Whether you’re looking to escape the cold, immerse yourself in a white wonderland, or do some seaside storm watching, there are many destinations to consider for a winter weekend getaway. Of course, with so many options across the U.S., you’ll want a destination that’s relatively easy to reach to make the most of the time you have.
To help you with your planning, this guide is organized by major cities, with weekend destinations within a few hours’ drive of each. For every destination we also name a place to stay where the room has its own hot tub or jetted tub, and we name the room type that has it, because at most of these places only some rooms do. We checked the rooms, drive times and winter events again in October 2026.
Ready to get inspired for your winter weekend getaway? Let’s go!
Key Takeaways
- Every destination is a drive, not a flight, from a major city. Cannon Beach is about 80 miles from Portland, Galveston is about an hour from Houston, and Woodstock is about two and a half hours from Boston.
- Another destination is Estes Park (a 90-minute drive from Denver), a mountain town known for the historic Stanley Hotel, where a one-night stay in 1974 gave Stephen King the idea for The Shining.
- The range is wider than most winter guides. Cannon Beach is for storm watching and gray whale migration. Sedona is desert hiking and hot-air balloons at sunrise. Leavenworth is a full Bavarian village.
- Each destination includes a recommended stay where you can book a room with its own hot tub or jetted tub, close to where the winter activities take place (for Woodstock, a 30 to 40 minute drive away in Killington). We name the room type to ask for.
The 14 getaways at a glance
| Destination | From | Drive | Best for | Where we would stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bear Lake, CA | Los Angeles | 2 to 3 hours | Skiing and snow play | Chateau Big Bear |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA | San Francisco | about 2 hours | A mild coastal weekend | Horizon Inn & Ocean View Lodge |
| Cannon Beach, OR | Portland | about 1.5 hours | Storm watching, whales | Stephanie Inn |
| Leavenworth, WA | Seattle | about 2.5 hours | Holiday lights, snow | Hotel Pension Anna |
| Sedona, AZ | Phoenix | about 2 hours | Red rock hikes, dark skies | Creekside Inn Sedona |
| Estes Park, CO | Denver | about 1.5 hours | Rocky Mountain National Park | Murphy’s River Lodge |
| Galveston, TX | Houston | about 1 hour | Quiet winter beaches | The San Luis Resort |
| Lake Geneva, WI | Chicago | 1.5 to 2 hours | Snow sculptures, skiing | Timber Ridge Lodge |
| Hocking Hills, OH | Columbus | about 1 hour | Frozen waterfalls, cabins | Elk cabin |
| Helen, GA | Atlanta | about 1 hour 40 minutes | Alpine village, waterfalls | Walk to Helen cabin |
| Asheville, NC | Charlotte | 2 to 2.5 hours | Christmas at Biltmore | Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds |
| Chattanooga, TN | Nashville | about 2 hours 15 minutes | Holiday trains, river views | DoubleTree Chattanooga Downtown |
| Windham, NY | New York City | 2.5 to 3 hours | Skiing in the Catskills | Albergo Allegria |
| Woodstock, VT | Boston | about 2.5 hours | Classic New England village | Snowed Inn, Killington |
Los Angeles, California
Big Bear Lake
Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, about 100 miles from Los Angeles (two to three hours by car, depending on traffic and the mountain roads), the town of Big Bear Lake turns into a snowy mountain town in winter. Set on the banks of its namesake lake, outdoor adventures are popular year-round, but many come for its ski resorts in the winter. Skiing and boarding are both popular at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, but there are other winter activities, like snow tubing at Grizzly Ridge Tube Park at Snow Summit.
The lively après scene includes bars hosting live music, casual brew pubs, and restaurants both on the mountain and in The Village, the downtown hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Santa and Mrs. Claus open the season at the Village tree lighting on the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 27 in 2026), so it’s a fun weekend to bring the kids.
Recommended stay: Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel, BW Signature Collection is half a mile from Snow Summit and less than two miles from Bear Mountain and The Village. Book the King Bed with Fireplace, Balcony & Jetted Tub. Guests must be 18 or older to check in.
Big Bear Lake: A snowy mountain escape with skiing, tubing, and alpine village vibes.
