Suki

I've never been to Texas, but I think San Antonio with trips to Austin & Fredericksburg sounds great. There is a lot of history and entertainment there. I think it could be chilly in Charleston in mid-February. I remember winter days that only reached temps in the thirties. It's more likely that it would be in the fifties, but still, there is a chance of cold weather.

sarge56

Just want to point out that you want to avoid going to New Orleans during Mardi Gras. That is the week of Feb 5th I believe. It is no place for young children during Mardi Gras, IMHO.

(It sure is a lot of fun for adults, though!)

Seamus

San Antonio, hands down. Since moving here in the late 70's I have left twice and returned both times, and keep saying that next time I leave it will be in an urn.
SA is indeed 8th largest city in the US but it decidedly does not feel as big as that sounds - things are very much on a human scale. There is a strong sense of history, even tourist areas are more authentic than disneyfied (though in the last couple years some chain restaurants have opened, to much local protest.)
Functionally, SA is the nicest city in Northern Mexico, and you essentially get two cultures for the price of one. Weather in mid February is generally quite nice, though it can be a bit cool at night (jumper cool, not topcoat cool.) And it is a very family friendly place, too.

speckles

If you want us to advertise our own state, then I suggest going south.. deep south.. come on down to Australia. It definitely won't be cold. I'm sure in February we can throw in a few 42 degrees C days so you can frazzle on the beautiful beaches we have - just mind the White Pointer sharks! And remember, you still get more bang for your buck in Oz than you will in the US.

Cassandra

Surprised no one has mentioned Savannah, Ga. Yes, it's an actual "city" in size but I love it for its funk underpinnings as well as the graceful oldness of many parts of it, and the good food. By Feb., some things will have begun to bloom, but the Spanish moss everywhere gives it a special feel, even in the "dead" of winter. There's plenty to do and see -- historical and other -- including visits to the islands (Tybee, Defuskie, etc.) nearby.

I like it better than Charleston, in part because although Charleston is better "organized" for visitors and a more manicured place in general, the absence of those traits are what I like about Savannah.

Suggest you look into it (and the classic thing to do in the US before you go is to see the very funky movie, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

Cassandra

PS: It's further south than Charleston, and if you're lucky you'll get a warm spell in Feb. that will make it downright balmy -- can get into mid 70s F and, occasionally, warmer.

PPS: My second vote would be St. Augustine, which is actually not far from Savannah.

maryanne1

Charleston is great,but can be chilly in Feb. St. Augustine with your children might be better as it would be warmer than Charleston.
Both are wonderful places, but definitely not very warm in Feb.
Then maybe we might have a warm week in the South. You never know as you can't predict the weather anywhere in the world.

cfc

Neither is "my state" but think suggestions re: St. Augustine and Savannah are probably your best bet. Don't let the suggestion that Savannah is a bit dodgy turn you off about bringing kids. If you're really lucky with weather, the island beaches will be warm enough for them to have a great time.

bbqboy

Padre Island and South Padre Island.

LH

I vote for the Sanibel Island/Captiva Island areas of southwest Florida. (You would still fly into the Fort Meyers airport, then it is a short drive and a bridge to the islands) Beaches there are absolutely gorgeous...weather would be warm and your kids would love it. The best "seashelling" most anywhere in the world, there is a nature sanctuary, you can rent bikes. There are lots of condos to rent (check out vrbo.com) in addition to traditional hotel rooms, fun family restaurants, etc. Because it is such a great location, technically it is a "tourist" location, but also feels "off the beaten path" in terms of it being a slow pace, relaxing atmosophere.

tuscanlifeedit

I notice that at least two responses mentioned Arizona, and you didn't seem to pick up on that. Arizona was one of the best trips of my life!

Very nice weather, so many Native American ancient sights, beautiful scenery, tons of recreational choices, Grand Canyon and other spectacular parks, incredible food, horses for kids, and in some locations, swimming pools.

I would go back to Arizona in a flash. And I think your kids would enjoy it.

We spent a day north of Sedona that was so much fun at Slide Rock and other forested areas. Sedona itself is a bit developed in an ugly way, but the scenery is just amazing.

We were up close with deer and an elk at the Grand Canyon.

Why not Arizona? We found it to be well priced.

