There’s so much to see and do across the US throughout all seasons of the year, but during the winter months nothing beats the thrill of skiing, and you may be surprised to hear that there are more than 500 ski resorts in the US.
No matter your abilities, whether you’re a pro on the slopes or a complete novice, this report reveals the best ski resorts across the US, analyzing factors such as annual snowfall, customer reviews, and the cost of a ski pass.
The Best Ski Resorts in the US for 2023/2024
Breckenridge, Colorado – Overall Ski Index Score 8.81
In the top spot is the historic mining town of Breckenridge, Colorado. In the summertime, this resort is alive with plenty of family-friendly activities, and during Fall Oktoberfest is often enjoyed. However, it is during the winter months that the resort transforms into a seasonal wonderland.
Scoring 8.81, this resort has a lot to offer with a total slope length of 153km and 284” of snowfall 2020/2021 season. The resort is also popular on Instagram with over 930,000 mentions, making it easy for you to identify grid-worthy parts of the resort before you go.
Vail, Colorado – Overall Ski Index Score 8.22
Out of the top three resorts shown, Vail has the longest length of slope at 234km and adult season passes start at the same price as those for Breckenridge at $859. Vail also saw 218” of snowfall during the 2020/2021 season. On social media, Vail isn’t as popular as the other top two resorts, however, it is still well known with 228,281 mentions on Instagram.
Park City, Utah – Overall Ski Index Score 8.16
In third place is Park City, in Utah, the only resort in the top five from outside of Colorado.
Park City is one of the country’s major destinations for skiers and has hosted the U.S. Ski Team for training camps. It is also the most Instagrammable resort on this list (1.3 million posts), and the joint biggest in terms of the length of its slopes (250km).
The Longest Ski Slopes
Park City, Utah & Big Sky, Montana – Length of Slope 250km
When it comes to sheer scale, two resorts are tied in first place, each with a total slope length of around 250km.
The first is Park City, Utah, which is the largest lift-served ski resort in the country, after being combined with the neighboring Canyons Resort via a gondola.
The other is Big Sky in Montana, which is also the second-largest ski resort in the US by acreage, with more than 5,800 acres of coverage.
The Ski Resorts with the Cheapest Season Passes
Arapahoe Basin – Adult Ski Pass From $599
The cheapest resort for an unlimited season pass for adults is the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, with a price of $599.
A-Basin is an alpine resort in the Rocky Mountains and is of great value as it has a longer season than most, staying open until early June or sometimes, July.
The Ski Resorts with the Most Snowfall
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Average snowfall 437”
With 437” of snow in the 2020/2021 season, Jackson Hole resort tops the list as the snowiest resort. Plenty of snow makes the destination perfect for a ski trip, or for a magical winter experience. The views of the mountains and snow-filled wonderland are perfect for the grid and according to our research, the place is pretty picture-perfect with 973,997 mentions on Instagram.
The Most Insta-Worthy Ski Resort
Park City, Utah – 1,313,970 Instagram Hashtags
When looking at popularity on Instagram we discovered that the most mentioned resort was Park City in Utah, with over 1,000,000 hashtags! This resort offers amazing landscape views of the surrounding resorts of Deer Valley and Utah Olympic Park, which held the 2002 Winter Olympics. The scenery makes for awesome pictures so it’s no surprise that Park City made the first position.
The Most In-Demand Ski Resorts
Heavenly, California – 823,000 Avg. Monthly Searches
Heavenly Ski Resort in California takes the top spot when it comes to average monthly Google searches, with a total of 823,000. 246,000 of these searches come from the US alone and perhaps it’s no wonder; with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, it is an incredible place to ski and simply take in the scenery.
Now you have all of the details you need to choose the best ski experience for you and your family to enjoy, we hope you have an awesome time on the slopes.
Methodology
In total 523 ski resorts in the US were refined down to 50 based on those with the highest review scores as of October 17th, 2022, according to Skiresort.info.
Each ski resort was ranked on the following factors and was given a normalized score out of 10 before creating an average overall score.
Adult Ski Pass Price was sourced from On the Snow. Where resort details were unavailable prices were retrieved directly from the resort website.
Instagram Hashtags were sourced from Instagram and are based on the number of posts mentioning the resort. Instagram research was undertaken between 16/09/2022 to 19/09/2022. The mentions of resorts with generic names included more specific phrases e.g. ‘heavenlyskiresort’.
Snowfall was sourced from On the Snow and the total snowfall for the 20/21 ski season was analyzed.
