Culture // 5 min Read

The Top 5 Destinations for the New Year

Written by Palmetto Bluff

The Best New Year’s Eve Getaways in the U.S.

As we reach the end of 2022, it’s time to prepare for the coming of 2023! A tradition many have come to enjoy is traveling somewhere new and exciting to bring in the new year. Experiencing a new place and getting away from the ordinary allows for a fresh outlook and thankful perspective, setting the tone for the upcoming year. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list (in no particular order) of the top New Year’s Eve getaways.

Before you make your travel plans, be sure to read our top New Year destination suggestions listed below.

1. Savannah, Georgia

The charming and quaint town of Savannah is a lovely place to get away for New Year’s Eve and is just a short trip from Palmetto Bluff! With so much to do, including the city celebrations, island fireworks, and riverboat cruises, families and couples can enjoy welcoming the new year in Savannah.

Celebrations will be hosted on River Street and the Savannah City Market. At both spots, you can gather with friends and family and experience live music while indulging in Lowcountry cuisine and delicious cocktails. If you’re looking for more of an excursion, celebrate on the New Year Riverboat Cruise down the Savannah River and get the most scenic views of the city while you count down to midnight. Less than thirty minutes away, Tybee Island will shine with midnight fireworks — this is fun for everyone, especially the little ones!

Suggested: The Ultimate Guide to a Family-Friendly Day Trip to Savannah

2. New York City, New York

Our list of the best New Year’s Eve getaways would be incomplete without the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve destination: New York City. People have traveled near and far to New York for years to witness the famous Times Square Ball Drop.

Although Times Square is the most prominent location in New York, there are many other locations in the “Big Apple” to ring in the new year. One fantastic way to spend New Year’s Eve is to embark on a ferry ride in New York Harbor. Passengers are treated to a gourmet feast, panoramas of the New York skyline, entertainment, and fireworks. You can also catch a glimpse of the fireworks from Central Park or Prospect Park in Brooklyn if you’re looking for a family-friendly way to ring in the new year in NYC!

3. Nashville, Tennessee

For our fellow music lovers, Nashville is among the best destinations to kick off the new year. Nashville’s music venues will welcome the new year with extravagant parties alongside other lively festivities.

The must-attend Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is the site of Nashville’s free NYE Bash, which has a legendary lineup of the best country music artists. Additionally, it is the location of Nashville’s breathtaking fireworks display and the Music Note drop. Although Nashville is known for its nightlife, there are also plenty of New Year’s Eve events where the entire family can enjoy the coming of the new year!

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

One of the many reasons New Orleans is one of the best New Year’s Eve getaways is the eccentric atmosphere and indescribable energy. Many venues in NOLA host extravaganzas to ring in the new year, complete with live music and a plethora of family-friendly events.

The most well-known celebration of the night of New Year’s Eve is held on Jackson Square in New Orleans’ famed French Quarter, which includes live entertainment, a midnight Fleur-de-Lis drop, and a dazzling display of fireworks. Additionally, the legendary Bourbon Street will host several Balcony Bashes to welcome the new year. For families, there are numerous new year activities such as the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Audubon Zoo’s children’s programs, and the annual Sugar Bowl Parade!

5. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

A New Year’s Eve celebration cannot be missed on Hilton Head Island! With plenty of festivities for the whole family, you will not struggle to find ways to ring in the new year.

At Harbour Town’s New Year’s Eve celebration, there are two ball drops: one at midnight and one earlier in the evening that kids can enjoy before bed. There will be food, beverages, musical performances, and additional entertainment for all ages at both events. At Hilton Head’s Poseidon Rooftop Bar, the yearly New Year’s Eve party is reserved just for adults. The bar boasts gorgeous views of the surrounding marshlands while you sip on tasty, exquisite cocktails and experience Lowcountry hospitality. On New Year’s Day, the Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe hosts a Pajama Brunch — the perfect closing celebration and a memorable start to the new year!

Related: Which Has the Better Beach: Myrtle or Hilton Head?

The Ultimate Getaway: Palmetto Bluff

These exciting New Year’s Eve getaways are the perfect way to welcome the year 2023! Every year, the new year brings unique opportunities for experiencing life in an entirely different and exciting ways. At Palmetto Bluff, we offer a lifestyle you won’t find anywhere else. The Bluff is a luxury community situated on 20,000 acres of scenic Lowcountry terrain and is surrounded by breathtaking waterways. The experiences spent here create lifelong memories, whether horseback riding through the maritime forest, kayaking on the May River, or utilizing any other events put on by our hospitable staff. You will undoubtedly feel refreshed and reconnected to nature after visiting Palmetto Bluff — much needed after the busyness of traveling during the holiday season!

Interested in learning more about staying at Palmetto Bluff? To contact us, simply click the button below, and we’ll be pleased to help you organize your visit to the Bluff!

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