galiano

We live in B C and in the winter it rains a lot. When it isn't raining it's gray and overcast. So this coming January or maybe February we would like to get away for a few weeks to somewhere sunny. We are thinking either Nevada or California. It doesn't have to be hot or even swimming weather, just sunny. We'd like a small town, somewhere interesting and scenic, with friendly people.

We're both 65 so night life is not a priority. Quiet is. We tend to stay in more upscale but not snooty places. An suggestions would be really appreciated.

galiano

I meant to include Arizona also !

leslieq

Was going to recommend California until I saw when you're coming. It's really not always sunny or warm in January and February in our area (SF Bay Area). San Diego probably would have better weather, but certainly not a small town. Check out Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo on the web...I like them both. Lots of beautiful B&Bs in Santa Barbara (see Simpson House). Arizona might be a better bet if you want warmer weather (bet some Arizona residents will weigh in here to give you more info). I went to Sedona in the spring and loved the red rocks. I haven't been, but would love to visit Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos in New Mexico.

Suzie

Palm Springs should also be a consideration. We went one February, it was lovely.

tomfuller

Lake Havasu City, Arizona. It's across the river from California.
When you get back home, you can tell your friends you saw London Bridge.

utahtea

Just so you realize California and Nevada do get rain in the winter. Not like up north in Washington and Oregon and BC, but you can run into it!

You might consider Death Valley National Park. This is a winter destination spot. Not much of a town to speak of but there is lodging, lots of scenery and very interesting!

http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm

Utahtea

dbdurand

Suzie is right on! Palm Springs has long been a traditional winter getaway for the rich and famous who want to escape the weather in less hospitable climes. But you don't have to be rich and famous anymore, although it's possible that you are. Are you?

Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Taos will have snow. I guarantee it.

January and February are rainy season months in Southern California in general. We welcome it because we go from May to October with essentially no rain. But not great for visitors who want to get away from the rain. Actually, the Pacific storms that hit BC work their way down the US coast and eventually come to So Cal. We see them on the radar days in advance.

Palm Springs, CA and nearby communities are on the western edge of the great Sonoran desert which encompasses middle and southern Arizona and south into Mexico. Summer temperatures are repellant and without air conditioning the major cities like Phoenix and Tucson would be almost unlivable. Winter is a different story. Sunny, dry and mild. Definitely consider Arizona and retag your post accordingly.

MichelleY

Winter is the rainy season in California and Nevada. Like the others above suggested, head to the desert: Palm Springs or Arizona. You may also want to head down to Mexico.

tracys2cents

Jan Feb is the only time I try and stay away from California. I imagine it is rainy then in Nevada, too.

DebitNM

Taos will have snow, Santa Fe might have snow and ABQ won't have snow. All WILL have sunny days, with blue skies and temps that will feel moderate during the day but will be cold at night. That said, it is a great place to spend some time.

Scottsdale AZ should be nice weather wise, Tucson is smaller and will have even better weather.

dbdurand

I stand corrected by DebitNM. I just figured that that ski lift just outside Albuquerque, which I enjoyed riding a few summers ago, was an indicator of snow.

DebitNM

Alas, we should have snow but lately, not the case. The ski area in the Sandias does get some snow and is supplemented by manmade[ it IS colder up there and is east facing so snow lasts longer], but in town, almost nada. If it does snow here, it melts by noon

HappyTrvlr

Southern Arizona's rain comes mainly during the summer monsoon season. Winters are sunny and dry. You may need a light jacket in January with crisp mornings but it warms up during the day. Good hiking, biking.

happytrailstoyou

Palm Desert is nice, but you might get bored after a few weeks.

We like the Tucson area because there are more options for things to do.