Warm Destinations for Winter

Waimea Plantation Cottages in Kauai, Hawaii.

Photography by Thomas J. Story

Kick back in a hammock in Hawaii

You can sleep just steps from the beach at Waimea Plantation Cottages on Kauai.

Wake up to the waves crashing, pour yourself a cup of local java, and then wander under the banyan trees.

Waimea and more romantic cottages

A street in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Photography by Thomas J. Story

Fall in love with Mexico's San Miguel

Cobblestone streets, shady courtyards, and intimate cafés would make even a walk across the street feel romantic in San Miguel.

In winter, colorful gardens and houses are a welcome antidote to short days, and the cosmopolitan vibe―a blend of the best parts of Santa Fe, Siena, and Seville―means people still dress up for date night.

More: Fall in love with Mexico's San Miguel

A winter vacation to Laguna Beach, California.

Photography by Gina Sabatella

Laguna Beach, without the crowds

When the summer throngs depart, you get this seaside arts town and its beaches all to yourself. Just 50 miles south of L.A., Laguna Beach has galleries galore, romantic hotels, and jaw-dropping views of the coast.

More: Weekend in Laguna Beach

A winter aerobic mountain workout in Phoenix, Arizona.

Photography by Jason Millstein

Get away to the desert in Phoenix

January is prime time for mountain hikes in Phoenix, where winter temps climb into the blissful 70s.

Head to the Camelback Mountain-Echo Canyon area for the best desert scenery.

More: Rising above Phoenix

Photography by Kerrick James

Savoring Sedona

The iron-red mesas, warm days, and miles of miles of hikes into some of the most stunning landscape in the country make it a great winter getaway. And it’s just two hours north of Phoenix; less than an hour from Flagstaff.

More: Savoring Sedona

A romantic beach near Todos Santos Inn, Baja, Mexico.

Soak up some sun on Baja’s coast

Hole up in an oceanside hacienda in Todos Santos, one of Mexico’s most romantic spots. Or choose from 19 other romantic winter getaways, from Palm Springs to San Francisco.

More: Top 20 romantic getaways

Photography by Dave Lauridsen

Catch a boat to Catalina

Bask on the beach in Southern California’s storied island and explore the charming harbor town of Avalon.

More: Catalina Getaway