Heading south of the border is an attractive option for many Canadians, especially during the colder winter months. Snowbirds commonly travel down south for the winter to enjoy the warmer weather and recreation, and with countless places to go in the Southern United States, choosing your favourite spot can be a challenge.
Our top 5 US destinations for Canadian Snowbirds combine some old favourites with a couple up and coming destinations, including spots from Florida, Arizona and California.
1. Sarasota, Florida
Located on the southwest coast of Florida, Sarasota is renowned for its cultural and environmental amenities, beaches, and resorts.
The Climate
Sarasota’s humid subtropical climate means the city remains warm all year-round. Average highs from October to April range between 22C and 25C (72 to 77F) and you’ll miss the high rainfall that falls during the summer months.
Things to Do
Winner of the 2014 Traveller’s Choice Award, The Ringling is located in Sarasota, Florida and preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling. It is home to a Museum of Art, the historic Ca' d'Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, an Art Library, the Circus Museums and the Historic Asolo Theater.
2. Naples, Florida
Also located in southwest Florida, Naples is a higher end choice for travellers, with the second highest per capita of millionaires in the U.S. The big selling point for Naples is the “sugar-sand” white coral beaches.
The Climate
March through May is the best time to travel to Naples as the sun will likely be out all day, whether you are hitting the beach or the links at the many nearby golf courses. But really any time in the winter is nice. The average high temperatures are a few degrees warmer here than in Sarasota.
Things to Do
Explore tropical flora from around the world at the Naples Botanical Gardens. With easy walking paths to help you explore each area. If you love tropical flowers you will love the Naples Botanical Gardens.
3. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is hot again, literally and figuratively speaking! A desert resort town in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs fills up each with weekend with spa-centric celebrity clientele. With its abundance of golf courses, spas, and sunshine it remains a popular destination for many Canadian snowbirds.
The Climate
September to December tends to be the most popular time to travel to Palm Springs, however with 350 days of sunshine, there really is no bad time to visit this city. Compared to the scorching summer temperatures winters are very comfortable with average highs ranging between 20.7C and 32.9C (69F to 91F) between October and March.
Things to Do
Designed by Mid-Century Modern architect A. Quincy Jones, Sunnylands, located in Rancho Mirage was the winter home of Ambassador Walter Annenberg and his wife Leonore. The couple hosted several U.S. presidents and international dignitaries, including Ronald Reagan, Queen Elizabeth II and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
4. San Luis Obispo, California
Image Source: Ken Broomfield
Located halfway between Los Angeles and Sacramento, San Luis and its neighbouring communities boast extraordinary resources for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, swimming and surfing, so it’s a great destination for active Canadian Snowbirds. It boasts outstanding natural beauty and a carefully preserved and thriving 19th-century downtown, centred around a meticulously restored 18th century mission.
The Climate
Never too warm and never too cold is the best way to describe the weather here. The climate is classified as cool Mediterranean so it is milder than most of the other destinations on our top 5. Expect average high temperatures more around the 16C to 23C (61F to 74F) range.
Things to Do
There are many places to hike and mountain bike in San Luis Obispo. The Santa Lucia Mountains and the "Nine Sisters" offer many beautiful views of the city and the countryside. The two most popular hikes are Bishop Peak (no bikes allowed) and Cerro San Luis
5. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is regularly described as one of America's most beautiful places. Known for its beauty and serene setting amidst the beautiful Red Rocks, the town is famous for its vibrant arts community with nearly 100 art galleries and events including the Sedona International Film Festival, Sedona Arts Festival and the Sedona Jazz Festival.
The Climate
The desert-like setting of Sedona means the city is at the very hot end of the scale during the summer but has far milder temperatures over the winter. If you travel down south in October the average would be a comfortable 25C (77F) though in December and January this drops quite substantially. Sedona is therefore often a better location for late winter/early spring when temperatures are increasing and the flora is blooming.
Things to Do
When we think of wine country, Arizona doesn't usually come to mind. But the Verde Valley near Sedona offers the dry climate and access to water that grapes need to thrive. If you're a lover of vino, consider taking a day to follow the Verde Valley Wine Trail.
As you can see from the list Florida, California, and Arizona continue to be a top draw for Canadian Snowbirds. Let us know your favourite snowbird destinations.
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