What Are the Best Snowbird Destinations for Fall-Winter 2026-27?
The best snowbird destinations for fall-winter 2026-27 are Corpus Christi, Las Vegas and Phoenix for value, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sarasota and St. Petersburg for Gulf Coast beaches, Miami, San Diego, Charleston and Savannah for city life, and Orlando for an inland base near the theme parks. Landing has furnished apartments in all 12, so you can book a month to test a city or stay the whole season.
- Arizona: Phoenix
- California: San Diego
- Florida:
- Miami
- Fort Myers
- Cape Coral
- Sarasota
- St. Petersburg
- Orlando
- Georgia: Savannah
- Nevada: Las Vegas
- South Carolina: Charleston
- Texas: Corpus Christi
Winter doesn’t have to mean shoveling snow. Below, you’ll find what each city is best for, when to go and which furnished apartments to book for a month or the whole season.
What Is a Snowbird?
A snowbird is someone who spends the winter somewhere warm and heads back north in spring. Most head for states like Florida, Arizona and Texas, trading snow boots for sandals.
Snowbirds used to be mostly retirees. Today the flock also includes remote workers who can take their job south for a few months. Many embrace a slower pace, much like the slow travel approach.
How Do You Choose Where to Spend the Winter?
Start with the weather and lifestyle you want, then your budget and your health care needs. A month-long stay is the easiest way to test a city before you commit to a full season.
Weather and Lifestyle
Think about climate, scenery and what makes you happiest outside: golf, fishing, hiking, shopping or museums. Then think about the community you want, city energy or a small-town pace. Like off-season travel, wintering somewhere new is a chance to see a city when it’s calmer. Still weighing climates? Compare sun, humidity and rainfall in our guide to the U.S. cities with the best weather.
Budget and Housing
Housing is the biggest line in a snowbird budget. Each city below has a budget label (lower, mid-range or higher) based on Landing’s prices for a furnished one-bedroom for January 4 through April 4, 2027, checked October 17, 2026. On Landing, prices are shown including fees; taxes confirmed at checkout, and longer stays may qualify for better monthly pricing through Stay Longer and Save. Smaller markets have fewer apartments, so book early. Canadian snowbirds: track your U.S. days for tax purposes.
Health, Travel and First-Time Tips
Make sure you can get the medical care you need, your insurance covers you away from home, and travel to and from your northern home is manageable. First-time snowbirds can book a month first and request an extension if the city fits. Extensions depend on availability.
Spending the holidays somewhere warm first? See where to go for Christmas.
Best Snowbird Months by Region
Leaving in December? Start in Miami or Fort Myers, and save Las Vegas and the Southeast for March. Temperatures are NOAA 1991–2020 average highs, except Miami’s January low.
West
- Arizona: Phoenix works all winter (66–78°F).
- California: San Diego works any month. Highs hold at 66–67°F.
- Nevada: Las Vegas is the coolest city here in December and January (57–58°F), so go in March (71°F).
South
- Florida:
- Miami: December through March. It’s the warmest city here (January lows near 61°F).
- Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sarasota and St. Petersburg: February and March, with highs of 76–81°F by March. Orioles spring training starts in Sarasota on February 19.
- Orlando: March (79°F).
- Georgia: Savannah in March (71°F), or February for the Savannah Book Festival.
- South Carolina: Charleston in March (70°F).
- Texas: Corpus Christi in March (77°F).
Best Snowbird Destinations in the U.S. for Winter 2026-27
These 12 cities combine mild winters with Landing furnished apartments for monthly and seasonal apartment stays. They’re grouped by region: Florida, the Southwest and West, the Texas Gulf Coast and the Southeast.
Florida, the Classic Snowbird Territory
Florida has been the snowbird capital for decades. Warm winters, no state income tax, and a mix of big cities and quieter Gulf Coast towns make it a fit for retirees and remote workers alike. Comparing more Florida towns, including Tampa and Fort Lauderdale? See where to winter in Florida, city by city.
Miami, FL: Beaches, Nightlife and Cuban Food
Miami stays warm and lively all winter. It blends Latin culture, art, legendary nightlife and beach life like nowhere else.
- Budget: Higher.
- Best for: Beachgoers, nightlife lovers and shoppers.
- What to do:
- Lounge on South Beach, or head to Crandon Park for quieter sand. See more quiet beaches in Miami.
- Eat at the best Cuban restaurants in the city.
