Unearth The Voyage
Winter travel plans are heating up across the United States. Airbnb just dropped its list of the hottest destinations for the 2025/26 winter season, and the results might surprise you. From snowy mountain escapes to warm Gulf Coast getaways, these trending spots offer something special for every type of traveler looking to make the most of the colder months.
1. Dover, Vermont
Nestled in southern Vermont near Mount Snow, Dover delivers that authentic New England ski-town atmosphere everyone dreams about. Picture yourself warming up by a crackling fireplace after a day carving through fresh powder, surrounded by snow-dusted pine trees and mountain views that look like postcard scenes.
The town strikes a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Ski and snowboard enthusiasts will find excellent terrain right at their doorstep, while those seeking quieter pursuits can explore peaceful snowshoeing trails winding through winter forests. After your outdoor activities, the small downtown area invites you to stroll past local shops and cozy cafes.
Weekend getaways here feel effortless and rejuvenating. The combination of accessible slopes, charming accommodations, and that unmistakable Vermont charm makes Dover an ideal winter retreat for families, couples, or friend groups seeking mountain magic without the fuss.
2. Covington, Louisiana
Across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans sits Covington, a Northshore gem that offers culture and charm without big-city chaos. This artsy town serves up historic downtown vibes, gallery-lined streets, and an inviting atmosphere that feels especially magical during holiday season when lights twinkle along the storefronts.
Many visitors use Covington as their home base when exploring the region. You get easy access to New Orleans attractions while enjoying a more peaceful, residential setting to return to each evening. The local art scene thrives here, with independent galleries showcasing Louisiana talent alongside antique shops and boutiques worth browsing.
Walking through downtown Covington feels like stepping into a thoughtfully preserved time capsule. The architecture tells stories of the past while modern cafes and restaurants keep things fresh and relevant. For travelers seeking authentic Louisiana experiences beyond Bourbon Street, Covington delivers a refreshing alternative that still captures the region’s creative spirit.
3. Campton, New Hampshire
Campton sits quietly in the White Mountains corridor, offering a cabin-first vacation experience for those who prioritize peaceful surroundings over bustling resort scenes. Winter here means waking up to mountain silence, breathing crisp forest air, and having nature trails practically at your doorstep.
The area shines for visitors who love scenic winter drives and hiking adventures. Multiple forest access points nearby provide opportunities to explore snow-covered trails at your own pace, whether you prefer short walks or longer treks through the wilderness. The landscape transforms into a winter wonderland that photographers and nature lovers find endlessly captivating.
Unlike busier mountain towns, Campton maintains a low-key atmosphere that appeals to travelers seeking genuine relaxation. Your days can be as simple or adventurous as you choose. Spend mornings hiking through frosted forests, afternoons driving scenic routes with thermos coffee in hand, and evenings gathered around a wood stove in your rental cabin.
4. Brighton, Utah
Big Cottonwood Canyon cradles Brighton, a snow-lovers paradise that combines serious mountain terrain with surprising accessibility from Salt Lake City. Getting here takes less time than you might expect, yet once you arrive, the urban world feels wonderfully distant.
Snow conditions here rank among Utah’s finest, drawing skiers and snowboarders who appreciate quality powder and varied terrain. Night skiing options extend your mountain time well past sunset, with illuminated slopes creating a completely different experience under the stars. The canyon setting provides dramatic views that change throughout the day as light shifts across the peaks.
Brighton works perfectly for both quick escapes and extended stays. Salt Lake City sits close enough for convenient airport access and last-minute supply runs, but far enough that you genuinely feel like you have escaped to the mountains. Whether you are chasing fresh tracks at dawn or enjoying twilight runs under floodlights, Brighton delivers that authentic alpine experience Utah is famous for.
5. McCall, Idaho
McCall embraces winter with an enthusiasm that is absolutely contagious. This mountain town beside Payette Lake has built a strong seasonal identity, culminating each year in the spectacular McCall Winter Carnival where massive snow sculptures transform the town into an outdoor art gallery.
If your travel dates align with the carnival, you are in for something truly special. Artists carve enormous blocks of snow into intricate sculptures while the community gathers for events, competitions, and celebrations that showcase small-town spirit at its finest. Even outside carnival dates, McCall maintains that festive winter energy that makes cold-weather trips memorable.
