January can be a tricky month for travel in the United States. Half the states of covered in snow and ice, beaches are not quite warm enough, and the days are short for adventuring. BUT what a better way to break up the long winters than to plan the perfect January road trip?! This post will give you the best ideas as to where to travel in January in the United States!
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Table of Contents
The Florida Keys
Although January is the coldest month in the Florida Keys, it is still warmer than the other 49 states. Even with the “colder” weather, you will surely have an epic road trip from Miami to Key West (without ever having to worry about icy roads!!).
During your road trip, you can take an airboat ride and watch alligator shows at Everglades Alligator Farm, snorkel (with a wet suit) at John Pennekamp State Park, and visit the Southernmost Point in the continental United States.
Read more about Adventurous things to do in the Florida Keys here!
West Texas
The shorter days work to your advantage in West Texas as the area offers some of the most amazing stargazing! Start your West Texas January vacation by sliding the sand dunes at Monahans Sandhills State Park, then continue west towards Alpine.
Once in Alpine, you can take a sunrise hike Hancock Hill in search of the mysterious desk and bicycle tree and then head into Big Bend State Park for some epic hikes. I recommend making time to hike the Lost Mine Trail, Balanced Rock, and the Santa Elena Canyon Trail.
If you have another day in West Texas, head to (my favorite) Big Bend Ranch State Park. It is less visited than the National Park but equally as amazing…and you can bring your dog along! Spend the night in the ghost town of Terlingua stargazing at Octoillos Village!
Check out the full Dallas to West Texas Itinerary here!
Tip! Need to rent a car during your January United States Vacation? Be sure to check out Discover Cars to find the best deal!
Sedona
Sedona is known to be extremely busy. If visiting in January, you may miss some of these crowds. With average high temperatures in the ’60s (lows in the 30s), you can dress in layers and be prepared for all the amazing hikes!
I recommend hiking Soldiers Pass (making sure to make a pit stop at the caves), Devil’s Bridge, Boyton Canyon, and Cathedral Rock (for sunset). No matter what hike (or hikes) you choose, you will be met with AMAZING views!
If hiking is not your thing, you can explore the cute downtown, tour the Chapel of the Holy Cross, take a Pink Jeep tour, horseback ride, or relax at a spa. There is no shortage of things to do in Sedona!
Tip! If you have extra time in Arizona, combine a January Road trip to Tucson (below). See my full Sedona to Tucson Itinerary here!
Tucson
Tucson is a giant desert and a great place to catch some warmer temperatures in January! I recommend staying at La Posada Lodge and Casitas, hiking at Saguaro National Park, and checking out the massive Desert Museum.
You can also head into town for a historic bike tour (or Taco tour if you are more like me), tour the Pima Air and Space Museum, or wander around the Tucson botanical gardens.
Truthfully, there are SO many adventurous things to do in Tucson that there’s no way you’ll be bored.
Death Valley
This one is still on my “Place to travel in January” list, but it sounds like the perfect winter spot! Although January brings the “coldest” weather to Death Valley, it still manages to reach the 70’s most days. Sounds like the perfect hiking weather to me!
While in Death Valley, be sure to check out Zabriske Point for amazing views, Badwater Basin Salt Flats for unique landscapes, and Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes for a great workout (trust me, you’ll understand after trying to climb up some sand dunes).
If flying into Las Vegas and road-tripping to Death Valley, you could also make a pit stop (in the opposite direction) at Valley of Fire State Park!
Maui
Maui is still my favorite place I have ever visited. With beaches everywhere, you look and amazing mountains and hikes…what more could you possibly need?! With January temperatures ranging from 55-71, it makes for perfect hiking mornings and beach days once it warms up.
Add Waihe’e Ridge Trail, and IOA Valley to your list, and be sure to dedicate an entire day to drive the Road To Hana! If you have additional time, be sure to try snorkeling (or snuba-diving) at the Molokini Crater and drive up to the top of Mount Haleakala for sunset!
For a more detailed Maui Itinerary, click here!
Fort Worth
Although Fort Worth is not always on the top of everyone’s bucket list, it is a great January weekend getaway! It is a bit chillier than the rest (with highs in the 50’s), but nothing a light jacket can’t conquer!
While in Fort Worth, be sure to check out the Stockyards for a daily Cattle Run, country bars, and of course a good ol’ Texas Rodeo! You can then check out the Fort Worth Zoo, Water Gardens, and Botanical Gardens. If you have extra time, head to Dallas for more adventurous things to do! 31 Adventurous Things to do DFW
San Diego
With highs inching up into the low 70’s, San Diego is a perfect place to travel this January. You can check out the shows and rides at Sea World, take a tour through the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, or just relax along the La Jolla Cove.
If feeling extra adventurous, you could road trip down the entire Californian Coast!
Have I convinced you to travel this January yet!? Do not let the colder weather scare you away. January can bring fewer crowds, amazing views, and perfect hiking weather! What other United State Locations should be added to this list?
Be sure to follow along on Instagram for more United States Road Trip itineraries + dog-friendly travel ideas!
Want an easier way to plan your January USA trip?! Click the picture below to download your FREE Weekend Getaway Planner!
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