San Francisco, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea
While there won’t be any snow in Carmel-by-the-Sea, on Carmel Bay just south of Monterey, it’s the perfect romantic getaway from San Francisco in the winter. About two hours’ drive south, it’s sweatshirt weather now, ideal for listening to the waves crash onto the rocks while you cozy up together on the sand. Wood fires aren’t allowed on Carmel Beach anymore, but you can bring a propane fire pit to the stretch south of 10th Avenue.
The fairytale-inspired downtown area is fun to wander with many upscale boutiques, art galleries, and tasting venues for sampling local and regional wines. Nine blocks south is Mission Ranch, the former ranch that actor Clint Eastwood bought in 1986 to save it from being developed into condominiums. Its rooms don’t have jetted tubs, but the restaurant serves dinner nightly and is worth the walk.
Recommended stay: Horizon Inn & Ocean View Lodge is within walking distance of Carmel Beach. In the Lodge, the room type called “King Cottage Suite, Jacuzzi Fireplace” has a Jacuzzi tub and a wood-burning fireplace, and the Junior Suites in the Horizon Inn building also have a Jacuzzi tub. Other room types don’t, so book one of those by name.
Carmel-by-the-Sea: A coastal escape with fairytale charm, ocean views, and peaceful winter moments.
Portland, Oregon
Cannon Beach
About 80 miles west of Portland, Cannon Beach is another one of my favorite destinations for a romantic retreat. Miles of walkable sand stretch north and south from the downtown area, popular for tranquil strolls, beachcombing, and storm watching. It’s home to iconic Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack featured in the cult hit film “The Goonies,” which makes for a great photo op. At low tide you can see marine creatures in the tidepools around it. Winter is the time to watch for gray whales migrating south, with mid-December to mid-January the peak of the season. Oregon State Parks volunteers help visitors spot them along the coast during Winter Whale Watch Week, held December 27 to 31 in recent years. If you come back in spring or summer, look for the tufted puffins that nest on Haystack Rock from April.
In the downtown area, you’ll find a wide range of local art galleries, shops, restaurants, a community theater, and the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum. There are more stays along the shore on our Oregon coast list.
Recommended stay: The oceanfront Stephanie Inn, where every room has a jetted tub and a gas fireplace. Children 11 and under can’t stay, and the guest checking in must be 21.
Cannon Beach: A storm-watching haven with long winter beaches, Haystack Rock views, and quiet seaside charm.
Seattle, Washington
Leavenworth
Living in the Seattle area, I spent quite a few weekends in the Bavarian village of Leavenworth, about two and a half hours away over Stevens Pass. Traveling over the Cascade Mountains, with the scenery looking like a virtual snow globe, made winter my favorite season for a visit. The village lies just east with the towering, jagged peaks rising behind it. The village lights stay on every day from Thanksgiving through the end of February, and during Christmastown (November 27 to December 24 in 2026) you’ll see Santa, Mrs. Claus and friends at the gazebo on weekends, carolers strolling downtown on December evenings, and food stalls in Front Street Park.
If you’re looking for activities in the snow, the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club runs a tubing hill and rope-tow skiing at its Ski Hill and grooms Nordic trails around the valley. Horse-drawn sleigh rides and guided snowmobile tours are popular too. If you drive over in winter, carry chains or traction tires, because Stevens Pass can require them.
Recommended stay: Hotel Pension Anna is in the village, steps off Front Street. The Herzog Suite and the Ottman Suite each have a two-person Jacuzzi and are for adults only. Book direct or call to ask for those suites by name, since booking sites use different room names.
Leavenworth: A Bavarian-style mountain village glowing with lights, snow, and festive winter charm.
Phoenix, Arizona
Sedona
Only a two-hour drive north of Phoenix, Sedona’s famous red rocks are best experienced in winter. The crowds are few, the skies are often bright blue, and there may be a dusting of snow on the red rocks. Imagine starting your day by floating above the red rocks on a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise (flights run year-round, weather permitting) and ending it under a sky full of stars: Sedona was named an International Dark Sky Community in 2014, only the eighth in the world at the time. In between, you might hike the scenic trails for views of red rock formations like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock.
