Though Sedona is a small city, there’s no shortage of attractions and entertainment here, making it one of the best hidden vacation spots in the US. It’s also a wonderful place for active travelers who love the great outdoors. In fact, Sedona is famous for its gorgeous red rock landscapes, canyons, scenic vistas, and unique wildlife.

How to get there: 2 hours by car from Phoenix, AZ

Why visit in the winter: It’s no secret that Sedona is one of the best outdoor winter vacation spots in the US. Its mild winter climate makes hiking an ideal activity, not to mention that the best hotel rates are in January and February, when the crowds have gone home.

Weather in January: The average high in Sedona in January is 56°F (13°C) and the average low is 31°F (0°C). The average monthly precipitation is 2.09 inches; either falling as snow or rain. Be prepared for winter conditions on trail by bringing extra layers, plenty of water, and snacks.

Drawbacks of visiting in January: The biggest drawback to a January visit is the wintery weather. Since Sedona sits at an elevation of 4,350 feet, temperatures can hover around freezing and if you’re in the mountains you may encounter snowy trails.

Link to learn more about the town.

Sedona is famous for its scenic canyon walls and red-rock buttes. Be sure to get out and explore some.

Hiking. There are many breathtaking trails that follow rivers, go deep into wilderness, and lead to amazing views. And temperatures are perfect for elevating your heart rate outside. Be sure to plan ahead though; trails often fill up and you may have to wait in line for a permit or entrance to your park of choice.

You can also enjoy mountain biking and jeep touring. Guided local tours are available.

Visit Montezuma Castle National Monument and Montezuma's Well.

Visit Tuzigoot National Monument.

Visit Jordan Historical Park and walk the scenic flat path.

Explore Dead Horse Ranch State Park.

Test your agility at the Bike Skills Park.

Explore Jerome State Historical Park.

Learn about Sedona past at the Sedona Heritage Museum.

More activities can be found here.

Since Sedona is considered a vortex site (a place of unique energy flow), it’s a legendary place for enlightenment and spirituality.

It is the perfect place to reset and refocus the mind. There are plenty of opportunities to do yoga, meditation, and healing practices here.

You can do yoga among the magnificent red rocks, or spend time in one of the many spas.

St. Augustine is known as the one of the oldest towns in the Nation’s Oldest City and is filled with old-timey avenues and unique restaurants. It has a quaint feel but big appeal, offers historic sights, awesome on-the-water experiences and unique scenery.

You are far from the madding city crowds in this one of the best small towns in the U.S. as the population here is just 12,975 and it feels like a little bit of France and Spain on the southeast Florida coast. The visual impact of the Spanish and French is ever-present even after 200 years of the small towns in the US being ceded to the US in 1819 in the architecture of the buildings in the Colonial Quarter and the Lyon-like Bridge of Lions.

Visiting in Winter: The temperature is generally mild in St. Augustine, but plenty of sun and fewer crowds.

Weather in January: January is enjoyable winter month, with average temperature varying between 66°F (18.9°C) and 46°F (7.8°C).

Ocean temperature: In January, the average ocean temperature is 64.4°F (18°C).

You can learn more about the town on the official website or Wikipedia.

Hiking and biking. Plenty of trail options to explore the natural side of Florida’s Historic Coast. Would recommend Palatka to St. Augustine State trail that runs through beautiful agricultural landscapes and scenic routes.

Many water sports available, like kayaking, surfing and paddle boarding.

Explore the historic district.

Visit Castillo de San Marcos. It is the oldest masonry fort in the United States.

Visit Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, a 15-acre estate that offers visitors a deep dive into the history of St. Augustine and the surrounding area.

Immerse yourself in nature at Anastasia State Park. 16,000 acres of unspoiled Florida coastline await eager adventurers for waterfront camping, ocean kayaking, and more.

Spend some time at one (or more) spa and wellness studios.

Experience the Salt Therapy.

Take a walk or read a book on a beach.

Eat your way through town. No matter your vibe, St. Augustine’s dining landscape has you covered. Whether it's decadent Southern BBQ, ocean-fresh seafood, or spice-laden Latin cuisine, hunger springs eternal from the heart of downtown St. Augustine to the outer fringes of St. Johns County.

Ice Plant Bar’s fine farm-to-table cuisine and spectacular cocktail menu.

Enchanting little city in Ventura County that instantly transports you to a serene state of mind.

Ojai’s population of nearly 8,000 residents consists mostly of local artisans and passionate food producers who fervently protect their small town charm. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a mass retailer here thanks to an ordinance that banned corporate chains but you will find plenty of hemp sanitizer, avid bike riders, and retirees who have planted roots in Ojai to enjoy the quiet life.

Downtown, Mission-style architecture unfolds across a walkable hamlet packed with green spaces and local haunts, which brings a taste of the valley’s viticulture to a chill backyard setting.

How to get there: You can fly into LAX, rent a car, and take a scenic 80 miles (about 2 hours depending on traffic) drive up to Ojai.