The best destinations in the US and around the world to enjoy some winter sunshine
As the colder months are starting to settle in, you may find yourself dreaming of a sunny escape. Whether you are longing for a January holiday in Dubai or a sun-kissed Christmas vacation in Thailand, there are a variety of winter sun destinations to choose from.
Destinations across the US, from Los Angeles to Orlando, alongside worldwide seasonal vacation favorites, have been analyzed on their winter temperatures, precipitation rates, sunshine hours, and average hotel prices to reveal the best US and global locations for a winter sun vacation.
This report also reveals the best winter sun destinations in terms of hotel affordability, so that you can top up your vitamin D without breaking the bank!
The best winter sun vacation destinations in the US
1. Phoenix, Arizona – 7.88/10
Ranking as the best destination in the US for a winter sun vacation is Phoenix, Arizona. On average, vacationers in Phoenix can lounge in 8.66 hours of daily sunshine through the winter months. Phoenix is known for its stunning year-round sun and warm average temperatures, owing to its nickname the Valley of the Sun.
Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and is well known for being home to high-end spa resorts, golf courses, and nightclubs. Phoenix also shows off some truly incredible landscapes surrounding the city with beautiful hiking trails to explore.
2. Miami, Florida – 7.54/10
Miami is the second-best winter destination for sun worshippers in the US. Enjoy a pleasant 7 hours of sun per day in Miami during the winter months, and a tropical average temperature of 70.34 °F. Miami likewise ranks as the most popular US winter destination on Instagram, having seen over 84 million hashtags on the social media platform.
On top of this, Miami is home to many high-end hotels and a truly mind-blowing skyline. Party-goers and sun worshippers flock to Miami year-round to enjoy its pristine beaches and non-stop nightlife under the sun.
3. Orlando, Florida – 6.95/10
Ranking as the third best US destination for winter sun is Orlando, Florida. Orlando offers mild weather conditions during the winter months, with average temperatures hitting 61.70°F and an average of 6.68 hours of sunlight each day. Furthermore, Orlando offers some of the cheapest hotels on this list at just $87 per night!
Orlando is a great winter sun vacation for thrill-seekers and movie-buffs alike. Home to over a dozen theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
The best winter sun vacation destinations across the world
1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 8.38/10
Dubai ranks as the best destination in the world for a winter sun vacation. Visitors to Dubai can expect to bask in 8.82 hours of sunlight each day during the winter months, with average temperatures reaching a comfortable 68.84 °F. Dubai is by far the most popular winter sun destination of those studied, seeing over 111 million Instagram hashtags and the most winter-related Google searches for things to do, reaching over 55,000.
Dubai is probably best known for its ultramodern architecture, including The Burj Khalifa. Dubai’s most iconic building stands at 830m tall, making it the tallest building in the world.
2. Bangkok, Thailand – 8.11
The runner-up for the best winter sun vacation city in the world is Bangkok. Bangkok offers an average of 9.06 hours of sunlight each day in winter. With average temperatures reaching a friendly 63.80 °F Bangkok is ideal for warm and sunny winter escapes. Bangkok is also ideal for those on a budget, with average hotel stays costing around $68 per night.
Bangkok is unique in the way its impressive Buddhist temples contrast with its vibrant nightlife scenes. Bangkok is a hub of cultural and exciting activity from the Grand Palace to Khaosan Road. Sweltering hot all year round, Bangkok is a great city to visit during the winter months when the weather is cooler but still pleasant.
3. Cape Town, South Africa – 7.72
Ranking in third place is Cape Town. For those looking to vacation in Cape Town, sunlight hours average 10.22 each day, from December through to February. Despite these extended sunny days, average temperatures reach 67.46 °F and Cape Town sees a low average of 0.70” of rainfall over winter. Lying beneath the impressive Table Mountain, Cape Town is most known for its bustling harbor and warm weather.
Winter destinations with the cheapest hotels per night in the US
1. Orlando, Florida – $87
Not only does Orlando rank as the third-best US destination for a winter sun vacation but it also ranks as the cheapest when looking at average hotel costs. Orlando will see you spend an average of $87 per night on your hotel stay during the months of December through to February.
2. Phoenix, Arizona – $106
Phoenix ranks as the best winter sun destination in the US, and for good reason, with an abundance of sunshine throughout the winter months. Phoenix also ranks as the second most affordable destination in terms of hotel prices, which average $106 per night.
3. Lafayette, Louisiana – $107
The US winter vacation destination that sees the third cheapest hotel prices is Lafayette; here prices average $107 per night. In Lafayette, you can enjoy over 6 hours of sun per day, making it an ideal destination for some winter sun.
