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These 10 winter road trip ideas are the perfect way to spend your last remaining vacation days of the year.

Whether you’re looking to play in the snow or enjoy a sunny day at the beach, an adventurous road trip is the perfect way to end the year.

10 Winter Road Trip Destinations

These 10 Winter Road Trip Destinations are intended to inspire a fun and adventurous road trip during your time off over the holidays.

I’ve included destinations on both the east coast and west coast of the United States, so hopefully you’ll find a destination that inspires you.

I encourage you to add other stops to your winter road trip and make it your own. Spontaneity is the best part of a road trip, so embrace your sense of adventure.

As with any road trip, be sure to look into weather and winter driving conditions before you head out. For some destinations you may need snow chains depending on the route you select.

No matter the destination you choose, travel with an open mind and you never know what you’ll find.

1. Yosemite National Park

One of my own favorite winter road trips on the west coast is a Yosemite road trip. I absolutely love exploring National Parks, and in my opinion, Yosemite is one of the most beautiful parks in the country.

If visiting Yosemite during the winter be sure to bring warm clothing and to dress in layers. You’ll also want thick socks and hiking boots to keep your feet warm on the trails.

If entering the park from the west, be sure to stop at the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and to take a walk around Wawona before heading down to Yosemite Valley.

The road to Mariposa Grove closes around the end of November, but you can still snowshoe or cross country ski along the trails.

Don’t forget to stop at Tunnel View on your way into the valley. This is one of the best photo spots in the park and you don’t want to miss it.

Many of Yosemite’s biggest attractions like Half Dome, El Capitan, the Mist Trail, and Bridal Veil Falls, can all be seen and enjoyed from Yosemite Valley. So after you get checked into your accommodations, get back out there and enjoy this beautiful park.

If you’re looking for other natural beauty near Yosemite, consider stopping by Lake Tahoe as well.

Lake Tahoe is a fun destination any time of year, but especially in winter. You can find all kinds of outdoor winter activities from skiing to snowboarding to sledding.

2. Yellowstone National Park

Those of you who love wildlife as much as I do will really enjoy Yellowstone National Park. If you happen to be coming from the North, I recommend a Billings to Yellowstone road trip so you can travel along the Beartooth Highway.

The Beartooth HIghway will take you along a moutainous stretch of highway with incredible views of Montana andy Wyoming along the way.

Once you make it to Yellowstone I encourage you to make your way through the park slowly to soak up all that natural beauty.

Some of my favorite things to see in Yellowstone were the Bison in Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Upper Geysir Basin, and of course, Old Faithful.

If you can afford to stay at the accommodations inside the park, I encourage you to do so. Prices can be as high as $200 to $300 per night, but you’ll have more time in the park this way.

At night, be sure to get outside if you’re lucky enough to be visiting on a clear night. The area near Old Faithful is a populuar spot for stargazing.

If you’re a morning person, get up for the sunrise. You can enjoy a peaceful morning with many areas of the park all to yourself. Well, you and the animals.

3. Pacific Coast Highway

If you’re looking for a winter road trip with a little more sunshine, head to the Golden state and drive the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

An SF to LA road trip will take you south along the PCH to view the stunning California coastline. It’s a beautiful drive from start to finish and you’ll get to see some of the state’s best destinations.

I recommend a few days in San Francisco before heading south. While in San Francisco you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Haight Ashbury District, North Beach, and Golden Gate Park.

After leaving the city, this road trip will take you to Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, and Solvang just to name a few.

This road trip is best done over a few days, I suggest at least three days once you depart San Francisco. The best stops for an overnight are in Monterey, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara.

Once you arrive in Los Angeles, be sure to visit Santa Monica, Venice, Melrose, Griffith Park, and the downtown Arts District.

4. Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a perfect winter road trip destination for those in the Pacific Northwest.

The Columbia River Gorge is situated along the Columbia River in between the states of Washington and Oregon. If you love the outdoors, this is the place to be, especially in the winter.

Some of the biggest attractions in the area are Latourell Falls, Bridge of the Gods, Stonehenge Memorial, and Wahkeena Falls. For impressive views of the Columbia River Gorge area, make your way up to Crown Point.

