Home » America Travel News » Orlando Joins Key West, Phoenix, New Haven, Miami Beach, Sierra Nevada, Grover Hot Springs, Winter Park Resort, Four Seasons and More: What are the Secrets Behind The Unexpected Blowing Up of These Fall and Winter Travel Hotspots in 2025?
Published on
October 27, 2025
Orlando, Key West, Phoenix, New Haven, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Bellingham, Bend, Sierra Nevada, Grover Hot Springs, Winter Park Resort, and Four Seasons are not your typical fall and winter destinations. Yet, in 2025, these spots are blowing up as some of the most sought-after places for seasonal getaways. So, what’s the secret behind this sudden surge? A research done by IGES claim that travelers are moving away from the usual spots and opting for places that offer something unique. Florida’s theme parks, like Orlando and Key West, still dominate, but more and more people are discovering the desert charm of Phoenix and the hidden gems in the Pacific Northwest like Bellingham and Bend.
From the luxurious relaxation of Sierra Nevada’s hot springs to the wellness-focused retreats at Four Seasons, there’s a clear shift towards experiences that promote relaxation, adventure, and meaningful connections with nature. Let’s dive into why these places are stealing the spotlight in 2025!
The Magic of Fall Foliage and Seasonal Escapes
If you thought fall travel was all about pumpkin spice and Instagram selfies, think again. Americans are now planning entire vacations around nature’s most spectacular displays. Fall foliage destinations are seeing a massive surge in popularity, with vacation rental searches increasing by 28% for trips from September through November.
But it’s not just the stunning autumn leaves that are attracting travellers. People are timing their vacations around harvest festivals, seasonal celebrations, and natural phenomena that only occur at certain times of the year. For instance, New England, with its vibrant red and gold leaves, is a perennial favourite. But travellers are now also discovering lesser-known spots like New Haven, Connecticut, a city that has overtaken European destinations like Mykonos in Greece for the title of the trendiest fall destination.
These seasonal events, like apple harvest festivals and Halloween celebrations, are giving travellers the opportunity to experience local cultures and traditions in a way that feels special and unique. Instead of rushing through cities, people are taking their time to soak in the beauty and history of the destinations they visit. It’s no longer about ticking off a bucket list, but about enjoying experiences that truly resonate.
Florida Still Dominates Winter Travel, But with a Twist
When you think of winter travel, Florida is likely one of the first places that comes to mind. And for good reason. Florida remains the king of winter getaways, with top cities like Orlando, Key West, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale holding steady in the top 10 list of popular winter destinations.
What makes Florida stand out in 2025? It’s the way the state transforms during the colder months. Disney World, for example, becomes a winter wonderland from November 14 through December 31. During this time, the theme park offers festive character experiences, holiday-themed food, and special entertainment that makes a trip to Disney feel entirely different from a summer visit. It’s a magical experience that blends the thrill of a theme park with the charm of the holiday season.
But Florida is no longer just about theme parks. The state’s coastline offers a range of outdoor activities, from scenic beaches to water sports. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the Everglades, Florida offers something for everyone. The added bonus? The warm weather provides a refreshing escape from the cold in the northern parts of the country.
Unexpected Winter Winners: Phoenix and the Pacific Northwest
While Florida continues to be a staple winter destination, some surprising areas are also making waves in the travel scene. Take Phoenix, Arizona, for example. Arizona has long been associated with scorching summer heat, but more travellers are discovering that the state offers much more than just desert landscapes.
Winter in Phoenix means mild temperatures and clear skies, making it perfect for hiking, stargazing, and enjoying outdoor activities. There’s a growing wellness vibe in the region, with a focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. Visitors are finding the peace and quiet they need to reset, all while exploring the desert’s dramatic beauty.
But the surprises don’t end there. The Pacific Northwest is also becoming a go-to winter destination. Cities like Bellingham, Washington, and Bend, Oregon, are quietly emerging as favourites for those seeking a mix of dramatic scenery and smaller crowds. Travellers are flocking to the region in search of fall and early winter landscapes that feature snow-capped mountains, misty forests, and sparkling lakes. What’s more, hotel rates during this shoulder season are more affordable than during the busy summer months, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.
