While snowflakes fall and winter winds howl across much of the United States, a secret awaits in the country’s southern reaches: sun-soaked trails, desert splendor, and tropical beaches in some of the most spectacular national parks.
Forget hibernating until spring – these warm-weather havens offer the perfect escape from winter’s chill, with the added bonus of smaller crowds and more wildlife sightings than peak summer season.
From the turquoise waters of the Virgin Islands to the sun-baked dunes of Death Valley, these parks transform the winter months from a time of retreat into an opportunity for adventure.
Whether you’re seeking refuge from northern temperatures or simply yearning to explore these natural wonders in their most comfortable season, these ten national parks offer the perfect winter retreat.
Let’s check them out.
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1. Everglades National Park, Florida
- Average Winter Temperature: 65-77°F
- Peak Season: December to April
- Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Why Visit in Winter
Winter brings the dry season to the Everglades, creating ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. Lower humidity and fewer mosquitoes make exploring much more comfortable than during the sweltering summer months.
Must-Do Activities
- Take an airboat tour through the River of Grass from either Shark Valley or Gulf Coast visitor centers
- Walk the Anhinga Trail (0.8 miles) for guaranteed alligator sightings
- Paddle the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway for an epic camping adventure
- Join a ranger-led slough slog to wade through crystal-clear sawgrass marshes
Where to Stay
- Flamingo Campground – Reserved camping with full facilities
- Long Pine Key Campground – First-come, first-served camping
- Multiple hotels available in nearby Homestead or Florida City
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2. Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
- Average Winter Temperature: 65-75°F
- Peak Season: November to March
- Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Why Visit in Winter
Winter transforms Death Valley from an inhospitable furnace into a pleasant desert paradise. The comfortable temperatures make it possible to fully explore the park’s diverse landscapes without risk of heat exhaustion.
Must-Do Activities
- Photograph the sunrise at Zabriskie Point
- Visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America (-282 feet)
- Hike the Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral (3 miles round trip)
- Drive through Artist’s Drive to see the colorful mineral deposits
- Explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes during golden hour
Where to Stay
- The Inn at Death Valley (luxury option)
- Ranch at Death Valley (moderate option)
- Furnace Creek Campground (reserved camping)
- Multiple primitive camping options
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3. Joshua Tree National Park, California
- Average Winter Temperature: 60-70°F
- Peak Season: October to May
- Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Why Visit in Winter
Perfect climbing weather and clear skies make winter the ideal time to explore Joshua Tree. The moderate temperatures allow for all-day adventures without the scorching heat of summer.
Must-Do Activities
- Rock climbing at Hidden Valley (all skill levels welcome)
- Hike Ryan Mountain (3 miles round trip) for panoramic views
- Visit the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise
- Take a night photography workshop
- Explore the Keys Ranch on a guided tour
Where to Stay
- Joshua Tree Inn (outside the park)
- Hidden Valley Campground (first-come, first-served)
- Black Rock Campground (reserved camping)
- Numerous vacation rentals in Joshua Tree town
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4. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
- Average Winter Temperature: 65-75°F
- Peak Season: November to March
- Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Why Visit in Winter
The mild temperatures make hiking and biking through the Sonoran Desert a joy rather than a challenge. Winter rains can bring desert wildflowers as early as February.
Must-Do Activities
- Hike the Valley View Overlook Trail (0.8 miles)
- Drive the Bajada Loop Drive
- Visit the Desert Museum
- Bike the Cactus Forest Loop Drive (8 miles)
- Watch sunset from Gates Pass
Where to Stay
- No lodging within the park
- Multiple camping options in nearby Tucson Mountain Park
- Hotels available in Tucson
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5. Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Average Winter Temperature: 75-85°F
- Peak Season: December to March
- Entrance Fee: $5 per person
Why Visit in Winter
Perfect Caribbean weather with low humidity and calm seas makes this the ideal time for beach activities and water sports. Winter also offers the clearest water for snorkeling.