These iconic monoliths, along with Airport Mesa and Boynton Canyon, are also famous vortex sites, areas of concentrated, swirling energy called vortexes, said to enhance healing and meditation practices. They’ve helped make Sedona a “New Age Capital,” with many venues for energy healing sessions and shops selling items like healing stones and crystals.
Recommended stay: Creekside Inn Sedona is an adults-only inn on Oak Creek, about a 10-minute walk from Tlaquepaque. Its five suites each have a jetted tub and a fireplace.
Sedona: Red rock scenery, quiet trails, and crisp winter desert views.
Denver, Colorado
Estes Park
Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, located near its eastern entrance, about a 90-minute drive from Denver. This charming mountain town is surrounded by dramatic peaks that are blanketed in snow during the winter. It’s filled with shops selling quintessential Rocky Mountain-style items while the famous Stanley Hotel looms in the distance. Stephen King stayed there for one night in 1974, and the visit gave him the idea for his novel “The Shining.” It’s worth visiting the hotel just to view the opulent interior, and you can stay for dinner at MacGregor Chop House, one of its restaurants.
Snowshoeing in the national park, sledding at Hidden Valley (the only place in the park where it’s allowed), and ice skating at the YMCA of the Rockies rink (usually early December to early February, weather permitting; non-guests need a day pass) are a few of the popular winter activities. Wildlife watching is good all year, and with around 3,000 elk living in the park and around Estes Park, some even wander right through town.
Recommended stay: Murphy’s River Lodge is two blocks from downtown, on the banks of the Fall River. The King River Room with Garden Tub has a corner jetted tub and a private deck by the river. The King River Room with Fireplace has a fireplace and a river deck but a standard tub, so pick the one that matters more to you. Every room must have a guest who is 21 or older.
Estes Park: A snowy gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park with frozen peaks, wildlife sightings, and classic winter mountain scenery.
Houston, Texas
Galveston
About an hour from Houston, Galveston is ideal for a winter weekend getaway at the beach, with 32 miles of shoreline and mild temperatures, with average highs in the 60s. While it’s often jam-packed for spring break and summer vacations, this is the season for quiet beach walks, collecting shells, fishing, and birdwatching without the crowds. There’s no elbowing through others to see the art and artifacts from Texas and the American West at the Bryan Museum either (it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
A visit to the Galveston Railroad Museum is popular year-round, and during the holidays you can ride THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride (November 13 to December 23 in 2026; book early, it often sells out). Visiting Moody Gardens during the season is a must for Holiday in the Gardens, with a mile-long lights trail, an outdoor ice rink and ICE LAND, running until January 2, 2027.
Recommended stay: The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center on the Seawall. The private hot tubs are in The Villas only: five suites, each with its own hot tub on a private veranda and a pool just for villa guests. The resort’s other rooms and suites don’t have one.
Galveston: Mild winter beaches, quiet shoreline walks, and easy seaside exploring near Houston.
Chicago, Illinois
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
When snow blankets the town of Lake Geneva, about 90 minutes northwest of Chicago, it brings the opportunity for skiing and snowboarding, racing down tubing hills, and gliding across ice rinks. The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva has 21 runs right in town, and Wilmot Mountain, with its snow tubing, is about 17 miles away. There are also trails winding through tranquil landscapes for snowshoeing, and frozen lakes popular for ice fishing when the ice is safe. Downtown comes alive during the holidays with decorated shop windows, colorful lights, and the Electric Christmas Parade (December 5 in 2026). Winterfest, a free five-day event in early February, is worth planning a visit around: it hosts America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational, with teams carving huge blocks of snow along the lakefront.
At Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, the holiday program includes Brunch with Santa on weekends through December 20 in 2026 and the option to have a fully decorated Christmas tree waiting in your room (a paid add-on, booked ahead).
Recommended stay: Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark is on the Grand Geneva grounds, and every one of its one- and two-bedroom suites has a whirlpool bath. It has its own indoor waterpark, which makes it a good pick for families.
Lake Geneva: A winter retreat with skiing, tubing hills, frozen-lake activities, and festive downtown lights.