- Take a boat tour on Biscayne Bay.
- Where to stay in Miami, FL: The Gardens Residences in North Miami, about 20 minutes from Miami Beach, offers two- and three-bedroom apartments. The building has an infinity pool with cabanas, a Peloton cycling room and a recovery room with infrared saunas and a cold plunge. Compare areas in our Miami neighborhood guide.
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Fort Myers, FL: Shelling, Spring Training and Gulf Breezes
Fort Myers, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is where life slows down. Soft beaches, a steady sea breeze and mild winters make it a favorite for long stays. It’s also one of Landing’s largest markets on this list, so you’ll have plenty of apartments to choose from. Arriving in December? Fort Myers is also in our guide to where to go for Christmas.
- Budget: Mid-range.
- Best for: Beachgoers, golfers and retirees looking for community.
- What to do:
- Visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, aptly named for the season.
- Go shelling on Sanibel Island.
- Catch Boston Red Sox spring training at JetBlue Park or Minnesota Twins spring training at Lee Health Sports Complex.
- Where to stay in Fort Myers, FL: REVA in central Fort Myers has a resort-style pool, a fitness and training center, a co-working lab for remote workers and a pet park, with Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island a day trip away. Staying the whole season? See all monthly rentals in Fort Myers.
Thinking about staying year-round? Read our guide to moving to Fort Myers.
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Cape Coral, FL: 400 Miles of Canals
Cape Coral is Gulf Coast relaxation built around the water, with more than 400 miles of canals for boating plus golf and sunsets. It’s popular with snowbirds who want Florida without Miami prices.
- Budget: Mid-range. Cape Coral is part of our Fort Myers market.
- Best for: Boaters, golfers and anyone who likes a small-town feel.
- What to do:
- Rent a boat and explore the canals.
- Watch the sunset over the water at Four Freedoms Park.
- Take day trips to Sanibel and Captiva Islands for beaches and nature trails.
- Where to stay in Cape Coral, FL: Evergreen Pine Island in north Cape Coral has a resort-style pool, a fire pit lounge, a clubhouse, a coffee bar and a dog park, and Fort Myers’ River District is a short drive across the Caloosahatchee. Entrada Paramount has a freeform pool with shaded cabanas, a pickleball court, a 24-hour fitness center with cycle and yoga studios, and a dog park.
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Sarasota, FL: Quartz-Sand Beaches, the Ringling and Spring Training
Sarasota pairs Gulf Coast beaches with a serious arts scene. The sand on Siesta Key is nearly pure quartz, so it stays soft and cool underfoot. January to April is peak season, so get to the beach early.
- Budget: Higher.
- Best for: Beachgoers, art lovers and baseball fans.
- What to do:
- Spend a morning on Siesta Beach, then ride the free Siesta Key Breeze trolley to Siesta Key Village.
- Tour The Ringling: the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum and Ca’ d’Zan, John and Mable Ringling’s bayfront mansion. The Museum of Art and Bayfront Gardens are free on Mondays.
- Catch Baltimore Orioles spring training at Ed Smith Stadium. Home games run February 19 to March 19, 2027.
- Drive south to Venice, known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, and look for fossilized shark teeth along the shore.
- Where to stay in Sarasota, FL: Tapestry University Park in northern Sarasota, near the Mall at University Town Center and Nathan Benderson Park, has a saltwater pool, an outdoor kitchen, a fitness center with a yoga and spin studio, co-working space and a dog park. Halston Lakeside has a pool and spa, lighted tennis courts, a community lake with a walking trail and a 24-hour fitness center.
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St. Petersburg, FL: Gulf Beaches, the Dalí and Spring Training
St. Petersburg gives you a waterfront downtown, mild winters and beach days at Fort De Soto. January highs average about 69°F, according to NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals.
- Budget: Higher.
- Best for: Art lovers, beachgoers and baseball fans.
- What to do:
- See the Salvador Dalí collection at The Dalí, open daily.
- Walk the St. Pete Pier, with restaurants, a fishing deck and Spa Beach.
- Spend a day at Fort De Soto Park: 1,136 acres across five islands, with North Beach, East Beach and seven miles of paved trail.
- Catch Philadelphia Phillies spring training at BayCare Ballpark. The 2027 Grapefruit League home opener is February 20.
