February Vacation
 

Has anyone got any suggestions on a good vacation place in February?

We don't want to ski, and don't like beaches. Activity wise, we like cities, museums, national parks, theme parks, good restaurants, pretty much anything, and wouldn't mind staying in a couple of different places and driving to see different things.

It has to be in the U.S. (need new visa's if we leave) and ideally direct flights.

I just can't think of anywhere, we've done most of the obvious places in California, we've been to Florida, Vegas and Hawaii which are the only places I know of that has the sun in February. I thought about New York or Seattle but the weather is obviously crap in both, we'd like to go to Colorado, but too snowy at that time of year.

Any suggestions?

Re: February Vacation
 

Charleston and Savannah. Loads of history, museums, great walkable cities and good restaurants.

You said that you don't like beaches but the coast line between Charleston and Savannah is wonderful. Beaches wide enough to cycle on with pines and deciduous trees right down to the beach area.

Asked a native as to what the winters were like in this part of the world and she said "compared to her home state of Minnesota they don't have one!". Might rain though.

Re: February Vacation
 

Washington DC? I'd like to go to the Smithsonian and the Natural history museum.

Re: February Vacation
 

Thanks, hadn't considered there, will definately take a look

Yes, I too would love to go to Washington DC, I had looked along with NY and Seattle (forgot to list it.) Unfortunately, they get most of their snowfall in February, and I don't want to get stranded:(.

Re: February Vacation
 

New Orleans.

Re: February Vacation
 

Chicago. Lovely city. Eat, drink, bundle up and walk it off.

Re: February Vacation
 

You've already done Boston haven't you?

If you're not into skiing, might not be much point to Maine, but Portland is lovely in winter and a good central point if you wanted to head to Portsmouth, NH or the mountains there, or Burlington, VT, or western MA. Also not as crazy cold as NYC/Chicago. Possibly.

Though Williamsburg, VA sounds like it might be a fun spot during winter.

Re: February Vacation
 

Again, somewhere else I had ruled out due to the snow. I'm concerned about either not getting there, or not getting back, and don't want to be trapsing through 2 foot of snow every day.

Yes, done Boston and loved it. I'll look at Williamsburg, thanks.

Re: February Vacation
 

Southern cities would get my vote! That time of the year must be mild and there is probably a lot to see! I'd say Seattle, but the fall is a better time up here, or I should say September when all the kiddies are back in school and the tourists have got back on their buses and/or ships! ;):D

Re: February Vacation
 

The Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona in Arizona. February would be beautiful in all those places. Chilly, maybe a bit of snow at the Grand Canyon, but overall mild.

You could drive down through Phoenix, see some museums here, and then keep on going to Tucson...the scenery is totally different in Southern AZ compared to northern AZ. Lots of touristy/historical things to see and do in Tucson.

Rene

Re: February Vacation
 

Arizona/Utah. Great food, great national Parks.

Re: February Vacation
 

Thanks Rene, been to the Grand Canyon and Phoenix, however Sedona and some national parks as suggested by Tonrob could maybe work

Re: February Vacation
 

Nashville/Memphis. I'd say chances of snow are slim to none and they both seem fairly touristy to me.

Re: February Vacation
 

We don't often get snow in February round our way.....come on over and say hi.....might even turn into an excuse for a meetup. Then you can tell everyone how unshit it really is:)

Re: February Vacation
 

Someone after my own heart. Wonderful place. Was there last January. We're going back next January too.

Re: February Vacation
 

I see your point but what if you decide to go to New Orleans or Nashville (for argument's sake) and the cheapest/best/only flight option from where you are is through a Chicago O'Hare or Minneapolis or Denver?

Of course February isn't a great month to travel but I would trust that the best airports (and municipalities for city street clearing) equipped for any bad weather would be these exact places. Just a thought.

Re: February Vacation
 

But then I'd have to blame you for having a shit vacation if it's as bad as everyone says;)

I don't want to spend a week trapsing through snow to see a city and I want a direct flight.

Re: February Vacation
 

Pretty demanding aren't you, now!!!


Jim.

Re: February Vacation
 

Ah, so either its not as shit as everyone says it is, or else I've got broad shoulders and can take the beating......

You never know till you try....

In the immortal words of the man himself...."So, you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?". Well, do ya punk?"

Re: February Vacation
 

Avoid Mardis Gras (around Feb12th)! Ridiculously expensive, busy and just generally not that pleasant IMO.

