If you\u2019re taking a road trip through New Mexico, chances are you\u2019ll start in Albuquerque or at least pass through. This quirky city deserves to be a destination all on its own, however, as there\u2019s plenty to do in Albuquerque. From visiting the Breaking Bad<\/em> filming locations to taking a hot-air balloon ride over the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque is full of adventure.<\/p>\nVisiting Albuquerque in January is a great option for anyone who wants to escape frigid winter temperatures but doesn\u2019t mind a little chill. January offers mild temperatures, with highs barely reaching the 50s but rarely dipping below 30 degrees. Bring some layers and you\u2019ll be good to go. <\/p>\n
9. Breckenridge, Colorado<\/h2>\n\n
This is one for those of you out there who truly want to embrace winter and all the outdoor activities that you can do in the snow. Breckenridge is one of the USA\u2019s most prominent ski towns, so it\u2019s no surprise that January is the ideal time to visit. Sure, it might be a bit crowded, but the sunny skies and abundance of events this month make it worth it.<\/p>\n
One of the best winter events in Breckenridge is the International Snow Sculpture Championships at the end of January. This month also sees the most snowfall of the year, which makes it the ideal time for skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh riding, dogsledding, snowmobiling, and more.<\/p>\n
8. Big Bend National Park, Texas<\/h2>\n\n
You might recognize Big Bend from other lists of where to visit in the USA by month. The truth is, there\u2019s really not a bad<\/em> time to visit Big Bend National Park, one of the most underrated in the US. There are rarely large crowds any time of year, but this is especially true in January. You\u2019ll love having some solitude here, as the landscapes are delightful and the night sky is perfect for stargazing. Does it get any more peaceful than that?<\/p>\nAlthough January is the coldest month in Big Bend, temperatures still hover in the high 60s and barely dip below the 40s. That means camping is totally doable in January. With four campgrounds to choose from, you\u2019ll have plenty of options.<\/p>\n
7. Chicago, Illinois<\/h2>\n\n
Still just as beautiful in January<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nYou might think I\u2019m insane for adding this, but Chicago is my hometown, and I think there\u2019s something special about every season here. Not convinced? Although summertime in Chicago is exciting and the weather is fantastic for outdoor activities, visiting the Windy City in January is perfect for grabbing a deal on hotels and visiting world-class museums (some are even free!). <\/p>\n
Chicago winters are brutal, but if you\u2019re prepared for the cold, it doesn\u2019t have to be such a deterrent. Wear plenty of warm layers and take advantage of all the amazing things to do in Chicago that are indoors. Catch a production at the Chicago Theatre, see a comedy show at The Second City, visit the Art Institute, or get your adrenaline pumping by standing on a glass platform 95 floors in the air at 360\u00b0 Chicago. The options are endless for things you can do here in the wintertime, so why not take advantage of the cheapest prices of the year by visiting in January?<\/p>\n
6. Nashville, Tennessee<\/h2>\n\n
Visiting Nashville is a fantastic option for travelers looking to save money on their January vacation. Not only are there a ton of free things to do in the Music City, but Nashville also made our list of the cheapest vacations in the US because of the affordable accommodation options and generous portions at restaurants.<\/p>\n
January also marks the middle of Nashville\u2019s low season, meaning prices are even better than usual, and there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll get a deal on airfare as well. There may not be as many live shows during this time, and the nightlife scene won\u2019t be as vibrant, but that could be a draw for travelers who are looking to have a more laid-back experience.<\/p>\n
Nashville winters are chilly, with temperatures peaking in the high 40s during the day and plunging to as low as 28\u00b0 at night. If you\u2019re coming from further north, however, this might be warmer than the January temps you\u2019re used to. <\/p>\n
5. Louisville, Kentucky<\/h2>\n\n
Louisville is perhaps one of the most underrated small cities in the US. Not only is there tons to do here, but the city is famous for its warm Southern hospitality and cultural diversity. <\/p>\n
