Welcome to February, the month the place 29 days (sure, it is a intercalary year) pack in additional punch than you’d anticipate. It’s a time for love, journey and a touch of winter magic, however the place do you have to spend this extra-special month?
Imagine your self basking on a sun-drenched seashore the place the winter chill is only a distant reminiscence or frolicking within the final snowflakes in a winter wonderland. Culture vultures concern not — we have included cities the place arts and festivals are as plentiful because the February frost.
Each of our chosen spots has its distinctive allure and causes to go to, from balmy climates for the winter-weary to cozy nooks for many who relish the chilliness. We’ve even thrown in some off-the-beaten-path locales for many who assume they’ve seen all of it.
So, mark your calendars and prepare for some critical wanderlust. These are the ten finest locations to go to in February.
Dana Point, California
Halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Dana Point — the “dolphin and whale watching capital of the World” and the primary Whale Heritage Site within the Americas — is a coastal escape excellent for February journey.
With limitless alternatives for marine life sightings and seaside adventures year-round, Dana Point is thought for its pristine seashores, cliffside eateries, famend whale watching and world-class boating.
The cooler season brings prime alternatives to identify whales and dolphins from the shores and with native outfitters. Several marine species use Dana Point as a landmark throughout migrations; from December by April, grey whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins and orcas may be seen as they make their approach 12,000 miles from the Arctic to Mexico.
While on the town, vacationers can stay up for oceanside lodging starting from budget-friendly to high-end choices. There are myriad different actions on provide, akin to kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, browsing, cliffside {golfing} and climbing, yoga within the park overlooking the harbor and sundown wine cruises.
Where to remain: Book a keep at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa for $244 per night time or 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors.
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Placencia, Belize
Escape to the southeast coast of the tropical nation of Belize, and extra particularly to the city of Placencia, the normal Kriol (Creole) fishing village identified domestically as “Barefoot Perfect.” The Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival in February turns this quaint village right into a buzzing hub of tradition and creativity, attracting artists and guests from throughout the globe.
This competition is a testomony to Belize’s wealthy cultural heritage and supplies a novel alternative to work together with native artisans and perceive their crafts. Plus, February’s gentle local weather, with comfy temperatures and fewer rainfall, enhances the expertise of exploring the colourful streets full of artwork, music and native delicacies.
Bonus: Belize is the one English-speaking nation within the area, and it has many nonstop flights from main U.S. cities. Not to say, the U.S. greenback is at a positive change of $1 to $2 Belize {dollars}. So, this nation ought to be on the radar of any traveler searching for a rare journey to kick-start the brand new yr.
Where to remain: Rates at The Placencia begin at $207 an evening.
Jackson County, North Carolina
During January and February, guests can benefit from the quieter aspect of common sights like Whiteside Mountain and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. This interval affords shorter wait occasions at native eateries and distinctive experiences akin to climbing to frozen waterfalls and purchasing within the quaint cities of Cashiers, Sylva and Dillsboro.
A spotlight of this season is the Outhouse Races at Sapphire Valley Resort, held each President’s Day weekend. In this uncommon occasion, groups race do-it-yourself outhouses on skis down a snowy 120-foot course, showcasing creativity and humor of their designs and names, like “The Royal Flush.” This quirky custom is a testomony to the area’s group spirit and distinctive tradition.
Where to remain: Rooms on the Hampton Inn & Suites Cashiers-Sapphire Valley begin at $123 or 35,000 Hilton Honors factors.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston hosts two vital occasions in February 2024: the Lowcountry Oyster Festival on Feb. 4 and the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition from Feb. 16-18.
Also, since Valentine’s Day falls throughout this month, why not stay out one of many best romances of all? The HarbourView Inn affords a novel “Allie & Noah’s Timeless Romance” bundle, coinciding with the twentieth anniversary of “The Notebook,” offering a romantic backdrop for guests.
Plus, there isn’t a higher solution to commemorate Black History Month than to discover the not too long ago opened International African American Museum. It’s the one museum on the planet devoted to telling an entire story of the worldwide African diaspora, and it sits on the sacred soil the place nearly all of Africans entered the U.S.
Where to remain: Book the Hyatt House Charleston/Historic District for $176 per night time or 12,000 World of Hyatt factors.
Montgomery, Alabama
Purposeful vacationers can have a good time Black History Month every February by embarking on a transformative journey to Montgomery, Alabama, nationally acclaimed because the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement.
Known for its pivotal function in trendy and historic American social justice actions, Montgomery’s core messages of unity and solidarity are echoed each day at websites all through town. Sites embrace the Civil Rights Memorial Center; the Rosa Parks Museum positioned on the very web site the place Rosa modified the world along with her brave act of defiance; Dexter Avenue King Baptist Memorial Church, the place Dr. Martin Luther King first spoke his messages of brotherhood; the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum; and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
Related: 10 locations the place you possibly can find out about Black historical past within the US
Montgomery additionally boasts a tasty culinary scene highlighting Southern traditions, historic and trendy cultural influences, sustainable practices and native Alabama flavors. Culinary heritage and the motion’s legacy mix at Black-owned classics like Martha’s Place and Brenda’s Bar-B-Que Pit.
