The Best Snowbird Destinations in the US and Beyond

Where do snowbirds go in the winter? And where are the best places for snowbirds to visit in the US? Most people say destinations like Fort Lauderdale or Daytona Beach in Florida, La Jolla or Coronado Beach in California, or maybe even somewhere like Scottsdale, Arizona. But, more and more retirees are exploring alternative cities in their quest to exchange grey skies and snow for endless summers and more tropical weather.

If you’re dreaming of travel or would love to escape the cold winter but the usual hot spots don’t entice you, you might be intrigued by this alternative guide to the best snowbird destinations. Whether you’re captivated by scenic beauty, drawn to beautiful beaches, tempted by great food or simply want to be near the ocean, each offers its own inviting charm.

Desert Snowbird Destinations

Do you daydream about escaping the snowy weather for sand, sunshine and palm trees? The best cities for snowbirds combine all of that with a warm, dry climate that will quickly make you forget that winter even exists.

1. Las Vegas, NV

This desert city is not exactly a new snowbird destination for winter visitors, but it’s becoming increasingly popular for retirees. Along with moderate winter temperatures and low humidity (its climate is among the driest in the United States), Las Vegas offers world-class golf courses, entertainment and dining options.

Housing choices are many and varied. If you’re looking into buying a second home, the market for high-end houses and condos is quickly rebounding. Would-be renters have plenty of options, as do RV owners: Along with a selection of RV parks (some located at large casinos), there are also more luxurious RV resorts.

Basing yourself in Las Vegas puts you in convenient proximity to other Nevada communities, as well as spectacular natural settings and national parks. And, of course, if you like casinos, you won’t be disappointed.

2. Tucson, AZ

While the Phoenix area attracts more snowbirds, Tucson, which is 118 miles to the south, is not without its winter devotees. And there’s plenty to see and do for seasonal residents in this city of 520,000 people. Spread out across the Sonoran Desert, Tucson strikes a unique balance of city life with the feel of a laid-back resort town.

Tucson’s winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s. The city offers a wide variety of neighborhoods, many of which showcase the area’s long history and blend of cultures. And travel-loving snowbirds will appreciate how close Tucson is to the smaller towns of southern Arizona.

Art lovers will find a range of museums here, foodies will have their pick of restaurants and outdoorsy types can explore city, state and national parks. In the winter and spring, Tucson hosts a variety of festivals and events, like the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. These draw tourists from near and far.

3. St. George, UT

Think Utah winters are all about cold weather and snow-capped mountain peaks? Think again. The Mojave Desert city of St. George, in the southwestern corner of the state, is actually closer in climate (and distance) to Las Vegas than to the ski resorts in northern Utah.

St. George has been a snowbird destination for decades, but it’s becoming more popular as the city grows. And it’s not hard to see why considering it has over 300 days of sunshine a year on average, plus winter temps in the 50s and 60s and relatively little precipitation, making St. George an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities like:

• Biking
• Hiking
• Golfing
• Rock climbing

Known as a gateway to Utah’s world-famous wilderness areas, St. George’s trails and parks highlight the serene beauty of the desert landscape. This city doesn’t feel like a dense urban environment. Its valley location and sprawling layout give many parts a small-town or rural atmosphere. Still, with a year-round population of about 165,000 in the metro area, St. George is large enough to boast numerous cultural institutions and shopping opportunities.

Island Getaways

When you think of traveling to an island, most people assume it means getting on an airplane. But you can enjoy beautiful island life without having to go far from the shore – and you can get there by car. Escape from everyday life by booking a trip to one of these islands, which have been said to be among some of the best snowbird destinations in the country.

4. Jekyll Island, GA

Snowbirds love this hidden gem off the coast of Georgia for two main reasons. 1. There’s a lot to do. 2. This former private retreat for the elite families of the Gilded Age is a nice place to do nothing.

Jekyll Island, roughly an hour and a half from Savannah and even closer to Jacksonville, Florida, is a paradise for cyclists, golfers and horseback riders. Its classic coastal Southern scenery—featuring miles of beaches and Spanish moss—also offers a lovely backdrop for walking or relaxing.

Residents work hard to preserve the island’s heritage. History buffs can explore the local museum, several historic sites and more. Winter visitors can rent a home or cottage. There are also hotels and a large campground for tent campers or RV dwellers.

Jekyll isn’t the only Georgia island that snowbirds can call their seasonal home away from home. Nearby St. Simons Island, larger than Jekyll and also a part of the Golden Isles of Georgia, is another favorite spot for short- and long-term stays year-round. And there’s no ferry journey required to reach these islands because both are accessible by road.

5. South Padre Island, TX

Though it’s technically connected to the mainland by a causeway, South Padre Island (or SPI) is known for its island vacation vibe. Once seen primarily as a spring break destination, it’s now becoming more popular with families. In recent years, both American and Canadian snowbirds looking for an island vibe have also been flocking to this little town on the Gulf Coast of Texas.

