Tired of the cold, windy, dark days of winter? Plan an escape to one of these four U.S. destinations that offer warmer temperatures and fun experiences. Each of these cities is easily accessible with a direct flight from Dulles.
Austin, Texas
Flight time from Dulles: About 4 hours
For good music, good drinks, and a good time overall, head to Austin. While summers can be unbearably hot, winter visitors will see temperatures in the 60s and 70s. For convenient accommodations, the W Austin offers a rooftop pool, spa, coffee shop, cocktail bar, and restaurant. Plus, the hotel is in a great location near the Colorado River, where you can walk or bike on the boardwalk. Visit the Texas State Capitol for a taste of history, then make your way to South Congress Avenue for shopping. For nightlife, the Sixth Street Historic District and Rainey Street offer ample bars, restaurants, and live music.
Miami, Florida
Flight time from Dulles: About 3 hours
Nothing feels as good as escaping to the beach when it’s chilly and gray here in Virginia. And Miami has even more to offer than warm waters and the nightlife on South Beach. Be sure to visit the Wynwood Arts District for museums, galleries, and street art, and don’t forget to stop into Little Havana for irresistible Cuban food. Can’t decide on a restaurant? Sign up for the Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour, which will allow you to sample everything from empanadas to mojitos to churros.
San Diego, California
Flight time from Dulles: About 5.5–6 hours
Enjoy San Diego with outdoor activities to take advantage of the gorgeous weather. Plan the perfect day with breakfast at the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market, San Diego’s oldest and largest farmer’s market, then drive over to marvel at Southern California’s most beautiful beaches, such as Coronado Beach, Solana Beach, and Mission Beach. For lunch, try the French fry–stuffed California burrito at Lucha Libre Tao Shop. Next, stroll through Old Town San Diego, and end your day with dinner at Herb & Wood, Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey’s restaurant that highlights seasonal ingredients from the region.
Savannah, Georgia
Flight time from Dulles: About 2 hours
Charming and beautiful, Savannah has plenty to offer, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week. While it’s not balmy beach weather in the winter, temperatures tend to hover between 50 to 60 degrees in January and February. A hotel in the historic district, such as The River Street Inn, will ensure that you’re close to many must-see destinations. From there you can stroll along River Street to enjoy antique shops, local architecture, and restaurants like Two Cracked Eggs, which serves a Southern-style breakfast complete with biscuits, gravy, and grits. Or, try an order of the peach French toast to sample the famous Georgia peaches. Savannah is said to be a haunted city, so be sure to sign up for a spooky, historical ghost tour through the city.
Feature image courtesy Visit Savannah
