Five Places to Spend Winter Break in the U.S.
- Danielle Dybiec
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
I've had some last minute winter break requests lately, so if you're looking for inspiration on where you can still go this winter, here are some fun ideas for a getaway right here in our own backyard.
Excerpt of 1/8/2025 Virtuoso article by Devorah Lev-Tov can be found here.
From ski trips to sunny escapes, these U.S. spots know how to keep families happy. For many families, a mid-winter school break is just around the corner, but there’s still plenty of time to plan a close-to-home vacation. From ski trips to sunshine-filled coasts to snowy cities, these five U.S. destinations are ideal for families with kids of any age.
San Diego, California
If sunny and 75 degrees is your preferred winter-break vibe, head to Southern California, where San Diego punches well above its weight when it comes to family-friendly attractions. Big-ticket stops include the San Diego Zoo, Legoland California, Sesame Place, Balboa Park’s Fleet Science Center and Museum of Us, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, and the New Children’s Museum, to name just a few. Soaking up nature is a must, whether it’s at the area’s beaches (try Moonlight Beach or Coronado Central Beach) or while exploring parks such as Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Don’t forget to wave (from a safe distance) to the sea lions and seals at La Jolla Cove, and for an extra-special experience, ask your Virtuoso advisor to arrange a private sandcastle-making lesson with a resident sculpture expert.
Where to Eat: Dodo Bird Donuts starts serving its breakfast treats at 7 a.m. Later in the day, visit the made-for-families Campfire, which specializes in fire-roasted entrees amid a fun, firepit-filled space. San Diego is known for its craft breweries, and Viewpoint Brewing Co. is one of the best for families. For dinner, try Cesarina for Italian or Harumama Noodles + Buns for animal-shaped Asian buns and noodle dishes, plus a nice sake list.
Where to Stay: The beachfront Hotel del Coronado dates to 1888, with 681 guest rooms and cottages spread across historic and modern wings. Rent beach cruisers for a neighborhood pedal, sign up for surfing lessons or a virtual-reality snorkeling experience, and end the day with a beach bonfire. Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily and a $100 dining credit.
Park City, Utah
At this alpine resort town a 45-minute drive east of Salt Lake City, skiing is winter’s main attraction. Deer Valley Resort’s ski school is well regarded, so parents can leave little ones in capable hands or drop off nonskiers ages 2 months to 12 years at the resort’s children’s center before heading out on a run. Hit the slopes with a local guide or an Olympic athlete, or ask your Virtuoso travel advisor to arrange even more exclusive experiences, such as first-tracks access or private mountain tours. Ski breaks come in the form of snowmobiling, or dogsledding or snowshoeing in Park City – and, of course, the après scene shines.
Where to Eat: For an on-mountain meal at Deer Valley, Fireside Dining is a favorite for its Alps-style food, while The Brass Tag specializes in casual Italian. In Park City (a five-minute drive from Deer Valley), the Stein Eriksen Lodge’s Glitretind offers a fine-dining option that’s still kid friendly, or try Sammy’s Bistro or Twisted Fern in town. Five5eeds makes a mean breakfast sandwich.
Where to Stay: The 174-room (and 81-residence) ski-in/ski-out Montage Deer Valley has its own on-site ski-rental outfitter, private snow-tubing area, pub with bowling and arcade games, and wonderful kids’ club. Suites and residences give families plenty of room to spread out (ask your Virtuoso advisor to request the in-room “camping experience”), and the spa invites parents to unwind. Through its recent partnership with Uppababy, Montage loans strollers and other baby gear, lightening parents’ packing load. Virtuoso travelers receive an upgrade (if available) at time of booking, breakfast daily, and a $100 resort credit.