The main attraction here is the 34-mile coastline, where sandy beaches provide a base for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the warmth (winter temperatures generally stay in the 60s and 70s). Other popular pastimes include golfing and birdwatching.

All Texas beaches are public, so you’ll never be far from a coastal access point when you’re walking around SPI. And SPI is a great walking town because it’s only about two square miles. It offers a free public shuttle service, so you may prefer to ditch your car while you’re there.

And housing options – from timeshares to condos to camping to hotels – are surprisingly varied for such a small town.

And if the island life gets slow, South Padre Island is only a day’s drive from Houston, Dallas or San Antonio.

Best Places for Snowbirds Who Love Beaches

No matter where you go, there’s just something relaxing about a beach town. These coastal locations are the best snowbird destinations for sand, surf and a slower pace of life by the ocean.

6. Alabama

It may not have the vacation reputation of its neighbor, Florida, but that’s what makes Alabama a surprising favorite snowbird destination for those looking to escape the winter chill. With mild weather and white sand beaches covering over 30 miles of shoreline, Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers plenty of options.

Mobile, the largest city in the region, is known for its cultural institutions and architecture. It’s also home to a major seaport and the oldest organized Mardi Gras celebration in the country. The area’s smaller towns each have their own unique atmosphere, from Fairhope’s charming downtown district to Auburn’s college-town spirit. Gulf Shores boasts numerous family-friendly attractions and Orange Beach hosts an annual Snowbird Fest in January.

Because they’re less crowded than some other coastal areas, Alabama’s beach towns often offer more affordable housing and a lower cost of living compared to Florida. Choices range from luxury condo rentals to RV parks.

7. Mississippi

Like Alabama, Mississippi’s Gulf Coast draws tourists for its numerous beaches, mild winters and lively waterfront towns. But the Magnolia State has also been attracting snowbirds for another reason, one that may surprise those who have never been there: This region is home to over a dozen casinos, plus spas, restaurants, shops and live entertainment that accompany them.

Biloxi hosts the largest number of casino resorts. It’s also packed with additional entertainment options, ranging from sporting events to fishing charters. Gulfport, too, caters to fun-loving visitors, with seemingly endless active recreation opportunities.

However, if you enjoy quieter activities, there are more low-key ways to spend a winter along Mississippi’s 62 miles of shoreline. In addition to the beaches, there are many historic sites and museums to visit and natural areas to explore.

8. North Carolina

While Myrtle Beach in South Carolina has long been hailed as one of the best snowbird destinations, it may sound strange to escape the winter in a state with “North” in its name. However, many snowbirds choose not to go all the way south but rather to stop in North Carolina’s Outer Banks region. It’s true that North Carolina winters aren’t exactly warm: Coastal temperatures average in the low 50s and it can get windy. But snow is uncommon, and the warmth of spring arrives far earlier than it does above the Mason-Dixon line.

The Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands that stretch along much of the North Carolina coast, offer stunningly serene beauty dotted with small historic communities like Kitty Hawk, Rodanthe and Hatteras. Because winter is the off-season here, beachfront accommodations are more affordable than in destinations further south.

And, beyond its beaches, North Carolina has other attractions that make it an ideal snowbird destination. From Cape Hatteras National Seashore, it’s a four-hour drive to Raleigh, with all the amenities of a large city. It’s an even shorter trip to coastal tourist destinations like Edenton and New Bern. North Carolina is also a golfer’s paradise, with some of the country’s premier courses and resorts.

No Beach, No Problem

Many snowbirds flock to the beach, but just as many others are happy to find their warm-weather spot further inland. While these snowbird destinations don’t have a coastline, they offer plenty of other perks.

9. New Mexico

It’s about as far from the traditional idea of the snowbird destination as you can get, both in distance and lifestyle. However, southern New Mexico’s smaller towns attract plenty of retired Americans and Canadian seeking otherworldly landscapes and extended summers rich in culture. The weather is warmer than you’d imagine, with dry desert air and winter highs in the mid-50s and 60s. Plus, affordable rentals and RV parks are plentiful.

Would-be winter residents of the Land of Enchantment have many choices in the southern part of the state, including:

• Las Cruces, a large city by New Mexico standards, that combines the amenities of urban life with easy access to nature.
• Alamogordo, with close ties to the military and plenty of shops, events and museums that attract tourists.
• Truth or Consequences, home to several hot springs and a walkable downtown business district.
• Caballo, where RV’ers can relax beside a lake with a mountain view.

And, although the weather is slightly cooler, some northern New Mexico towns have snowbird communities, too. These include:

• Taos, famed for the artists who have called it home.
• Los Lunas and Rio Rancho, outside of Albuquerque.
• Tucumcari, on historic Route 66.

