Indian Canyons is a true desert gem—an oasis tucked right in the rocky hills just outside Palm Springs. This land, home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, is rich with history and natural beauty, offering trails lined with California fan palms, trickling streams, and seasonal waterfalls that reach their peak flow in the cooler months. A can’t-miss here is the easy-going 1-mile hike along Palm Canyon, a scenic trail that winds through one of North America's largest palm oases. Walk at your own pace under the towering palms, where sunlight streams through the leaves and creates a natural canopy—miles away from the desert heat and noise. At the trail’s end, you’ll find a small trading post where you can rest, grab a cold drink or hot coffee, and take in the views from under the palms.

Holidazzle is a special winter tradition that takes place in downtown Minneapolis. The outdoor festival is open weekends from Thanksgiving through Christmas, and includes ice skating, visits with Santa Claus, carriage rides, shopping, and more.

Saint Paul's beautiful Rice Park is the "center stage" for the Winter Carnival, which is an annual celebration of winter held entirely outside. Three parades, a beer festival, a 5k, the Snow Park at the Fair, and ice palaces demonstrate Minnesota's embrace of its cold season. The Winter Carnival is held from late January through early February.

This Spanish fortress, with cannons trained on the sea to deter pirates and invaders, is more than striking medieval architecture. It is also the “Shrine of Freedom,” to Filipinos tortured and killed here during the Spanish and Japanese eras. It is now a park with a resident theatre company for traditional and modern plays.