February used to feel blah. Cold here, gray there. You know what? I started chasing spots that fit the month, not fight it. Some warm, some snowy, some just strange and fun. Here’s where I’ve gone in February—and what it actually felt like. For the full logistics, maps, and bonus picks, you can skim my deep-dive guide Where I Actually Travel in the USA in February.
Sun on my face, sweater in my bag
Key West, Florida
I went for the sunsets and the roosters. Stayed for the pie. Days sat in the 70s, with a steady breeze that made my hair do its own thing. I biked past pastel houses, waved at six-toed cats at the Hemingway Home, and watched street acts at Mallory Square. I got a sunburn on my nose and needed a light sweater at night. Worth it. If you want the official scoop on local attractions, events, and practical travel tips, the Key West tourism board’s website has you covered.
Real bits:
- Key lime pie at Kermit’s. Tart. Cold. Perfect.
- Snorkel trip got a little choppy, so I took ginger chews. Worked.
- Mid-week felt calmer. Weekend got busy fast.
Palm Springs, California + Joshua Tree
Hot sun, cool shade, mountain views. I swam in a retro hotel pool at noon, then rode the Aerial Tramway and saw snow near the top. That mix felt wild. Joshua Tree in late afternoon glowed gold. The cholla garden looked like tiny lamps. Also, Modernism Week hits in February some years, which means house tours and lots of bold sunglasses. I loved it, even when lines ran long.
Savannah, Georgia
Soft light. Live oaks. Camellias in bloom. It’s crisp in the morning, then easy by lunch. I walked the squares, grabbed shrimp and grits, and did a ghost tour that was more giggles than chills. Don’t expect beach weather. Do expect slow charm and biscuits the size of your palm.
Snow that feels like a secret (well, sort of)
Park City, Utah
Sundance is mostly January, so February felt roomy when I went. Fresh snow. Bluebird days. I took the Town Lift right from Main Street and felt like I was cheating. Good grooming, fast lifts, pricey cocoa. Hot tip: heated sidewalks in spots mean less slip-slop after dark.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Steep, bold, beautiful. I’m not that fearless, so I took blues and smiled big anyway. The National Elk Refuge sleigh ride? Magical. The air nipped my cheeks and my eyelashes frosted. Hand warmers saved me. Town got lively at night, but in a cozy, boots-on-wood-floors way.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Big storms hit in February, then boom—blue sky. Locals teased “Sierra cement,” but my legs liked the carve. I ate pancakes at Fire Sign Cafe and almost fell asleep after. My trick: start early, nap shamelessly.
Weird and wonderful winter moments
New Orleans, Louisiana
When Mardi Gras lands in February (often does), I go. I caught beads at Bacchus one year and ate king cake with cream cheese frosting from a bakery that had a line around the block. Music everywhere. Colors everywhere. I wore comfy shoes and a crossbody bag and kept water on me. Crowds can crush, but the joy feels real and loud.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Aurora hunting in deep winter is no joke. But wow. I soaked at Chena Hot Springs while steam rose, then watched green light move like slow curtains. It was -10°F and my grin hurt my face. I used a car with a block heater and learned what “real boots” means. Pack layers, then pack one more.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Clear skies. Red chile. Art for days. I skied half a day at Ski Santa Fe, then soaked at Ten Thousand Waves and felt my bones sigh. The plaza felt calm, almost hushed. February rates were kinder, and the sopaipillas with honey made me forget the chill. If you love hauling a bit of desert magic home, I broke down the art I bought (and why it still smells like dust and rain) in this piece: New Mexico Travel Art — What I Brought Home and Why It Still Smells Like Dust and Rain.
Everglades, Florida
Birds everywhere and very few bugs. I did a ranger-led paddle near Flamingo and glided past clouds that looked like big ships. The ranger kept tossing out water-quality stats, mentioning “salinity at about 15,000 parts per million” like everyone in the canoe was a chemist. If you’re fuzzy on what that measurement really means, check out this breakdown of what PPM stands for—it translates the jargon into plain English and helps you grasp numbers the next time you’re eyeing a water report or pool test strip. Saw a gator blink. That was enough. Sun hat and water were non-negotiable. You can scope out trails, wildlife viewing tips, and current conditions on the National Park Service’s Everglades page before you go.
City breaks that don’t break you
New York City, New York
Cheaper rooms, faster lines. I warmed up in museums, skated at Bryant Park, and slurped ramen when the wind got rude. Not cute weather, but the city moves, and that woke me up. Bring a beanie. Trust me.
Austin, Texas
Cool mornings, patio afternoons. Tacos from a truck, music from a tiny stage, and a brisk walk around Lady Bird Lake. I skipped Barton Springs because I’m not that brave in February, but the locals splashed like otters. Respect. Rolling solo? I rounded up the U.S. spots that felt safest, easiest, and flat-out joyful for a party of one right here: I Traveled Solo Across the US—These Places Felt Safe, Easy, and Full of Joy.
Got business up in Silicon Valley instead of touristy San Fran? Mountain View surprises first-timers with leafy streets during the day and a surprisingly lively after-hours scene once the sun drops. Before I planned my evening, I consulted the One Night Affair AdultLook Mountain View guide which compiles honest reviews, safety notes, and up-to-date contact details so you can decide quickly—and confidently—whether the local adult nightlife matches your comfort level, budget, and timeline.
When I'm ready to turn these daydreams into actual bookings, I hop over to ValidTravel where I can price-check flights and snag February-specific hotel deals in minutes.
Okay, so which vibe fits you?
- Want warm: Key West, Palm Springs, Savannah, Everglades.
- Want snow: Park City, Jackson Hole, Lake Tahoe.
- Want “only-in-February” magic: New Orleans during Mardi Gras, Fairbanks for the aurora.
- Want art + soak + chile: Santa Fe.
- Want city deals: New York, Austin.
My quick February packing notes
- Toss in a swimsuit and a puffy. You’ll use both somewhere.
- Sunscreen, even for snow days. Snow reflects light like a mirror.
- Hand warmers, lip balm, and thick socks. Tiny things, big comfort.
- Flexible plans. Storms or crowds can shift a day, and that’s okay.
Here’s the thing: I used to chase perfect weather. Now I chase good mood. February can do both, if you let the month set the tone. A warm sunset in Key West, a hush of snow in Jackson, green lights over Fairbanks—you pick the feeling, and the place follows. Honestly, that’s the fun part. And if fall travel calls your name instead, peek at my list of favorite places to visit in November for a totally different vibe.