Winter destinations with the most expensive hotels per night in the US
1. Palm Beach, Florida – $919
At the other end of the scale is Palm Beach. Despite offering an excellent 6.66 hours of sunlight per day at a toasty 68.24 °F, the destination is met with significant hotel costs, averaging $919 per night between December and February.
2. Miami, Florida – $523
Ranking as the second most expensive winter sun destination in terms of hotel prices is Miami. For a price tag of $523 per night, Miami offers some serious winter heat of 70.34 °F alongside a total of 7 hours of sunlight every day.
3. Kailua, Hawaii – $339
Kailua, Hawaii is hotter than Miami, where average temperatures hit around 72.92 °F during the winter months. However, those that desire to soak up these temperatures should expect to pay $339 for a hotel per night.
Winter destinations with the cheapest hotels per night outside the US
1. Murcia, Spain – $56
Murcia, Spain, offers the cheapest average nightly hotel rate from December through to February. Here stays during the festive period average $56 per night. Paired with 7.35 hours of daily sunlight, this destination is perfect for a winter sun getaway.
2. Palma de Mallorca, Spain – $64
In Palma de Mallorca during the winter you can laze in 6.64 hours of sunlight each day for a nightly price of $64. At a cooler 52.40 °F during the winter, Palma de Mallorca is a popular winter vacation.
3. Palermo, Italy – $66
The capital of the popular Italian island of Sicily, Palermo, ranks as the third cheapest location to chase the winter sun, coming in at just $66 per night. For this price, you get 5.37 hours of sun each day.
Winter destinations with the most expensive hotels per night outside the US
1. Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – $574
Saint John’s is the capital city of Antigua and attracts visitors from around the globe. Saint John’s tropical temperatures of 77.42 °F and 8.21 hours of sun come at a significant price tag of $574 per night during winter, the most expensive hotel price on this list.
2. Nassau, Bahamas – $457
Nassau is a popular cruise ship stop with clean beaches and attractive offshore coral reefs. However, the dreamy 73.04 °F heat during winter in Nassau will set visitors back $457 per night on average.
3. Saint George’s, Grenada – $377
At Saint George’s, Granada, you can enjoy warm temperatures of 78.68 °F for an average of 8.57 hours of sun each day from December to February. However, such weather offerings come at a price, with hotels costing around $377 per night.
Methodology
A seed list of 60 global and US cities was created from northern-hemisphere winter vacation listicles including trip, dottedglobe, sunshine, and holidu.
Average winter temperatures (°F), average winter precipitation (inches) rates, and average daily winter sunshine hours were retrieved from climate-data.org, calculated to give data for the winter months of December, January, and February.
“City Winter” annual searches and “City Things to Do” during winter were taken from Google Keywords. “City Winter” annual searches were recorded as annual results for each keyword. “City things to do” were taken as winter searches (from December, January, and February) for each keyword.
Average nightly hotel costs were taken from Kayak by calculating the average costs of hotels from December, January, and February. All currency conversions were made on the 28th of October 2022.
The ‘Winter Holiday Score’ was created by giving each factor a normalized rank and then combining these scores. US cities were included in the global ranking. A separate ranking was also created for US cities in isolation.
Fall is fast approaching; the summer sun is winding down. and the latter end of the year is gearing up for the next few months of festive cheer. From Halloween thrills to Thanksgiving spreads, there’s something special about Fall in the US. Looking for your next adventure for the last half of the year? Here are some of the top fall festivals to add to your next trip.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
For 9 whole days, from October 7 – 15, Albuquerque puts on a spectacular display for the International Balloon Fiesta. This 60+ acre area launches over 500 hot air balloons into the sky in a mass ascension. Known for being one of the most photographed events in the world, it’s surely not to be missed this year. This event is perfect for those with children, as there is a myriad of activities to participate in as well as watching the balloons ascend into the sky.
Getting to and from
For ease of access in and out of the balloon park, the event provides park & ride services, meaning you can park at a partnered location and hop on the shuttle to take you to the festival park. Make sure to check the schedule for the day you intend to attend and remember that tickets cannot be purchased at the remote lots, so pre-booking is essential!
Activities
Other activities include the opening ceremony, drone light shows, firework displays and chainsaw carving. Displays run from as early as 5:45am up until 8:00pm at the latest. The balloon fiesta also plays host to the music fiesta, with headline artists providing a truly amazing atmosphere whilst watching the balloons fill the skyline.
Local and national performers also attend the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, including a military brass band, and differing genres of music. Main Street is home to strolling performers, with Native American dancers celebrating the New Mexico culture. Look out for the Mariachi troupes and Flamenco dancers too!