Lakefront walks take on magical qualities when Payette Lake freezes and snow blankets the shoreline. The mountain backdrop creates postcard-perfect views from almost every angle. Local restaurants, shops, and outdoor outfitters cater to winter visitors with genuine hospitality, making McCall feel less like a tourist destination and more like a seasonal home away from home.
6. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, Bay St. Louis offers a refreshing alternative to larger beach destinations. This small town has cultivated a creative identity that draws visitors seeking authentic experiences over generic resort vibes, with an arts-and-stroll atmosphere that invites leisurely exploration.
The harbor area serves as the town’s heart, where waterfront walks reveal stunning sunset views across the water. Local artists have left their mark throughout the community, with murals adding pops of color to building facades and galleries showcasing regional talent. The old town district maintains genuine character, with independently owned shops and restaurants that reflect the community’s personality.
Winter visitors appreciate Bay St. Louis for its laid-back pace and welcoming environment. You will not find overwhelming crowds or cookie-cutter attractions here. Instead, expect unhurried mornings watching boats bob in the harbor, afternoons discovering hidden art installations, and evenings enjoying fresh Gulf seafood while locals share stories about their beloved town.
7. Hermosa Beach, California
Southern California winters feel like everyone else’s spring, and Hermosa Beach takes full advantage of that year-round sunshine. While other parts of the country bundle up, this beach town maintains its outdoorsy energy with pier walks, bike paths, and sand volleyball games continuing through the cooler months.
The Hermosa Beach Pier stands as the town’s iconic landmark, extending into the Pacific and offering sweeping coastal views. Below, the Marvin Braude bike trail stretches along the sand, providing miles of scenic riding without traffic worries. Winter brings a welcome benefit: all these attractions remain accessible without the intense summer crowds that pack California beaches during peak season.
Classic beach-town energy pulses through Hermosa year-round. Surfers still catch waves in wetsuits, joggers cruise the strand, and outdoor cafes stay busy with locals and visitors alike. For travelers escaping harsh winter weather elsewhere, Hermosa Beach delivers that vitamin D boost and ocean therapy that makes California winters feel like a secret advantage.
8. Anna Maria, Florida
Anna Maria Island preserves that increasingly rare Old Florida character, where development has not erased the natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere that once defined the entire coastline. This barrier island escape prioritizes peace over party scenes, making it perfect for winter recharge trips when you need genuine rest.
Gulf views stretch endlessly from the sugar-white beaches, where gentle waves and warm sand invite barefoot exploration. Wildlife watching opportunities abound, with dolphins, shorebirds, and occasional sea turtles making appearances for patient observers. The island’s compact size makes it wonderfully navigable by foot or bicycle, especially during mild winter temperatures that feel absolutely perfect for outdoor activities.
Slower paces come naturally here. Mornings might involve beach walks collecting shells, afternoons reading in a hammock with ocean breezes, and evenings watching spectacular sunsets paint the Gulf in orange and pink. Anna Maria resists the urge to overdevelop, maintaining instead that timeless Florida charm that reminds visitors why people fell in love with the Sunshine State in the first place.
9. Lafayette, Louisiana
Right in the heart of Cajun Country sits Lafayette, a destination where culture takes center stage and winter trips become immersive experiences rather than simple getaways. Airbnb’s recognition of Lafayette highlights a growing trend toward meaningful travel that connects visitors with authentic regional heritage, music traditions, and community spirit.
Live music opportunities fill Lafayette’s calendar year-round, with Cajun and zydeco performances happening in dance halls, festivals, and local venues where the energy is absolutely infectious. Even if you have never two-stepped before, the welcoming atmosphere encourages everyone to join in. Cultural attractions throughout town tell the story of Acadian heritage, Creole influences, and the unique blend that created this distinctive Louisiana culture.
Food naturally plays a major role in any Lafayette visit. From boudin to crawfish etouffee, the flavors here represent generations of culinary tradition passed down through families. Winter timing works beautifully, allowing you to enjoy hearty Cajun cooking and outdoor festivals without summer’s intense heat and humidity.
