No matter where you're located in the U.S., exciting adventures await you for a weekend winter getaway. Check out the beaches of the East or West coasts. Enjoy a road trip along Florida's sandy beaches, view a California sunset in the mountains or explore the Texas capital city of Austin. Chicago is a delight if you appreciate snowy weather and cooler temperatures.
Central California offers beautiful and breathtaking scenic drives on every winding turn of the Pacific Coast Highway. Spend the weekend driving through Big Sur and then continue heading north to Monterey. If traveling with children be sure to stop in downtown Monterey and visit the aquarium that is located along the water at Old Fisherman's Wharf. Monterey Bay Whale Watch offers year-round whale watching excursions. Baywood Cellars vineyard is less than five miles from the downtown shopping district and San Francisco is less than two miles north if you'd like to check it out for dinner.
If you love cold weather, good food and warm people venture to Chicago for the weekend. Stay at the Omni or Intercontinental hotels and enjoy a heart-of-the-action location. Hop in a cab or take a 10-minute stroll south down to Millennium Park, which hosts an outdoor ice sculpture art walk in the winter months. The Art Institute resides two minutes from the park. Paintings, sculptures and drawings apply. Pack your walking shoes and take a coat because the average daily temperature hovers around 25 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months.
Central Florida offers year-round sunshine and two distinct coastlines, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Gulf Coast to the west. If you appreciate surfing and a lively atmosphere head east to Daytona Beach and treat yourself to a luxurious stay at Daytona Beach Regency Resort. Should you get bored soaking up the sun, drive an hour south to Cape Canaveral and tour the facilities of the space center. When you're ready to eat venture inland and visit downtown Orlando. Emeril's Orlando offers a Cajun-inspired menu at lunch and dinner.
Located just a few hours south of Dallas and north of Austin is an area known as the Texas Hill Country. This region boasts numerous wineries offering walking tours and tasting rooms. Begin your stay in Fredericksburg and travel Highway 290 east over the weekend, visiting multiple vineyards. When you're ready to settle in for the night the Rose Hill Manor Bed and Breakfast is available. If you enjoy hiking or are a daredevil, check out the trails at Enchanted Rock State Park or go rock climbing on a rock dome that stretches 325 feet into the air.