Columbus, Ohio
Hocking Hills
An hour’s drive from Columbus, and you can be in Hocking Hills, a region in southeastern Ohio spanning several towns with state parks and nature reserves. It’s a popular winter getaway for exploring snowy trails, and in a cold spell the waterfalls at Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave can freeze into columns and curtains of ice. The annual Winter Hike, about six miles from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave, is on January 16, 2027. Quiet winter trails like the one at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve are good for spotting wildlife. When you want to head indoors, Hocking Hills Winery has wine flights and charcuterie boards (it’s closed on Tuesdays). With many cabin rentals, it’s easy to find the perfect cozy spot to return to after a day of play.
Recommended stay: The Elk cabin in South Bloomingville has its own hot tub on the wrap-around deck and a wood-burning fireplace, and it’s about a six-minute drive to Hocking Hills State Park and Old Man’s Cave. The guest renting it must be 21.
Hocking Hills: Snowy trails, frozen waterfalls, ice formations, winter birdwatching, and cozy cabin stays.
Atlanta, Georgia
Helen
Helen is a unique Bavarian village-style alpine town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, about an hour and 40-minute drive from Atlanta. Here you can stroll cobbled streets lined with colorfully painted wooden homes, chateaus, and specialty shops selling handcrafted items. Helen was a fading logging town until local merchants began remodeling their storefronts in Alpine style in 1969, and the town’s zoning still requires the look on every building, even the chain stores.
In the surrounding area, admire the waterfalls, including Anna Ruby Falls, twin waterfalls that drop 153 and 50 feet at the end of a short paved trail. For big thrills, ride the Georgia Mountain Coaster, where each two-seat cart reaches up to 25 mph and has its own brake. During the holidays, whiz down while gazing out at the Christmas lights on the surrounding hills.
Recommended stay: The Walk to Helen cabin has a private hot tub, a fire pit and arcade games, and you can walk into town from it. The guest renting it must be 25. There are more on our list of Helen cabins with a hot tub.
Helen, Georgia: A Bavarian-style mountain town with cobbled streets, waterfall hikes, and winter coaster rides.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Asheville
Experience a mix of downtown charms, snowy mountain activities, and the grandeur of Biltmore Estate just over two hours from Charlotte in Asheville. If you’re here during the holidays, downtown will be at its best with spectacular decor and twinkling lights draped across galleries, shops, craft breweries, cafes, and restaurants.
Nearby, Biltmore Estate goes all out for Christmas, with ornaments, garlands and wreaths throughout the house. Christmas at Biltmore runs November 3, 2026 through January 10, 2027, and on Candlelight Christmas Evenings you tour the house by candlelight and firelight with live music; the estate’s restaurants serve seasonal dinners you book separately. Throughout the season, you can ski at Hatley Pointe (the former Wolf Ridge) and Cataloochee Ski Area, or go snow tubing at Moonshine Mountain near Hendersonville.
Recommended stay: Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds is inside the Asheville city limits, next to the Blue Ridge Parkway and 3.5 miles from Biltmore Estate. All 25 of its one- to three-bedroom cabins have a private hot tub.
Asheville: Blue Ridge views, winter trails, and the holiday grandeur of Biltmore Estate.
Nashville, Tennessee
Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, a little over two hours’ drive from Nashville (and an hour later on the clock, since Chattanooga is on Eastern time), you can take a walk on Lookout Mountain’s Bluff Trail for views of the valley that open up once the leaves are down, or hike to waterfalls and scenic overlooks. In town, stroll the Tennessee Riverwalk, browse the art galleries of the Bluff View Art District, or take one of the holiday train rides at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, like the adults-only Nightcap With St. Nick (through December 23 in 2026) or the Holiday Christmas Lights Train after Christmas (December 26 to January 10). Ice on the Landing, an outdoor rink, is usually open late November through January, and there are also horse-drawn carriage rides from the Tennessee Aquarium and holiday cruises on the Southern Belle riverboat.
Recommended stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown is downtown, about 0.2 miles from the Bluff View Art District and the Hunter Museum. Its king whirlpool suite has a jetted tub in the bathroom. The guest checking in must be 21.
Chattanooga: Scenic mountain trails, riverfront walks, holiday train rides, and winter views around Lookout Mountain.