Lake Oconee, Georgia
While a lake might seem like an odd choice, hear us out: Winter temperatures in this northeastern Georgia community reach the 60s, and the area is home to an array of chillier-weather pursuits. The 100 acres of the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds play host to a 20-station sporting clays course and an archery range. The area’s championship golf courses stay open year-round, and hiking trails surrounding the lake cater to all ages and skill levels. Travelers can head to historic downtown Greensboro to shop for souvenirs at Genuine Georgia or comb for unique finds at the Greensboro Antique Mall. Ripe Thing Market features fresh produce, locally prepared foods (such as jams and chocolate), and handmade crafts by area artisans. For a little cultural enrichment, make plans to visit the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art and the Greene County African American Museum.
Where to Eat: For a breakfast, check out Café 44 in Thomasville. Eating barbecue in Georgia is a requirement, and there are two great options by the lake: newcomer 5B BBQ & Brews and longtime favorite Holcomb’s Bar-B-Q. For lakefront dining, try Gaby’s by the Lake at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, and be sure to stop by the family-friendly Oconee Brewing Co., where there’s often live music and food trucks in addition to great pale-ale pours.
Where to Stay: The 251-room Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee features a kids’ club, four dining options, and an arcade and game room. Kids walk through their very own check-in process, where they receive treats and are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt. The resort’s six cottages come with fireplaces, wraparound patios, and extra room to spread out. Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily and a $100 hotel credit.
Washington, D.C.
Make winter break an educational (but fun!) affair with a trip to the nation’s capital. Start with the network of Smithsonian museums, which cater to outer space, nature, and history enthusiasts of all ages. There’s also the National Children’s Museum, the kid-favorite International Spy Museum and the Mansion on O Street, an immersive space full of trapdoors and secret passageways. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden hosts an ice rink in its garden every winter, and if it’s not too cold, families can stroll the National Mall to see the monuments and memorials. Ask your advisor to reserve tickets for the elevator to the top of the Washington Monument.
Where to Eat: At Seylou Bakery, bakers mill whole grains on-site to make the flour used in their beloved breads and pastries. Family-welcoming brunch and lunch spots include Founding Farmers, Ted’s Bulletin, and the historic Old Ebbitt Grill. For dinner, try the new Indian restaurant Daru, Italian hot spot Grazie Nonna, or Comet Ping Pong, which, yes, has Ping-Pong tables, plus solid pizza options and a firepit on the back patio.
Where to Stay: Staff at the 172-room St. Regis Washington, D.C. gift little ones with animal-shaped lollipops at check-in, which sets the stage for a successful stay at the opulent property near the White House and National Mall. Take advantage of the hotel’s butler service and house cars, which whisk guests anywhere within a two-mile radius. Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily and a $100 dining credit.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe offers the best of both worlds: a ski break and a city adventure. To hit the slopes, head to Ski Santa Fe right outside the city, which has a ski school for kids ages 4 to 10. Santa Fe-proper highlights include the immersive art adventure Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return, the small-but-mighty Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the Santa Fe Children’s Museum, and the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. For a little adventure, book seats on Sky Railway, a painted train that travels between Santa Fe and the town of Lamy while riders enjoy entertainers, music, and snacks. The railway’s Santa Fe depot is located in the Railyard, which has become one of the city’s most exciting creative, shopping, and dining hubs, and is home to the excellent Santa Fe Farmers’ Market on the weekends.
Where to Eat: Grab one (or three) of New Mexico’s famous breakfast burritos at Tia Sophia’s or Dolina Cafe & Bakery. The Shed is another Santa Fe classic with a slew of traditional New Mexican dishes from enchiladas to posole, while downtown institution Café Pasqual’s has been serving Mexican and New Mexican fare since 1979.
Where to Stay: The 65-room Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, a 15-minute drive north of downtown Santa Fe, is home to an on-site adventure center whose team can assist with ski lessons, snowshoeing excursions, and other winter-adventure arrangements. There’s a heated outdoor pool and a hot tub, and a spa for grown-ups. Virtuoso travel advisors receive breakfast daily and a $100 resort credit.
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