Photo Credit: Anita Denunzio, Unsplash
Tired of the dreary Minnesota winter? Banish the winter blues with a January or February getaway to a vibrant destination that’s only one stop from RST. Consider these 3 hot spots when planning your escape.
Phoenix, Arizona: Embrace the desert sunshine.
Find your flight here.
Travel time: Get to Phoenix in as little as 5-1/2 hours with a brief layover in Minneapolis or Chicago.
Forecast: The perfect antidote to the Minnesota gray and cold.
- Blue skies through the winter.
- Average daily high temps in the 60s and 70s during January and February.
- Three or fewer rainy days during each winter month.
What to do:
- Explore the Desert Botanical Garden, a vibrant oasis showcasing diverse cacti and desert flora.
- Immerse yourself in Native American culture at the renowned Heard Museum.
- Hike, bike or horseback ride on the scenic trails of South Mountain Park and Preserve, enjoying panoramic city views.
- Savor authentic Mexican cuisine or farm-to-table dining options.
Denver, Colorado: Experience the magic of the Rockies.
Find your flight here.
Travel time: Get to Denver in 5 or fewer hours with a brief layover in Minneapolis or Chicago.
Forecast: Excellent for skiing and snowboarding.
- Weather in Denver
- In January and February, temps typically hover around freezing (32 degrees) during the day.
- Average snowfall is 6.6 inches in January and 7.7 inches in February.
- Weather in the nearby ski towns
- Temps average 28 to 30 degrees during the day.
- Average snowfall ranges from 6 to 12 inches in January and February.
What to do:
- Hit the slopes at nearby resorts in Aspen, Vail or Breckenridge. All three ski towns are located within two to three hours’ drive time of Denver.
- In the city, explore the vibrant art scene, including the Denver Art Museum.
- Enjoy a laid-back visit to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an open-air concert venue built into a rock cliff, during its off-season.
- Get a taste of Denver’s renowned craft beer scene with brewery tours and tastings.
Tampa, Florida: Relax on the beach and enjoy Southern charm.
Find your flight here.
Forecast: Sub-tropical paradise.
- Some clouds in the winter months, but generally not overcast.
- Average daily high temps of 71 degrees in January and 73 degrees in February.
- Average rainfall of 2 to 3 inches during each winter month.
What to do:
- Relax on the sun-drenched beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters along the Gulf Coast.
- Visit Ybor City, a historic district with Cuban roots, and the Tampa Bay History Center, which showcases the area’s diverse past.
- Experience world-class roller coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or encounter marine life at the Florida Aquarium.
- Explore the downtown Riverwalk, a 2.6-mile-long pedestrian and bike path that winds along the Hillsborough River, connecting major attractions like museums, restaurants and hotels.
Plan your winter getaway to Phoenix, Denver or Tampa, or discover more convenient destinations below.