Hospitality
For a truly first-class experience of the balloon fiesta, why not upgrade to the Gondola Club VIP experience? You can benefit from A gourmet buffet, shuttle service to and from the park, souvenir gifts and the best views of the launch field. Other hospitality choices include the Chaser Club or glamping/camping. If you want a true camping experience, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta also allows visitors to bring in their own food and drink in soft-sided coolers. The only prohibited items include alcohol and glass.
Cincinnati Oktoberfest (Zinzinnati)
Fancy a long weekend-style trip to Cincinnati this year? Look no further than the Zinzinnati Oktoberfest from September 14-17. Taking place at 5th Street Downtown, this change of location brings even more fun to the festival this year as it gets bigger and better for 2023.
Food & Drink
Southwest Ohio celebrates its deep-rooted German culture with this 4-day weekend extravaganza, making it the perfect weekend to take a trip to this busy city. Expect a range of food and drinks, including Metts, Sauerkraut balls, bratwurst, pretzels, and strudel. Not to mention, all the German beers you can think of are included in this free city event!
Getting to and from
There aren’t any official parking partners with this event, however, it is advised to pre-book parking in the city centre ahead of the event. If you are traveling from out of the city, there are also many transport links within Cincinnati to get you to and from the event, especially if you want to enjoy the local brews and beers the event has to offer!
Activities
As well as the overwhelming choice of food and drink (you will never go hungry), there is a range of activities that are family-friendly at this city event. The famous ‘Running of the Wieners’ is expected to kick off this year’s event, much like in past years. This race is specific to our four-legged wiener friends, all of whom are usually dressed in hot dog costumes! Last year’s winner was Maple, a 1-year-old miniature dachshund that took home a Petsmart gift card worth $75. This one is especially good for the children to watch!
To get a head start on the Oktoberfest celebrations, the pre-event the week prior is the Gemütlichkeit Games (goodwill). Located at Fountain Square, you can watch this fantastic community celebration where contestants are challenged to participate in the Dachshund derby, beer barrel rolling, beer sein racing, log sawing races and nail hammering races.
Other fun activities include the World’s Largest Chicken Dance and the Sam Adams Stein Hoist competition.
Columbus Oktoberfest
If you want to make your time in Ohio worth the trip, you can also travel to Columbus for their Oktoberfest before attending the Cincinnati festival! Both festivals are only 1 hour 30 minutes from each other, and follow consecutively, starting with the Columbus celebrations. Taking place from September 8 – 10, this event takes a more traditional route for its German festivities.
Getting to and from
The city of Columbus once again offers a wide range of parking options which we highly recommend pre-booking before you visit. If you would prefer to really indulge in the event, the local city transport links are always a good idea when it comes to pre-planning your trip, meaning you can take full advantage and really soak up the culture of this yearly event.
Activities
This family-friendly event features a myriad of things to do, including the kick-off party at Hofbräuhaus Columbus, where you can enjoy food and traditional German beers whilst listening to live music. There is also the Oktoberfest Meiler Vier, a four-mile foot race that envelopes the fairgrounds, it is limited to 500 participants however, so get yourself signed up ASAP!
The main event of this Oktoberfest takes place at the Ohio Expo Center, housing traditional German beers, music, bands, and polka dancing. Strap on your finest Lederhosen and join in with the celebrations! There is also crafts and vendors for the kids, so you know you will never go hungry at this event, with plenty of things to keep the kids occupied too, including bouncy castles and face-painting.
Enjoy a bratwurst or two, frankfurters, German potato salad, Cream puffs, and German Sauerkraut. The best thing about Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest is that admission is free, but parking is $10 per vehicle, so great if you are on a budget this year!
Duluth Fall Festival
Named one of the top 24 fall festivals in the US, the Duluth festival is another great activity to look at for something to do from September through to October. Comprising an opening parade, food, drink, trinket booths and a 5k road race, this festival is sure to get you in those fall feelings this year.
Getting to and from
Duluth is a reasonably small town to get around, and luckily a shuttle service is set up every year, meaning you can park and ride the event if you so wish! This means you aren’t sat in lengthy queues, potentially missing out on the opening ceremony. Parking near the festival site is extremely limited, so this is often the best way to get to and from the event. If wanting to watch the opening parade, it is recommended you arrive at the shuttle lot by 9am as the surrounding streets are closed for the parade.
Activities
Duluth fall festival has plenty to eat, drink, see and do for 2023. From cheerleader marching bands to electric jazz bands playing unique original songs, it’s the true culture of the Southwest injected into fall time – including traditional blues rock!
