St. Louis, Missouri
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With daytime temperatures often hovering in the 40s, winter in St. Louis might seem downright mild to some residents of chillier cities. If it feels too cold to be outside, though, there's still plenty to do indoors. The palatial St. Louis Art Museum, founded in 1879 and moved to its current home during the 1904 World's Fair, is one of the country's premier museums. Visitors can also ride a tram to the top of the Gateway Arch, the tallest manmade monument in the United States at 630 feet, for a spectacular view of the city.
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St. George, Utah
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A four-hour scenic drive from Salt Lake City (or a two-hour drive from Las Vegas), St. George offers an appealingly mild desert climate. Though nights can be chilly, daytime temperatures here typically reach into the 50s or even low 60s during the winter months. The historic downtown features a number of interesting museums, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. About an hour away, spectacular Zion National Park is open all year, with hiking and mountain biking trails. Just 15 minutes from St. George, Snow Canyon State Park — with red rock mountains, horseback riding, and gorgeous scenery — seldom sees snow, despite its name.