Warm-Weather Escapes: West Coast vs. East Coast Edition
- Karen Kilian
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
Every winter I hear the same thing from my East Coast friends: “I can’t feel my face.” Meanwhile, those of us on the West Coast are complaining about rain and calling it “brutal.” Perspective is everything. 😄 It's true! We are weather wimps.
No matter which coast you’re starting from, one thing we can all agree on—sometimes you just need warmth, sunshine, and a reason to stop checking the weather app. Here are a few favorite warm-weather escapes, broken down by coast and budget.
From the West Coast
Affordable Escape: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is a go-to for many West Coast travelers who want warm weather without a long travel day or luxury-level pricing. Flights are easy and the vibe is relaxed.
Why it works:
Consistently warm winter temperatures
Great food, walkable neighborhoods, and beautiful beaches
Luxury Escape: Maui, Hawaii
If you’re looking to elevate the experience, Maui never disappoints. It’s familiar, yes—but for good reason. Luxury resorts, outstanding service, and some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere.
Why it’s worth the splurge:
Effortless travel from the West Coast
High-end resorts and luxury villas with space, privacy, and incredible views
Perfect for rest, wellness, and reconnecting
Maui is luxury that feels easy—no passports, no stress, just sunshine and ocean air.
From the East Coast
Affordable Escape: South Florida (Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale)
When winter gets truly wild, South Florida becomes the East Coast’s warm-weather hero. Easy flights, sunshine, and a wide range of hotel options make it an ideal affordable escape.
Why it works:
Warm temps even in the heart of winter (okay perhaps not the past week)
Beaches, dining, and culture without international travel
Plenty of reasonably priced accommodations
Luxury Escape: St. Barthélemy (St. Barts)
For East Coast travelers ready to trade cold weather for something truly special, St. Barts is the ultimate luxury escape. Chic, understated, and beautifully relaxed.
Why travelers love it:
Perfect winter weather
Boutique hotels and private villas
A refined, uncrowded Caribbean experience
This is where you go when you want winter to feel very far away—and you want to enjoy every moment getting there.
A Little Sun Goes a Long Way
Whether you’re flying west, south, or straight into full-on luxury, a warm-weather getaway has a way of resetting everything. Shoulders drop, moods lift, and suddenly winter doesn’t feel quite so endless.
And to my East Coast friends: spring will come. But there’s absolutely no reason you have to wait for it. ☀️