There’s no limit on food and drinks at this festival either, Duluth goes all out with 25-30 vendors expected to take part in this year’s event. Offerings include breakfast, lunch and dinner favourites, coffee, lemonade, breakfast biscuits, kettle corn, hamburgers and much more to suit all palates.
If you want to take home a special trinket from this fall-themed event, don’t forget to peruse the arts and crafts vendors, often selling homemade jewelry and trinkets that are sure to catch your eye! Knowing that all products have to be handmade makes this a truly awe-inspiring event, knowing you will take something home that is truly unique.
New York City Wine and Food Festival
New York is once again host to a spectacular wine and food festival this fall. From October 12 – 15, the big apple is THE place to be to try the latest in food and drink trends. This event is catered to adults, however, so we recommend this trip as an adult-only party and is ideal for friend groups and couples.
Getting to and from
NYC is a city that never sleeps, so you are guaranteed a great night with a lot of transport links to get to and from the New York City wine and food festival. With a subway system that never closes, you don’t have to worry about getting back to your hotel after a night of enjoying good wine and good food.
Activities
The NYC wine and food festival promises a plethora of activities to participate in, from Cocktail making master classes to a dinner hosted by your favourite chefs, you really don’t want to miss out on this one!
This fall festival promises a mix of signature events, walk-around tastings, demos and dining, and even master classes, allowing you to really get involved. CapitalOne also has exclusive cardholder access events, including a grand tasting package and a blue moon burger bash.
Pennsylvania’s National Apple Harvest Festival
Split over two separate weekends, October 7 & 8 and October 14 & 15, the Pennsylvania National Apple Harvest Festival is the perfect setting to get into the fall spirit. Arendtsville, PA is the heart of apple country and promises a wide range of tasting to be had.
Getting to and from
Much like the other festivals recommended in our guide, the National Apple Harvest Festival offers outlying parking fields with a shuttle bus service provided to get you to the festival grounds. This parking is included in your admission fee, so definitely worth parking and riding to the event! This festival is within driving distance from Washington D.C, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.
Activities
This is the perfect fall festival for those with young families and adults alike, with a myriad of activities to participate in, including over 300 arts and crafts vendors, a huge selection of apple-themed food and drinks, hayrides, pony rides and even a petting zoo! The list is endless, so you and the kids are guaranteed to have a jam-packed weekend.
Alongside the many vendors and attractions to enjoy, you can try a variety of different foods and drinks local to the area, including Ribeye steak sandwiches, a full pork barbeque and vintage sodas, all whilst enjoying the live entertainment. The festival is open both weekends from 8am until 6pm and is held outdoors. Make sure to try all the apple-themed foods at this fall festival, and don’t forget a truly one-of-a-kind trinket from your favourite stalls!
Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor
Another great location to enjoy a fall festival this year is Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor. This annual food and spirits festival offers a diverse selection of food and drinks to try, perfect for the foodie in your life! This is an adult-only event, so best to leave the kids at home for this one.
Getting to and from
Occurring late October, from the 26 to the 28, the Harbor of Portland becomes a gateway to a spectacular offering of a variety of food and drinks to warm you up at the cool coastal town. Due to this being an event in the city, we recommend parking in the city and hopping on local transport to get to and from this event.
Activities
This fall festival is purely centred around food and drink and features live entertainment from local performers. Showing the culture of Maine, this is one for the food eccentrics and showcases the diversity of food and drink in Portland.
Starting with TOAST! This event allows you to meet top cocktail and spirit makers in Maine, followed by a Gourmet graze the next day. Featuring coffee, chocolate, and wine, you can also book an intimate cheese and chocolate tasting! This fall festival is rounded off by an OysterFest session, allowing you to truly indulge in what Portland City Harbor has to offer.
Flying into your fall festival?
Are you traveling in from further afield for a fall festival this year? Don’t forget to pre-book your airport parking with ParkSleepFly! We compare hundreds of airport parking lots across the US and can get you the best deal and dollars off your next reservation. Check out our offers before you fly out for your fall festival this year!
This spooky season there are so many fascinating haunted locations to visit, from a popular film set to a suspected haunted hotel, here are some spooky places to visit on this creepy Halloween weekend.
Halloween Movie House
Did you know you can visit the real house that was from the Halloween movies? We saw in the Halloween Kills filming locations the house had an interior re-vamp, but the external face remained the same. Take a trip to 1000 Mission Street, North Carolina and you can find the replica of the original house. Just make sure not to disturb the businesses that currently run out of the building!
A creepy abandoned house, looking similar to the one featured in the Halloween movies.
Hotel La Fonda (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
This haunted hotel embodies its complicated past, due to it being built way back in the Old West days. In this spooky place, it’s common for both guests and workers of Hotel La Fonda to witness gunfights between convicts who regularly hung around the gallows at the rear.
