Winter Getaways for Couples: 7 Cozy US Trips for Two
Winter is one of the best seasons for a trip with your partner. Crowds thin out after the holidays, evenings are long and slow, and a fireplace, a hot spring or a quiet trail suddenly feels like the whole point of the trip. Whether you want snow outside the window or a break from it, there is a getaway in the United States that fits.
Here are seven winter getaways for couples, with what makes each one special and how to plan a weekend or a long stay around it.
How to choose your winter getaway
Snow or sun
Start with the weather you want. Mountain towns in Vermont, Colorado and the Sierra Nevada give you snow, skiing and fireside evenings. The desert Southwest, coastal Georgia and Northern California wine country trade snow for cool, often sunny days that are perfect for walking and lingering over long meals.
When to go
The weeks right after New Year's are often the quietest of the season in many destinations, which means easier dinner reservations and calmer trails. Holiday weeks and Valentine's Day weekend fill up early, so book those well ahead.
1. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is the picture of a New England winter. The village has a white steepled church, a walkable main street and inns with fireplaces, all sitting at the foot of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont.
Spend a day skiing or riding at Stowe Mountain Resort, then switch to something slower. The Trapp Family Lodge, run by the family whose story inspired The Sound of Music, has miles of cross country ski and snowshoe trails through the woods. The Stowe Recreation Path is lovely for a winter walk when it is clear. On the way in or out, stop in Waterbury for cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill and a tour at the Ben and Jerry's factory.
Good to know: the road through Smugglers' Notch closes to cars in winter, so plan your route around it.
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville pairs mountain scenery with a lively small city. The Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in the country, is the headline. It is decorated for the holidays each year and offers special evening visits during the season, so check current dates and book early.
Downtown has independent bookstores, galleries and a well known food and brewery scene. The River Arts District is a good place to watch artists at work in their studios. The historic Omni Grove Park Inn, built from huge stones on the side of Sunset Mountain, is worth a visit for a drink by one of its enormous fireplaces even if you stay elsewhere.
Good to know: sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway close in ice and snow, so check road conditions before planning a scenic drive.
3. Sedona, Arizona
If you want sunshine with your romance, Sedona delivers. Winter days are often clear and mild, and the red rock formations glow at sunrise and sunset. Now and then a light snow dusts the rocks, which is one of the most beautiful sights in the Southwest.
Hike to Bell Rock or the base of Cathedral Rock in the cool morning air, take a guided jeep tour into the backcountry, and browse the shops and galleries of Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village. Sedona is a designated dark sky community, so step outside after dinner and look up. If you have an extra day, the Grand Canyon South Rim is a scenic drive away; our Grand Canyon South Rim itinerary covers how to see it in a day or two.
4. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
Lake Tahoe in winter is all deep blue water and snowy peaks. Couples who ski have plenty to choose from, including Heavenly near South Lake Tahoe and Palisades Tahoe near the north shore. Couples who do not ski can snowshoe, take a sleigh ride, or simply rent a cabin with a view and stay in.
Visit a lakeside viewpoint such as Sand Harbor on the Nevada side on a calm winter day. North Shore and South Shore have very different feels, so pick a base that matches your style: quieter cabins and small towns in the north, or more nightlife and dining near the casinos in the south.
Good to know: winter storms can close roads around the lake and bring chain requirements, so carry chains or rent a vehicle that is equipped for snow.
5. Napa Valley, California
Winter is the quiet season in Napa Valley, and that is exactly the appeal. The vines are bare, the tasting rooms are calmer, and you can often get more time with the people pouring your wine. Many wineries ask you to book tastings ahead, so plan two or three a day rather than racing between them.
At the northern end of the valley, Calistoga is known for its mud baths and hot spring pools, a perfect pairing with a cool winter day. The Napa Valley Wine Train is a relaxed way to see the valley without anyone having to drive. Late in winter, wild mustard often blooms bright yellow between the rows of vines.
6. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is made for slow walks together. The historic district is laid out around more than twenty shady squares, and winter brings mild weather that is ideal for exploring on foot. Stroll through Forsyth Park, wander under the Spanish moss at Bonaventure Cemetery, and finish the evening on River Street watching the ships go by.
Spend a lazy afternoon on Tybee Island, where the beach is nearly empty in winter, then come back for dinner in a historic townhouse restaurant. For a full day by day plan with neighborhoods and places to eat, see our Savannah weekend itinerary.
7. Aspen, Colorado
For a classic winter splurge, Aspen has four ski mountains, a historic downtown full of restaurants and shops, and dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery. Even couples who ski at different levels can find terrain that works, since Buttermilk, Snowmass, Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands each have their own personality.
Off the slopes, take a sleigh ride, try snowshoeing, or simply wander downtown and warm up with a hot drink. Our Aspen ski trip planner breaks down where to stay, how to get there and how to plan each day.
Tips for a smooth trip for two
- Plan the anchor moments first. Book the one dinner, spa visit or tour that matters most, then leave the rest of the days loose.
- Build in downtime. A slow morning with coffee and a view is often the part couples remember most.
- Watch the weather. Winter storms can change driving plans quickly, so keep a flexible backup for each day.
- Pack for both indoors and out. Warm layers, waterproof boots and one nice outfit for dinner cover most winter trips.
- Celebrate something. An anniversary or a birthday makes the trip feel special. For a bigger celebration, our honeymoon planner page shows how to organize a longer trip together.
Planning your winter getaway in Wander Off
Create an adventure for your trip in Wander Off and invite your partner so you can plan together. Add restaurants, sights and excursions to the Plan tab by day, and vote on the places you each want most. Ask the AI Travel Concierge to find flights, stays and things to do, then book them in the Tickets tab. While you are there, your photos land on the right day and place automatically, and you can mark the places you visited, rate them and write a short review in the Log tab. Keep the adventure private as a keepsake, or make it public so friends can copy your trip for their own winter escape.
