When the temperatures dip, many are inspired to seek a getaway. For some, this means cozying up with hot cocoa enjoyed by the fireplace. For others, it’s a ski-fueled weekend away on fresh powder. Whether you’re searching for ways to escape the cold, or looking for activities that embrace winter’s chill, you’re sure to find a destination that offers what you seek.
From marveling at majestic palaces made of ice to zooming along wild roller coaster tracks, these are great places to find your ultimate adventure during sweater season.
Quebec City: A Festive Winter Wonderland
Quebec City's unique blend of history, culture, and winter activities makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a festive cold-weather experience. Brave a frigid “snow bath” in your bathing suit or bundle up to explore the quaint boutiques lining the charming cobblestone streets in this European-style getaway.
Quebec City’s enchanting atmosphere is especially evident during the city’s Winter Carnival, which features:
- Ice and Snow Sculptures: Explore glittering works of art, including the towering, life-size Ice Palace of Bonhomme.
- Slides and Tobogganing: Experience the thrill of sliding down icy slopes on an individual or multi-seat toboggan.
- Ice Skating: Lace up your skates to glide across the city's outdoor ice rinks, such as the one in front of the Parliament building.
- Night Parades: Colorful floats, performers, and musicians march through the streets during these vibrant celebrations of the season.
Find it all in enchanting Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the ideally situated Hilton Quebec providing the perfect home base for your winter stay.
Orlando, Florida: A Warm Weather Escape
For those seeking a warmer getaway, winter is the ideal time to visit Orlando, which offers the perfect blend of year-round sunshine and world-class entertainment. The City Beautiful provides endless options for days (and nights) filled with larger-than-life fun for the whole family in a setting that’s known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World.”
Conrad Orlando, a lush oasis situated between a pristine nature preserve and all the bustling excitement, is celebrating the season, offering:
- Watery Wonders: Wade in the captivating waters of an eight-acre waterfront, splash down exhilarating slides, or grab an oar for a paddleboarding or kayaking expedition.
- Live Music Weekly: Jam out during complimentary beachfront concerts on select nights.
- Fireside Fun: Roast marshmallows over a private fire pit on sandy beaches or savor sunset-inspired cocktails at an intimate fireside experience for two.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Delight in sandcastle building, treasure hunts, Jenga tournaments, limbo competitions, poolside movies, and more.
Tee off on well-manicured golf courses, zip past gators on an airboat adventure, and explore the array of attractions that make Orlando an ideal destination for families.
Durango, Colorado: A Ski-Season Dream
Durango, nestled in the mountains of southwestern Colorado, is renowned for its amazing skiing and snowboarding at Purgatory Resort. From your base camp at DoubleTree by Hilton Durango, you can enjoy the area’s more than 300 days of sunshine a year as you race down hills rated among the top 10 in the U.S. for families with free skiing for kids under 12.
Beyond the slopes, Durango entertains travelers with a wealth of bewitching winter activities, including:
- Scenic Train Rides: Experience the magic of riding the rails on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
- Sleigh Rides: Enjoy a serene horse-drawn sleigh ride through the picturesque Animas River Valley, complete with hot drinks and cozy blankets.
- Snowshoeing: Explore the beautiful winter landscapes on snowshoes, offering a peaceful way to connect with nature.
- Outdoor Adventures: Get lost and find yourself in San Juan National Forest, home to Colorado's largest wilderness area.
Durango's winter charm is complemented by its historic downtown area, filled with charming shops, restaurants, and art galleries that welcome you into their warm interiors.
Monarch Beach, California: A Coastal Retreat
Monarch Beach offers a serene coastal escape during the winter months with a mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation. Here you can soak up picturesque views from the shore or hop aboard one of the area’s renowned whale watching excursions, where you can witness gray whales, humpback whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat.
At the end of your adventure-filled days, unwind at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, where you’ll keep warm with:
- 100+ Fire Features: Find everything from private fire tables along the shore to an ocean-view outdoor fireplace adjacent to an infinity-edge spa.
- Sizzling Dining: Many of the resort’s dining destinations offer outdoor fireside seating, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
- Fireside Guest Rooms: Retreat to one of 72 rooms with a private fireside terrace, where you can sip a glass of wine, toast s’mores, and enjoy a colorful sunset.
- Red Hot Playlists: Snuggle up by the fire and listen to a bespoke easy-listening playlist created by Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach team members.
To round out your seaside adventure, explore the scenic coastline and hidden coves on an e-bike or hit the waves on an unforgettable surfing or snorkeling expedition.