The sleeping post is where most ghostly activity occurs, and guests have claimed most spirits are the western gunslingers who occupied the area.
Roller King Skating Rink (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Sticking in the Southwest, the Roller King Albuquerque Rink was famously used as a set for the 4th season of Stranger Things. This roller rink is a great activity to participate in for Halloween, so why not dress up and get your skates on?
Stylised as Rink-O-Mania in the show, bring back the 80’s flare and give it a try. They have a daily schedule through October to fit into your own spooky plans. Make sure to keep an eye out on their website for other festive events this month.
An 80’s Roller Rink inspired the set for Stranger Things Season 4.
The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park, Colorado)
As soon as you arrive at the idyllic driveway of this hotel, you will realise it inspired the hotel from Steven King’s The Shining. This extravagant building plays host to both the Stanley hotel ghost tour and ‘spirited rooms’, meaning you can have a real paranormal experience during your stay! Availability is limited in these rooms, so it’s best to pre-book these as early as you can to get a glimpse of the Stanley hotel ghost.
If you can’t make it to stay overnight at the hotel, we highly recommend the Spirited Tour. This experience lasts around 60 minutes, and the night-time ambience adds to the spooky atmosphere. The knowledgeable storyteller takes you around the hotel itself and through the dark edges, leaving it the perfect place for a few scares this Halloween.
Estes Park, Colorado, USA – October 5, 2019 – Exterior of the Stanley Hotel, inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, at dusk.
Hotel Retlaw – Formerly Ramada Plaza Hotel (Fond du Lac, Wisconsin)
The underground tunnels once used by the gangsters of Chicago lead straight into the exit point for this hotel, which was more often than not, used as an escape route from authorities.
The hotel’s gruesome past is further enhanced, as the brutal murder of the hotel’s former owner, Walter Schroeder, happened on the premises. Hotel guests have told tales of regularly hearing the former owner yelling, banging against the walls, and causing lighting and faucets to turn on and off.
The RMS Queen Mary Hotel – (Long Beach, CA)
After the success of the Halloween Festival last year, the Queen Mary has officially re-opened post renovations for 2023. Visitors can once again experience the strange goings on at the RMS Queen Mary.
This massive ocean liner crossed the Atlantic thousands of times, but it has been permanently docked in Long Beach since 1967…where paranormal activity has become the norm. There are many Queen Mary hotel ghosts, and strange rapping noises can be heard onboard, ghostly apparitions are often seen walking the halls, and stairs have been seen on the side of the docked ship. Let’s hope the renovations haven’t scared off any ghoulish guests!
The famous ghost ship located in Long Beach, with the full moon in the background makes for a spooky setting.
Provincial Hotel (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Haunted hotels in New Orleans are quite the norm due to its rich history. The Big Easy is infamous for being inhabited by spirits, and the Provincial Hotel is no exception. Once a hospital for the fallen, the ghosts of soldiers and doctors roam freely, opening and closing doors, whispering in the halls, and some guests have even reported seeing soldiers in their rooms. Building No. 5 is believed to be the most haunted, so stay and sleep…if you dare.
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (Los Angeles, California)
Known for being the haunted Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the late Marilyn Monroe has often been perceived at this establishment, alongside Errol Flynn and Montgomery Clift. This Hollywood Boulevard hotel has gained quite a reputation for scares since its opening in 1927. It’s sure to be spooky fun this Halloween, so why not book a room and see if you can sleep through the night and see if there are any Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel ghost stories that prick up your ears!
Tourists surrounding the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles.
Enjoy a spooky stay in an airport hotel this Halloween! Pre-book now with ParkSleepFly, if you dare.
Looking ahead to your next Thanksgiving vacation? The ultimate preparation guide for your long weekend trip is here. Once you have your vacation sorted, it’s a good idea to pre-book your airport parking. ParkSleepFly can do all the extra work for you and find you the best lot for the best price.
Whether you are looking to spend a few days with the family or travel to an idyllic spot as a couple, here are 15 vacations for Thanksgiving in 2023.
1. Chicago, IL
Big cities are beautiful during the holidays and the “windy city” is no exception. If you need constant buzz and activities to keep you happy, Thanksgiving in Chicago may be just the place for you.
Much like New York City, The Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade brings an exciting atmosphere to the city for all to enjoy on the long weekend. With the addition of floats, music, and entertainment, it’s sure to work up your appetite for the afternoon of celebrations! Just make sure to arrive early, as the parade takes place from 8am until 11am on State Street.