- Where to stay in St. Petersburg, FL: The Wayland is downtown, minutes from Central Avenue’s restaurants and the St. Pete Pier, with a pool, a fire pit, grilling areas, a yoga studio, co-working space, a pet spa and a 24/7 concierge. Clearview, in the Carillon area about three miles from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, has a pool with cabanas and fire pits, a golf simulator lounge, a library and a 24-hour fitness center with a yoga and wellness studio.
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Orlando, FL: Mild Winters Inland, Lakes and Springs
Orlando is the inland pick. There’s no beach in town (the nearest Atlantic beaches are about an hour’s drive), but winter days are mild: January highs at Orlando International Airport average about 72°F, according to NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals. It also works well if family plans to visit, with the theme parks close by. See where to stay in Orlando for Disney and Universal.
- Budget: Mid-range.
- Best for: Grandparents hosting family, walkers and nature lovers.
- What to do:
- Walk the 0.9-mile loop around Lake Eola Park downtown, or rent a swan boat.
- Take Winter Park’s Scenic Boat Tour through its lakes and canals, running since 1938.
- Visit Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, where hundreds of manatees spend the winter in the spring run. The park frequently reaches capacity and may close for a few hours, so go early.
- Where to stay in Orlando, FL: Society Orlando is a 27-story tower in downtown Orlando with Lake Eola Park just to the east. It has a pool and hot tub, a yoga studio, a fitness center with city views, a resident lounge, a terrace deck and grilling stations. Parkview Village in Kissimmee is minutes from Walt Disney World and Celebration, with a pool, a fitness center, a clubhouse and an on-site dog park.
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The Southwest and West: Desert Sun and Dry Air
For snowbirds who want warm, dry air and blue skies, the Southwest delivers. Low humidity and plenty of sunshine suit anyone who prefers hiking trails to beaches.
Phoenix, AZ: Desert Hikes, Golf and Spa Days
Phoenix offers winter warmth, desert sunsets and some of the country’s best golf and spa resorts. Dry, sunny days make it easy to spend time outside, and there are plenty of fun things to do, from nightlife to artsy neighborhoods.
- Budget: Mid-range, with some of the lowest starting prices on this list.
- Best for: Golfers, hikers and wellness seekers.
- What to do:
- Play a round at Troon North or Arizona Biltmore Golf Club.
- Hike Camelback Mountain, or take a desert trail ride at sunrise.
- Visit the Desert Botanical Garden.
- Where to stay in Phoenix, AZ: Downtown, Brix Warehouse District has a rooftop deck with city views, a resort-style pool and private office spaces. 2121 has a resort-style pool, a Technogym fitness center and a clubhouse, minutes from mountain trails.
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Las Vegas, NV: Mild Winters, Big Shows and Desert Day Trips
Vegas in winter means mild weather and nonstop entertainment, without the summer heat. Snowbirds also get the desert climate, great dining and no state income tax.
- Budget: Lower.
- Best for: Entertainment lovers, foodies and active retirees.
- What to do:
- See a Cirque du Soleil show or a concert at the Sphere.
- Take a day trip to Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam.
- Play golf at Angel Park, or hit Topgolf on the Strip.
- Where to stay in Las Vegas, NV: The Ellison in The Gramercy, about 15 minutes from the airport, has a rooftop beer garden, a heated pool with a spa and a fitness center with Peloton bikes and Pilates reformers. See the best neighborhoods in Las Vegas for more options.
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San Diego, CA: Coastal Walks, Surfing and Farmers Markets
San Diego’s winters are mild, with January highs averaging about 66°F at the airport, which makes it a favorite for snowbirds who want a coastal lifestyle and great neighborhoods. It costs more than most cities on this list, and you get the Pacific in return.
- Budget: Higher.
- Best for: Beachgoers, surfers and families.
- What to do:
- Walk the cliffs at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
- Visit La Jolla Cove for sea lions and sunsets.
- Browse the Little Italy farmers market and eat along the waterfront.
- Where to stay in San Diego, CA: 4th + J is in downtown San Diego, with a pool, a spa, a fitness center and a social deck, close to the beaches and restaurants.
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The Texas Gulf Coast: Birding and Quiet Beaches
For a quieter, lower-cost winter on the Gulf, the Texas coast pairs wild beaches with winter birding, including the only natural, self-sustaining population of whooping cranes.
Corpus Christi, TX: Whooping Cranes, Wild Beaches and Bayfront Walks
Corpus Christi is warm, affordable and laid-back. Mild winters make it easy to spend your days on long beach walks, fishing or birding.
