Top Warm-Weather Destinations for Late Winter and Early Spring Escapes

The relentless winter storms sweeping across much of the U.S. this March have travelers seeking last-minute warm retreats. Beaches draw sun-seekers, but we've curated our top cities with reliably mild climates, featuring top accommodations as part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts sale with 15% savings. Reserve at the hotels below for unbeatable value.

San Diego

This coastal gem just north of the Mexican border maintains balmy 75°F temperatures year-round. Plan your March-to-May visit to experience why it's dubbed “America’s Finest City”—mild weather and school sessions keep crowds light. Surf La Jolla waves, whale-watch on Mission Bay, and savor fish tacos, craft beers, and world-class sunsets.

Secure top rates (often under $175/night) for Friday-Sunday stays at the Westin San Diego, an AAA 4-Diamond downtown hotel. It's a 15-minute walk to Waterfront Park and Embarcadero Marina. Relax at the outdoor pool or terrace dining, or stroll five minutes to the Coronado Ferry for island marketplace adventures.

Miami Beach

Strike the ideal balance of mild temps and off-peak rates in the Magic City from March to May. Positioned just above the Tropic of Cancer, the barrier island warms quickly to 80°F before Memorial Day, with inviting ocean waters. Miami Beach's allure endures, boasting new 5-star resorts and refreshed Art Deco gems on Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive.

April and May dates at the 4-star Royal Palm South Beach Miami start under $200/night, with June even lower. This beachfront Art Deco icon offers complimentary chairs, towels, and a palm-fringed outdoor pool.

Houston

Dubbed “the most air-conditioned city in America” for its steamy summers, Houston enjoys Gulf-fueled warmth year-round. Beat Memorial Day humidity and crowds at attractions like the renowned zoo, waterparks, or baseball stadium. March brings the massive Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Spring weekends at the Westin Houston Downtown dip under $200/night. Baseball fans head across the street to Minute Maid Park; soccer enthusiasts walk 10 minutes to BBVA Compass Stadium for Houston Dynamo games. Discovery Green—a 12-acre oasis with a lake, trails, theater, and gardens—is just five minutes away.

Charlotte

North Carolina's largest city thaws by early April, with highs in the mid-70s rising to 90°F by summer. Charlotte Wine & Food weekend starts April 19, showcasing local chefs and vineyards. Thrill-seekers raft the world's largest manmade whitewater river at U.S. National Whitewater Center, boat Lake Norman, picnic in 100-acre Freedom Park, or hit Carowinds amusement park and Charlotte Motor Speedway for NASCAR.

Weekends at The Ballantyne Hotel, an AAA 4-Diamond resort, offer deals under $175/night from April. Enjoy tennis, an outdoor pool, an 18-hole golf course, and the Dana Rader Golf School.

Phoenix

Spring in Arizona's capital delivers blue skies and mid-70s highs before late-May scorchers exceed 100°F. As the "cool" season ends, luxury spa and golf resorts slash rates ahead of summer.

Stay under $85/night at Four Points by Sheraton South Mountain, perched 2,300 feet with city views. On-site: pool, hot tub, tennis. Downtown is 20 minutes away; South Mountain Park's hiking trails, one of North America's largest urban parks, are under a mile.