Must-Do Activities
- Snorkel at Trunk Bay’s underwater trail
- Hike the Reef Bay Trail (4.4 miles)
- Visit the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins
- Take a sailing trip to surrounding cays
- Beach hop along North Shore Road
Where to Stay
- Cinnamon Bay Campground
- Multiple resorts and vacation rentals in Cruz Bay
- Caneel Bay area accommodations
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6. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
- Average Winter Temperature: 70-80°F
- Peak Season: December to March
- Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Why Visit in Winter
Winter brings slightly cooler temperatures and the chance of seeing humpback whales from the coast. Evening visits to active lava flows are particularly spectacular in winter’s early darkness.
Must-Do Activities
- Walk through Thurston Lava Tube
- Hike the Kilauea Iki Trail (4 miles)
- Drive the Chain of Craters Road
- Visit the Jaggar Museum
- Take a night tour to see the volcano’s glow
Where to Stay
- Volcano House (inside the park)
- Namakanipaio Campground
- Multiple B&Bs in Volcano Village
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7. Channel Islands National Park, California
- Average Winter Temperature: 60-70°F
- Peak Season: December to March
- Entrance Fee: Free (boat transportation fee applies)
Why Visit in Winter
Winter brings migrating gray whales, clear days perfect for photography, and the start of the wildflower season. Island foxes are also more active in cooler weather.
Must-Do Activities
- Kayak the sea caves of Santa Cruz Island
- Hike to Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island
- Watch for whales from the Cavern Point Loop
- Snorkel at Landing Cove
- Camp under the stars at Scorpion Canyon
Where to Stay
- Primitive camping on all five islands
- Hotels available in Ventura or Santa Barbara
8. Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Average Winter Temperature: 60-70°F
- Peak Season: November to April
- Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Why Visit in Winter
The mild temperatures make desert hiking pleasant, and clear skies offer excellent stargazing opportunities. Winter also brings more birds to the Rio Grande corridor.
Must-Do Activities
- Hike the South Rim Trail (12-15 miles)
- Soak in the Hot Springs Historic District
- Take a river trip through Santa Elena Canyon
- Drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
- Stargaze at one of the darkest places in the continental U.S.
Where to Stay
- Chisos Mountains Lodge
- Rio Grande Village Campground
- Chisos Basin Campground
- Multiple primitive camping sites
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9. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
- Average Winter Temperature: 70-80°F
- Peak Season: December to April
- Entrance Fee: $15 per person
Why Visit in Winter
Perfect weather for snorkeling and exploring Fort Jefferson, with calm seas making the ferry ride more enjoyable. Winter also brings migrating birds to the islands.
Must-Do Activities
- Tour historic Fort Jefferson
- Snorkel the coral reefs around Garden Key
- Bird watch at Bush Key
- Camp under the stars
- Take a seaplane tour from Key West
Where to Stay
- Primitive camping on Garden Key
- Hotels available in Key West
10. Biscayne National Park, Florida
- Average Winter Temperature: 65-75°F
- Peak Season: December to April
- Entrance Fee: Free
Why Visit in Winter
Clear waters and perfect conditions for water activities, with less chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Winter also brings many migrating birds to the park.
Must-Do Activities
- Take a glass-bottom boat tour
- Snorkel at Maritime Heritage Trail
- Paddle the mangrove trails
- Visit Elliott Key
- Join a ranger-led eco-adventure
Where to Stay
- Camping on Elliott Key or Boca Chita Key
- Hotels available in Homestead or Miami
Planning Your Winter Park Visit
Here are some useful tips to consider when planning your visit.
General Tips
- Reservations: Book accommodations 6-12 months in advance for winter visits
- Transportation: Many of these parks require a car for access
- Weather: While generally warm, weather can be variable – pack layers
- Crowds: Visit midweek when possible to avoid peak crowds
- Water: Always carry plenty of water, even in winter
What to Pack
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Light hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes
- Quick-dry clothing
- Swimming gear for water activities
- Camera and binoculars
- Basic first aid kit
- Park maps and guides
Best Time to Book
- For winter visits (December-February), book accommodations by June
- Flight deals are often best 3-4 months before travel
- Some campgrounds are first-come, first-served even in winter
Accessibility
- Most visitor centers and main viewpoints are wheelchair accessible
- Check park websites for detailed accessibility guides
- Many parks offer special access passes for visitors with disabilities
Conclusion
Remember that each park has its own unique characteristics and challenges.
Always check the official National Park Service website for current conditions, alerts, and specific guidelines before your visit.
Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit multiple parks within a year.
