Most Popular US Snowbird Destinations
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Before we look at where Snowbirds can be found, we must first discover what a Snowbird is. You won’t find a clear photo of one in any birding guidebook and there has never been a Latin name ascribed to this genus. But like Bigfoot, Snowbirds are quite real.
What is a Snowbird?
If you’re an RV’er, or Canadian, you probably already know what a Snowbird is but for everyone else, a Snowbird is an elusive creature whose primary focus is staying warm. Every year thousands of Snowbirds pack up their lawn chairs and Bermuda shorts and head south for the winter. They migrate annually from snowy northern climates at the first sight of frost and return home when the temperature starts creeping up in their southern digs. The Snowbirds most fervent desire is to live in a mild climate with great food and varied activities.
How does this Snowbird travel?
These Snowbirds, who come from every walk of life, travel by several different means. Some travel by planes or trains but the vast majority, and the true Snowbirds, travel by RV. For several weeks each year northern border crossings and all roads south are jammed with every conceivable type of recreational vehicle. From a simple truck camper to million-dollar mansions on wheels, birds of all ages make the journey for the winter.
Who are these Snowbirds?
It used to be that Snowbirds were almost exclusively retirees escaping the cold and snow for months at a time. But now, as jobs become more mobile the demographic is shifting. As gen X’ers and Millennials discover what they’ve been missing out on, they are increasingly becoming a booming part of the Snowbird population. Sure, the over 55 set is still the norm, but new trends show an increase in the number of families who follow the sun. Younger and younger birds are ditching their corporate 9 to 5 lives for days of hiking and fishing and evenings of social gatherings and micro brews.
Where do these Snowbirds stay?
There a literally thousands of places to stay throughout the sunbelt to accommodate these winter travelers. From ultra-luxurious resorts that offer endless rounds of golf and other activities, to boondocking opportunities in public lands, there really is something for everyone. Some of the most sought-after locations boast ocean views and the price tags that go with them. A number of the parks are designated for an older crowd and others are great for families with kids. Some snowbirds gather in state parks or on Bureau of Land Management land and live practically free. There are gatherings large and small where they congregate, often taking over entire towns. Creating seasonal “white cities” of thousands of RV’s. Many of the larger gatherings have designated camping areas for those who like to stay up late so as not to disturb the early birds.
What are the top destinations for Snowbirds?
From West to East
California
Southern California is touted as the most diverse area of snowbird RV parks. No other state can offer the same combination of desert, mountain, and beachside camping all within a short drive.
Do you prefer to hit up the sunny beaches instead of the arid deserts? California has that. Beaches from Los Angeles to San Diego are popular Snowbird destinations and are close to a myriad of food choices and entertainment opportunities. (Disneyland being my favorite of course)
Want great golf courses and a laidback vibe? Palm Springs is a perfect choice. Boasting an average high of 71 degrees in January, Palm Springs is a mecca for those who want to sip a cocktail by the pool or enjoy
Or how about a beautiful national park for the winter. Joshua Tree is a high desert wonderland where the Colorado and Mojave Deserts collide with miles of hiking trails and open space to enjoy all winter.
Arizona
Tucked away on the border of California and Mexico you’ll find Yuma. Billed as the sunniest place on earth, the population of Yuma doubles with Snowbirds in the winter, so you’ll find a large community to enjoy the sunshine with. With several nearby casinos and a host of golf courses, there is plenty to keep you busy. Yuma is also the gateway to tourist-friendly Mexican towns, like Los Algodones, which offer shops, restaurants, and budget-friendly medical services. If RV resorts are not your thing the Bureau of Land Management offers options for those who enjoy boondocking and free camping.
Head Northeast of Yuma from October through April and you’ll experience a Snowbird phenomenon. Devoid of much more than tumbleweeds in the summer you will find Quartzsite. Every winter, the town’s humble population of about 3,500 bloats to over a million people. Flocks of Snowbirds descend to enjoy nice weather, free camping (on miles of BLM land) and the famous Sports, Vacation and RV Show held in January. Many RV clubs use the backdrop of the show as an excuse to meet up and circle the wagons as they participate in fun desert activities.
Texas
Snowbirds, aka Winter Texans, flock to the Rio Grande Valley. What locals call the RGV, or The Valley, stretches from Zapata in the west to the Gulf of Mexico at South Padre Island 140 miles east. Towns throughout the RGV boast a low cost of living and plenty to do. Monthly markets, painted murals, and nearby hiking trails are some of what bring so many snowbirds to southern Texas. Hundreds of thousands of snowbirds of the literal variety also spend the winter here and can be observed from many spots if bird watching is your thing.
North of the RGV is San Antonio. Designated a UNESCO world heritage site, San Antonio has some of the best shopping to be had in Texas, a relaxed atmosphere, great food and drink, and the opportunity to explore the San Antonio Missions.
South Carolina
If you’ve never been to South Carolina, this is your chance. Snowbirds who discover Charleston find themselves with so many options of things to do and places to go. With a rich history that dates back to 1670, Charleston is considered by many to be the
Maybe golf gets your blood pumping. Myrtle Beach, one of the top domestic tourist destinations in the US, is a golfers paradise. With over 1,650 full-service restaurants, 100 golf courses, and 60 miles of white sand beaches, it’s no wonder the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand area attracts 14 million visitors a year.
And finally, we come to Florida
Florida is by far the most popular snowbird destination for both Canadian and US snowbirds. It’s home to large numbers of RV parks throughout the state which can serve as a base for snowbirds to enjoy the kind of activities unthinkable in a northern winter.
Known for its beautiful sunsets, the Gulf Coast region of Florida (also known as the Florida Suncoast) offers low-key coastal living, with museums and galleries in Naples and Fort Myers, tarpon fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, and white sand beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Winter high temperatures are in the mid-70s.
The Florida Keys is the perfect Snowbird destination with multiple great RV resorts. Here you’ll be walking in the white sand and playing in azure waters year-round. Beware though, the resorts in the Keys can be pricey and many book up a year or more in advance
Do you have a favorite Snowbird destination? Share it in the comments, I’m already planning for next year.