When to visit: With an average year-round temperature in the 70s Fahrenheit, there isn’t a bad time of year to visit Ojai. Peak season is in the summer months (June - August). Winter months are fairly slow with tourists, but there is plenty of blue sky and sun to enjoy yourself.

Weather in January: The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) is 46.4°F (8.0°C). The amount of rain in January is normal with an average of 3.1in (79mm). It rains on average a total of 6 days. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 68°F (20.0°C).

Ocean temperature: In Ventura, the average water temperature is 57.4°F (14.1°C).

Many opportunities for hiking to enjoy scenic views of the mountains and wildflowers, like Gridley Trail or Rose Valley Falls Trail.

Cycle The Ojai Valley Bike Trail. It is a 9-mile trail that stretches from Foster Park to the heart of Ojai.

Exploring the stunning countryside on horseback. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company at Oso Ranch offers private trail rides customized for your ability.

Take a day trip to Channel Islands National Park. You can get there by ferry from Ventura. There are many activities to do there, including sea kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking. You can also hire a kayaking guide on the island to take you on an exciting sea cave tour.

Go surfing in Ventura. Bring a wetsuit.

Browse the Ojai Valley Museum of History and Art.

Shop at Ojai Certified Farmers Market, a quintessential country fair. The Sunday Ojai Farmers Market is where you’ll find some of the finest, locally sourced goods from the farmers and tastemakers in Ojai Valley. The market reflects the community-centered, eco-conscious vibe of the city.

Some great spas to relax and rejuvenate. Treat yourself at Body Essentials of Ojai. They offer a range of treatments using a holistic approach.

Spend your time soaking in soothing Ecotopia Hot Springs (Call for open hours and booking).

Relax at Libbey Park.

Explore or buy a book at Bart’s Book. The largest independently owned outdoor bookstore in the world.

Pick-up freshly baked bread by Kate’s Bread. Kate is a self-taught baker who sells freshly baked baguettes, seeded loaves of bread, and beautiful pastries out of her parent’s home in Ojai.

Order the gunpowder fries at Hip Vegan. The gluten-free fries are coated with Indian spices and served with flavorful homemade dips that you can’t choose between like the Lebanese-style garlic sauce and curry ketchup.

Enjoy a backyard wine tasting and shopping experience at Tipple & Ramble. This hidden garden oasis with major 1950s vibes offers a backyard wine tasting experience in someone’s home.

San Clemente is a charming and delightful coastal city in Orange County, California. This beguiling city is known for its pristine white sandy beaches, mountain views and hills. Also coastal views, lush green parks (overlooking the sparkling ocean and pier).

The slogan of San Clemente is "Spanish Village by the Sea". Rightfully so, it has stunning Spanish colonial-style architecture that is worth swooning over. It has a vibrant downtown full of boutique shops and local restaurants.

San Clemente’s sun-kissed residents have adopted a breezy, “take things as they come” ideology. The city prides itself on catering to every possible visitor, both newcomers and familiar faces alike. Offering a sense of belonging, the strong sense of community is the reason the city has grown so much since the 1920s: from one man’s dream of a Spanish Village to the thriving cultural hub it is today.

Getting here: The closest airport is John Wayne (SNA) in Santa Ana, which is about 25 miles north of San Clemente. And LAX (servicing Los Angeles) and SAN (San Diego) aren’t too far, either, at around an hour to both.

When to visit: Average temperatures in San Clemente vary somewhat. Considering humidity, temperatures feel very enjoyable all year with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year. The busiest months are July, June and March. Winter months are least crowded time of the year.

Weather in January: the average high-temperature is still enjoyable 64.2°F (17.9°C). The average low-temperature is 50.9°F (10.5°C).

Ocean temperature: The average water temperature is 59°F (15°C).

The coastal location of San Clemente makes it the ideal destination for a range of amazing outdoor activities in Orange County, California. Some of the most popular outdoor activities here are surfing, swimming, sunbathing, hiking, biking, and jogging.

Surfing is a must in San Clemente. The city has a rich surfing culture and history.

Explore San Onofre State Beach Park. The state park is located on the Californian coastal line and overlooks the majestic and everlasting Pacific ocean.

Bike or hike San Clemente Coastal Trail. From the Trail you’ll benefit from sweeping vistas of the dry, hilly, quintessentially Californian landscape.

Walk the Sea Summit Trail to enjoy the views and on clear days you can see Catalina Island.

Learn about local history at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.

Pay a visit to Surfing and Culture Center to learn about its surfing history.

On Sunday visit Local Farmers Market for fresh produce.

Walk around the city. Walking is one of the best ways to explore any city. San Clemente is a tiny and picturesque town, which makes it perfect for exploring on foot.

Stroll along the San Clemente Pier. Situated close to the downtown district, this scenic pier is surrounded by sandy beaches and uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean.

Grab a bite to eat at Nick’s San Clemente. This eatery specializes in traditional American cuisine with a modern twist.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Sugar Blossom. It is a boutique bakery serving a wide range of baked goods (pastries, cupcakes,...) in a chic and relaxing cafe-like atmosphere.