The most popular stop along the Columbia River is the famous Multnomah Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon.

Depending on the weather during the time of your visit, the waterfall may be frozen over, but its beautiful no matter the time of year.

Popular outdoor activities in the Columbia River Gorge in winter are cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and hiking. Be sure to dress warm for the cold weather.

If you make Portland your starting point, be sure to visit the city’s many great restaurants and breweries before you head out. It’s a fun city you don’t want to miss.

5. Miami, Florida

If you’re looking for sunny beaches on your winter road trip, make Miami Beach your destination. With temperatures in December averaging in the high 70s and low 80s, you can end the year soaking up the sun on one of the country’s prettiest beaches.

Nearby South Beach is home to some of the most impressive Art Deco architecture in the world. Get up early to enjoy a peaceful walk along Ocean Drive. You’ll have the beach on one side and the pretty pastel Art Deco buildings on the other.

Miami is also a great destination for food. There are lots of impressive restaurants in Miami Beach, South Beach, and Miami proper. One of my favorites was Planta South Beach. It was so good I actually went back again the next night. Get the dumplings.

I also recommend a food tour in Little Havana. You’ll get to learn about Cuban culture, the history of the neighborhood, meet some locals, and of course, sample some incredible Cuban cuisine. The mojito was my favorite. What can I say?

If you’re interested in street art, head over to Wynwood Walls, its an outdoor musuem featuring street art from local and international artists.

Finally, don’t forget to spend a day or two at the beach. Most hotels in Miami Beach will have beach chairs and towels ready for you. Arrive early to get a good spot.

If you’d like even better beaches, head to Key West in the Florida Keys for a day or two. This is where you’ll find the sparkling blue waters with white sandy beaches.

6. Washington D.C.

If you you’re looking for an east coast winter road trip, consider making your way to the nation’s capital Washington D.C.

D.C. is a fun city to visit any time of year, but it’s especially nice under a fresh blanket of snow.

While in D.C. I recommend making visis to the many musuems along the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capital Building and the White House.

If you’ve been to D.C. before you should consider doing day trips to Arlington National Cemetery or Gettysburg.

I also recommend exploring the Georgetown neighborhood if you have the time. It’s a beautiful part of the city to walk around in with cute restaurants and cafes, a historic university, and of course, some really spectacular houses.

If you happen to be traveling from New York City, you may also wish to make stops in Newark, Philadelphia, and Wilmington. Each of these cities is worth exploring for a day or two as well, especially Philadelphia.

7. Grand Canyon

A Grand Canyon road trip is always a great idea, especially in the winter. You’ll get to experience one of the most unique national parks in the country, but without all the crowds.

If you’re really lucky, you might even get a little snow. But either way, the Grand Canyon is perfect during the winter months.

Some of my favorite things to see at the south rim of the Grand Canyon are the Desert View Watchtower and lookout, the Abyss, and Hermit’s Rest Viewpoint.

You absolutely must catch at least one sunset and one sunrise during your time at the Grand Canyon. Plan to catch your sunset at one of the park’s most western viewpoints like Hermit’s Rest.

I would plan to catch sunrise at Desert View if you can, but really any viewpoint is good for sunrise.

If you’re driving to the Grand Canyon from Los Angeles, consider stops in Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Sedona.

If you’d like to explore more of the Southwestern United States, consider heading into Utah to visit Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park, Monument Valley, and Salt Lake City.

8. Sedona, Arizona

If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation and some natural beauty, consider an Arizona winter road trip to Sedona.

Sedona, Arizona is best known for its massive red rock formations and spiritual wellness retreats. It’s stunning desert landscape makes it a popular destination for hiking, biking, and trail running.

The most popular destinations in Sedona are Cathedral Rock, Slide Rock State Park, and Chapel of the Holy Cross Cathedral.

Sedona is also known as an excellent location for stargazing. In fact, due to the minimal light pollution, it’s one of the best places in the country for both stargazing and astralphotography.

If you get a clear night sky during your visit, you must head outside for a while and enjoy the view. Don’t forget the wine.

9. Las Vegas

If you’re looking for a place to party and really let loose during the long winter months, make your way to sin city.