Other events include the German Christkindl market and outdoor ice skating. Don’t forget to pre-book your Thanksgiving dinner at the Walnut Room too, located on the 7th floor of Macy’s State Street.
2. Hawaii
If you’re looking to get some winter sun for Thanksgiving this year, we highly recommend none other than a trip to Hawaii. With beautiful white sandy beaches, marching bands, and luau, many of the resorts offer the perfect Thanksgiving package.
Hawaii tends to be quieter around this time of year, so if you want to unwind and relax, this is the perfect vacation location this year.
Given Hawaii celebrates Thanksgiving in a very similar way to the mainland U.S., you can guarantee a delicious Turkey dinner, just with a different scenic backdrop to enjoy. Hawaiians usually give thanks to Lono, the god of agriculture and often pause familial conflicts, practice gratitude and exchange gifts.
The sprawling beaches of this one-of-a-kind state mean you can also pass the time by participating in many different activities over the course of your trip, including snorkeling, surfing, and hiking.
3. Keystone Resort, CO
For the thrill-seekers this Thanksgiving, we recommend a visit to the sprawling mountains at Keystone Resort, Colorado. The beautiful rocky mountain backdrop against a warm fireplace with hot chocolates after a long day of snowboarding and skiing is a particular draw to Keystone Resort, and the promises of a Thanksgiving feast at the River Run Village restaurant means you can fully kick back and relax for this long weekend.
If traveling in late November, Keystone also offers a Welcome Winter Family carnival, full of cocoa, cookies and Salida circus. Why not combine your 2023 Thanksgiving trip with fun in the snowy mountains this year?
4. Lake Tahoe, CA
For a relaxing Thanksgiving by the water, why not consider visiting Lake Tahoe? From lakeside to mountain views, this peaceful destination in California is perfect if you want to escape from the cold.
Local restaurants at Lake Tahoe offer a variation of Thanksgiving dinner by the lakeside, with the offer of a beach stroll in the evening to enjoy the sunset. Heavenly Mountain Resort is at your disposal for exploration too, offering a myriad of hiking trails for you to enjoy by day.
Dining options include Jimmy’s at The Landing, Riva Grill on the Lake, The Beacon Bar + Grill and Edgewood Tahoe. Alongside these great restaurant options lies the Luxurious Casino which also offers a range of eateries.
If you would prefer to explore the lake and cook your own meal, this is also possible with the rental of a vacation home on Lake Tahoe.
5. Las Vegas, NV
Where better in the world than to celebrate Thanksgiving in Vegas? If you’re wanting an all-adult vacation, this is the place to be, with the addition of lasting heat from the summer. This makes Vegas a great winter sun option, especially for those traveling as a couple. The Las Vegas strip is well known for its sprawling Casinos, but also for the Michelin-star celebrity restaurants that reside inside. If you fancy a twist on Gordon Ramsay’s Wellington, we highly suggest stopping by Hell’s Kitchen located at Caesars Palace.
If you feel more like a relaxed dining experience, there are plenty of other options available such as a Las Vegas buffet at Wicked Spoon, The Cosmopolitan and Bacchanal Buffet.
Vegas isn’t just about the food options however, there’s plenty to see and do for entertainment and shopping too, including the famous Gondola ride or the beautiful Bellagio fountain display that occurs every 30 minutes.
6. New Orleans, LA
If you’re looking for a party this year, look no further than a vibrant (and often outrageous) Thanksgiving in New Orleans. You’ll find plenty to do in the “Big Easy”, even when it’s Thanksgiving and not Mardi Gras.
Dining out in New Orleans for Thanksgiving is easy, as a lot of the local restaurants stay open during this holiday. Round up the family and enjoy a mouth-watering sit-down meal in the city of Jazz and Blues and soak up the culture of the deep South.
Visiting New Orleans this Thanksgiving and haven’t booked parking? Don’t worry, ParkSleepFly offers hotel and parking packages to make sure your travel is as stress-free as possible. Book now!
7. New York, NY
The big apple is well-known for its extravagant décor and events throughout November and December, making it the perfect place to spend the holiday. No one does Thanksgiving like New York!
The biggest event to see in the city is Macy’s New York Thanksgiving parade. This year’s display is expected from 9am until 12 noon, with a plethora of balloons, floats, and elaborate entertainment for all.
After watching the famous parade, why not stroll through Central Park and have a go at skating at the Central Park ice rink? Or even explore the traditional ‘tourist’ spots that remain open for the day? If stopping on a longer layover in New York, we highly recommend shopping the Black Friday sales the next day!
8. Orlando, FL
Another warm destination to consider is Thanksgiving in Orlando, Florida. The winter sun will keep you toasty and more than entertained with its myriad of theme parks and fun activities.