Hot Springs: A Winter Secret Destination
If you’re looking for a truly unique winter escape, why not consider a road trip centred around hot springs? Hot springs have become a hidden gem for winter travellers, with places like California’s Sierra Nevada seeing a significant increase in visitors who are eager to relax and soak in natural hot water.
Grover Hot Springs State Park, for example, keeps its pools at a perfect temperature of 102-105 degrees year-round, providing a relaxing, therapeutic experience even in the middle of winter. Meanwhile, Sierra Hot Springs Resort offers both indoor and outdoor soaking options, with special winter rates that make it a perfect winter getaway. These hot spring destinations offer something other than just a warm soak—they provide an opportunity to connect with nature, take in beautiful mountain scenery, and enjoy the peace and quiet that winter brings.
Planning with the Weather in Mind: Climate-Conscious Routing
Smart travellers are increasingly using “climate-conscious routing” to plan their trips. This strategy involves working with the weather rather than against it. For example, if you’re planning a trip in October or November, it’s likely that the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes regions will experience wetter-than-usual conditions due to La Niña. On the other hand, the South is expected to stay warmer and drier, making it a more attractive option for travellers seeking sunshine and pleasant temperatures.
Another trend is that more people are choosing destinations closer to home. With rising travel costs, Americans are opting for shorter, more affordable trips that still offer incredible seasonal experiences. By driving to nearby locations, travellers are discovering hidden gems right in their own backyard, from apple orchards in the Northeast to cozy cabins in the Midwest.
The Rise of Wellness and Intentional Travel
The buzz around “revenge travel”—the idea of travelling to make up for lost time—has died down. In its place, a new trend has emerged: JOMO, or the “Joy of Missing Out.” In 2025, more and more travellers are choosing fewer destinations but staying longer, and making sure their trips are about meaningful experiences rather than chasing Instagram-perfect moments.
This trend towards intentional travel means that people are planning vacations around specific seasonal events, like winter solstice celebrations, apple harvest seasons, and regional holiday traditions. These aren’t just things to do while you’re in town—they become the main event of the trip. This shift in mindset is changing the way people approach travel, focusing less on seeing as many places as possible and more on immersing oneself in the culture and traditions of each destination.
Digital Detox and Winter Wellness Tourism
Winter wellness tourism is exploding, as more and more people are seeking opportunities to disconnect from the chaos of daily life. Cold weather offers a perfect excuse to slow down, relax, and reset. Digital detox vacations, where travellers unplug from their phones and social media, are growing in popularity, as are nature-focused destinations where visitors can connect with their surroundings.
Luxury resorts, like those at Four Seasons, are capitalising on this trend by offering spa treatments designed specifically for skiers, as well as guided wellness experiences that help guests recharge. In addition, ski resorts like Winter Park Resort’s Zephyr Mountain Lodge are combining relaxation and adventure, offering ski-in/ski-out access, heated underground parking, and on-site relaxation areas, creating an all-encompassing winter wellness experience.
Adventure Travel: Seeking Thrills in the Cold
Surprisingly, winter is becoming a peak time for adventure-based travel. People are actively seeking out winter hiking, ice climbing, and aurora viewing experiences—things that you can’t do at any other time of year. This trend is exciting for those who love the thrill of outdoor adventure but don’t want to deal with the summer crowds.
Repositioning cruises are also gaining traction as a unique option for adventurous winter travellers. These cruises, which move ships between seasonal destinations, offer discounted rates and itineraries that aren’t typically available during peak seasons. This makes them an excellent option for travellers who want to experience exotic locations without the usual price tag.
The Future of Fall and Winter Travel in the USA
As we look ahead to the fall and winter of 2025, one thing is clear: Americans are no longer interested in ticking off bucket-list destinations for the sake of it. Instead, they’re focusing on intentional travel, wellness, and seasonal experiences that allow them to truly connect with the places they visit.
Whether it’s soaking in a hot spring in California, hiking through the misty forests of the Pacific Northwest, or enjoying the festive charm of Florida’s winter wonderlands, there’s a shift in the way people are approaching travel. It’s no longer about filling the travel calendar with as many destinations as possible—it’s about curating experiences that will truly enrich their lives.
In the end, this new era of travel is all about slowing down, connecting with nature, and embracing the beauty of each season. So, if you’re planning a fall or winter getaway in 2025, take a page from the book of these intentional travellers—and make it a trip to remember.
Source: IGES, Copper Well Retreat