While Vegas is well known for its casinos and dance clubs, it also has great restaurants, tons of live music venues, musuems, and natural beauty just a short drive away.

You can wake up to a fancy breakfast at the hotel then spend the day lounging around the pool.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Mob Musuem or Neon Musuem. If you’ve been to these spots already, consider a drive out to Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park, or Area 51 instead.

At night, make reservations at a 5 star restaurant then head out for cocktails at one of the city’s many bars. I recommend Frankie’s Tiki Room.

10. Palm Springs

For a more relaxing winter escape, consider enjoying a few days in Palm Springs. You can spend your days lounging at the pool while sipping fruity cocktails.

For those into art and architecture, consider an architecture tour to see all the incredible mid-century modern homes dotting the neighborhoods of Palm Springs. The history of Palm Springs is fascinating, so the tours are well worth your time.

In the evenings, head out to Palm Canyon Drive for dinner and drinks. You’ll find plenty of great dining options and some really fun bars. I recommend the Tonga Hut if you’re into tiki bars with strong drinks.

I hope you’ve found some inspiration from these 10 Winter Road Trip Destinations in the USA. If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it. Thanks for reading.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Billings MT, look no further.

This short list of attractions in Billings includes local museums, parks, restaurants, and even breweries.

I visited Billings for a week for a travel conference and I really enjoyed my time exploring the city. You’ll find tons of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and very friendly locals.

Billings is also extremely affordable and perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families. I recommend about three days in Billings to cover everything before moving on.

If you have the time, I highly recommend a Billings to Yellowstone road trip along the Beartooth Highway. It’s one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever done, and you can do it in just one day.

But before you head down to Yellowstone and Wyoming, let’s explore the best of Billings.

10 Fun Things to do in Billings MT

A few words about enjoying all the fun things to do in Billings MT. I recommend renting a car while you’re in town. Many of the city’s big attractions are spaced out, so you’ll be doing a bit of driving.

Now that’s not to say that you can’t Uber around either, but if you don’t mind the driving, it will definitely be more convenient.

Also, dress in layers. During my visit it was rainy one day, hot and humid the next, then cold and rainy again.

I hope you have as much fun as I did.

1. Lake Elmo State Park

Lake Elmo State Park is a protected area surrounding a resevoir. I found the park to be very peaceful when I visited, it was one of my favorite stops in Billings.

Visitors to Lake Elmo can enjoy the lake by taking out non-motorized boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. The lake is also popular for fishing.

This is a great place to spend an afternoon and a nice place for a picnic.

2. Yellowstone River

The Yellowstone River is one of the most iconic sights in and around Billings. The river winds through the Yellowstone River Valley just south of downtown Billings.

You’ll find several parks and recreation areas that sit along the Yellowstone River at various points in Billings. In many of these locations you’ll find locals and visitors out enjoying the river.

Some of the most popular activities on the Yellowstone River are flyfishing, rafting, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding.

You can find equiment rentals for any equipment you need in Billings.

3. Pictograph Cave State Park

Pictograph Cave State Park is one of my personal favorite things to do in Billings MT. The park is located just 15 minutes from downtown Billings, but you’ll feel like you’re a world away.

This beautiful 23 acre park features several paved trails, sandstone bluffs, picnic areas, and a visitor center.

The paved trails wind upwards through the grassland and brush up to the park’s biggest attraction, the pictograph caves.

There are three caves in total with pictographs dating back from 200 to 2,100 years. Visitors can see pictographs of animals, warriors, and weapons. One of the oldest pictographs on site is of a turtle, estimated to be 2,100 years old.

The paved trails are short and easy to climb, so the caves are accessible to just about anybody. It’s a beautiful park and makes a nice spot for pictures and a picnic too.

4. Billings Museums

There are dozens of popular museums in Billings, and I recommend stopping into at least a few during your visit.

Here are the musuems I recommend:

• Western Heritage Center: (Pictured Above) This library turned museum houses exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history and everyday life of the people of the Yellowstone River Valley.
• Yellowstone Art Museum: The largest Contemporary art musuem in Montana with various exhibitions on display throughout the year.
• Yellowstone County Museum: Exhibits featuring the history of the native peoples, cattlemen, and pioneers of Billings and Montana.