January is chilly in Louisville, but there are a few reasons why it\u2019s a great time to visit. There\u2019s an ice rink at 4th Street Live where you can go skating throughout the winter. Since holiday crowds have died down by January, it\u2019s also a great time to take advantage of the city\u2019s excellent museums, such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Kentucky Derby Museum. Here you can also find the Seelbach Hilton Hotel, which was a favorite place of Al Capone\u2019s. Louisville is full of interesting history like this, which you can get an earful of on a walking tour.<\/p>\n
4. Boston, Massachusetts<\/h2>\n\n
Although Boston\u2019s winters can be harsh, this historic city maintains its enchanting quality the whole year. Since one of the main draws is the plethora of museums and historical sites, you don\u2019t have to spend too much time outside in the cold, as most of them are indoors. <\/p>\n
If you get lucky with sunny weather, though, you can also check out the Freedom Trail, which is 2.5 miles long and has 16 historical sites, with plenty of options to duck into a building to warm up. Since this is one of Boston\u2019s most popular tourist attractions, it can get crowded in the spring through the fall, so visiting in January is ideal.<\/p>\n
Another reason to visit Boston in January is to get a tour of Fenway Park, since it\u2019s the off-season for the Red Sox. Even if you aren\u2019t a baseball fan, the stadium is full of historical relics and stories. Boston is also set to host the 2023 Travel & Adventure Show, which will happen at the end of the month.<\/p>\n
3. Atlanta, Georgia<\/h2>\n\n
There is just as much to do in Atlanta in January as there is any other time of year. The weather here is mild, with average highs in the 50s and occasional 70-degree days. That means you can enjoy outdoor spots like Atlantic Green, the Atlanta Belt Line, and the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center in January. In case you encounter rain, there are also plenty of museums and other indoor attractions, like the Atlanta Contemporary Art Museum, the Fernbank Science Center, and the Atlanta History Center.<\/p>\n
Although the weather is a plus, January in Atlanta is extra special because of the Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations throughout the city. From the parade downtown to the celebration at the King Center, you\u2019ll see why ATL is the place to be in January. Other events include the Cathedral Antiques Show and Tour of Homes as well. <\/p>\n
2. Charleston, South Carolina<\/h2>\n\n
Tourism in Charleston continues to rise each year, and for good reason. This charming city is full of historical richness, amazing food, and excellent hospitality. Dare I say more? Although Charleston is booming right now, the winter months remain quiet here, making January a fantastic time to visit.<\/p>\n
Charleston\u2019s weather in January is ideal if you\u2019re looking to escape the cold. Temperatures hover around 60 degrees, with chillier nights and mornings. <\/p>\n
This is also the best time for foodies to visit, as the city celebrates restaurant week in January. Even if you don\u2019t visit during that week, the dip in tourism means you\u2019ll have a better chance at getting a table at popular restaurants that are usually booked up in the spring and summer months.<\/p>\n
1. Orlando, Florida<\/h2>\n\n
Rock Springs, Florida<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nI\u2019m here to break the news: Orlando is so much more than Disney World! Central Florida is home to abundant natural springs with crystal-clear water, some of which look bright baby blue in the sunlight. One of the best is the Rock Springs swimming hole, just a 35-minute drive outside of Orlando. That is just the beginning of all the beautiful places there are to see in and around Orlando. Wekiwa Springs State Park, Seminole State Forest, and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive are all within an hour\u2019s drive. <\/p>\n
Since January is cooler than most of the year yet still warm enough to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities, it\u2019s a great time to visit. It\u2019s also low season for the theme parks, so you can enjoy fewer crowds if you decide to go. Low season also comes with lower rates on accommodation, and you can save even more by checking out Orlando\u2019s many free activities and places to visit.<\/p>\n
Pin me for later:<\/p>\n\nI have to admit that I tend to hibernate in January, as the cold keeps me indoors and snuggled up at home. However, there are so many places to visit in January in the USA that sound so exciting that I might just have to venture out and explore. <\/p>\n
Which of these destinations sounds the best to you?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n