The Best U.S. Cities To Escape The Snow

If the cold, snowy, and cloudy weather is your worst nightmare, and it makes you depressed and miserable, there is no need to fret; opportunities to escape the torturous weather are closer than you may think. Some cities like Miami and San Diego are best known for their sunshine and beaches, while other cities like Tucson and Las Vegas are well-known for their abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities.

This beautiful city is famous for its gorgeous beaches, bustling nightlife, delicious foods, and most importantly, its year-round incredible weather. According to TripAdvisor, Miami encompasses the warmest ocean temperature in the United States mainland, which makes it the perfect spot for a beach vacation all year long. The average temperature in the winter ranges from 70-75 degrees F.

Low humidity, sunshine, clear blue skies and warm temperatures, are some of the many things you have to look forward to in Palm Springs. This city gets 350 days of sunshine a year and its average winter temperature is around 60 degrees F. According to a U.S. News Editors Analysis, the best time to visit this destination is between January and April – the weather is the most hospitable.

Escape the snow and head to Maui, a beautiful destination that offers a laid back atmosphere and tons of adventure opportunities. During this time of the year the ocean temperature is approximately 75 degrees F and the air temperate averages between 65-80 degrees F, according to mauiinformationguide.com. Some of the most adventurous things to do in Maui include surfing, cliff jumping, zip lining, and scuba diving.

The average yearly snowfall in Tucson is 0.3 inches, according to currentresults.com. The city boasts perfect environmental conditions for outdoor recreational activities – golfing, horseback riding, and hiking, to name a few. Bonus: If you can't leave your dog at home, you're in luck; Tucson is one of the best cities for dogs and their owners. You will find approximately 70 pet-friendly hotels and motels to choose from.

Gorgeous weather, beautiful beaches and incredible attractions make Myrtle Beach one of the top family travel destinations in the U.S. Take the kids to the Brookgreen Zoo, Ripley's Aquarium and the WonderWorks museum. For some water fun, plan a day at the Myrtle Beach waterpark, and experience Ocean Watersports; go parasailing, jet skiing, or spike your adrenaline on a banana boat adventure. After, hop on the SkyWheel and capture views of Myrtle Beach from its highest point; and when you get hungry head to The Chemist for delicious modern cuisine and flavorful craft cocktails.

Embark on adventures, soak up the sun on some of the best beaches in Florida, or simply relax at a spa, in Key West. Average high temperatures during the winter are around 75 degrees F, and average lows are around 70 degrees F. Take full advantage of their watersport opportunities; go scuba diving with living coral, snorkeling among vibrant marine species, and kayaking on calm waters.

Tourists love to flock to Las Vegas during the winter months; the weather it at its best with temperatures averaging a high of 58-63 degrees F, compared to averages of 100 degrees F in the summer. This is the best time of the year to embark on a hike or explore a national park without having to worry about getting a heatstroke. While you are there check out some free things to do, some of which include watching the Bellagio Fountains and visiting the Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel.

Eliminate snowfall altogether by visiting one of the few places in the U.S. that doesn't receive any snowfall annually – San Diego. If you're on a budget, there is no need to fret because winter is the best time to visit without having to worry about breaking the bank. Surfing there is on the great American bucket list. You can find hotels for under $100 per night (usually at their lowest this time of year). Flights from New York go for about $300 round trip.

New Orleans doesn't receive any snowfall annually, which makes it one of the best destinations to escape the snow. New Orleans is a destination unlike any other, steeped in history, famous fare and good times. Best known for Mardi Gras, the city has earned a wild reputation, and Bourbon Street is always worth a stroll, but there's more to the city than a stretch of bars. Visit the historic French Quarter, tour the Garden District and take one of their amazing ghost tours that winds through bars, alleyways, and cemeteries.

If you're looking to escape the snow for a weekend, but you don't want to put a huge dent in your bank account then Phoenix is the perfect destination for you. Phoenix gets more than 300 sunny days a year. The best way to travel is by METRO Light Rail; it only costs $3.50 for an all-day pass. You can save money on a hotel by camping and spend your day hiking for free along the Echo Canyon trails.

The Alabama Gulf Coast offers something for everyone. Tourists and locals enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing and skim boarding on the beaches. Fishing is big there, too. Charter fleets leave every day. The Gulf Shores has a lot of wildlife and nature trails. When you need a break from those sugar-white clear sandy beaches, go on a zip line course over the waters of Lake Shelby. Imagine the view! As for nightlife –there is always something happening.

Leave the cold weather behind and take your family to Honolulu, the ultimate paradise. Try a new water sport, go scuba diving and snorkeling. Have some fun in the sun at Waikiki beach, take pictures by the beautiful Manoa Falls and walk the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. Then take a private tour, visit the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and learn more about history at the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Diamond Head State Monument and the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Compared to the other cities on this list Birmingham is a bit colder and it actually receives 1.6 inches of snowfall annually, according to currentresults.com. But that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of fun things to do. Listen to live music, visit historic sites, eat delicious food and embark on new adventures. Tourists and locals love visiting the Birmingham Zoo, the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park and the McWane Science Center.

January may be the coldest month of the year, but you will not see any snow. You can enjoy Houston without the harsh temperatures the summer brings. There are tons of winter events to attend; visit in time for the Chili Quest & Beer Fest on Jan. 16; participate in the Chevron Huston Marathon on Jan. 18; and make sure you head to Historic Downtown Galveston from Feb. 6-17 for Mardi Gras Galveston.