Travel Tip: If you’re traveling with kids and don’t want to subject them to multiple museums, you may want to check out Reef Indoor Water Park instead. They are open Thursdays through Sundays and tickets run about $15 per person.

5. DanWalt Gardens

If you’re looking for one of the prettiest things to do in Billings MT, head to the DanWalt Gardens.

The DanWalt Gardens have a variety of seasonal flowers and plants on display throughout the year. Depending on the season and local weather, you can expect to see tulips, daffodils, irises, hydrangeas, roses and more.

The space is a popular wedding and event venue but is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. I’m guessing this is only when events are not scheduled, so I would call ahead if you plan to visit.

This is a nice destination if you’re looking to take pretty pictures while in Billings. Locals have also suggested it as a popular spot for a picnic.

6. Four Dances Recreation Area

Four Dances Recreation Area is a popular outdoor recreation spot for both visitors and locals. It is located just south of Billings along the Yellowstone River. I think its one of the most beautiful places for outdoor activities in the Billings area.

The area is known for its natural beauty with expansive sagebrush, grassland, and Ponderosa Pine.

The most popular activity at Four Dances is hiking as there are several trails winding through the area. The video above shows one of the trails in the park.

7. Moss Mansion

The Moss Mansion Historic House Musuem is a former family mansion of the Moss family that lived in the house from 1903 to 1984. The mansion was built in 1903 in various architectural styles ranging from Moorish to Rococco.

The Moss Mansion was built for around $105,000 and featured 3 floors, a basement, 28 rooms, and an attached sunroom. The only people to ever live in the mansion were the eight members of the Moss family, Mr. and Mrs. Moss, their six children, and their three servants.

After the death of Melville Moss in 1984, the community came together to save the building, turning it into the museum it is today.

Visitors to Moss Mansion today can take a self-guided tour or a group tour of the mansion, learning about the history of the Moss family and the mansion itself.

8. The Rimrocks

If you’re looking for an incredible view of Billings and the perfect spot for a sunrise or sunset, head to The Rimrocks.

If you ask the locals, they’ll say this is one of the best free things to do in Billings. That being said, it’s a popular attraction so it gets busy on the weekends. If you can, plan your visit for a weekday to avoid the crowds.

The Rimrocks are geological rimrock sandstone formations that surround the outskirts of Billings near the airport.

Besides the epic views from the top, you’ll also find miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. If you’re looking to get in some exercise or just spend some time outdoors, this is a great place to do it.

For those looking for a bit more adventure, The Rimrocks is also a popular rock climbing destination. If you’ve never been rock climbing before but think you’d like to try, consider taking a climbing lesson while you’re in Billings.

9. Downtown Billings

In the evenings, make your way to downtown Billings to try out one of the city’s many restaurants. My personal favorite was Last Chance Pub and Cider Mill. Not only did they have great ciders, but their food was really good too.

I recommend starting there for dinner and a cider or two, then heading out to the other breweries in downtown Billings.

There are 7 breweries and one distillery on the Billings Brew Trail, all within walking distance of one another. If you can’t fit them all into one night, you can always come back again.

If you’ve already visited all the Breweries and restaurants in Downtown Billings, head over to 406 Kitchen and Taproom by Montana State University. This place has great food, a full bar, and a really fun atmosphere.

The crowd is a bit younger since its by the university, so if the other bars are dead, head over here. They are open until midnight every day.

After the breweries, you can head over the to Alberta Bair Theater for live music, dance, and theatre productions. Be sure to check the calendar and purchase tickets in advance if you’d like to see a show. Many sell out ahead of time.

10. Yellowstone Cellars & Winery

Yellowstone Cellars and Winery was one of my favorite stops during my visit to Billings. It was recommended to me by Sage from the travel blog Everyday Wanderer, which I encourage you to check out for her down to earth travel advice.

I stopped in to Yellowstone Cellars by myself during a travel conference that was taking place next door, so I spent quite a bit of time here. The wine tastings are fun and you’ll get to know the super friendly staff and owners.

After your tasting, select a glass (or bottle, I won’t judge) and hang out for a bit. People in Billings are friendly, so if you want to get to know some locals, this is the spot to do it.

