8 winter nature escapes

Experience amazing coastline, wildlife, Aurora Borealis, Yosemite, and more

Get cozy along the Pacific

Yellow-slickered fishermen mix with just a sprinkling of iPad-toting tourists in this small riverfront town with San Francisco–steep streets. Winter is a lovely time to visit, as rain can actually be romantic when paired with thundering surf—and fresh, crisp beach walks when the storm breaks. Plus, in the off-season, you’ve got the typically packed place to yourself—particularly fine stretches of sand with towering dunes, uninterrupted ocean views, and some of the most impressive storm watching anywhere.

Snuggle up in Astoria, Oregon