I love New Orleans and think it's a great place but I'd go outside of Mardi Gras to experience the local music and food (both really good).

If anyone ever needs tips on New Orleans (especially restaurants!), I spend a great deal of time there and know it very well.

Re: February Vacation
 

Do you think she pouted and stamped her foot on the last bit:rofl:

Re: February Vacation
 

Go on then, tell me what wonderful things I could do in Katy for 1 whole week. Other than having a meet-up with fellow Yorkshire folk.

That's me

We need to fly on Feb 15th, so that would be ok. No direct flights though, but the layover is in LA for 1 hour, which I'd consider.

I always put my foot when I have to say things twice:p

Re: February Vacation
 

Another for the mix: San Antonio, TX. Probably no direct flights and only good for a few days. But I enjoyed it, albeit years ago now.

Re: February Vacation
 

February? Well, the only place worth visiting at that time of year is Rochester, NY!

Last year it even got above 0F on a couple of days... Actually, no it didn't, I was thinking of March. Funny how those hybernation months sort of roll into one another.

Re: February Vacation
 

Loads of museums, great theater district, easy access to some good state parks, historical parks, wide variety of decent restaurants, Johnson Space center, BBQ, Western Bars, huge Rodeo if you're here at the end of Feb, and a few smaller local ones earlier (eg Katy :thumbsup:). And, of course, lots of Brits, though they do tend to be a bit shy and retiring and it can be kinda tricky to entice them out......

Then if you want a change of scenery get in the car and head west-ish to either San Antonio or Austin for a totally different Texas feel (including theme parks that you mentioned). A little bit further west and you hit Dude Ranch country which is totally different again, and can be a good laugh for a few days.

Re: February Vacation
 

I like San Antonio too. It's pleasant down by the riverwalk. I'd actually recommend not staying on the riverwalk as if you stay at some of the hotels a 5 min walk away (very walkable place in general btw) it's significantly cheaper (also true if you're using rewards points on hotels there).

Plus, there's sea world there and then Schlitterbahn just outside (though would have to check opening seasons for Schlitterbahn).

Re: February Vacation
 

Agree with New Orleans, and also agree you should go after Mardi Gras!

Re: February Vacation
 

Another vote for "Red Rock" country. Arizona/Utah. Absolutely beautiful and amazing. Didn't realise that rocks could be so pretty. So much more than just the Grand Canyon.

Re: February Vacation
 

and the alligators, don't forget the alligators:thumbup:

Re: February Vacation
 

I noticed nobody mentioned Austin, TX yet...

Re: February Vacation
 

Hawaii. Well at least it's direct for me and seemingly everyone I know in OR goes there between Jan-Feb to get away from the Mizzle, Gray and cold of the PNW.

Re: February Vacation
 

Pssssttt.....Tim, she said in her first post not Hawaii as she has been there done that;)


Do keep up mate:lol:

Re: February Vacation
 

Oy! !! See post 25 :-)

Re: February Vacation
 

Gators are good, but won't they all be hibernating or whatever in February?

Re: February Vacation
 

I was trying to "big" us up. A bit of exaggeration can't hurt can it?

Re: February Vacation
 

Oops....note to self.....no poker with SM

Re: February Vacation
 

You'd better believe it buddy:D

Re: February Vacation
 

no suggestions for St Louis yet, but it's really nice.

Delmar Loop, Forest Park, City Museum, Gateway Arch, Science Center, free Art Gallery and great great great zoo, Mississippi river.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/exp...test-city.html

Re: February Vacation
 

I see the Novelty hasn't worn off yet, then?

Jim.

Re: February Vacation
 

I'd second all that! My brother has visited me in the Bay Area several times, and most recently visited me in Scottsdale; I was expecting him to be disappointed but he absolutely loved it, and wants to come back! Sedona is beautiful. You can drive north into Utah and the beautiful parks there, though the weather may be questionable. Around Phoenix, you have the wonderfully funky Cave Creek, and lots of gorgeous hiking in the hills north of Scottsdale. You can drive east to Show Low through gorgeous canyons (weather check) or down to Tucson, and further south and then east to Bisbee. Another drive I love is to go to Santa Fe, NM ... but that is a long haul and I'm not sure what the weather is like in Feb.

I would definitely consider the parks in Utah, though I do know it can be cold at that time.

New Orleans sounds fun too!