Travel Tip: Buy a bottle to bring back to your hotel with you. Good wine was hard to find in the local stores.

Where to stay in Billings

If you’re looking for a nice place to stay in Billings, here are my top picks:

• Northern Hotel: Located in the historic downtown Billings city center and described as an unpretentious luxury hotel with two restaurants.
• DoubleTree by Hilton: Comfortable mid-range hotel also located in downtown Billings. This hotel features a free breakfast, spacious rooms, and a small gym.
• Residence Inn by Marriott: Located east of downtown Billings, this hotel also features spacious rooms and free breakfast.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about all the best things to do in Billings MT and that I’ve helped you plan for your upcoming visit. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. Thanks for reading.

Want to save it? Pin it.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

Miami is a beautiful city filled with beautiful things and beautiful people. If you’re considering booking a trip here, these 10 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Miami will having you booking your trip in no time.

1. Miami Beach Sunrise

Be sure to catch at least one sunrise during your time Miami. Since you’re on the east coast and situated right on the ocean, the sunrises are absolutely spectacular.

Wake up early, grab yourself a to go coffee and something for breakfast, then make your way down to the beach. You can sip your coffee and watch the sun rise.

2. Art Deco District

Miami Beach is known for its historic Art Deco District. You’ll find dozens of colorful Art Deco buildings all along Ocean Drive in South Beach.

The best time to enjoy the Art Deco District is early in the morning just after the sun comes up. This way you can enjoy a peaceful morning walk without the crowds.

3. Former Versace Mansion

As you make your way down Ocean Drive, keep an eye out for the former Versace Mansion. This building was the former home of iconic Italian fashion designed Gianni Versace.

Today, the building has been transformed into the luxury boutique hotel Casa Casuarina.

4. Miami Beach Lifeguard Towers

As you’re walking along Miami Beach, be sure to get a photo with the city’s famous Lifeguard Towers.

There are dozens of these towers all up and down the beach, each painted in different colors.

5. The beach

Miami beaches are just beautiful. So pick a sunny and warm day and spend it lounging on the beach.

Most of the hotels lined along the beach offer beach chairs on the sand with food and cocktail service. You could easily spend the whole day there, and you should.

6. The cocktails

Miami is a party town and its known for its many dance clubs. If you’re not much of a dance club person, you can still enjoy the city’s many bars and restuarants by finding yourself a cold fruity cocktail.

If you happen to be in Little Havana, be sure to get a handmade fresh mojito. I’ve never been much of a mojito person, but this one was fantastic.

7. The restaurants

Miami Beach, especially South Beach, is home to some incredible restaurants. Many of them are on the fancy side and come with the equivalent price tag, but its worth it.

I visited Macchialina Taverna and Planta and I loved both. I actually enjoyed Planta so much I returned a second time during my visit.

This is one of my personal favorite photos to inspire you to visit Miami. I’ve been home for over a week and am still thinking about these dumplings.

8. The street art

This mural was found just outside the Miami Convention Center, but the city is known for having great street art.

I recommend heading over to The Wynwood Walls, which is an outdoor street art musuem. Unfortunately they were closed for the duration of my visit, so I didn’t get to see it in person.

If you’re planning a visit to Miami, try to include The Wynwood Walls in your itinerary. All the locals were raving about this place when I asked for recommendations on how to spend my time in the city.

9. Little Havana

Little Havana is an absolute must during your visit to Miami. You can find the best Cuban food and drinks in this neighborhood. If you’re into cigars, this is also the place.

I enjoyed a culinary tour of Little Havana during my visit and loved sampling food from all the local restuarants and learning about the history of the neighborhood.

I highly recommend the food tour if you have the time. Either way, make sure you visit Little Havana.

10. 8th Magic Mountain

This public art installation called 8th Magic Mountain, is artist Ugo Rondinone’s follow up to his earlier installation just outside Las Vegas. The original is called 7 Magic Mountains and features 7 of these same sculptures of different shapes and colors.

You will find the 8th Magic Mountain in Collins Park, you can’t miss it.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these 10 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Miami. If you liked this post and would like to support this blog please consider sharing it. Thanks for reading.

Want to save it? Pin it.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.