Where to remain: The area’s multicultural historical past and inventive spirit are additionally celebrated on the metropolis’s first luxurious boutique lodge, The Trilogy Autograph Collection. Rates common $156 an evening or 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas in February this yr is a should. Why? Well, you’ve got bought the Super Bowl on the eleventh at Allegiant Stadium. This yr, the opening ceremony on Feb. 5 marks an important day because it’s open to most of the people for the primary time. Mandalay Bay may also host the fan-centric Big Game Experience all through the week, that includes autograph periods, interactive reveals and far more.
Beyond the Super Bowl, there’s plenty of different leisure this month. Imagine seeing Adele stay at Caesars Palace! She’s simply one in all many huge names, alongside Kelly Clarkson and the Black Crowes. Fancy some nostalgia? The Venetian Theater is internet hosting Styx and Chicago, and New Edition is kicking off its residency at Wynn’s Encore Theater on the 28.
Related: Las Vegas waited years for Fontainebleau — listed below are 5 issues you need to learn about this new resort
And there is a particular deal with at The Mob Museum on Feb 14 – free entry to mark its twelfth anniversary and the historic St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
TPG tip: The Cosmopolitan is definitely a part of the Autograph Collection. So, you need to use your Marriott Bonvoy factors right here. It will set you again about 71,500 factors or $305 per night time.
Jamaica
Jamaica celebrates Reggae Month and Bob Marley’s Feb. 6 birthday with vibrant occasions each February. The month-long celebration contains contests, concert events, and exhibitions, particularly on the Bob Marley Museum, showcasing his international affect.
Related: The finest all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, from honeymoon sizzling spots to family-friendly resorts
But this yr is further particular as “Bob Marley: One Love,” a biopic exploring Marley’s legacy, is being launched on Feb. 14. So, it is a prime time for reggae followers to discover Marley’s Kingston house, Trench Town, Strawberry Hill, and extra. Of course, there’s at all times the beautiful seashores and heat climate to lure you as nicely.
TPG tip: Iberostar Rose Hall Beach charges begin at $588 per night time or 60,000 IHG factors.
Tanzania
After the quick rains in earlier months, Tanzania is awash in vibrant greens, and the temps are comfy in February.
The surroundings? Absolutely breathtaking. And discuss excellent picture ops — with probably the most sunshine hours of the yr, each snapshot may very well be a postcard. Now, in the event you’re a wildlife buff, prepare for the wildebeest migration. It’s nature’s personal blockbuster present, and you have front-row seats.
As for the adventurers, Kilimanjaro awaits. February’s the golden ticket: heat days, clear sunny skies and people views from the highest are well worth the trek. Then there’s Zanzibar. You can lay on the beautiful seashores and funky off in one of many beautiful blue lagoons. Plus, you possibly can wander by the historic alleys of Stone Town or get a whiff of historical past on the spice farms.
Related: Plan the last word African safari with these 12 bush-to-beach locations
TPG tip: After occurring safari, enterprise over to the Park Hyatt Zanzibar the place you possibly can keep alongside the seashore for round 20,000 World of Hyatt factors or $511 per night time.
Napa Valley, California
Another California spot this month is Napa Valley’s picturesque Mustard Season. The valley transforms with vibrant yellow mustard flowers blanketing winery rows, reaching their peak mid-month.
Celebrations begin on Feb. 4, 2024, with the Atlas Peak Mustard occasion; it options particular tastings and meals pairings at native wineries and artwork studios like William Hill Winery and Gordon Huether Studio. Iconic picture spots, together with Newell Open Space Preserve and Laird Family Estate, provide beautiful views of the blooms.
Related: These are the very best factors lodges in Napa and Sonoma, California
This season, often known as “Cabernet Season,” is a major time for wine lovers to savor new varietals. Additionally, guests can take pleasure in decrease lodge charges and simpler entry to famend eating places and Michelin-starred institutions, making February a really perfect time to discover Napa Valley’s scenic magnificence and culinary delights.
Where to remain: Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa charges begin at $464 per night time or 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors.
Scotland
In the guts of winter, Scotland transforms right into a charming wonderland of music and lightweight. Glasgow’s Celtic Connections, operating from Jan. 18 to Feb. 4, is a worldwide musical extravaganza that includes greater than 2,100 musicians from throughout the globe. This competition vibrates with folks, roots and world music rhythms, intertwined with full of life ceilidhs (conventional Scottish gatherings), enriching workshops and mesmerizing artwork exhibitions.
Simultaneously, Aberdeen’s Spectra Festival of Light, from Feb 8 to 11, casts a magical glow over town. The Granite City turns into a canvas for internationally acclaimed artists’ extraordinary mild and sound installations. These festivals showcase Scotland’s wealthy cultural tapestry and create an immersive, enchanting expertise, making February an unmissable time to find Scotland’s distinctive allure and inventive aptitude.
Where to remain: Rates on the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh — The Caledonian begin at $220 or 59,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time.
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Source: thepointsguy.com”