Beyond the Beach: Top Destinations Outside of Florida for Snowbirds

March 16, 2026 - Vacations - by Austin Fido

Doing a little snowbirding this winter? Whether you're snagging last-minute travel deals or planning an epic bucket list vacation, fleeing winter's chill is a great way to recharge. And while Florida's bright days and sandy shores are a tried and tested solution for beating those cold-weather blues, here are three alternative destinations for snowbirds looking beyond the beach this winter.

Best for culture and the arts

Santa Fe, New Mexico

New Mexico's desert-bound capital, Santa Fe, does cool down in the winter — average January lows can dip below freezing, and daily highs in midwinter are typically in the low-to-mid 40°F range. Welcome to the high desert, where you'll find a mix of low humidity and intense sunshine (Santa Fe gets an average of 300 sunny days a year) to take the edge off a wintry day.

Santa Fe is an arts and culture haven. Visit the 17th-century Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in continuous use in the USA, or take a walk through the 100 or so art galleries along Canyon Road. Check out the famous Santa Fe Farmers' Market for local fare and artisanal crafts, and stop by the world-class Georgia O'Keeffe Museum or immerse yourself in the unique installations at the Meow Wolf House of Eternal Return.

If you're looking for some more vigorous activity, there are abundant desert and mountain hiking trails to follow, and a ski resort less than 20 miles away from the city.

Plan your next getaway in one of the world’s top cultural cities

Best for golf and day trips

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is a beach resort in summer, but in winter it's a quiet retreat, perfect for windswept walks along the sand or scenic bike rides. It's generally too cold for swimming around Hilton Head in winter, but mild temperatures (ranging from around 60°F to 40°F) are ideal for golf or tennis.

It's also a great base for some of the highlights of the American South. Hilton Head Island is less than an hour's drive from the wetlands of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge and historic Savannah, Georgia. The art museums, historic homes, and fine restaurants of Charleston are just a two-hour drive north, and Tybee Island — one of Georgia's favorite seaside havens — sits to the south.

Explore all of our golf getaway deals , charming Charleston hotels, and top Savannah hotel deals

Best for nature lovers

Mission, Texas

A small town on the Texas border with Mexico, Mission has become a prized destination for bucket list travel deals in recent years, as it is increasingly recognized as one of the top snowbird destinations in the USA. 

Mission is home to the National Butterfly Center and the World Birding Center, in nearby Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. And from the Texas Butterfly Festival in November to the Texas Citrus Fiesta in January, and the Winter Texan Fiesta toward the end of the snowbird season, Mission has a string of events to entertain its ever-growing population of wintertime visitors and residents.

Abundant accommodation and a mild climate that tends to stick in the 70°F-50°F range throughout winter make Mission a popular option for last-minute travel packages.

Experience nature’s finest on an epic adventure getaway