Welcome to February, the month the place 29 days (sure, it is a bissextile year) pack in additional punch than you’d count on. It is a time for love, journey and a touch of winter magic, however the place do you have to spend this extra-special month?
Think about 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. Tradition vultures worry not — we have included cities the place arts and festivals are as considerable because the February frost.
Every of our chosen spots has its distinctive attraction and causes to go to, from balmy climates for the winter-weary to cozy nooks for individuals who relish the nippiness. We have even thrown in some off-the-beaten-path locales for individuals who suppose they’ve seen all of it.
So, mark your calendars and prepare for some critical wanderlust. These are the ten greatest locations to go to in February.
Dana Level, California
Midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Dana Level — the “dolphin and whale watching capital of the World” and the primary Whale Heritage Web site within the Americas — is a coastal escape good for February journey.
With infinite alternatives for marine life sightings and seaside adventures year-round, Dana Level 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. A number of marine species use Dana Level as a landmark throughout migrations; from December by April, grey whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins and orcas might be seen as they make their means 12,000 miles from the Arctic to Mexico.
Whereas on the town, vacationers can sit 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.
The place to remain: E book a keep at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa for $244 per evening 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 recognized domestically as “Barefoot Excellent.” The Placencia Sidewalk Artwork Pageant in February turns this quaint village right into a buzzing hub of tradition and creativity, attracting artists and guests from throughout the globe.
This pageant is a testomony to Belize’s wealthy cultural heritage and gives a singular alternative to work together with native artisans and perceive their crafts. Plus, February’s gentle local weather, with snug 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. To not point out, the U.S. greenback is at a good alternate of $1 to $2 Belize {dollars}. So, this nation ought to be on the radar of any traveler on the lookout for a unprecedented journey to kick-start the brand new yr.
The place to remain: Charges at The Placencia begin at $207 an evening.
Jackson County, North Carolina
Throughout January and February, guests can benefit from the quieter facet of common sights like Whiteside Mountain and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. This era affords shorter wait occasions at native eateries and distinctive experiences akin to climbing to frozen waterfalls and procuring 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. On 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 neighborhood spirit and distinctive tradition.
The place 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 important occasions in February 2024: the Lowcountry Oyster Pageant on Feb. 4 and the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition from Feb. 16-18.
Additionally, since Valentine’s Day falls throughout this month, why not reside out one of many biggest romances of all? The HarbourView Inn affords a singular “Allie & Noah’s Timeless Romance” package deal, coinciding with the twentieth anniversary of “The Pocket book,” offering a romantic backdrop for guests.
Plus, there isn’t any higher solution to commemorate Black Historical past Month than to discover the lately opened Worldwide African American Museum. It is the one museum on this 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.
The place to remain: E book the Hyatt Home Charleston/Historic District for $176 per evening or 12,000 World of Hyatt factors.
Montgomery, Alabama
Purposeful vacationers can have fun Black Historical past Month every February by embarking on a transformative journey to Montgomery, Alabama, nationally acclaimed because the birthplace of the Civil Rights Motion.
Recognized for its pivotal function in fashionable and historic American social justice actions, Montgomery’s core messages of unity and solidarity are echoed day-after-day at websites all through the town. Websites embrace the Civil Rights Memorial Heart; the Rosa Parks Museum positioned on the very website 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 Nationwide Memorial for Peace and Justice.
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Montgomery additionally boasts a tasty culinary scene highlighting Southern traditions, historic and fashionable 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.
The place to remain: The area’s multicultural historical past and inventive spirit are additionally celebrated on the metropolis’s first luxurious boutique resort, The Trilogy Autograph Assortment. Charges common $156 an evening or 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Past the Tremendous Bowl, there’s a lot of different leisure this month. Think about seeing Adele reside at Caesars Palace! She’s simply one in every of many huge names, alongside Kelly Clarkson and the Black Crowes. Fancy some nostalgia? The Venetian Theater is internet hosting Styx and Chicago, and New Version is kicking off its residency at Wynn’s Encore Theater on the 28.
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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 Bloodbath.
TPG tip: The Cosmopolitan is definitely a part of the Autograph Assortment. So, you should use your Marriott Bonvoy factors right here. It’s going to set you again about 71,500 factors or $305 per evening.
Jamaica
Jamaica celebrates Reggae Month and Bob Marley’s Feb. 6 birthday with vibrant occasions each February. The month-long celebration contains contests, live shows, and exhibitions, particularly on the Bob Marley Museum, showcasing his international affect.
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However this yr is additional 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 City, Strawberry Hill, and extra. In fact, there’s at all times the beautiful seashores and heat climate to lure you as properly.
TPG tip: Iberostar Rose Corridor Seaside charges begin at $588 per evening or 60,000 IHG factors.
Tanzania
After the quick rains in earlier months, Tanzania is awash in vibrant greens, and the temps are snug in February.
The surroundings? Completely breathtaking. And speak about good picture ops — with essentially the most sunshine hours of the yr, each snapshot might be a postcard. Now, should you’re a wildlife buff, prepare for the wildebeest migration. It is 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 definitely worth the trek. Then there’s Zanzibar. You possibly can lay on the beautiful seashores and funky off in one of many attractive blue lagoons. Plus, you possibly can wander by the historic alleys of Stone City or get a whiff of historical past on the spice farms.
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TPG tip: After happening 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 evening.
Napa Valley, California
One other 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 Vineyard and Gordon Huether Studio. Iconic picture spots, together with Newell Open Area Protect and Laird Household Property, provide beautiful views of the blooms.
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This season, often known as “Cabernet Season,” is a major time for wine fans to savor new varietals. Moreover, guests can take pleasure in decrease resort charges and simpler entry to famend eating places and Michelin-starred institutions, making February a perfect time to discover Napa Valley’s scenic magnificence and culinary delights.
The place to remain: Napa Valley Marriott Lodge & Spa charges begin at $464 per evening or 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors.
Scotland
Within the coronary heart of winter, Scotland transforms right into a fascinating wonderland of music and lightweight. Glasgow’s Celtic Connections, working from Jan. 18 to Feb. 4, is a world musical extravaganza that includes greater than 2,100 musicians from throughout the globe. This pageant vibrates with folks, roots and world music rhythms, intertwined with full of life ceilidhs (conventional Scottish gatherings), enriching workshops and mesmerizing artwork exhibitions.
Concurrently, Aberdeen’s Spectra Pageant of Mild, from Feb 8 to 11, casts a magical glow over the town. The Granite Metropolis turns into a canvas for internationally acclaimed artists’ extraordinary gentle 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 attraction and creative aptitude.
The place to remain: Charges on the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh — The Caledonian begin at $220 or 59,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening.
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