Debi

I'm with LH - West Coast of Florida. I've spent quite a bit of time in Europe during that part of the year - and Florida will be a nice, sunny change. When Floridians say there's a cold snap - they do have a different barometer (my sister lives in Central Florida, and she whines if it's 50 degrees out). With the West Coast, in addition to gorgeous beaches, beautiful sunsets - there's the Everglades (which are awesome) and there's also a cool place called Homasassa Springs. The other great thing about Florida is since it's a fairly narrow state - you can actually drive from Coast to Coast - and it's interesting. You could do Naples/Sannibel, etc - and spend a day or two at the Keys. Sunlight is GOOD in Florida in February....

TahitiTams

Come to San Diego!
It's stunning and will be in the 60's..cheap flights to Las Vegas/Phoenix & Sedona/Tucson on Southwest Airlines..
Tons of fun in SD too..
La Jolla on the coast about 15 minutes north of SD is probably one of the prettiest places in the world.
Lots of Irish here so you won't feel left out.
I will help you plan your trip Rigarama..
Best to you!

thegrandecolonial.com
expedia.com

GoTravel

Charleston doesn't really get 'cold' in the winter but it can have a few chilly snaps.

My votes go to:

Charleston
Savannah
New Orleans
St. Augustine

Key West would be awsome but it will also be packed that time of year.

bkluvsNola

Rigarama,

I second San Antonio. Although a big city, it doesn't feel like one. The Riverwalk will be beautiful and the weather should be nice enough to walk around and enjoy.

I also think you should drive on up to Austin from San Antonio. You'll find a city that is very open-minded about alcohol (you won't have to worry about what happened in SC about finding a bar non-packed - all the bars will be lively in Austin...) There is a definite city center in both San Antonio and Austin, and both cities have great cuisine, with San Antonio more traditional Tex-Mex and Austin offering every type of cuisine under the sun.

A quick drive to the Hill Country would be nice so you could get an idea of the surrouding area, which is very beautiful.

The weather will usually be mild, on the cool side most likely, but it can occasionally get cold. However, the cold snap usually only lasts a day or two before warmer temps return. Please note that it won't be nearly as warm as Central or South Florida this time of year.

Ag3046

Why on earth would you go go Texas when you could go to Arizona?

persimmondeb

Savannah and St. Augustine would be a great trip. Neither of them are obvious kid destinations, but I've done both with kids, (Savannah on Amtrak from New York with a two-and-a-half year old!) and enjoyed them hugely. They should be fairly warm in February (warning, I think it's fairly close to high season in St. Augustine and it may be expensive). Also both cities are much boozier than Charleston, which I've always found to be comparatively strait-laced. You may not want to do much partying with two young children in tow, but St. Augustine in particular has the kind of place that it is possible to sit comfortably in with children while you eat, drink, and listen to music. Anyway, both are lovely, friendly, interesting places that are a lot of fun to visit, and they are only about a 3 hour drive apart (at least with my husband at the wheel).
Also, regarding Tennesee, it's a big state. Parts of it are probably quite cold in February, but I bet Memphis is fairly comfortable (middle 50's, I think), and while I've never been, my sister loves it.

TxTravelPro

Start in Austin, head up to Georgetown and West on 29, just past Burnet and head south on 4 passing through Inks Lake state park. Feed the deer.
Continue south on 4 to Longhorn Caverns. Head east on 4 to 281 South. 281 S to Johnson City and stop to check out the LBJ National Park and/or Pedernales Falls. Jump on 290 West and head to Fredericksburg. Take 16 down to Kerrville and then 16 towards Medina. Take 16 to 46, towards Boerne.
Then jump back on 46 and head to Spring Branch Road and Guadalupe State Park.
Go back to 46 and hook a right on 281 and head to San Antonio.
Last but not least, head up 35 towards Austin stopping in New Braunfels and San Marcos.

There! Your trip is planned.
Allow 4 weeks

bkluvsNola

"Why on earth would you go go Texas when you could go to Arizona?"

Arizona is nice, especially in the winter, but you have to remember that is high season in Arizona, where everything is overpriced, especially hotels. The OP expressed an interest in "off the beaten path", and I think an off-season visit to TX Hill Country would fit the OP's criteria.

KELDEL

KEY WEST!