restaurants will be serving up a variety of fresh seafood specials in honor of Dungeness crab season. Meyer lemons, Sonoma's other major crop, reach their peak in January as well. The fresh lemonade is especially delicious even in this cool weather.
Alaska's Fairbanks
You can either fully embrace winter or try to avoid it in January. Fairbanks is one of the best spots to go if you're game for the latter. The breathtaking winter scenery more than makes up for the city's lack of daylight. Although the city is dark for sixteen hours of the day, this makes it the best place to see the northern lights since the night sky offers for a great (and extended) backdrop for the celestial display. Ice sculptures dotting the city add a wintry touch to the public art, and nearby activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling make for easy day trips. If you're eager for a wintry road trip, spend a few hours west of Fairbanks exploring the Castner Glacier, a glacier cave with a small track that uninitiated snowshoers can follow.
Tennessee's Chattanooga
This January, rock climbers will have plenty of entertainment in Chattanooga both during the day and at night. They can take on the top-notch sandstone faces at locations like Sunset Rock and the Tennessee Wall throughout the day. The yearly Lookout Wild Film Festival, which features films on outdoor activities and conservation, is another place where people may unwind at night and watch some of the best new films about the sport. The renowned Tennessee Songwriters Week, which begins later in the month and features performances by some of the world's most successful songwriters at various locations throughout the city, takes place.
Hawaii's Maui
Just in time for humpback whale season, Maui has reopened for business following the devastating fires earlier this year. The Hawaiian Islands' humpback migration peaks in January, and you can book a tour with organizations like PacWhale Eco-Adventures to learn everything there is to know about the amazing creatures from the naturalists who go along. January also sees a minor decrease in tourists following the holidays, meaning that the breathtaking Road to Hana will be little less crowded. If all else fails, simply relax on the dark sand beach at WaiŻānapanapa State Park or take in the surf while sipping a beer at Maui Brewing Co.'s seaside taproom.