When the holidays are over and your loved ones have packed up and gone home, the winter blues are bound to set in. But this year, instead of dreading the gray and deeply dreary days of January and February, what if you gave yourself something special to look forward to?
Banish any post-holiday gloom by planning a warm, easy getaway for after you’ve hung up the ornaments. Martin Luther King Day in January and Presidents’ Day in February make for long weekends that also overlap with lots of school and work holidays, so they’re ideal times to sneak in a trip. If you’re looking to soak up some sunshine over those (or any other) long weekends, we’ve done the legwork for you: We created three “minitineraries” based on some of our favorite warm-weather winter destinations, and you won’t even need to dig out your passport: They’re all located right here in the good ol’ U.S. of A.
South Padre Island, TX
If you’re looking for a beach vacation, Texas might not be the first place that comes to mind. But with its crystal blue water, white-sand beaches, and average temps in the low 70’s in January and February, South Padre Island — a little barrier island off the southern coast of Texas — looks and feels a whole lot like the Caribbean. Just an hour and a half flight from Dallas or Houston will get you to Brownsville airport, where you can rent a car for the 30-minute drive to South Padre.
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott South Padre Island
This beachfront resort will be your new favorite home away from home. It’s got a beautiful saltwater pool, a fitness center, and free WiFi throughout, plus a special room rate for Marriott Bonvoy Rewards members that includes free breakfast for up to two adults and two children. Planning to stay more than a night? Marriott Bonvoy Rewards members can score incredible deals on premium rooms and suites with a stay of two nights or more. That’s an especially great option if you’re traveling with kids and are looking for a bit more space (and privacy).
Where to eat
- If you’ve got a hankering for award-winning shrimp and grits, look no further than Josephine’s Kitchen. Just a 10-minute drive from your hotel, this breakfast and lunch spot is the ideal place to refuel.
- If there’s one meal everyone can agree on, it’s pizza and/or pasta. The Meatball Cafe, which offers both, is a local favorite, and will be a hit with parents and kids alike.
- Some of the best seafood on South Padre Island can be found at Dirty Al’s. Open since 1986 and voted one of the top restaurants on the Gulf Coast, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy local staples like peel-and-eat shrimp, seafood tacos, po’ boys, or fried oysters.
What to do
- Have you ever met a sea turtle? After this trip, you’ll be able to confidently answer “yes” to that question. Sea Turtle Inc is a conservation center focused on the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles, with observation areas where visitors can get up close and personal with their favorite aquatic animals. And since it’s just a five-minute walk from your hotel, you can go back as many times as you want to visit your turtle pals.
- If you’re traveling with kids, prepare to spend a day at Gravity Park: Located just 10 minutes from your hotel, this amusement mecca offers mini golf, a giant swing that offers views of the whole island, and — for any thrill-seekers out there — the tallest “reverse-bungee” in the world. (Not familiar with the ride? Think of it as a giant catapult.)
- Located just steps from your hotel you’ll find the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary. Take in the natural wonders of the wetlands on the boardwalk, and don’t miss the five-story watchtower, where you can spot scores of migratory birds.
Cape Coral, FL
There’s a lot more to Florida than just Miami (although Miami’s obviously a great minibreak destination, too): Meet Cape Coral. With average temperatures in the mid to high 70s in January and February, this little town in the Sunshine State is built on a series of canals, making it look like it’s straight out of a storybook. A three-and-a-half-hour flight from NYC will get you to Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, and Cape Coral is just a quick half-hour drive from there.
Where to stay: The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
Be warned: This is a hotel you might never want to check out of. Located right on the water, it offers rooms that each overlook the water, and have private balconies, too. The resort also offers tons of activities, including tennis courts, a bocce ball court, a lagoon-style pool, a lap pool, and a gym with a sauna and steam room — all included in your stay.
Where to eat
- The Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar and Grill is just a stone’s throw away from your hotel, and it’s got a great view, killer cocktails, and live music every week.
- Monarca’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine Bar & Grill is right on the canal in downtown Cape Coral, so it’s perfect for people-watching. The Mexican-inspired menu has something for everyone, and they’ve got some of the best tequila drinks in town.
- If you’re a pasta lover, Next Door is the spot for you. Located literally next door to the hotel, their homemade pasta and traditional Italian cuisine will make for a tasty end to a sun-soaked day.
What to do
- Included in your hotel’s resort fee is a two-hour dolphin sightseeing tour. Relax and sunbathe as you cruise along the beautiful Florida coastline while an expert guide tells you all about the adorable creatures you’ll likely see swimming alongside your boat. (The tours run twice daily, at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. — just sign up at the front desk to reserve your spot.)
- If you’re looking to get a bit of cardio, visit Gulf Coast Kayak, located just behind the hotel. The beginning of the year is peak manatee season and these gentle giants love to hang out around the canals of Cape Coral — so be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you paddle around.
- If you want to explore the town at your own speed, reserve a bike (a two-hour daily rental for both adults and kids is included in your resort fee) and pedal your way through paradise.
San Diego, CA
Surf’s up! If you want pristine beaches, nearly perfect weather, and a laid-back Cali vibe, then look no further than San Diego. It’s got almost 70 miles of coastline to explore, but is also a hot spot for foodies, with some of the best tacos and craft beer in the country.
Where to stay: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Vacation is all about location, and you can’t beat the San Diego Bay; this waterfront hotel offers stunning views of the marina and is minutes from downtown via car. Newly renovated just this year, the Sheraton San Diego has a beautiful pool right overlooking the bay, four different restaurants, and even its own brewery.
Where to eat
- For all you early risers, head on over to Morning Glory for the best AM meal in town: Their breakfast carbonara is not to be missed.
- Make the most of your Marriott Bonvoy points by eating at Rumorosa, a relaxed-but-glam spot right in the hotel that offers the best of the city’s coastal drinking and dining scene. (Don’t miss the authentic Baja tacos.)
- You can’t visit California without trying the West Coast seafood, and Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill is a local standout. It’s popular, so make sure to call ahead to book a table.
What to do
- Whether you’re an official kid or just a kid at heart, the zoo can make for a truly joyful day, and the San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the country. Marriott frequently offers discounted tickets for both that landmark and nearby Seaworld for Marriott Rewards members, so make sure to check out the available offers and packages when you book your stay.
- Did you know that San Diego is home to 17 percent of the U.S. Navy’s active-duty personnel? If you want to learn more about Naval history, there’s no better place than the USS Midway Museum. Marriott Bonvoy members can enjoy discounted tickets to this fascinating spot, which is located on the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the country, and houses more than 30 restored aircraft — as well as nearly 10 acres of exhibits and displays.
- Surfing is tougher than it looks — luckily, stand-up paddleboarding offers the pleasure of floating on the water without constantly toppling into the waves. The hotel offers free paddleboard rentals so you can cruise around the marina at your leisure.