If you’re looking to make Thanksgiving as fun as possible, Orlando may be just your ticket. This year promises a plethora of tastes, with the addition of Fusion Fest. A fun and bright festival that will have your mouth watering at every turn, this event is sure to have something for everyone.
If you feel like experimenting with your tastebuds this Thanksgiving, don’t miss out on this unique cultural celebration in the heart of Downtown Orlando.
9. Park City, UT
If you picture your perfect Park City Thanksgiving spent outside in soft, powdery snow and flying down amazing ski slopes, you need to research a trip to this particular destination. This city is renowned for its winter activities, but also for its splendor so you’ll have plenty to be thankful for this year.
There’s also a fantastic feast to be had at Flanagan’s on Main, Irish Pub and Restaurant. Located in the heart of Park City, this dine-in pub is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends.
10. Phoenix, AZ
This warmer destination still incorporates cold elements to really set the scene for Thanksgiving every year! Skate Westgate is back this year, with a 3,500 square-foot rink as an addition to the Plaza in Fountain Park.
Phoenix is an excellent destination for those wanting to soak up the winter sun and partake in off-season sunbathing. After spending the day out and about in the city, join Blue Hound Kitchen for a delicious three-course Thanksgiving dinner in Phoenix with friends and family.
11. Plymouth, MA
What better time to experience genuine southern charm than at Thanksgiving in Savannah? Enjoy Savannah’s beautiful green parks and a nice cool climate in this welcoming southern hot spot.
Savannah at Thanksgiving isn’t just about enjoying food and watching football too, it is known for its annual Turkey Trot, which is perfect for those who like to get up and go and be active on Turkey Day! This event takes place just before your Thanksgiving dinner, so why not work up an appetite and join in? Located at Daffin Park, this year marks the 14th year for the Turkey Trot.
12. Savannah, GA
What better time to experience genuine Southern charm than at Thanksgiving? Enjoy Savannah’s beautiful green parks and a nice cool climate in this welcoming southern hot spot.
Thanksgiving isn’t just about enjoying food and watching football too, Savannah is known for its annual Turkey Trot, which is perfect for those who like to get up and go and be active on Turkey Day! This event takes place just before your Thanksgiving dinner, so why not work up an appetite and join in? Located at Daffin Park, this year marks the 14th year for the Turkey Trot.
Itching to get away to Savannah for Thanksgiving but don’t have your airport parking lot space booked? Pre-book now with ParkSleepFly!
13. Toronto, CA
Hopping over the border to Canada, Thanksgiving in Toronto is a great city to visit if you’re looking for a non-traditional day. This city will impress you with its diverse culture and high-end cuisine, offering another view for your Thanksgiving weekend.
The hustle and bustle of this city won’t end for you this US Thanksgiving, as Canada celebrates theirs in early October, meaning you can also get any last-minute Christmas gifts whilst you visit.
Dine in the city’s heart after a long day of shopping and exploring, and relax, surrounded by fallen Maple leaves and Canadian culture this Thanksgiving.
14. Washington, D.C.
If you’re feeling extra patriotic during the holiday season, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better destination than our nation’s great capital. Thanksgiving in Washington DC allows you to feel thankful as you enjoy the beautiful decorations while taking in some American history. There’s also the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Silver Spring!
Washington DC for Thanksgiving is also the hotspot for Turkey-to-go this year, with plenty of city restaurants offering this option if you want a quiet night in! If you would prefer to feast the night away, however, we highly recommend the Waldorf Astoria Thanksgiving buffet, the perfect place to indulge to your heart’s content with friends and family.
15. Williamsburg, VA
For another traditional Thanksgiving, Colonial Williamsburg is a place worth visiting in 2023. Thanksgiving marks the kick-off to Christmas and alongside Thanksgiving activities, you can also expect to enjoy a few festive-themed delights too.
Colonial Williamsburg has a plethora of attractions available, including Premium shopping outlets for those well-needed Christmas gifts, the official Jamestown settlement, and the Historic area. All these activities run on normal operating hours, apart from the outlets which have a longer opening time.
For restaurant choices, Williamsburg has a variety of both sit-down and buffet-style eateries, including King’s Arms Tavern, Campbell’s Tavern, and Colonial Williamsburg Lodge which offers a holiday buffet. All perfect after a day of exploring the city’s history and partaking in light shopping.
Why book with ParkSleepFly?
No matter where you decide to travel to, have a stress-free Thanksgiving vacation in 2023 by pre-booking your hotel + parking package with ParkSleepFly this holiday season.
