Tired of the cold and looking for a quick winter getaway?

You need a destination that’s easy to plan and to reach.

In the spirit of adventure, we skipped the obvious choices – Miami and San Diego, for instance – seeking out escapes not typically found on the snowbird route. But these spots deliver some much-needed warmth.

Anaheim, Calif.

Summer extends through winter in this Southern California city and its environs. You can scream your head off at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, or howl in the Pacific Ocean waves that splash onto such Orange County towns as Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, surfing havens both. The Golf Coast has more than 40 championship courses, including the one (Dad Miller Golf Course) where a high schooler named Tiger sharpened his swing.

When it’s time to shop and eat, keep your sun visor on for the Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk, an outdoor retail complex. Then take a whale-watching tour from Dana Point, where you may spot gray whales that wisely winter in the warmer climes.

Average high February 2009: 66 degrees

Information: Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, 714-765-8888, www.anaheimoc.org

Ocean Springs, Miss.

Just across the bay from Biloxi is a thriving arts community in the small Mississippi Gulf Coast city of Ocean Springs. Known as the City of Discovery because the French established a settlement there in 1699, it has a historic, tree-filled downtown area that’s home to scads of art galleries, arts and crafts shops, ethnic restaurants and historic churches. There’s also natural beauty to enjoy.

Average high February 2009: 58 degrees

Information: Ocean Springs Mississippi Chamber of Commerce Mainstreet Tourism Bureau, 228-875-4424, www.oceanspringschamber.com; City of Ocean Springs, ci.ocean-springs.ms.us

St. Petersburg, Fla.

It always feels summery in St. Pete, where it’s sunny nearly 99 percent of the year. With its abundant outdoor recreation, there’s never any need to go indoors.

Bikers, for instance, can cycle the 47-mile Pinellas Trail from southern St. Pete to Tarpon Springs, where the Greek tradition of sponge diving is still vital. Out at sea, sport fishermen ply the waters for such winter bounty as grouper, snapper and amberjack. You must hit the beach. The area boasts 35 miles of white sandy beaches, including Fort De Soto Park, a perennial winner of best beach awards.

Average high February 2009: 70 degrees

Information: St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 877-352-3224, www.visitstpeteclearwater.com; City of St. Petersburg, 727-893-7111, www.stpete.org

San Antonio

Laze by the river under the warm Texas sun at River Walk, a hub of attractions and activities along the San Antonio River. A water taxi ferries passengers to more than 39 stops, including the art museum, the state’s only lock-and-dam system and the Pearl Brewery complex, a new culinary and cultural development.

Eat like a locavore at the Texas Farm to Table Cafe or forage for yourself at the year-round Saturday farmers market. Zen-out at the Japanese Tea Garden or yee-haw at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which reopens in March. At the Government Canyon State Natural Area, rangers lead hikes around the park.

Average high February 2009: 76 degrees

Information: San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1-800-447-3372, www.visitsanantonio.com

Shreveport, La.

Winters here are mild enough for year-round golfing at such popular locales as the Olde Oaks Golf Club and Hal Sutton’s course. Visitors can also take a cruise on the Red River, cook out at Cypress Lake, canoe down a bayou or bass fish on Caddo Lake. But you can’t leave Shreveport without checking out the riverboat casinos or the horse races at Louisiana Downs.

Average high February 2009: 66 degrees

Information: Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourism Bureau, 1-888-45-VISIT, www.shreveport-bossier.org; City of Shreveport, www.shreveportla.gov

Tucson, Ariz.

Arizona’s second-largest city boasts an average of 350 sunny days a year, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and horseback riding.

The city is surrounded by five mountain ranges and lots of parks, including Saguaro National Park, home of the rare saguaro cactus. Thrill-seekers take note: Tucson is also a top rock-climbing destination, with 1,200 climbing routes on nearby Mount Lemmon.

Get your fix of stargazing at several observatories, including Mount Lemmon SkyCenter. Bird-watching is another popular activity.

Average high February 2009: 73 degrees

Information: Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1-888-2-TUCSON, www.visittucson.org; City of Tucson, cms3.tucsonaz.gov