New York, New York
Windham
About 130 miles from New York City (two and a half to three hours by car) in the Great Northern Catskills, Windham is a great place for activities centered around Windham Mountain Club or Hunter Mountain, about 15 minutes away, including skiing, boarding, and tubing. Windham Mountain Club still sells lift tickets to non-members, but check dates and availability before you go. Snowshoeing and Nordic skiing are also popular for exploring peaceful, snow-blanketed landscapes. Waterfalls can be admired too, including Kaaterskill Falls and Artist Falls in nearby Round Top. In winter the trails get icy and the frozen falls can shed ice, so wear microspikes and keep your distance.
The Historic Main Street in Windham is lined with independent shops and eateries.
Recommended stay: Albergo Allegria is a small inn about 1.5 miles from Windham Mountain Club. Room 17, in the carriage house behind the inn, has a whirlpool for two and an electric fireplace. The inn has other rooms with a whirlpool too, so ask which ones when you book. At The Haüs Windham, a three-minute drive from the lifts, the Duplex King with Kitchenette and the Presidential Duplex Suite each have a marble Jacuzzi tub. Booking sites don’t use those names, so confirm with the hotel that your unit has the tub before you pay.
Windham: Winter terrain for skiing, snowshoeing, and peaceful cold-season views.
Boston, Massachusetts
Woodstock, Vermont
The quintessential New England experience can be found in Woodstock, with its white-steepled churches, covered bridges, and snow-capped mountains. About two and a half hours’ drive from Boston, this historic town is magical in the winter, whether you want to cozy up by the warmth of a fire while watching the snowflakes fall out your window, take part in outdoor adventures, or do a little of both. Horse-drawn sleigh rides at Billings Farm & Museum on winter weekends, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing at Saskadena Six (the ski area once called Suicide Six) are just a few of the ways to get outside. The downtown area has many shops and restaurants, including F.H. Gillingham & Sons, a family-run general store since 1886, and Wassail Weekend (December 11 to 13 in 2026) fills the village with holiday events.
The historic Woodstock Inn & Resort on the village green is worth a look, but its rooms don’t have jetted tubs.
Recommended stay: Snowed Inn is about 20 miles west of Woodstock in Killington (30 to 40 minutes by car), 1.5 miles from the base of Killington Resort. The Sage King has a Jacuzzi, a fireplace and a balcony, and the Ottaquechee, Barre Granite and Bigtooth Aspen king rooms also have a Jacuzzi, so you can ski Killington one day and spend the next in Woodstock.
Woodstock, VT: A classic New England village with snowy streets, historic homes, and cozy winter charm.
Before you book a winter weekend
- Check the roads, not just the weather. Mountain highways to Big Bear and over Stevens Pass to Leavenworth can require chains or traction tires, Catskills roads get icy, and a two-hour drive can take much longer on a snowy Friday evening.
- Book the room type, not just the hotel. At most of the places above only some rooms have the tub. Book the room we name by its name, and if the booking site uses a different name, ask the hotel before you pay. Our guide on how to verify an in-room hot tub before you book shows what to look for.
- Check age rules. Several of these stays are adults only or need the guest checking in to be 21, and cabin rentals often set their own minimum age.
- Look up event dates again. Holiday trains, light shows and winter festivals sell out, and their dates change each year. The dates above are the ones published in October 2026.
FAQs
Which of these winter getaways are warm?
Galveston and Carmel-by-the-Sea are the mildest, with winter highs in the 60s in Galveston and sweatshirt weather in Carmel. Sedona has sunny days and cold nights, with the occasional dusting of snow on the red rocks.
Which ones are best for skiing?
Big Bear Lake, Windham and Killington (near Woodstock) have full ski areas a few minutes from the stays we name. Lake Geneva has The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva, Asheville has Hatley Pointe and Cataloochee within driving distance, and Leavenworth has a small rope-tow ski hill and Nordic trails.
Is a hot tub on a deck safe to use when it’s freezing?
Yes, with care. Clear ice and snow off the steps first, keep a robe, towel and dry shoes within reach, and don’t stay in longer than usual just because the air is cold. Drink water, skip the alcohol, and step out carefully, because wet feet on a frozen deck are slippery. Our hot tub safety guide has the details.
Do all rooms at these hotels have a tub?
No. At the Stephanie Inn, Creekside Inn, Timber Ridge and Willow Winds every room or suite has one; at the other hotels only the rooms we name do. Book that room type by name, and if you’re unsure, ask the hotel before you pay.