- Budget: Lower, and the lowest typical price on this list.
- Best for: Anglers, birders and snowbirds on a budget.
- What to do:
- Walk the beaches of Padre Island National Seashore, which protects 66 miles of wild coastline, or Mustang Island State Park.
- Look for endangered whooping cranes at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, where the flock spends the winter.
- Visit the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum, then explore the beach town of Port Aransas.
- Where to stay in Corpus Christi, TX: Bay Vista is downtown, a few blocks from the bayfront seawall and marina, with a pool, a picnic area with barbecue grills, a fitness center, a clubhouse and a business center. Gulf Breeze offers two-bedroom apartments, with a resort-style pool with a swim-up bar, a 24-hour fitness center, a coffee bar and a dog park, a short drive from Gulf Coast beaches.
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The Southeast: Historic Streets and Mild Winters
For a softer kind of warmth, these cities pair coastal scenery, historic streets and Southern hospitality. Winters are mild and the food is excellent.
Charleston, SC: Cobblestone Streets, Harbor Sunsets and Outdoor Dining
Charleston in winter means crisp mornings, sunsets over the harbor and fewer crowds on the cobblestone streets. Mild temperatures make it easy to walk the historic neighborhoods and eat outside without the summer humidity.
- Budget: Mid-range.
- Best for: History buffs, architecture lovers and foodies.
- What to do:
- Walk the Battery and Rainbow Row.
- Take the ferry to Fort Sumter for harbor views.
- Drive out to Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island for quiet beach walks.
- Where to stay in Charleston, SC: 35 Folly in Ripley Point, close to downtown Charleston, has Ashley River views, a saltwater pool, fire pits and a pet spa. Live like a local in Charleston with our guide.
Thinking about staying year-round? Read our guide to moving to South Carolina.
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Savannah, GA: Spanish Moss, Historic Squares and Beach Days
Savannah is a city to explore slowly. Winters are mild, so you can spend the day walking the Historic District’s 22 squares under moss-draped oaks, past grand historic architecture.
- Budget: Higher.
- Best for: History buffs, couples and slow-paced winters.
- What to do:
- Spend a sunny day on Tybee Island, a short drive away.
- Attend the Savannah Book Festival, February 4–7, 2027. Saturday, February 6, is the free Festival Saturday.
- Take a trolley or ghost tour through the Historic District.
- Where to stay in Savannah, GA: Riverworks at Eastern Wharf sits on the Savannah River, steps from the Historic District, with an elevated pool with water views, a 24-hour fitness center, co-working space, a dog park and a pet spa.
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Snowbird FAQ
What is the cheapest snowbird destination in the U.S.?
Of the 12 cities in this guide, Corpus Christi and Las Vegas had the lowest typical prices for a furnished one-bedroom on Landing for a January-to-April 2027 stay (checked October 17, 2026), and Phoenix had some of the lowest starting prices. Prices change with dates, so search yours.
How long can I stay?
Stay lengths vary by apartment. You can book 3 months when those dates are available, and 6 months or longer when availability allows. Longer stays may qualify for better monthly pricing.
Can I extend if I want to stay longer?
Yes. Request an extension in the Landing app. Approval depends on availability and your booking terms.
Do I need to pay a security deposit?
Direct Landing bookings don’t require a traditional security deposit or application fee. An optional damage waiver fee covers accidental damage, and it’s shown before you book.
Can I bring my pet?
Many Landing apartments are pet-friendly. Pet rules, fees and breed restrictions vary by property and are shown on the apartment page before you book.
Why Snowbirds Spend the Winter with Landing
Once you’ve picked your city, the next step is a place to stay for a month or the whole season. Here’s why snowbirds book with Landing:
- Choose the stay length that fits. Book a month to try a city and request an extension in the Landing app if you want more time, or book the whole season when dates are available. Extensions depend on availability.
- Pick the winter you want. Landing has furnished apartments in 250+ U.S. cities, from Florida’s Gulf Coast to the Arizona desert. Want to split the season? Spend December in one city and February in another.
- Arrive with a suitcase, not a moving truck. Our furnished apartments come with a full kitchen, fast Wi-Fi and a workspace, so there’s no need to ship kitchenware or furniture south. Many buildings have a pool, many of our furnished stays are pet-friendly, and support is available 24/7.
You can also ask ChatGPT or Claude to find a Landing apartment for your snowbird dates: here’s how.