10. Louisiana

When people hear Louisiana, they usually think of Mardi Gras, Cajun food, New Orleans and alligators. But it’s a state that potential snowbirds should consider because it has mild winters (temperatures often reach above 60) and a very affordable cost of living.

In the southern part of the state, the city of Lafayette offers a little something for everyone. A busy college town with restaurants, nightlife and shopping options, it has driving trails for interests as specific as boudin (yes, the sausage) and oak trees. From the city, scenic roads lead to charming smaller towns like New Iberia and Abbeville, where history and photo-worthy architecture abound.

A little further west, the city of Lake Charles has similarly varied attractions. Between the casino, the symphony, the city parks, the libraries, the sporting events and festivals, snowbirds can entertain themselves nonstop. Winding throughout the region, the bayous provide ample opportunities for fishing, touring or simply appreciating the natural beauty and wildlife of this unique landscape.

11. California

California is often conflated with its lengthy coastline, but for snowbirds who don’t want a beach-centric lifestyle, the inland parts of the Golden State are full of possibilities. The towns and cities scattered throughout inland California are meccas of laid-back yet upscale culture and cuisine.

In the north, you can find famously beautiful wine country destinations in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Further south, the desert towns of the Coachella Valley—like Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage and La Quinta—offer numerous golf courses, boutiques, galleries and spas. Anywhere snowbirds flock in California will likely be convenient to:

• Airports
• Major cities
• Scenic routes to explore
• Vast and varied natural areas, including state and national parks

Winter temperatures in the sunny Coachella Valley can rest in the 70s during the day, while more northern areas are slightly cooler. California is not generally as affordable as some of the other places on this list, but seasonal residents willing to spend more will find luxury rentals and planned communities in prime locations. That said, it’s not all high-end. Real estate in some towns is less expensive than in others and plenty of California communities accommodate RVers, too.

International Escapes

A change in the weather is one thing, but some seasonal travelers are also looking for a change in culture, language or way of life. These foreign destinations might take more planning, but for the adventurous, they may prove to be very rewarding snowbird destinations.

1. New Zealand: Snowbirds can enjoy summer in the southern hemisphere by exploring destinations like Auckland’s coastal charm, Wellington’s cultural scene or Queenstown’s mountain beauty. With its mild climate and a mix of Maori and British influences and diverse landscapes, New Zealand offers both adventure and relaxation at the far end of the world.
2. Panama: From the cosmopolitan energy of Panama City to the cooler highlands of Boquete and the tropical beaches of Bocas del Toro, Panama delivers warmth, affordability and natural beauty. Between English being widely spoken and the US dollar being used, its expat-friendly communities and retirement benefits make it a top choice for seasonal living.
3. Costa Rica: Whether soaking up sun on the Pacific beaches of Guanacaste, exploring the lush rainforests around Arenal or enjoying the urban comforts of San José, Costa Rica offers something for every snowbird. With stable politics, affordable living and friendly locals, it’s an inviting tropical haven for both adventure and tranquility.
4. Mexico: Beloved by North American snowbirds for its warm climate, beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, Mexico offers something for everyone—whether the coastal charm of Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Maya or the colonial elegance of San Miguel de Allende. Affordable living, delicious cuisine and friendly locals make it an easy and fulfilling winter escape.
5. Europe: Southern Europe beckons snowbirds with its blend of mild winters, rich history and cultural sophistication. Regions like Portugal’s Algarve and Spain’s Costa del Sol offer sunshine and a relaxed pace next to seaside living—perfect for those seeking warmth with a touch of Old World charm.

With the right planning, a winter abroad can be as enriching as it is relaxing.

Before You Go: Quick Tips for Snowbirds

A little preparation goes a long way toward making your annual migration stress-free. Whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned snowbird, these practical tips can help you enjoy peace of mind while you’re away.

Prepare Your Home

Create a checklist of tasks that will help you avoid the most common home issues for snowbirds. Here are a few examples to get you started:

• Shut off water valves.
• Secure windows, doors and outdoor spaces.
• Unplug appliances that don’t need to run while you’re away.
• Adjust your thermostat.
• Forward your mail.

You may also want to let a few friends or neighbors know your travel dates so they can keep an eye on things for you while you’re away.

Plan For Emergencies

Keep a binder or digital file with important information and ensure a trusted friend or family member has access in case you need help during your stay. Include:

• Insurance details
• Medical contacts
• Emergency phone numbers
• Important travel documents
• Vehicle documentation

Keep Safety in Mind

If you’re driving long distances, remember that there can be some significant differences between country vs. city driving when it comes to traffic patterns, road quality and weather conditions. And, once you’ve settled in, take the same precautions you would at home:

• Lock doors
• Be cautious about sharing travel details on social media
• Stay aware of your surroundings

These simple steps help ensure that your time away is focused on relaxation, not unexpected risks.

Essential Snowbird Frequently Asked Questions