7 Romantic Small Towns to Visit in Winter

Winter in the West is prime time for alluring adventures. Whether your idea of romance is taking in an epic sunset over red rocks, embarking on a sleigh ride among thousands of elk, or sharing a soak in mineral-rich hot springs, here are seven towns in the West that are sure to get hearts thumping. 

Cambria, California

Ideally situated along California’s central coast, the laid-back town of Cambria exudes romance. Take a stroll along the mile-long boardwalk at Moonstone Beach, named for sea-churned bits of clear quartz that resemble the gemstones, and savor prime ocean views from one of its many lookouts. Or peruse the walkable downtown and browse antique stores and unique shops like Sea + Green, which offers nature-inspired gifts including hand-dyed textiles, bath salts, and crystal bracelets. 

Swing by Hidden Kitchen for egg-and-avocado-topped blue corn waffles, then grab a slice of famous olallieberry pie (perfect for sharing) at Linn's Easy as Pie Cafe. Cutruzzola Vineyards’ downtown tasting room on Main Street is an excellent choice for a little afternoon imbibing. Looking to do more exploring? Newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst’s oh-so-opulent estate, Hearst Castle, is just a nine-mile drive north along Highway 1. On your way, pull off at the Piedras Blancas rookery, one of the largest elephant seal colonies on the West Coast, where the massive creatures spend the winter looking for a mate. 

Seward, Alaska

Sandwiched between snowcapped peaks on one side and a stunning harbor on the other, Seward’s picture-perfect setting is enough to set hearts racing. The town’s ice-free bay means sea kayaking is possible year-round. Winter months are also prime season for dog-sledding tours of nearby Kenai Fjords Nation­al Park. 

Seward is known as the “Mural Capital of Alaska.” A walk around its historic downtown and bustling harbor (they’re just a mile apart) is a perfect way to take in more than a dozen colorful artworks celebrating everything from the Alaska Railroad to the state’s many wildflowers. 

Settle in with plates of baked oysters and smoky fish cakes with a glass of prosecco at the Cookery, or peruse locally made jewelry while noshing on baked scones and croissants at the Ranting Raven gift and coffee shop. Get to know the local wildlife at Seward’s Alaska SeaLife Center.

Jerome, Arizona 

Once known as the “wickedest town in the West,” this one-time hub of bootlegging and gambling is now a thriving artisan center filled with romantic mystique, narrow streets, and loads of fascinating history. Embark on a walking tour to learn about Jerome’s past as a mining boom town, then browse locally made pieces of wearable art and lamp-worked glass at the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery. Housed in the historic Hotel Jerome building, the gallery contains more than 30 artists’ studios and is open to the public daily. 

Other quirky attractions include the Sliding Jail, a historic structure that now sits 225 feet down a hillside from its original location. And don’t miss the Gold King Mine and Ghost Town, where photographers flock to capture Studebakers and other vintage cars; you can also try your hand panning for gold. 

Jerome State Historic Park is a great place to take in scenic vistas of the surrounding Verde Valley. The park’s also home to the Douglas Mansion, a former residence that’s now a delightful museum devoted to local history.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

As the gateway to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, it’s easy to see why Jackson Hole attracts a lot of visitors. But crowds don’t make the romance here any less palpable. 

Enjoy seasonal ice skating on the pond in Jackson’s Town Square, easily recognizable by its massive elk antler arches. Then take in some of the town’s two-dozen-plus art galleries, showcasing everything from Western landscapes to art glass. Whether it’s caramelized banana bon bons or steaming cups of Mexican hot chocolate you’re after, a stop at CocoLove dessert boutique is a must. For a true Jackson Hole experience, snag one of the plush booths at Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse for cuts of tenderloin and ribeye, then head upstairs for a full-on honky-tonk experience at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. 

There’s perhaps nothing more romantic than a horse-drawn sleigh-ride—and here, you can ride among one of the largest elk herds on the planet. The nearby National Elk Refuge offers these adventures through early April (be sure to dress warmly!).

St. George, Utah

This southwest Utah town is surrounded by natural beauty. A half-hour drive takes you to Zion National Park, where hikes include the seven-mile round-trip trek along East Mesa Trail to Observation Point, resulting in breathtaking canyon views. Even closer, to the north, lie the remarkable red rocks of Snow Canyon State Park, a superb spot for catching the sunset. Greater Zion Horse Rides offers guided horseback rides through the idyllic Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness in winter and spring. Follow up an excursion with plates of ravioli and sea bass at St. George’s art-filled Painted Pony restaurant. 

For a bit of old-school romance, take a ride aboard the carousel in downtown’s Town Square Park (closed on Sundays), and then pay a visit to Thomas Judd’s Store Co., an old-fashioned sweet shop where retro candies and glass-bottled sodas offer just the right bit of nostalgia.

Genoa, Nevada

Nevada’s oldest permanent settlement overflows with charm, from a historic district awash in Victorians to the oldest bar in the state. Opened in 1853, the Genoa Bar & Saloon is rich in history (as well as legendary bloody marys). Meanwhile, downtown’s aptly named Pink House provides just the right date-day setting, serving up delicious quiche slices and bowls of French onion soup. There’s even live music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 

Part of the Genoa Trail System’s 17 miles of multi-use trails, the 1.3-mile long Genoa Vista Trail connects downtown Genoa with David Walley’s Resort. Once here, take your pick from five mineral-rich, hot spring-fed pools, then soak to your heart’s content. 

Fort Benton, Montana

Established in 1846 along the Missouri River, Fort Benton is one of the longest-occupied settlements in the state. In fact, this picturesque town is often called “Montana’s birthplace.” Delve into its rich history with a leisurely walk over the pedestrian-only Old Fort Benton Bridge. Then stroll along the riverfront to see the Lewis & Clark Memorial (their expedition passed through the region). There’s also a bronze statue of Old Shep, a sheep dog that kept vigil for its herder at the Great Northern Railway station every day for over five years. 

Looking for breakfast? Swing by community staple Wake Cup Coffee House for caramel apple pancakes and lattes. For dinner indulge in a bit of fine dining at Union Grille Restaurant, located within the Grand Union Hotel. The historic building dates to 1882, when Fort Benton played a prosperous role as a steamboat hub. 

As part of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, which spans 149 miles of central Montana, the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center stays open weekdays year-round. While here, peruse a selection of Native American artifacts and find your place in a scale model of the surrounding landscape.